American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

For mild mitral regurgitation, how often should echocardiograms be performed according to the guidelines?

1. Every 3-5 years

2. Every 1-2 years

3. Yearly

4. Every 6-12 months

The correct answer is: Every 3-5 years

For patients with mild mitral regurgitation, the guidelines recommend performing echocardiograms every 3-5 years. This interval is based on the understanding that mild mitral regurgitation typically has a slow progression and is often well-tolerated in patients without significant symptoms or other complications. Regular monitoring is still necessary to ensure that any potential changes in the severity of regurgitation or the function of the left ventricle are detected in a timely manner. While more frequent echocardiograms may be appropriate for those with moderate or severe regurgitation, or in cases where there are symptoms or other risk factors present, the mild form generally requires less intensive follow-up. This balance helps to avoid unnecessary imaging while still providing adequate surveillance of the patient's condition. Overall, the 3-5 year interval allows clinicians to monitor progression and intervene if necessary.