ARDMS Echo Hemodynamic Assessment

Question 1

Which echocardiographic parameter non-invasively estimates pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP)?

Accepted Answer

E/e' ratio (mitral E / tissue Doppler e')

Answer

E/e' >14 (average of septal and lateral) correlates with elevated PCWP and is an ASE/EACVI recommended parameter for LV filling pressure estimation.

Question 2

The inferior vena cava (IVC) collapses less than 50% with sniff in a patient with a dilated IVC (>2.1 cm). What RAP estimate does this suggest?

Accepted Answer

≥15 mmHg

Answer

A dilated IVC (>2.1 cm) with <50% inspiratory collapse estimates a high right atrial pressure of ≥15 mmHg per ASE guidelines.

Question 3

Which finding on M-mode or 2D echo suggests elevated left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP)?

Accepted Answer

Tall mitral E wave with short deceleration time and B-bump on M-mode mitral valve

Answer

Elevated LVEDP causes a B-bump (notch on the anterior mitral leaflet M-mode tracing) and a short mitral E deceleration time indicating rapid equalization of LA and LV pressures.

Question 4

Stroke volume (SV) using echocardiography is calculated as:

Accepted Answer

LVOT VTI × LVOT cross-sectional area

Answer

SV = LVOT VTI × LVOT CSA (π × r²), combining the stroke distance with the outflow tract cross-sectional area to yield volume per beat.

Question 5

A patient has a TR peak velocity of 3.5 m/s and estimated RAP of 10 mmHg. What is the estimated RVSP?

Accepted Answer

59 mmHg

Answer

RVSP = 4 × (3.5)² + 10 = 4 × 12.25 + 10 = 49 + 10 = 59 mmHg.

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

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

ARDMS Echo Hemodynamic Assessment