Lecture 4: Cardiac Imaging

Question 1

What is the most common use of doppler US?

Answer 1

Fetal heart sounds

Question 2

What 2 combos of imaging does Duplex combine?

Answer 2

• Traditional US –> sound waves that bounce off blood vessels to create a picture
• Doppler US –> records sound waves reflecting off moving object, such as blood, to measure their speeds and other aspects of flow

Question 3

Which imaging modality is excellent for endocarditis and views of posterior segments of the heart?

Answer 3

Transesophageal echocardiogram

Question 4

What would be the imaging modality of choice to determine if pt has patent foramen ovale, R–>L shunt, or ateriovenous shunt in pulmonary vasculature?

Answer 4

Transthoracic echocardiogram with bubble study

Question 5

Which imaging modality would be used for DVT?

Answer 5

Compression US (aka Duplex)

Question 6

What is a sensitive and quick assessment to detect hemoperitoneum and pericardial effusion at the bed side?

Answer 6

FAST exam = Focused Assessment w/ Sonography in Trauma

Question 7

Initial imaging study of choice to evaluate pericardium, ventricles/atria/septa, cardiac valves, and ejection fraction?

Answer 7

Transthoracic Echocardiogram

Question 8

What are 5 pathologies where a transesophageal echocardiogram would be useful?

Answer 8

• LA thrombus in Afib
• Infective endocarditis
• Prosthetic valve evaluation
• Acute aortic pathology (dissection, etc.)
• If TTE is unrevealing

Question 9

Which imaging study would be appropriate to assess for pulmonary embolism?

Answer 9

Pulmonary angiography

Question 10

What is Beck’s Triad and what is it associated with?

Answer 10

1. Low BP (weak pulse or narrow pulse pressure)
2. Muffled heart sounds
3. Raised JVP
   - Associated with cardiac tamponade