CCI RCS 5

Question 1

What is the normal range for mitral valve area (MVA) as measured by the pressure half-time (PHT) method?

Accepted Answer

4.0–6.0 cm²

Answer

Normal MVA is 4.0–6.0 cm²; severe mitral stenosis is defined as MVA ≤1.5 cm², with MVA = 220/PHT.

Question 2

Which safety concern is unique to transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) compared to transthoracic echocardiography (TTE)?

Accepted Answer

Risk of esophageal perforation and aspiration

Answer

TEE requires esophageal intubation, introducing risks of esophageal perforation, laryngospasm, aspiration, and complications related to sedation not present with TTE.

Question 3

In a patient with a bicuspid aortic valve, which associated cardiovascular abnormality must be routinely assessed?

Accepted Answer

Aortic root and ascending aorta dilation

Answer

Bicuspid aortic valve is associated with medial degeneration of the aortic wall, predisposing to aortic root and ascending aorta aneurysm independent of valve dysfunction.

Question 4

Which parameter derived from 3D echocardiography provides the most accurate non-geometric assessment of LV volumes compared to 2D methods?

Accepted Answer

3D-derived LV end-diastolic volume without geometric assumptions

Answer

3D echocardiography can trace the true LV endocardial surface without geometric assumptions, providing volumes that closely correlate with cardiac MRI as the reference standard.

Question 5

A patient with sarcoidosis has a dilated left ventricle with basal septal thinning and dyskinesis but preserved apical function. This regional pattern is MOST characteristic of:

Accepted Answer

Non-ischemic cardiomyopathy with basal predominance

Answer

Sarcoid cardiomyopathy classically produces a non-ischemic pattern with basal and septal wall motion abnormalities that do not follow a coronary artery distribution.

CCI - Cardiovascular Credentialing International Practice Test

CCI - Cardiovascular Credentialing International Practice Test

CCI RCS 5