NBE Transthoracic Echocardiography 3

Question 1

Which TTE measurement is used to calculate the continuity equation for aortic valve area (AVA)?

Accepted Answer

LVOT diameter, LVOT VTI, and aortic jet VTI

Answer

AVA = (LVOT area × LVOT VTI) / Aortic jet VTI; both the LVOT diameter and velocity-time integrals are essential inputs.

Question 2

A tissue Doppler e' velocity of 6 cm/s at the medial mitral annulus combined with an E/e' ratio of 16 suggests:

Accepted Answer

Elevated left ventricular filling pressures

Answer

An E/e' ratio > 14 using the medial annulus indicates elevated LV filling pressures (estimated mean LAP > 12 mmHg).

Question 3

During assessment of aortic regurgitation severity, a pressure half-time (PHT) < 200 ms on CW Doppler of the aortic regurgitant jet indicates:

Accepted Answer

Severe aortic regurgitation

Answer

A short PHT (< 200 ms) indicates rapid equilibration of aortic and LV diastolic pressures, consistent with severe AR and poor diastolic filling.

Question 4

What is the recommended transducer frequency range for standard adult transthoracic echocardiography?

Accepted Answer

2–4 MHz

Answer

Adult TTE typically uses 2–4 MHz phased-array transducers, balancing adequate penetration with acceptable resolution.

Question 5

Which condition is most likely when TTE shows a 'swinging heart' within a large pericardial effusion?

Accepted Answer

Cardiac tamponade

Answer

The pendular motion of the heart ('swinging heart') within a large effusion is associated with tamponade and causes electrical alternans on ECG.

(NBE) National Board of Echocardiography Practice Test