American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

What is the recommended frequency for echocardiograms in patients with severe mitral stenosis?

1. Every year

2. Every 3-5 years

3. Every 6-12 months

4. Every 2 years

The correct answer is: Every 6-12 months

In patients with severe mitral stenosis, the recommended frequency for echocardiograms is every 6 to 12 months. This is important for several reasons. Firstly, severe mitral stenosis is a significant condition that can lead to various complications such as pulmonary hypertension, atrial fibrillation, and heart failure. Regular echocardiographic monitoring allows for the assessment of hemodynamic changes over time, including the severity of stenosis, right ventricular function, and the presence of any complications. Secondly, the clinical status of patients with severe mitral stenosis can change rapidly. Symptoms such as dyspnea and fatigue may indicate deterioration in cardiac function. Regular echocardiograms provide timely information that may guide management decisions, such as the need for surgical intervention or transcatheter procedures, thus enabling proactive rather than reactive care. In contrast, less frequent monitoring, such as every 1, 2, or even 3-5 years, would not adequately capture changes in this dynamic clinical condition, potentially leading to delayed diagnosis of complications or progression of disease. Therefore, the recommendation of every 6-12 months for echocardiograms in patients with severe mitral stenosis is aimed at optimizing patient outcomes through vigilant monitoring.