ABR IR/DR case studies
ABR IR/DR · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The ABR IR/DR certification is a combined Interventional Radiology and Diagnostic Radiology credential awarded by the American Board of Radiology, a not-for-profit organization and member of the American Board of Medical Specialties. The ABR describes its mission as certifying "that our diplomates demonstrate the requisite knowledge, skill, and understanding of their disciplines to the benefit of patients," and its vision as assuring "the highest standards of specialty expertise and professionalism in the radiological sciences." The credential is intended for physicians completing ABR initial certification in the combined IR/DR pathway, who must demonstrate competence across both interventional and diagnostic radiology rather than in a single discipline. The ABR IR/DR case studies are 5 cases and about 2,558 words.
1Post-Biopsy Bleeding on Therapeutic Anticoagulation
A 68-year-old man is referred for CT-guided core biopsy of a 2.4 cm left renal mass incidentally found on a trauma CT. Comorbidities: atrial fibrillation on apixaban 5 mg twice daily, prior NSTEMI 2 years ago on aspirin 81 mg daily, eGFR 52 mL/min/1.73 m², platelets 190,000/µL, INR 1.1.
611 words, about 3 min2Fever and Right Upper Quadrant Pain After Portal Vein Embolization
A 59-year-old woman with colorectal liver metastases undergoes right portal vein embolization in preparation for right hepatectomy. Baseline future liver remnant (segments II–III) is 22% of total liver volume; the target is ≥25–30%.
556 words, about 3 min3Incidental Pulmonary Nodule in a Patient Who Cannot Tolerate Biopsy
A 71-year-old former smoker (40 pack-years, quit 12 years ago) has an 11 mm solid right upper lobe nodule discovered on a CT obtained for diverticulitis. There is no prior imaging for comparison.
494 words, about 2 min4Contrast Allergy Prophylaxis Before an Emergent Study
A 45-year-old woman presents to the emergency department with acute abdominal pain and a rigid abdomen. CT with IV contrast is requested to evaluate for mesenteric ischemia or perforation.
435 words, about 2 min5Renal Artery Stenosis in a Patient with Flash Pulmonary Edema
A 74-year-old man with long-standing hypertension and chronic kidney disease (baseline creatinine 2.1 mg/dL, eGFR 32) presents with recurrent flash pulmonary edema - three admissions in 6 months, each with preserved ejection fraction (EF 60%) and bilateral renal artery stenosis on prior imaging (right 80%, left 60%). He is on maximal medical therapy including a diuretic, ACE inhibitor (tolerated), statin, and beta-blocker.
462 words, about 2 min