RVT - Registered Vascular Technologist Cerebrovascular Anatomy and Disease Questions and Answers

Question 1

A 68-year-old male presents with episodes of dizziness, vertigo, and bilateral visual disturbances.
A carotid duplex ultrasound reveals antegrade flow in both internal carotid arteries and the right vertebral artery.
However, the left vertebral artery demonstrates sustained retrograde flow.
What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Left subclavian steal syndrome

Answer

Right subclavian steal syndrome

Answer

Vertebrobasilar insufficiency

Answer

Bilateral carotid artery stenosis

Question 2

Which of the following is the first major branch of the internal carotid artery (ICA) after it enters the cranial cavity?

Accepted Answer

Ophthalmic artery

Answer

Middle cerebral artery

Answer

Anterior cerebral artery

Answer

Posterior communicating artery

Question 3

A vascular technologist is performing a Transcranial Doppler (TCD) examination through the transtemporal window. To identify the middle cerebral artery (MCA), what is the expected direction of blood flow relative to the transducer?

Accepted Answer

Antegrade (towards the transducer)

Answer

Away from the transducer

Answer

Bidirectional

Answer

Variable depending on patient position

Question 4

According to the widely accepted SRU (Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound) consensus criteria for grading internal carotid artery stenosis, which of the following findings is most consistent with a stenosis of 70% or greater?

Accepted Answer

Peak Systolic Velocity (PSV) greater than 230 cm/s

Answer

Peak Systolic Velocity (PSV) of 125 cm/s

Answer

End-Diastolic Velocity (EDV) of 30 cm/s

Answer

ICA/CCA PSV ratio of 1.5

Question 5

A patient is referred for a cerebrovascular ultrasound due to symptoms of vertebrobasilar insufficiency (VBI). Which of the following symptoms is LEAST likely to be associated with this condition?

Accepted Answer

Unilateral facial droop

Answer

Vertigo and dizziness

Answer

Bilateral vision loss (diplopia)

Answer

Drop attacks (sudden leg weakness)

Question 6

What is the primary purpose of the Circle of Willis in the cerebrovascular system?

Accepted Answer

To provide a collateral pathway for cerebral perfusion

Answer

To supply blood to the cerebellum

Answer

To act as the main venous drainage system

Answer

To regulate intracranial pressure