National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) Practice Test

Which of these modalities is most appropriate to evaluate an abdominal aortic aneurysm?

1. X-ray

2. CT or MRI

3. Ultrasound

4. Nuclear Medicine

The correct answer is: CT or MRI

The most appropriate modalities for evaluating an abdominal aortic aneurysm are CT (Computed Tomography) and MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging). Both imaging techniques provide detailed cross-sectional images of blood vessels and surrounding tissues, allowing for accurate assessment of the size, shape, and extent of the aneurysm. CT scans are particularly effective due to their speed and high-resolution images, which are useful in emergency situations, whereas MRI is beneficial for non-invasive evaluations without radiation exposure. While ultrasound is indeed a useful tool for screening and monitoring abdominal aortic aneurysms due to its accessibility and ease of use, CT and MRI provide more comprehensive details, especially in complex cases or for surgical planning. X-rays are typically not effective for assessing soft tissue structures like blood vessels, and while nuclear medicine can provide functional imaging, it is not specifically indicated for aneurysms. Thus, CT or MRI stands out for their detailed visualization capabilities in diagnosing and evaluating an abdominal aortic aneurysm.