CET CET Cardiac Pathology & Disease Recognition 3

Question 1

In dilated cardiomyopathy, which echocardiographic finding carries the worst prognosis?

Accepted Answer

Restrictive filling pattern (pseudonormal or restrictive)

Answer

A restrictive transmitral filling pattern in dilated cardiomyopathy (E/A >2, short deceleration time) indicates markedly elevated filling pressures and carries poor prognosis.

Question 2

Which echocardiographic view best demonstrates aortic coarctation in adults?

Accepted Answer

Suprasternal notch view

Answer

The suprasternal notch view provides direct imaging of the aortic arch and descending aorta, allowing visualization of coarctation and Doppler interrogation of the gradient.

Question 3

Which echocardiographic pattern is most typical of cardiac amyloidosis?

Accepted Answer

Biventricular hypertrophy with a 'granular sparkling' myocardial texture

Answer

Cardiac amyloidosis classically shows concentric biventricular hypertrophy with a 'granular sparkling' or 'ground glass' myocardial texture on 2D echo due to amyloid fibril deposits.

Question 4

What is the most common echocardiographic finding in patients with sarcoidosis involving the heart?

Accepted Answer

Regional wall motion abnormalities not following a coronary distribution

Answer

Cardiac sarcoidosis most commonly produces regional wall motion abnormalities in a non-coronary distribution due to granulomatous infiltration, often involving the basal septum.

Question 5

Which echocardiographic measurement is used to calculate the mitral valve area using the pressure half-time method?

Accepted Answer

Time for peak mitral E velocity to decrease to 70.7% of its maximum value

Answer

Pressure half-time is the time for the peak mitral diastolic pressure gradient to fall by half, which corresponds to the time for peak E velocity to drop to 70.7% (1/√2) of its maximum.

(CET) Certified Echocardiography Technician Practice Test

(CET) Certified Echocardiography Technician Practice Test

CET CET Cardiac Pathology & Disease Recognition 3