American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

For moderate aortic regurgitation, how often should clinical evaluation and echocardiography occur?

1. Every 6 months

2. Yearly clinical evaluation, echo every 3-5 years

3. Yearly clinical evaluation, echo every 1-2 years

4. Every 1-2 years for both

The correct answer is: Yearly clinical evaluation, echo every 1-2 years

For moderate aortic regurgitation, the recommended approach to monitoring involves annual clinical evaluations alongside echocardiographic assessments every 1 to 2 years. This strategy aligns with guidelines that emphasize the need for regular monitoring as the condition can progress. Annual clinical evaluations allow healthcare providers to assess symptoms, evaluate hemodynamic changes, and determine whether any interventions are necessary. The echocardiogram is a critical tool that provides insights into the severity of regurgitation, left ventricular function, and overall heart structure. Performing echocardiography more frequently than every 1 to 2 years, unless there is clinical deterioration or significant changes in patient status, is typically unnecessary for moderate cases, as the aim is to balance the need for monitoring with the patient’s health status. The importance of maintaining this routine is underscored by the potential for changes over time that could warrant closer observation or intervention. Therefore, this combination of annual clinical check-ups and echocardiograms every 1 to 2 years ensures effective management while avoiding the unnecessary burden of more frequent testing in moderate cases.