ARDMS Echo Advanced Imaging and Stress Echocardiography

Question 1

What is the primary goal of dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) in detecting coronary artery disease?

Accepted Answer

Provoke ischemia-induced regional wall motion abnormalities at peak stress

Answer

Measure coronary flow reserve directly

Answer

Assess diastolic function at rest only

Answer

Quantify valve gradients at peak heart rate

Question 2

Which finding during dobutamine stress echocardiography indicates myocardial viability in a dysfunctional segment?

Accepted Answer

Biphasic response: improved function at low dose, then worsening at peak dose

Answer

No change in wall motion at any dose

Answer

Worsening wall motion at all doses

Answer

Hyperkinesis at all doses

Question 3

In transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), which probe position best evaluates the left atrial appendage (LAA) for thrombus?

Accepted Answer

Mid-esophageal position at 0° and 90° multiplane angles

Answer

Deep transgastric view

Answer

High esophageal position at 0°

Answer

Transgastric short-axis at 0°

Question 4

What is the most common indication for intraoperative TEE during cardiac surgery?

Accepted Answer

Assessment of ventricular function and valve repair/replacement results

Answer

Detection of coronary artery disease

Answer

Measurement of LVEF only

Answer

Screening for pericardial disease

Question 5

Which echocardiographic contrast agent is used to improve endocardial border delineation during stress echocardiography?

Accepted Answer

Perflutren lipid microspheres (e.g., Definity or Optison)

Answer

Agitated saline

Answer

Iodinated contrast

Answer

Gadolinium

Question 6

What is the target heart rate during exercise stress echocardiography for adequate diagnostic yield?

Accepted Answer

At least 85% of maximum predicted heart rate (220 − age)

Answer

100% of maximum heart rate

Answer

70% of maximum heart rate

Answer

A heart rate of 140 bpm regardless of age