VT Abdominal Aorta & Visceral Vessels 2

Question 1

Which Doppler waveform characteristic is most consistent with a hemodynamically significant celiac artery stenosis?

Accepted Answer

Elevated peak systolic velocity with post-stenotic turbulence

Answer

A hemodynamically significant stenosis produces elevated peak systolic velocity (PSV >200 cm/s) at the lesion site with post-stenotic spectral broadening and turbulence.

Question 2

A patient presents with postprandial abdominal pain. Duplex demonstrates compression of the celiac axis with expiration but normal flow with inspiration. This pattern is most consistent with:

Accepted Answer

Median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS)

Answer

MALS is caused by compression of the celiac axis by the median arcuate ligament, which characteristically worsens with expiration when the diaphragm descends.

Question 3

The normal PSV of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) in the fasting state is approximately:

Accepted Answer

125–175 cm/s

Answer

Fasting SMA PSV is typically 125–175 cm/s with a high-resistance triphasic waveform; postprandial flow increases significantly.

Question 4

When evaluating for renal artery stenosis (RAS), which indirect Doppler parameter obtained from the segmental or interlobar arteries best reflects a hemodynamically significant proximal stenosis?

Accepted Answer

Accelerated systolic upstroke (tardus-parvus waveform)

Answer

A tardus-parvus waveform — characterized by a delayed, blunted systolic upstroke (AT >0.07 s, AI <3 m/s²) — is the hallmark indirect sign of significant proximal RAS.

Question 5

Which of the following represents the accepted peak systolic velocity (PSV) threshold for diagnosing ≥60% SMA stenosis?

Accepted Answer

PSV >300 cm/s

Answer

A PSV >300 cm/s in the SMA is the widely accepted threshold for diagnosing ≥60% (hemodynamically significant) stenosis.

(VT) Vascular Technician Certification Practice Test

(VT) Vascular Technician Certification Practice Test

VT Abdominal Aorta & Visceral Vessels 2