NBE Transthoracic Echocardiography 4

Question 1

Which echocardiographic finding is most specific for constrictive pericarditis compared with restrictive cardiomyopathy?

Accepted Answer

Respiratory variation in mitral E velocity > 25%

Answer

In constrictive pericarditis, the rigid pericardium causes exaggerated interventricular dependence, resulting in > 25% respiratory variation in mitral inflow E velocity.

Question 2

A patient's TTE shows a bicuspid aortic valve with a doming appearance. Which complication should be most closely monitored?

Accepted Answer

Aortic root dilation and aneurysm

Answer

Bicuspid aortic valve is associated with aortopathy including aortic root and ascending aorta dilation, requiring serial imaging surveillance.

Question 3

On a standard TTE, which structure is best seen in the subcostal view that may be difficult to assess from parasternal windows?

Accepted Answer

Atrial septum and right ventricle

Answer

The subcostal view provides an orthogonal perspective ideal for evaluating the atrial septum (including ASD) and the right ventricle.

Question 4

The 'hockey stick' or 'elbow' deformity of the anterior mitral leaflet on 2D TTE is classically associated with:

Accepted Answer

Rheumatic mitral stenosis

Answer

Rheumatic MS causes tip fusion and doming of the anterior mitral leaflet, producing the characteristic hockey-stick appearance on PLAX view.

Question 5

Which formula correctly expresses left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) using biplane Simpson's method?

Accepted Answer

(EDV − ESV) / EDV × 100%

Answer

LVEF = [(EDV − ESV) / EDV] × 100%; biplane Simpson's method sums disk volumes from apical 4- and 2-chamber views to calculate EDV and ESV.

(NBE) National Board of Echocardiography Practice Test

(NBE) National Board of Echocardiography Practice Test

NBE Transthoracic Echocardiography 4