American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

In severe aortic regurgitation, what is the recommended frequency for clinical evaluation and echocardiography?

1. Clinical eval yearly; echo every 2-3 years

2. Clinical eval every 6-12 months; echo every 6-12 months

3. Clinical eval biannually; echo yearly

4. Clinical eval yearly; echo every year

The correct answer is: Clinical eval every 6-12 months; echo every 6-12 months

In cases of severe aortic regurgitation, it is imperative to closely monitor the patient due to the potential for rapid deterioration of heart function and the need for possible surgical intervention. The recommended frequency for clinical evaluations and echocardiograms ensures that any changes in the patient's condition can be detected early. Clinical evaluations every 6-12 months allow healthcare providers to assess symptoms, physical findings, and overall cardiac status, while echocardiograms conducted at the same interval provide detailed information regarding the structure and function of the heart, particularly the left ventricle, and the severity of the regurgitation. This frequency is crucial in managing the condition adequately, as it helps to determine the timing of surgery, especially when symptoms worsen or there is evidence of left ventricular dysfunction. Other frequencies, such as yearly evaluations or longer gaps between echocardiograms, may miss important changes in the patient's condition, potentially leading to delayed treatment. Hence, the chosen frequency allows for timely management and reduces the risk of complications associated with untreated severe aortic regurgitation.