CET CET Cardiac Pathology & Disease Recognition 2

Question 1

Which echocardiographic feature best differentiates a bicuspid aortic valve from a tricuspid aortic valve?

Accepted Answer

Elliptical or fish-mouth orifice in systole on short-axis view

Answer

A bicuspid aortic valve appears as an elliptical or fish-mouth shaped orifice in systole on parasternal short-axis view, unlike the triangular orifice of a tricuspid valve.

Question 2

Echocardiographic 'smoke' or spontaneous echo contrast in the left atrium is most associated with which condition?

Accepted Answer

Atrial fibrillation with mitral stenosis

Answer

Spontaneous echo contrast ('smoke') in the left atrium indicates slow blood flow and is most common in atrial fibrillation combined with mitral stenosis, signaling high thromboembolic risk.

Question 3

Which echocardiographic sign is characteristic of acute pulmonary embolism on transthoracic echo?

Accepted Answer

McConnell sign — RV free wall hypokinesis with preserved apex

Answer

McConnell sign (regional right ventricular free wall hypokinesis with preserved apical function) is a specific echo finding in acute massive pulmonary embolism.

Question 4

On echocardiography, which finding most strongly suggests non-compaction cardiomyopathy?

Accepted Answer

Prominent trabeculations with deep intertrabecular recesses in the LV apex

Answer

Non-compaction cardiomyopathy is identified by a two-layered myocardium with non-compacted to compacted ratio >2:1 and deep intertrabecular recesses, typically in the LV apex.

Question 5

Which type of ventricular septal defect is most commonly associated with aortic regurgitation?

Accepted Answer

Supracristal (outlet) VSD in the perimembranous position

Answer

Supracristal (subpulmonary/outlet) VSDs are associated with aortic regurgitation because the right coronary cusp lacks subvalvular support and prolapses into the defect.

(CET) Certified Echocardiography Technician Practice Test

(CET) Certified Echocardiography Technician Practice Test

CET CET Cardiac Pathology & Disease Recognition 2