Radiology Practice Test

Which imaging technique is commonly used to assess lung conditions?

1. MRI

2. Ultrasound

3. CT scan

4. X-ray

The correct answer is: CT scan

The CT scan is commonly used to assess lung conditions due to its ability to provide detailed cross-sectional images of the lungs and surrounding structures. This technique offers high-resolution imaging that can capture minute details, making it particularly effective for diagnosing various lung pathologies such as tumors, infections, and interstitial lung diseases. While X-ray can also provide useful information about lung conditions, it generally offers less detail compared to a CT scan and may miss smaller abnormalities. Ultrasound is more commonly used in assessing fluid in the pleural space or for certain specific conditions but is not the primary imaging modality for lung evaluation. MRI has limited application in lung imaging due to challenges such as longer scan times and inferior resolution for lung tissue compared to CT. Therefore, the CT scan is often preferred for its superior diagnostic capabilities when evaluating lung conditions.