ARDMS Echo Cardiac Measurements and Calculations 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which measurement is used to calculate right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) using tricuspid regurgitation jet velocity?
- Mean gradient across tricuspid valve
- 4 × (TR peak velocity)² + RAP (Correct answer)
- TR VTI × heart rate
- RVOT diameter × velocity
Correct answer: 4 × (TR peak velocity)² + RAP
RVSP = 4V² (TR) + RAP, where V is peak TR velocity and RAP is estimated right atrial pressure.
Question 2: What is the normal left ventricular mass index (LVMI) upper limit for women?
- 95 g/m²
- 115 g/m² (Correct answer)
- 149 g/m²
- 95 g/m
Correct answer: 115 g/m²
The upper reference limit for LVMI is 95 g/m² in women and 115 g/m² in men indexed to body surface area.
Question 3: In a patient with aortic stenosis, what peak aortic jet velocity defines severe AS?
- ≥2.0 m/s
- ≥3.0 m/s
- ≥4.0 m/s (Correct answer)
- ≥5.0 m/s
Correct answer: ≥4.0 m/s
Severe aortic stenosis is defined by a peak aortic jet velocity ≥4.0 m/s per ACC/AHA guidelines.
Question 4: What is the normal range for left atrial volume index (LAVI)?
- <16 mL/m²
- <34 mL/m² (Correct answer)
- <50 mL/m²
- <60 mL/m²
Correct answer: <34 mL/m²
A normal LAVI is <34 mL/m²; mild dilation is 34–41 mL/m², moderate 42–48 mL/m², and severe ≥49 mL/m².
Question 5: The deceleration time (DT) of the mitral E wave is prolonged in which pattern of diastolic dysfunction?
- Normal filling
- Impaired relaxation (Grade I) (Correct answer)
- Pseudonormal filling (Grade II)
- Restrictive filling (Grade III)
Correct answer: Impaired relaxation (Grade I)
Impaired relaxation (Grade I diastolic dysfunction) is characterized by a prolonged mitral E-wave deceleration time (>240 ms).
Question 6: What cardiac index is calculated by dividing cardiac output by body surface area?
- Stroke volume index
- Systemic vascular resistance
- Cardiac index (Correct answer)
- Pulmonary vascular resistance
Correct answer: Cardiac index
Cardiac index (CI) = cardiac output / BSA, with a normal range of 2.2–4.0 L/min/m².
ARDMS Echo Cardiac Measurements and Calculations 2
Which measurement is used to calculate right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) using tricuspid regurgitation jet velocity?