ARDMS Echo Advanced Imaging and Stress Echocardiography

Question 1

What is the primary goal of dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) in detecting coronary artery disease?

Accepted Answer

Provoke ischemia-induced regional wall motion abnormalities at peak stress

Answer

DSE uses dobutamine to increase heart rate and myocardial oxygen demand; ischemic segments develop new or worsening regional wall motion abnormalities at peak stress.

Question 2

Which finding during dobutamine stress echocardiography indicates myocardial viability in a dysfunctional segment?

Accepted Answer

Biphasic response: improved function at low dose, then worsening at peak dose

Answer

A biphasic response (improvement at low-dose dobutamine followed by deterioration at peak dose) indicates hibernating myocardium — viable but ischemic tissue that can recover after revascularization.

Question 3

In transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), which probe position best evaluates the left atrial appendage (LAA) for thrombus?

Accepted Answer

Mid-esophageal position at 0° and 90° multiplane angles

Answer

The mid-esophageal position with multiplane imaging at 0° and 90° (or using biplane mode) provides the best visualization of the LAA for thrombus detection before cardioversion.

Question 4

What is the most common indication for intraoperative TEE during cardiac surgery?

Accepted Answer

Assessment of ventricular function and valve repair/replacement results

Answer

Intraoperative TEE is used to evaluate baseline cardiac function, guide surgical repair, and assess immediate post-repair results including valve function and ventricular filling.

Question 5

Which echocardiographic contrast agent is used to improve endocardial border delineation during stress echocardiography?

Accepted Answer

Perflutren lipid microspheres (e.g., Definity or Optison)

Answer

Perflutren-based ultrasound contrast agents (Definity, Optison) are FDA-approved for LV opacification to improve endocardial border definition when ≥2 segments are not well visualized.

ARDMS Echo - American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography Echocardiography Practice Test

ARDMS Echo - American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography Echocardiography Practice Test

ARDMS Echo Advanced Imaging and Stress Echocardiography