RVT Vascular Pathology and Aneurysms 2

Question 1

Which sonographic finding is most characteristic of a mycotic aneurysm compared to an atherosclerotic aneurysm?

Accepted Answer

Irregular, saccular morphology with surrounding soft tissue changes

Answer

Mycotic aneurysms are typically saccular and irregular with surrounding inflammatory/infectious soft tissue changes, unlike the fusiform atherosclerotic type.

Question 2

A patient presents with a pulsatile abdominal mass and a bruit. Duplex ultrasound shows an aortic diameter of 4.2 cm. According to standard guidelines, what is the recommended surveillance interval?

Accepted Answer

Every 12 months

Answer

AAAs between 4.0–4.9 cm are typically surveilled annually per most US guidelines (e.g., SVS).

Question 3

What is the primary mechanism by which turbulent flow contributes to aneurysm wall stress?

Accepted Answer

Increased wall shear stress causes smooth muscle cell apoptosis and extracellular matrix degradation

Answer

Turbulent and oscillatory wall shear stress promotes inflammatory cell infiltration, MMP activation, and degradation of elastin and collagen.

Question 4

On duplex ultrasound of a peripheral artery aneurysm, which waveform pattern within the aneurysm sac is most commonly observed?

Accepted Answer

To-and-fro or swirling flow with low-velocity turbulence

Answer

Aneurysm sacs typically display swirling, turbulent, or to-and-fro flow patterns due to loss of laminar flow architecture.

Question 5

Which of the following best defines a pseudoaneurysm (false aneurysm)?

Accepted Answer

A contained hematoma communicating with the arterial lumen through a wall defect

Answer

A pseudoaneurysm lacks the true arterial wall layers; it is a pulsatile hematoma communicating with the vessel through a neck.

(RVT) Registered Vascular Technologist Practice Test

(RVT) Registered Vascular Technologist Practice Test

RVT Vascular Pathology and Aneurysms 2