Evaluate the following classic patient presentations. Match each clinical scenario with the most appropriate single initial diagnostic imaging modality required to establish the diagnosis.
- A 65-year-old man with sudden-onset right-sided hemiparesis and expressive aphasia that began 45 minutes ago.Non-contrast computed tomography (CT) of the head
- A 32-year-old man with severe, colicky left flank pain radiating to the groin and microscopic hematuria.Non-contrast computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen and pelvis
- A 45-year-old woman with a swollen, erythematous, and tender right calf 3 days after returning from a trans-Atlantic flight.Venous duplex ultrasonography of the lower extremity
- A 28-year-old otherwise healthy woman who is fully recovered and presenting to the outpatient clinic after experiencing a first-time, unprovoked generalized tonic-clonic seizure.Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain
Answer
The correct pairings align each acute presentation with its standard-of-care initial imaging study: Acute stroke requires a non-contrast head CT; nephrolithiasis requires a non-contrast abdominal CT; suspected DVT requires venous duplex ultrasonography; and a first-time unprovoked seizure in a stable outpatient requires a brain MRI.
Each clinical scenario is a classic presentation that correlates with a single, highly standardized evidence-based initial imaging modality according to major clinical guidelines.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Standard indications for initial diagnostic imaging across common clinical presentations.
Estimated Time:1m 30s