NBE Transesophageal Echocardiography 3

Question 1

On TEE, a patent foramen ovale (PFO) is confirmed by:

Accepted Answer

Agitated saline contrast crossing from right to left atrium within 3 cardiac cycles

Answer

Bubble contrast crossing from right to left within 3 cardiac cycles (especially with Valsalva release) confirms a PFO on TEE.

Question 2

Which structure is located at the superior aspect of the interatrial septum and can be mistaken for a pathologic mass on TEE?

Accepted Answer

Limbus of the fossa ovalis

Answer

The limbus of the fossa ovalis is a normal thickened ridge at the superior interatrial septum that can appear mass-like on TEE.

Question 3

TEE is preferred over TTE for evaluation of prosthetic mitral valve regurgitation primarily because:

Accepted Answer

Acoustic shadowing from the prosthesis obscures regurgitant jets on TTE

Answer

Prosthetic valve material causes acoustic shadowing that masks regurgitant jets on transthoracic imaging, while TEE views from behind avoid this artifact.

Question 4

In the context of TEE during cardiac surgery, which finding best indicates adequate de-airing of the left ventricle before coming off cardiopulmonary bypass?

Accepted Answer

No microbubbles visible in the left ventricular cavity

Answer

Resolution of microbubbles within the LV cavity on TEE confirms adequate de-airing before weaning from bypass.

Question 5

Which TEE view is used to measure the aortic valve annulus diameter for TAVR planning?

Accepted Answer

Midesophageal aortic valve long-axis view at 120–135°

Answer

The midesophageal aortic valve long-axis view at 120–135° provides an optimal plane for annular diameter measurement for TAVR sizing.

(NBE) National Board of Echocardiography Practice Test

(NBE) National Board of Echocardiography Practice Test

NBE Transesophageal Echocardiography 3