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Question

A 20 years old man had history of pain in the right side of abdomen. His X-ray abdomen AP view shows radio-opaque shadow, which on lateral film falls behind the vertebral column. The probable diagnosis is:

The correct answer is
Renal Calculus

Interpreting Abdominal X-ray Findings for Diagnosis

The patient presents with right-sided abdominal pain. An abdominal X-ray reveals a radio-opaque shadow. Crucially, a lateral view shows this shadow located behind the vertebral column. This posterior location is key to differentiating potential causes.

Differential Diagnosis Analysis

Let's analyze the options based on the X-ray findings:

  • Gall stone disease: Gallstones are typically located in the upper abdomen, related to the gallbladder or biliary tree. On a lateral X-ray, they would usually appear anterior or adjacent to the vertebral column, not distinctly behind it.
  • Renal Calculus: Renal calculi (kidney stones) form in the kidneys or ureters, which are retroperitoneal organs situated posterior to the abdominal cavity, near the vertebral column. A radio-opaque stone in this location would appear behind the vertebral column on a lateral X-ray, matching the description.
  • Calcified mesenteric lymph node: Mesenteric lymph nodes are located within the mesentery in the abdominal cavity, generally anterior to the vertebral column. Calcification here would likely not be projected behind the vertebrae on a lateral film.
  • Phlebolith: Phleboliths are calcifications within pelvic veins. While radio-opaque, they are typically found in the pelvic region and are unlikely to be described as lying behind the vertebral column in the context of right-sided abdominal pain suggestive of renal pathology.

Conclusion on Probable Diagnosis

Given the characteristic location of the radio-opaque shadow behind the vertebral column on the lateral X-ray, combined with right-sided abdominal pain, a Renal Calculus is the most probable diagnosis among the choices provided.

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Important Questions from Urinary System & Surgical Disorders

  1. Which of the following statements are correct regarding renal cell carcinoma? 

    1. It arises from the epithelium of the proximal convoluted tubule. 

    2. It has a female preponderance. 

    3. Major subtypes are clear cell, papillary and chromophobe. 

    4. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment for disease. organ-confined 

    Select the answer using the code given below.

  2. Which of the following are features of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease? 

    1. Cyst may also occur in liver, pancreas and arachnoid membrane. 

    2. Most commonly manifests between 20-30 years of age. 

    3. Clinical manifestations are renal and extrarenal. 

    4. Men tend to progress to renal failure more rapidly than women. 

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

  3. Extracorporal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) is most commonly used for the treatment of
  4. Which of the following are correct regarding pathology of stress urinary incontinence? 

    1. Hypermobility of urethra 

    2. Ascend of bladder neck and proximal urethra above diaphragm 

    3. Lowered urethral pressure 

    4. Increased detrusor activity 

    Select the answer using the code given below.

  5. Which of the following are correct about ectopic ureters ? 

    1. They are more common in males 

    2. They drain the upper pole of kidney 

    3. They are associated with duplex ureter 

    4. They may cause incontinence 

    Select the correct answer using the code given below :

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