Aortic Stenosis

Front

Which statement best describes the pathophysiology of aortic stenosis?

Back

Narrowing of the aortic valve obstructs outflow from the left ventricle, causing increased LV pressure and concentric hypertrophy

Front

A 68-year-old with exertional chest pain, syncope episodes, and a harsh systolic ejection murmur radiating to the carotids is suspected of having aortic stenosis. Which diagnostic approach most directly confirms valve narrowing and gradient severity?

Back

Echocardiography with Doppler to measure transvalvular gradients and valve area

Front

Which statement best describes the pathophysiology of an Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)?

Back

A persistent opening in the atrial septum permits left-to-right shunting of oxygenated blood from the left atrium to the right atrium

Front

Application: A 17-year-old presents with easy fatigability, dyspnea on exertion, and a fixed split S2 on auscultation. Based on these findings, which initial diagnostic test is most appropriate to confirm Atrial Septal Defect?

Back

Echocardiography to visualize interatrial septal defect and flow across it

Front

What is the hemodynamic consequence in an unrepaired ventricular septal defect (VSD)?

Back

Left-to-right shunt from the left ventricle to the right ventricle increasing pulmonary blood flow

Front

A 6‑month‑old infant presents with poor feeding, tachypnea, and a pansystolic murmur at the left lower sternal border. Which diagnostic test is most appropriate to confirm a ventricular septal defect and assess its size and location?

Back

Transthoracic echocardiography with Doppler to delineate the septal defect and shunt

Front

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a condition where a fetal vascular connection remains open after birth. Which statement best describes the pathophysiology of PDA?

Back

Persistent connection between the pulmonary artery and the aorta causing left-to-right shunt

Front

A term infant presents with a continuous “machinery” murmur and bounding pulses. Which associated finding most strongly supports the diagnosis of PDA?

Back

Wide pulse pressure with signs of pulmonary overcirculation

Front

A 6-month-old presents with cyanosis and a history of "tet spells" relieved by squatting. Based on TOF pathophysiology, which mechanism most directly explains why squatting improves symptoms?

Back

It increases systemic vascular resistance, reducing right-to-left shunt across the VSD

Front

Coarctation of the aorta most directly leads to which hemodynamic consequence due to narrowing of the aortic lumen?

Back

Increased pressure proximal with decreased perfusion distal to the narrowing