Evaluation Content and Format Flashcards

In evaluating carotid stenosis, which duplex criterion is used to classify a stenosis as 70–99%?

Answer: PSV ≥ 230 cm/s with ICA/CCA ratio ≥ 4.0

A peak systolic velocity ≥ 230 cm/s combined with an ICA/CCA ratio ≥ 4.0 is the standard duplex criterion for 70–99% internal carotid artery stenosis.

Which venous evaluation is specifically used to diagnose chronic venous insufficiency rather than acute DVT?

Answer: Venous reflux assessment with Valsalva or cuff deflation

Venous reflux assessment, performed by inducing reverse flow with Valsalva maneuver or rapid cuff deflation, is the primary test for chronic venous insufficiency.

What does the term 'duplex' refer to in vascular ultrasound examination content?

Answer: Combination of B-mode imaging and pulsed-wave Doppler

Duplex ultrasound combines real-time B-mode (grayscale) imaging with pulsed-wave Doppler to simultaneously visualize anatomy and assess blood flow.

Which finding on abdominal aortic duplex indicates a hemodynamically significant aortic aneurysm requiring surgical consultation?

Answer: Aortic diameter ≥ 5.5 cm or rapid growth > 0.5 cm in 6 months

An abdominal aortic aneurysm ≥ 5.5 cm diameter or growing > 0.5 cm in 6 months meets the threshold for surgical or endovascular repair consultation.

A candidate is studying mesenteric artery evaluation for the RVT exam. Which vessel, when stenosed, is associated with post-prandial abdominal pain (intestinal angina)?

Answer: Superior mesenteric artery (SMA)

Superior mesenteric artery stenosis causes post-prandial pain (intestinal angina) because increased bowel metabolic demand after eating cannot be met through the stenotic vessel.

In the RVT exam context, what is the purpose of performing a 'steal syndrome' evaluation of the subclavian artery?

Answer: To identify reversed vertebral artery flow due to proximal subclavian stenosis

Subclavian steal syndrome is characterized by reversal of vertebral artery flow ipsilateral to a proximal subclavian stenosis, diverting blood from the posterior circulation.

Which parameter is measured during exercise ABI testing that is NOT assessed in resting ABI?

Answer: Post-exercise pressure recovery time

Post-exercise pressure recovery time assesses the hemodynamic reserve not apparent at rest, revealing functionally significant lesions that may normalize at rest.