Adult Echocardiography Practice Exam

The color flow Doppler shows evidence of:

1. Tricuspid valve regurgitation

2. Normal tricuspid valve flow

3. Ventricular septal defect

4. Atrial septal defect

The correct answer is: Ventricular septal defect

The choice of ventricular septal defect as the answer is based on the specific characteristics demonstrated in the color flow Doppler imaging. In cases of ventricular septal defect, color flow Doppler typically reveals a distinct left-to-right shunt, which can be visualized by the presence of color flow moving from the left ventricle to the right ventricle. When this flow is depicted, it often presents as a prominent color jet, frequently observed in the mid to lower part of the interventricular septum during systole. This is due to the high-pressure conditions in the left ventricle compared to the right ventricle, especially during contraction. Furthermore, the flow pattern and the corresponding color flow distribution can help differentiate this condition from other cardiac abnormalities. For example, tricuspid valve regurgitation would present differently, with color flow indicating retrograde flow across the tricuspid valve, while normal flow would show uniform color patterns indicating no significant shunts or regurgitation. In summary, the indication of a left-to-right flow across a defect in the ventricular septum as shown on color flow Doppler imaging convincingly supports the diagnosis of a ventricular septal defect, distinguishing it from other cardiac conditions such as those involving the atr