Echocardiography Techniques Exam 1 Practice 2026 – Comprehensive Prep Resource

Unlock all questions

This demo includes only 20 questions. Upgrade to access hundreds of questions, flashcards, exam simulations, and disable ads.

Full question bankExam simulationsFlashcards

From $12.50Unlock all

Session length

1 / 20

How would you assess the severity of aortic stenosis using Doppler measurements?

Color Doppler jet area alone determines severity.

Use M-mode diameter measurements of the aortic root.

CW Doppler across the aortic valve to measure Vmax and mean gradient; AVA via continuity equation; severe AS defined by Vmax > 4 m/s, mean gradient > 40 mmHg, AVA < 1.0 cm^2.

Use pulse Doppler across the mitral valve to estimate diastolic function.

Assessing aortic stenosis severity relies on spectral Doppler measurements across the aortic valve. Use continuous-wave Doppler to capture the high-velocity jet, which lets you obtain the peak velocity (Vmax) and derive the mean pressure gradient across the valve. The valve area is then estimated with the continuity equation: AVA = (LVOT area × LVOT VTI) / aortic VTI. Severe AS is typically defined by Vmax around 4 m/s or higher, mean gradient about 40 mmHg or higher, and AVA ≤ 1.0 cm^2. Color jet area or M-mode measurements are not reliable alone for grading AS, and pulsed Doppler across the mitral valve assesses diastolic function rather than AS severity.