Adult Echocardiography Practice Exam

Which echocardiographic finding is common in patients with aortic stenosis?

1. Thickening of the aortic valve leaflets

2. Dilated left atrium

3. Right ventricular hypertrophy

4. Decreased cardiac output

The correct answer is: Thickening of the aortic valve leaflets

Thickening of the aortic valve leaflets is a hallmark echocardiographic finding in patients with aortic stenosis. In this condition, the aortic valve becomes narrowed, making it more difficult for the heart to pump blood through it. Over time, this narrowing typically leads to mechanical stress and increased pressure on the valve leaflets, resulting in their thickening and sometimes calcification. The thickening of the leaflets is a compensatory response as the heart works harder to overcome the obstruction in the outflow tract. Not only does this thickening help provide some structural integrity to the valve, but it also reflects the pathophysiological changes occurring in response to the stenosis. The echocardiogram allows for clear visualization of these characteristics, and measuring the degree of leaflet thickening can contribute to the assessment of the severity of the aortic stenosis. While other options describe potential findings associated with various cardiac conditions—such as dilated left atrium in the context of mitral valve issues or decreased cardiac output arising from several heart diseases—the thickening of the aortic valve leaflets specifically correlates with the structural changes seen in aortic stenosis.