American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

In severe aortic stenosis, echocardiography should be performed how often?

1. Every 1-2 years

2. Every 6-12 months

3. Every year

4. Every 2-3 years

The correct answer is: Every 6-12 months

In severe aortic stenosis, regular monitoring through echocardiography is critical due to the progressive nature of the condition and the potential for significant clinical complications. The standard recommendation for patients with severe aortic stenosis is to perform echocardiography every 6 to 12 months. This frequency is warranted because severe aortic stenosis can lead to heart failure, arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death if not appropriately monitored and managed. The echocardiogram helps to assess the severity of stenosis, the functional capacity of the heart, and any development of symptoms or left ventricular dysfunction. In cases where patients exhibit worsening symptoms or changes in clinical status, more frequent echocardiographic evaluations may be indicated. In contrast, less frequent monitoring such as every 1-2 years or every 2-3 years may not adequately capture the changes in the patient's condition that necessitate timely intervention. Regular assessments help guide clinical decisions, including when to consider surgical intervention, such as valve replacement.