ARDMS Echo Valvular Heart Disease

Question 1

What echocardiographic finding is pathognomonic for rheumatic mitral stenosis?

Accepted Answer

Hockey stick deformity of the anterior mitral leaflet

Answer

Rheumatic mitral stenosis causes commissural fusion and doming of the anterior mitral leaflet, producing a classic 'hockey stick' appearance on parasternal long-axis view.

Question 2

Which echocardiographic finding best distinguishes severe from moderate aortic regurgitation?

Accepted Answer

Vena contracta width ≥ 0.6 cm

Answer

A vena contracta width ≥0.6 cm is a reliable quantitative parameter for severe aortic regurgitation per ASE guidelines.

Question 3

What is the most common etiology of isolated severe tricuspid regurgitation in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Functional (secondary to RV dilation/annular dilation)

Answer

Functional TR caused by RV dilation and tricuspid annular dilation (from pulmonary hypertension or LV dysfunction) is the most common cause of severe TR in the US.

Question 4

On echocardiography, mitral valve prolapse is defined as leaflet displacement of at least how many millimeters above the mitral annular plane?

Accepted Answer

2 mm

Answer

MVP is defined as systolic displacement of one or both mitral leaflet tips ≥2 mm above the mitral annular plane into the left atrium.

Question 5

What does a Wilkins score > 8 in mitral stenosis predict?

Accepted Answer

Poor outcome with balloon mitral valvuloplasty

Answer

The Wilkins score assesses leaflet mobility, thickening, calcification, and subvalvular thickening; a score >8 predicts suboptimal results with percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty.

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

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

ARDMS Echo Valvular Heart Disease