FE FE Cardiac Biometry & Measurements

Question 1

What is the normal cardiothoracic area ratio (CTR) in a normal fetus on the four-chamber view?

Accepted Answer

Less than 0.33 (approximately 1/3 of thoracic area)

Answer

The fetal heart normally occupies less than one-third of the thoracic cross-sectional area, giving a cardiothoracic area ratio of less than 0.33.

Question 2

The normal fetal cardiac axis (angle of the interventricular septum relative to the anterior-posterior midline) is approximately:

Accepted Answer

45° ± 20° to the left

Answer

Normal fetal cardiac axis is approximately 45° ± 20° to the left of the midline (range 25–65°); deviation outside this range warrants further evaluation.

Question 3

In fetal cardiac biometry, z-scores normalize measurements primarily against which parameter?

Accepted Answer

Estimated fetal weight or gestational age

Answer

Z-scores express how many standard deviations a measurement is from the mean for a given estimated fetal weight or gestational age, allowing size-independent comparison.

Question 4

The mitral and tricuspid valve annulus diameters are most accurately measured in which view and at which phase of the cardiac cycle?

Accepted Answer

Four-chamber view at end-diastole

Answer

Atrioventricular valve annuli are measured in the four-chamber view at end-diastole (maximal opening), which provides the most reproducible and clinically relevant dimension.

Question 5

When measuring the aortic valve annulus by fetal echocardiography, the standard technique is:

Accepted Answer

Peak systole, inner edge to inner edge

Answer

Semilunar valve annuli (aortic and pulmonary) are measured at peak systole using inner-edge to inner-edge technique, when the leaflets are maximally open.

(FE) Fetal Echocardiography Certification Practice Test

(FE) Fetal Echocardiography Certification Practice Test

FE FE Cardiac Biometry & Measurements