Cardiology Practice Questions

Q: A healthy middle-aged man who became emotionally upset during an argument with his brother suddenly developed chest pain and collapsed. He was declared dead upon arrival at the hospital. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. ***Takotsubo cardiomyopathy*** - Presents with sudden **chest pain** and collapse following **severe emotional stress**, mimicking a myocardial infarction but often without significant coronary artery disease. - It involves dramatic and transient left ventricular systolic dysfunction, often described as **apical ballooning**, that can lead to acute heart failure and sudden death. *Dilated cardiomyopathy* - Typically presents with **progressive heart failure symptoms** such as dyspnea and fatigue, not sudden collapse after acute emotional stress. - It is characterized by **ventricular dilation** and impaired systolic function, developing over time from various causes. *Arrhythmogenic right ventricle dysplasia* - This condition primarily affects the **right ventricle**, leading to fibrofatty replacement of myocardial tissue and increasing the risk of **ventricular arrhythmias** and sudden cardiac death, especially during exertion. - The presentation of sudden collapse after emotional stress, without prior athletic activity, makes it less likely than Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. *Chronic ischemic cardiomyopathy* - This condition results from **long-standing coronary artery disease**, leading to **myocardial remodeling**, reduced systolic function, and chronic heart failure. - While it can cause sudden cardiac death due to arrhythmias, the acute onset after emotional upset in an otherwise healthy individual is less typical for a chronic process [1].

Q: In which condition are epsilon waves observed on an ECG?

RV dysplasia. RV dysplasia - **Epsilon waves** are small, positive deflections (after the QRS complex) seen on an ECG, pathognomonic for **Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia (ARVD)**. - ARVD is a genetic disorder where the muscle tissue of the right ventricle is replaced by **fibrofatty tissue**, leading to arrhythmias. *Hypothermia* - Hypothermia is associated with **Osborn waves** (J waves), which are positive deflections at the QRS-ST junction, not epsilon waves. - Other ECG changes in hypothermia include **bradycardia**, prolongation of PR, QRS, and QT intervals. *Takotsubo cardiomyopathy* - This condition typically presents with **ST-segment elevation** and T-wave inversions, mimicking an acute myocardial infarction, but lacks coronary artery disease. - It is characterized by **transient apical ballooning** of the left ventricle, usually triggered by severe emotional or physical stress. *None of the options* - This option is incorrect because **RV dysplasia** specifically features epsilon waves, making it a correct choice. - Epsilon waves are a distinct and recognizable ECG finding associated with this particular cardiac condition.

Q: Which of the following is the most appropriate true statement regarding ostium primum atrial septal defect (ASD)?

Is unlikely to close spontaneously. Current guidelines indicate that **ostium primum ASDs** are structural defects involving the **atrial septum** adjacent to the **AV valves** and are not amenable to spontaneous closure [1]. Their location near the **crux of the heart** and association with **cleft mitral valves** makes them more complex and less likely to resolve naturally compared to secundum ASDs. **Ostium primum ASDs** typically cause a **left axis deviation (LAD)** on the ECG due to an associated defect in the **atrioventricular (AV) conduction system**, leading to uncoordinated ventricular depolarization. **Right axis deviation (RAD)** is more commonly seen in **large secundum ASDs** with significant left-to-right shunting and resultant **pulmonary hypertension**. **Holt-Oram syndrome** is primarily associated with **secundum ASDs**, not ostium primum ASDs. Genetic or chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down's syndrome, are also known to cause septal defects [2]. **Ostium primum ASDs** account for about **15-20%** of all ASDs. **Secundum ASDs** are the most common type, typically involving the fossa ovalis, making up approximately **70-75%** of all atrial septal defects [1].

Q: Which is not a major criterion of Jones in rheumatic fever?

Elevated ESR. Elevated ESR - While an **elevated ESR** (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) is a common finding in acute rheumatic fever, it is considered a **minor criterion** in the modified Jones criteria due to its non-specificity. - Minor criteria include fever, arthralgia, elevated acute phase reactants (ESR, CRP), and prolonged PR interval on ECG. *Pancarditis* - **Pancarditis** (inflammation of all layers of the heart) is a **major criterion** and the most serious manifestation of rheumatic fever, as it can lead to permanent heart damage [1]. - It includes pericarditis, myocarditis, and endocarditis, often resulting in **valvulitis** [1]. *Arthritis* - **Arthritis**, typically a **migratory polyarthritis** affecting large joints, is a **major criterion** of Jones. - The pain is often disproportionately severe compared to the findings, hence the term "pain that flies from joint to joint." *Chorea* - **Sydenham's chorea** (St. Vitus' dance), characterized by rapid, purposeless involuntary movements, is a **major criterion** [1]. - It often appears later in the course of the disease and can be the sole manifestation of rheumatic fever [1].

Q: A lady presents with grade 3 dyspnea, severe mitral stenosis, and atrial fibrillation, with an increased ventricular rate and a clot in the left atrium. Which of the following should not be done?

Electrical cardioversion. ***Electrical cardioversion*** - Due to the presence of a **left atrial clot**, electrical cardioversion is contraindicated as it carries a high risk of **systemic embolism** if the clot dislodges. - Cardioversion should only be considered after **anticoagulation** and confirmation that no left atrial clot is present, typically via transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). *Rate control with diltiazem* - **Diltiazem** is a calcium channel blocker commonly used for **rate control in atrial fibrillation** by slowing AV nodal conduction [1]. - While rate control is important in this patient, especially with severe mitral stenosis, it does not directly address the immediate high risk of **embolism** from the clot [2]. *Warfarin therapy* - **Warfarin** is indicated for **anticoagulation** to prevent further clot formation and reduce the risk of embolism in patients with atrial fibrillation and a documented left atrial clot [2]. - However, warfarin itself will not acutely resolve an existing clot or address the immediate hemodynamic issues, and it requires a therapeutic INR before interventions like cardioversion can be considered. *Open mitral commissurotomy and removal of clot* - **Open mitral commissurotomy** is a surgical procedure to address severe mitral stenosis and can simultaneously allow for direct removal of a **left atrial clot**. - While this is a definitive treatment for both the stenosis and the clot, it is an invasive surgical option and not something to "not be done" if indicated, although risks need to be weighed.

Q: A 4-year-old girl is brought to the pediatrician's office, where her father reports that she suddenly became pale and stopped running while playfully chasing her and her pet Chihuahua. After 30 minutes, she was no longer pale and wanted to resume the game. She has never had a previous episode and has never been cyanotic. Her physical examination was normal, as were her chest x-ray and echocardiogram. An ECG shows a specific pattern indicating which of the following?

Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. ***Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome*** - The ECG shows a **short PR interval** and a **delta wave** (slurring of the initial upstroke of the QRS complex), which are classic signs of **pre-excitation** seen in Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome. - The child's symptoms of sudden pallor and stopping activity, followed by spontaneous recovery, suggest a brief episode of **tachycardia** due to WPW, which can cause symptoms stemming from reduced cardiac output. *Paroxysmal ventricular tachycardia* - **Ventricular tachycardia** is characterized by wide, bizarre QRS complexes originating from the ventricles, often without a preceding P wave, which is not clearly depicted in the provided ECG. - While it can cause sudden symptoms like pallor due to reduced cardiac output, the distinctive **delta wave** and **short PR interval** seen in the ECG point away from primary VT and towards pre-excitation. *Stokes-Adams syndrome* - This syndrome involves recurrent episodes of **syncope** due to a transient **heart block** or **bradyarrhythmia**, leading to a sudden decrease in cerebral perfusion. - The ECG in Stokes-Adams syndrome would typically show evidence of severe bradycardia or asystole during an event, which is not consistent with the depicted ECG or the likely tachyarrhythmic nature of the symptoms. *Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia* - While **paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT)** is common in children and can cause symptoms like pallor, the ECG would typically show a **narrow QRS complex tachycardia** with absent or abnormal P waves, but **lacks the delta wave and short PR interval** characteristic of WPW. - WPW syndrome is a common cause of PSVT in children, but the ECG findings specifically indicate the underlying Wolff-Parkinson-White pattern, rather than just the generic PSVT.

Q: Where are venous emboli most often lodged?

Lungs. ***Lungs*** - **Venous emboli** are primarily lodged in the **pulmonary arteries**, causing **pulmonary embolism** [1]. - This occurs due to **deep vein thrombosis (DVT)** where clots travel to the lungs via the venous system [1]. *Heart* - While the heart can be affected by emboli, it usually deals with **arterial embolism** stemming from **atrial fibrillation** or other cardiac conditions. - Venous emboli typically bypass the heart before reaching the lungs; they do not lodge here. *Intestines* - Emboli can affect the intestines but they usually arise from **arterial sources**, leading to **ischemic bowel**. - The intestines are generally not a common site for venous emboli to lodge. *Kidneys* - Kidney emboli often result from **arterial occlusion**, particularly in conditions like **renal artery stenosis**. - Venous emboli do not typically impact the kidneys, as they move toward the pulmonary circulation.

Q: Straight back syndrome is associated with?

Mitral valve prolapse. ***Mitral valve prolapse*** - **Straight back syndrome** refers to a reduction in the normal thoracic kyphosis, which can decrease the **anteroposterior diameter** of the chest. - This flattened chest can compress the heart, particularly the **mitral valve**, leading to auscultatory findings suggestive of prolapse, even in the absence of true valvular dysfunction. *Ankylosing spondylitis* - This is a chronic inflammatory disease primarily affecting the **axial skeleton**, leading to spinal fusion and stiffness, which is distinct from a flattened thoracic spine. - While it affects the spine, it causes an abnormal **kyphosis or lordosis** rather than a simply straightened back that predisposes to cardiac compression. *Osteopetrosis* - This is a rare genetic disorder characterized by abnormally dense bones due to a defect in **osteoclast function**. - Its musculoskeletal manifestations involve increased bone fragility and hematological issues, not a specific spinal curvature anomaly like straight back syndrome. *Cor-triatriatum* - This is a rare congenital heart defect where the **left atrium (cor triatriatum sinistrum)** or, less commonly, the **right atrium (cor triatriatum dextrum)** is divided by a fibromuscular membrane. - It is a primary cardiac structural anomaly and has no association with musculoskeletal conditions such as straight back syndrome.

Q: Which of the following is a characteristic feature of Takayasu arteritis?

Intimal fibrosis is a common finding.. ***Intimal fibrosis is a common finding.*** - **Intimal fibrosis** and thickening, along with **medial degeneration**, are characteristic pathological features seen in the affected arteries in Takayasu arteritis. - This fibrosis leads to **stenosis** and **occlusion** of large and medium-sized arteries, particularly the aorta and its main branches [1]. *Renal hypertension is a complication.* - While **renal hypertension** can occur in Takayasu arteritis due to **renal artery stenosis**, it is a *complication* of the disease process rather than a defining *characteristic pathological feature* of the vessel itself. - The fundamental characteristic is the inflammatory and fibrotic change in the arterial wall that *leads* to such complications [1]. *Coronary aneurysm can occur.* - **Coronary artery involvement**, including both **stenosis** and **aneurysm formation**, can occur in Takayasu arteritis. - However, similar to renal hypertension, a coronary aneurysm is a *potential manifestation* or complication, rather than the primary microscopic or macroscopic characteristic feature of the affected arterial pathology. *All of the options are features.* - While all listed options can be associated with Takayasu arteritis, only **intimal fibrosis** describes the characteristic *pathological change* within the arterial wall. - The other options describe complications or clinical manifestations that arise *from* this underlying pathological process.

Q: A 38-year-old man presents with pain and shortness of breath. His pulse rate is 85 per minute, blood pressure is 180/80 mmHg, and the cardiac examination reveals an ejection systolic murmur. The ECG shows a LVH pattern and ST depression in the anterior leads. His Troponin T test is positive. Based on these findings, the echocardiogram is likely to reveal which of the following conditions?

Aortic stenosis. Aortic stenosis - The presence of an **ejection systolic murmur** [2], **left ventricular hypertrophy** on ECG [1], and a history of **pain and shortness of breath** are classic signs of aortic stenosis. The **wide pulse pressure** (180/80 mmHg) despite a normal pulse rate suggests increased peripheral resistance, common in advanced aortic stenosis. - **Elevated troponin T** suggests myocardial injury, which can occur due to increased myocardial oxygen demand in the context of severe aortic stenosis and LVH. *Aortic regurgitation* - This condition typically presents with a **diastolic murmur**, not an ejection systolic one [3]. - While it can cause LVH, the hallmark symptom of an **ejection systolic murmur** points away from regurgitation. *Mitral regurgitation* - This condition is characterized by a **holosystolic murmur** best heard at the apex and radiating to the axilla, different from the ejection systolic murmur described [1]. - While it can lead to LVH over time, the clinical presentation and specific murmur type are not consistent with mitral regurgitation. *Mitral valve prolapse* - This condition is often associated with a **mid-systolic click** followed by a late systolic murmur, rather than a clear ejection systolic murmur [4]. - Although it can sometimes cause chest pain, it rarely leads to the degrees of LVH and **troponin elevation** described in this scenario without other contributing factors.

Question 1

A healthy middle-aged man who became emotionally upset during an argument with his brother suddenly developed chest pain and collapsed. He was declared dead upon arrival at the hospital. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy

Answer

Dilated cardiomyopathy

Answer

Chronic ischemic cardiomyopathy

Answer

Arrhythmogenic right ventricle dysplasia

Question 2

In which condition are epsilon waves observed on an ECG?

Accepted Answer

RV dysplasia

Answer

Hypothermia

Answer

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy

Answer

None of the options

Question 3

Which of the following is the most appropriate true statement regarding ostium primum atrial septal defect (ASD)?

Accepted Answer

Is unlikely to close spontaneously

Answer

Results in right axis deviation (RAD) on the ECG

Answer

Is associated with Holt-Oram syndrome

Answer

Is less common than secundum ASD

Question 4

Which is not a major criterion of Jones in rheumatic fever?

Accepted Answer

Elevated ESR

Answer

Pancarditis

Answer

Chorea

Answer

Arthritis

Question 5

A lady presents with grade 3 dyspnea, severe mitral stenosis, and atrial fibrillation, with an increased ventricular rate and a clot in the left atrium. Which of the following should not be done?

Accepted Answer

Electrical cardioversion

Answer

Rate control with diltiazem

Answer

Warfarin therapy

Answer

Open mitral commissurotomy and removal of clot

Question 6

A 4-year-old girl is brought to the pediatrician's office, where her father reports that she suddenly became pale and stopped running while playfully chasing her and her pet Chihuahua. After 30 minutes, she was no longer pale and wanted to resume the game. She has never had a previous episode and has never been cyanotic. Her physical examination was normal, as were her chest x-ray and echocardiogram. An ECG shows a specific pattern indicating which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome

Answer

Paroxysmal ventricular tachycardia

Answer

Stokes-Adams syndrome

Answer

Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia

Question 7

Where are venous emboli most often lodged?

Accepted Answer

Lungs

Answer

Kidneys

Answer

Intestinal veins

Answer

Coronary arteries

Question 8

Straight back syndrome is associated with?

Accepted Answer

Mitral valve prolapse

Answer

Osteopetrosis

Answer

Cor-triatriatum

Answer

Ankylosing spondylitis

Question 9

Which of the following is a characteristic feature of Takayasu arteritis?

Accepted Answer

Intimal fibrosis is a common finding.

Answer

Renal hypertension is a complication.

Answer

Coronary aneurysm can occur.

Answer

All of the options are features.

Question 10

A 38-year-old man presents with pain and shortness of breath. His pulse rate is 85 per minute, blood pressure is 180/80 mmHg, and the cardiac examination reveals an ejection systolic murmur. The ECG shows a LVH pattern and ST depression in the anterior leads. His Troponin T test is positive. Based on these findings, the echocardiogram is likely to reveal which of the following conditions?

Accepted Answer

Aortic stenosis

Answer

Aortic regurgitation

Answer

Mitral regurgitation

Answer

Mitral valve prolapse

Cardiology — MCQs

Cardiology — MCQs

On this page

Practice by Chapter

Want unlimited practice?