CET Cardiac Pathology & Disease Recognition Flashcards
6 cards from real CET practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 CET Cardiac Pathology & Disease Recognition flashcards as text
Which echocardiographic feature best differentiates a bicuspid aortic valve from a tricuspid aortic valve?
Answer: Elliptical or fish-mouth orifice in systole on short-axis view
A bicuspid aortic valve appears as an elliptical or fish-mouth shaped orifice in systole on parasternal short-axis view, unlike the triangular orifice of a tricuspid valve.
Echocardiographic 'smoke' or spontaneous echo contrast in the left atrium is most associated with which condition?
Answer: Atrial fibrillation with mitral stenosis
Spontaneous echo contrast ('smoke') in the left atrium indicates slow blood flow and is most common in atrial fibrillation combined with mitral stenosis, signaling high thromboembolic risk.
Which echocardiographic sign is characteristic of acute pulmonary embolism on transthoracic echo?
Answer: McConnell sign — RV free wall hypokinesis with preserved apex
McConnell sign (regional right ventricular free wall hypokinesis with preserved apical function) is a specific echo finding in acute massive pulmonary embolism.
On echocardiography, which finding most strongly suggests non-compaction cardiomyopathy?
Answer: Prominent trabeculations with deep intertrabecular recesses in the LV apex
Non-compaction cardiomyopathy is identified by a two-layered myocardium with non-compacted to compacted ratio >2:1 and deep intertrabecular recesses, typically in the LV apex.
Which type of ventricular septal defect is most commonly associated with aortic regurgitation?
Answer: Supracristal (outlet) VSD in the perimembranous position
Supracristal (subpulmonary/outlet) VSDs are associated with aortic regurgitation because the right coronary cusp lacks subvalvular support and prolapses into the defect.
A 'dagger-shaped' continuous wave Doppler profile from the tricuspid regurgitation jet is most characteristic of which condition?
Answer: Severe pulmonary hypertension
Severe pulmonary hypertension produces a 'dagger-shaped' or early-peaking TR jet with a rapid rise and fall in CW Doppler due to rapid RV pressure equalization.