American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

How frequently should echocardiograms be done for patients with severe mitral regurgitation?

1. Every 1-2 years

2. Every 6-12 months

3. Every year

4. More than once a year

The correct answer is: Every 6-12 months

For patients with severe mitral regurgitation, it is important to monitor the condition closely due to the risk of progression and the potential for complications such as heart failure or the need for surgical intervention. The recommendation for echocardiograms every 6-12 months aligns with current clinical guidelines that emphasize the importance of regular assessment in this population. This frequency allows healthcare providers to monitor changes in the severity of the regurgitation, left atrial size, ventricular function, and overall cardiac status, helping to make timely decisions regarding surgical options or other interventions if needed. Regular imaging can provide critical information to guide management strategies and ensure optimal patient outcomes. In contrast, options like performing echocardiograms every one to two years might not be frequent enough to detect changes in a condition that can deteriorate relatively quickly. Similarly, suggesting more than once a year could lead to unnecessary testing and increased patient burden without providing significant additional benefit. Therefore, the recommendation of every 6-12 months strikes a balanced approach to effectively monitor patients with severe mitral regurgitation.