Adult Echocardiography Practice Exam

Which of the following is not an indication of prosthetic valve failure?

1. Mild regurgitation

2. Increased flow velocities

3. Recurring pulmonary hypertension

4. Decreased valve area

The correct answer is: Mild regurgitation

Mild regurgitation is generally considered a normal and often acceptable finding in patients with prosthetic valves. Many prosthetic valves allow for a small degree of regurgitation without significant concern for failure, especially if there are no accompanying clinical symptoms or functional impairments. This is particularly common with certain types of mechanical valves and bioprosthetic valves that can have small amounts of backflow without necessarily indicating a failure. Conversely, increased flow velocities, recurring pulmonary hypertension, and decreased valve area are more worrying signs. Increased flow velocities can suggest significant obstruction or narrowed passageways, while recurring pulmonary hypertension may indicate underlying issues with the heart's ability to handle blood flow, possibly related to valve dysfunction. A decreased valve area is typically associated with stenosis, leading to hemodynamic compromise and signaling the need for further intervention.