ARDMS Echo Congenital Heart Disease

Question 1

Which echocardiographic view best visualizes a secundum atrial septal defect (ASD)?

Accepted Answer

Subcostal four-chamber and off-axis views

Answer

Subcostal views orient the ultrasound beam perpendicular to the interatrial septum, providing the most reliable detection of secundum ASDs.

Question 2

A ventricular septal defect (VSD) with left-to-right shunt produces which hemodynamic finding on echo?

Accepted Answer

LV and LA volume overload

Answer

Left-to-right VSD shunting causes increased pulmonary flow returning to the left heart, resulting in LV and LA volume overload.

Question 3

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is best assessed using which Doppler approach?

Accepted Answer

High parasternal or suprasternal notch view with color and CW Doppler

Answer

PDA is best imaged from the high parasternal or suprasternal notch, where color Doppler shows continuous flow from aorta to pulmonary artery.

Question 4

In tetralogy of Fallot, which four cardiac defects are present?

Accepted Answer

VSD, RVOT obstruction, aortic override, RV hypertrophy

Answer

Tetralogy of Fallot consists of a large VSD, right ventricular outflow tract obstruction, overriding aorta, and RV hypertrophy.

Question 5

What does the Qp:Qs ratio represent in the assessment of intracardiac shunts?

Accepted Answer

Ratio of pulmonary to systemic blood flow (shunt fraction)

Answer

Qp:Qs compares pulmonary to systemic flow; a ratio >1.5:1 typically indicates a hemodynamically significant left-to-right shunt.

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