Adult Echocardiography Practice Exam

The mitral inflow E/A ratio is a fundamental parameter used to evaluate diastolic function of the heart. It is derived from Doppler echocardiography, where the E wave represents the early filling velocity of the left ventricle during rapid filling from the left atrium, while the A wave corresponds to the late atrial contraction phase.

Assessing the E/A ratio provides critical insight into the diastolic filling pattern of the left ventricle. A normal E/A ratio is typically greater than 1, indicating that early diastolic filling is predominant. In conditions where diastolic dysfunction is present, this ratio may vary; for example, a ratio less than 1 suggests impaired relaxation, while a ratio greater than 2 may indicate restrictive filling patterns.

In the context of the other options, while left ventricular wall thickness, right atrial volume, and aortic valve area provide valuable information about structural and functional aspects of the heart, they are not specific indicators of diastolic function as the E/A ratio is. Thus, the E/A ratio is the most direct and commonly assessed parameter used to evaluate diastolic function in clinical practice.