Echocardiography

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. What is the primary principle behind echocardiography?
   a) Reflection and refraction of light waves
   b) Acoustic impedance and reflection of ultrasound waves
   c) Magnetic resonance imaging
   d) Electrical conduction in cardiac tissues
   Answer: b) Acoustic impedance and reflection of ultrasound waves
2. Which frequency range is typically used for echocardiography in adult horses and cattle?
   a) 1–2 MHz
   b) 2.25–3.5 MHz
   c) 3.5–10.0 MHz
   d) 10–15 MHz
   Answer: b) 2.25–3.5 MHz
3. What factor determines the quality of reflected ultrasound waves?
   a) Angle of the ultrasound beam relative to the tissue interface
   b) Density of air surrounding the tissues
   c) Speed of ultrasound wave transmission
   d) Duration of wave absorption
   Answer: a) Angle of the ultrasound beam relative to the tissue interface
4. What is the effect of using higher-frequency ultrasound waves?
   a) Greater depth penetration and better resolution
   b) Better resolution but limited depth penetration
   c) Poor resolution and limited penetration
   d) High reflection but poor image quality
   Answer: b) Better resolution but limited depth penetration
5. Which of the following is not a use of echocardiography?
   a) Measuring cardiac chamber size
   b) Detecting myocardial ischemia indirectly
   c) Identifying pericardial fluid accumulation
   d) Monitoring coronary artery blood flow
   Answer: d) Monitoring coronary artery blood flow
6. Why does bone tissue cause strong reflections in echocardiography?
   a) Low acoustic impedance
   b) High density and high acoustic impedance
   c) High elasticity
   d) High absorption of ultrasound waves
   Answer: b) High density and high acoustic impedance
7. What happens to ultrasound wave intensity due to absorption in tissues?
   a) It increases
   b) It decreases
   c) It remains constant
   d) It redirects the beam
   Answer: b) It decreases
8. Which imaging technique is used to detect pericardial and pleural fluid?
   a) Electrocardiography
   b) Echocardiography
   c) Radiography
   d) Magnetic Resonance Imaging
   Answer: b) Echocardiography
9. How does beam divergence affect ultrasound imaging?
   a) Increases energy intensity
   b) Spreads the beam, reducing focus and resolution
   c) Concentrates the beam on deeper tissues
   d) Enhances scatter and reflection equally
   Answer: b) Spreads the beam, reducing focus and resolution
10. What type of transducer frequency is ideal for imaging deep cardiac structures?
    a) Low frequency
    b) High frequency
    c) Medium frequency
    d) Ultrahigh frequency
    Answer: a) Low frequency

Fill in the Blanks

1. Echocardiography employs ________ ultrasound waves to create images of the heart and surrounding structures.
   Answer: high-frequency
2. The optimal frequency range for echocardiography in small animals is ________.
   Answer: 3.5–10.0 MHz
3. ________ is the process where ultrasound waves are redirected in multiple directions at tissue interfaces.
   Answer: Scatter
4. Shorter wavelength ultrasound waves provide ________ resolution but limited penetration.
   Answer: better
5. The transducer acts as a ________ for over 99% of the time during echocardiography.
   Answer: receiver

True or False

1. Echocardiography is an invasive diagnostic procedure.
   Answer: False
2. Acoustic impedance depends on tissue density and elasticity.
   Answer: True
3. High-frequency ultrasound waves are ideal for imaging deeper cardiac structures.
   Answer: False
4. Reflections are greatest when the ultrasound beam is perpendicular to the tissue interface.
   Answer: True
5. Echocardiography can detect mass lesions within or adjacent to the heart.
   Answer: True

Subjective Questions

1. Explain the factors influencing the intensity of ultrasound waves in echocardiography.
   Answer:
   The intensity of ultrasound waves is influenced by:
   • Beam Divergence: As the beam travels farther from the transducer, it spreads out, reducing focus and intensity.
   • Absorption: Energy is lost as the wave passes through tissues, diminishing wave strength.
   • Scatter: Waves are reflected in multiple directions at irregular tissue interfaces, dispersing energy.
   • Reflection: Differences in acoustic impedance at tissue interfaces result in varying degrees of wave reflection, affecting image clarity.
2. Discuss the advantages of using echocardiography in veterinary medicine.
   Answer:
   Echocardiography is a non-invasive, real-time diagnostic tool that provides critical insights into cardiac health. It evaluates cardiac chamber size, wall thickness, and valve function. Additionally, it detects fluid accumulation (pericardial and pleural), congenital anomalies, and mass lesions. Its versatility in using different frequencies ensures applicability across species, ranging from large animals like cattle to small exotic pets.