ARDMS Echo Cardiac Hemodynamics 3

Question 1

Which measurement is used to calculate the dimensionless index (DI) for aortic stenosis severity?

Accepted Answer

LVOT VTI / AV VTI

Answer

The dimensionless index equals LVOT VTI divided by aortic valve VTI; a value <0.25 indicates severe aortic stenosis.

Question 2

What IVC collapsibility finding is associated with elevated right atrial pressure?

Accepted Answer

IVC > 2.1 cm with <50% collapse

Answer

An IVC diameter >2.1 cm with less than 50% collapse with sniff indicates elevated RAP (≥15 mmHg).

Question 3

Which Doppler finding on hepatic vein flow indicates severe tricuspid regurgitation?

Accepted Answer

Systolic flow reversal

Answer

Severe TR causes systolic flow reversal in the hepatic veins as high RV pressure is transmitted retrograde.

Question 4

What is the significance of a Vp (flow propagation velocity) < 45 cm/s on color M-mode Doppler?

Accepted Answer

Impaired LV relaxation and elevated filling pressures

Answer

A flow propagation velocity <45 cm/s indicates impaired LV relaxation and is associated with elevated LV filling pressures.

Question 5

Which stroke volume calculation method uses LVOT cross-sectional area and velocity time integral?

Accepted Answer

Continuity equation method

Answer

The continuity equation method calculates stroke volume as CSA_LVOT × VTI_LVOT using pulsed wave Doppler in the LVOT.

ARDMS Echo - American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography Echocardiography Practice Test