ARDMS Echo Doppler Principles and Applications 3

Question 1

Which Doppler modality is used to detect intracardiac shunts with agitated saline contrast?

Accepted Answer

Color flow Doppler combined with 2D imaging

Answer

Agitated saline contrast (bubble study) viewed with 2D and color Doppler detects right-to-left shunts by demonstrating microbubbles crossing into left-sided chambers.

Question 2

What is the modified Bernoulli equation used for in Doppler echocardiography?

Accepted Answer

To convert peak Doppler velocity to pressure gradient (ΔP = 4V²)

Answer

The simplified Bernoulli equation ΔP = 4V² converts the peak velocity (m/s) of a Doppler jet to an estimated pressure gradient (mmHg).

Question 3

Which color Doppler artifact is caused by reverberations and appears as a mosaic of random colors within a structure?

Accepted Answer

Flash artifact

Answer

Flash artifact appears as a brief burst of random color across the image, usually caused by abrupt transducer motion or cardiac wall motion.

Question 4

What does a high-frequency, low-amplitude Doppler signal at the tricuspid annulus on TDI (S' > 9.5 cm/s) indicate?

Accepted Answer

Normal RV systolic function

Answer

A tricuspid annular TDI S' velocity >9.5 cm/s reflects normal RV longitudinal systolic function; values <9.5 cm/s suggest RV systolic dysfunction.

Question 5

In Doppler echocardiography, what is spectral broadening?

Accepted Answer

Widening of the spectral envelope due to a range of velocities in the sample volume

Answer

Spectral broadening occurs when a wide range of velocities exists within the sample volume, filling in the normally clear spectral window.

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

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

ARDMS Echo Doppler Principles and Applications 3