Discuss ARDMS AE-Adult-Echocardiography Exam Topic 4 Question 1

Which method is appropriate for measuring the left atrial diameter in parasternal long axis?

AInner edge to inner edge, perpendicular to the aortic root, at end-diastole

BInner edge to inner edge, parallel to the aortic root, at end-diastole

CInner edge to inner edge, perpendicular to the aortic root, at end-systole

DOuter edge to outer edge, perpendicular to the aortic root, at end-systole

Suggested Answer: A

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The recommended method to measure left atrial diameter in the parasternal long axis view is the inner edge to inner edge technique, perpendicular to the aortic root, measured at end-diastole. This approach provides the most reproducible and standardized measurement.

Measurement parallel to the aortic root or at end-systole is less accurate. Outer edge measurements overestimate size.

ASE chamber quantification guidelines specify this method for standardization and reproducibility in adult echocardiography practice12:ASE Chamber Quantification Guidelinesp.90-9516:Textbook of Clinical Echocardiography, 6ep.120-125.

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30 comments · newest first

Carolann 6 months ago

D is not right; it’s outer edge, which isn’t standard.

Brinda 6 months ago

C could be a trick option, but A is safer.

Jaleesa 6 months ago

I feel A is definitely the right answer. It’s what we learned.

Lettie 6 months ago

I agree, A is clear and precise.

Hector 7 months ago

I think A is the best choice. It’s standard practice.

Kasandra 7 months ago

Definitely A, that’s standard practice!

Sonia 7 months ago

I thought it could be at end-systole too?

Graciela 8 months ago

Wait, is it really always at end-diastole?

Della 8 months ago

Totally agree, it’s all about that end-diastole measurement.

Gladys 8 months ago

A) is the correct method!

Teresita 8 months ago

Measuring the left atrial diameter is like trying to measure the size of a black hole - it's always expanding and contracting!

Yolande 8 months ago

D) Outer edge to outer edge, perpendicular to the aortic root, at end-systole. Measuring the outer edges gives a more comprehensive assessment of the left atrial size.

Gerald 8 months ago

B) Inner edge to inner edge, parallel to the aortic root, at end-diastole. Measuring parallel to the aortic root is more intuitive and easier to perform.

Stephaine 9 months ago

C) Inner edge to inner edge, perpendicular to the aortic root, at end-systole. Measuring at end-systole gives a more accurate representation of the left atrial size.

Sherell 9 months ago

A) Inner edge to inner edge, perpendicular to the aortic root, at end-diastole. This is the standard method for measuring left atrial diameter.

Dean 9 months ago

I remember discussing the inner edge to inner edge method, but I can't remember if it was at end-diastole or end-systole. This is tricky!

Jennifer 9 months ago

I’m leaning towards B, but I can't recall if it should be parallel or perpendicular. I need to double-check my notes!

Odette 9 months ago

I practiced a similar question, and I feel like the measurement should be perpendicular to the aortic root. Maybe it's A or C?

Reta 9 months ago

I'm pretty confident it's B. That's the technique we covered in class, and it makes the most sense anatomically.

Mattie 10 months ago

Ugh, I'm so confused. I thought it was outer edge to outer edge, but now I'm second-guessing myself. I better review the material again.

Yaeko 10 months ago

I think it's A, but I'm not completely sure. I remember something about measuring at end-diastole being important.

Kirk 10 months ago

Okay, I've got this. It's A - inner edge to inner edge, perpendicular to the aortic root, at end-diastole. That's the standard method, right?

Leota 10 months ago

B seems reasonable too, but A is more widely accepted.

Eileen 11 months ago

Hmm, I'm not sure. I'll have to think this through carefully. Maybe C or D would be better?

Ethan 11 months ago

I think it's B. Measuring parallel to the aortic root at end-diastole seems like the most logical approach.

Pete 5 months ago

↳ replying to Ethan

I’m leaning towards A, but B is definitely a strong contender.

Sang 5 months ago

↳ replying to Ethan

D seems less common, but could be useful in some cases.

Jerlene 6 months ago

↳ replying to Ethan

I thought A was the standard method.

Tien 6 months ago

↳ replying to Ethan

I agree with you, B makes sense!

Barrett 10 months ago

↳ replying to Ethan

C is also a valid option, isn't it?

ARDMS AE-Adult-Echocardiography Exam - Topic 4 Question 1 Discussion