Adult Echocardiography Practice Exam

What echocardiographic finding is indicative of aortic stenosis?

1. Increased left ventricular mass

2. Decreased left ventricular size

3. Normal aortic valve area

4. Left ventricular strain pattern

The correct answer is: Increased left ventricular mass

Increased left ventricular mass is a key echocardiographic finding associated with aortic stenosis. As the aortic valve becomes increasingly narrowed, the heart must work harder to pump blood through the constricted valve, leading to left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). This thickening of the left ventricular wall is a compensatory response to the increased workload. As the condition progresses, the left ventricle may also exhibit signs of diastolic dysfunction and eventually pump function may be affected. Understanding why this finding is significant helps to recognize the impact of aortic stenosis on cardiac structure and function. Other choices do not reflect the typical echocardiographic observations seen in patients with this condition. For instance, a decreased left ventricular size is not characteristic of aortic stenosis, as it can lead to enlargement due to pressure overload. A normal aortic valve area would contradict the diagnosis of aortic stenosis, which involves a reduced valve area. Lastly, while a left ventricular strain pattern can be observed in various conditions, it is not specific to aortic stenosis and can also appear in other forms of cardiac stress or pathologies. Thus, increased left ventricular mass remains a primary indicator of the physiological changes caused by aortic stenosis.