‘Carman meniscus sign’ in barium meal is pathognomic of: September 2003
**Core Concept**
The Carman meniscus sign is an X-ray finding seen in a barium meal study, which represents a characteristic appearance of the duodenum. It is associated with a specific condition that affects the duodenum.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The Carman meniscus sign is pathognomonic of duodenal intussusception, a condition where a part of the duodenum invaginates into another part, often due to a lead point such as a neoplasm or a polyp. This results in a characteristic meniscus-shaped appearance on barium studies. The intussusception creates a narrowing of the duodenum, which can be visualized as a meniscus-shaped barium column on an X-ray.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** This option is incorrect because the Carman meniscus sign is not associated with a gastric ulcer.
* **Option B:** This option is incorrect because the Carman meniscus sign is not a characteristic feature of a duodenal ulcer.
* **Option C:** This option is incorrect because the Carman meniscus sign is not associated with a small bowel obstruction.
* **Option D:** This option is incorrect because the Carman meniscus sign is not a feature of Crohn's disease.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The Carman meniscus sign is a classic radiological feature of duodenal intussusception, and it is essential to recognize this sign to diagnose this condition accurately.
**Correct Answer:** A. Duodenal intussusception.