CMC Cardiac Diagnostics & Imaging Flashcards

What is the normal range for left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in adults?

Answer: 55–70%

Normal LVEF is 55–70%, reflecting adequate systolic function with more than half the ventricular volume ejected per beat.

Diastolic dysfunction identified on echocardiography primarily reflects impairment of which cardiac process?

Answer: Impaired ventricular relaxation and filling

Diastolic dysfunction reflects abnormal myocardial relaxation causing elevated filling pressures, which can exist even with preserved EF.

During a stress echocardiogram, the appearance of new regional wall motion abnormalities indicates what?

Answer: Myocardial ischemia from inadequate coronary perfusion

New wall motion abnormalities during stress indicate regions of myocardium becoming ischemic from flow-limiting coronary stenoses.

The echocardiographic hallmark of cardiac tamponade is which finding?

Answer: Pericardial effusion with diastolic collapse of right-sided chambers

Cardiac tamponade is diagnosed by pericardial effusion causing diastolic collapse of the right atrium and ventricle due to elevated intrapericardial pressure.

On a standard Bruce protocol exercise stress test, what constitutes a positive result for ischemia?

Answer: ≥1mm horizontal or downsloping ST depression at 80ms after the J point

≥1mm horizontal or downsloping ST depression at 80ms post-J point in ≥1 lead is the standard diagnostic criterion for exercise-induced ischemia.

What primary advantage does transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) offer over standard transthoracic echocardiography?

Answer: Superior visualization of posterior cardiac structures including the left atrium and mitral valve

TEE places the transducer in the esophagus immediately posterior to the heart, providing high-resolution images of posterior structures.