American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

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Prepare for the American Board of Internal Medicine Exam with our multiple choice questions and detailed explanations. Enhance your medical knowledge and skills to excel in your certification exam with confidence!

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What is the gold standard for diagnosing pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH)?

Pulmonary function test
CT pulmonary angiography
Right heart catheterization
Echocardiography

The correct answer is: Right heart catheterization

Right heart catheterization is widely recognized as the gold standard for diagnosing pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH). This procedure involves the direct measurement of hemodynamic parameters within the right side of the heart and pulmonary arteries, allowing for the quantification of pulmonary artery pressure. It provides accurate and definitive diagnostic information, enabling clinicians to distinguish between various types of pulmonary hypertension and to assess the severity of the condition. In contrast, while pulmonary function tests can assess lung function, they are not specific for evaluating PAH. CT pulmonary angiography is primarily used for detecting pulmonary embolism and may reveal pulmonary vascular changes, but it does not directly measure pressures. Echocardiography is a non-invasive screening tool often utilized to estimate pulmonary artery pressures, but it is less definitive than right heart catheterization, as it relies on indirect measurements that can vary based on several factors. Therefore, for precise diagnosis and management of PAH, right heart catheterization stands out as the most reliable and informative method.