Imaging Techniques & Protocols Flashcards

During a fetal echocardiogram, the aortic isthmus is best evaluated in which view?

Answer: Aortic arch long-axis (sagittal) view

The aortic arch long-axis sagittal view displays the entire aortic arch including the isthmus between the left subclavian artery and the ductus arteriosus insertion.

In fetal echocardiography, the ductus venosus waveform is normally characterized by:

Answer: Triphasic flow with S, D, and a-wave, all in forward direction

Normal ductus venosus flow is triphasic with forward S-wave (ventricular systole), D-wave (diastole), and a-wave (atrial contraction), all directed forward.

Which parameter derived from pulsed-wave Doppler at the mitral valve is most reflective of fetal left ventricular diastolic function?

Answer: E/A ratio

The E/A ratio (early filling to atrial filling velocity ratio) at the mitral valve is the primary Doppler index used to assess fetal diastolic function.

What is the role of the 'sweep technique' in performing a complete fetal echocardiogram?

Answer: It systematically tilts the transducer from the abdominal situs through the cardiac views to the great vessels

The sweep technique involves a systematic sequential tilt from the upper abdomen through cardiac planes to the mediastinal vessels, ensuring no view is omitted.

Which color Doppler finding in the four-chamber view is the most sensitive indicator of an atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD)?

Answer: A single common color flow jet filling both ventricles from a common AV valve

A single central color jet entering both ventricles through a common AV valve orifice is the hallmark color Doppler finding of AVSD.

In M-mode echocardiography of the fetal heart, the E-point septal separation (EPSS) primarily reflects:

Answer: Left ventricular systolic function (contractility)

EPSS measures the distance between the anterior mitral leaflet at peak opening and the interventricular septum; increased EPSS indicates reduced left ventricular contractility.

Which artifact results from strong reflectors such as calcifications producing multiple equidistant echoes along the beam path in fetal cardiac imaging?

Answer: Reverberation (comet-tail) artifact

Reverberation artifacts arise when the sound beam bounces repeatedly between two strong reflectors, creating equidistant false echoes along the scan line.