American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

When diagnosing mild and moderate mitral stenosis, what is the maximum accepted diastolic pressure half-time?

1. Greater than 150 msec

2. Less than 150 msec

3. Exactly 150 msec

4. Between 150-220 msec

The correct answer is: Less than 150 msec

In the context of diagnosing mild and moderate mitral stenosis, the maximum accepted diastolic pressure half-time is crucial for evaluating the severity of the condition. Diastolic pressure half-time measures the time it takes for the left atrial pressure to decline by half during diastole, reflecting how well blood flows through the mitral valve. For mild to moderate mitral stenosis, the diastolic pressure half-time typically should be less than 150 msec. Values above this threshold indicate more significant obstruction and suggest that the mitral stenosis may be severe. In clinical practice, understanding this parameter helps healthcare professionals gauge the extent of the stenosis and make accurate assessments regarding the patient’s treatment options. Recognizing that a diastolic pressure half-time of less than 150 msec is associated with mild to moderate disease allows for appropriate follow-up and monitoring rather than immediate intervention, which might be necessary if the measurements suggest severe stenosis.