Cardiology Practice Questions

Q: A child presented with headache, dizziness, intermittent claudication with occasional dyspnea. The most probable diagnosis is:

Coarctation of aorta. ***Coarctation of aorta*** - **Coarctation of the aorta** presents with upper extremity hypertension and lower extremity hypotension. - This pressure difference typically causes symptoms such as **headache**, **dizziness**, and **intermittent claudication** in the legs. *PDA* - A **patent ductus arteriosus (PDA)** typically presents with a continuous murmur and, if large, signs of heart failure or pulmonary hypertension. - While it can cause dyspnea, **headache, dizziness, and claudication** are not defining symptoms. *TOF* - **Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF)** is characterized by cyanosis, exertional dyspnea, and "tet spells." - It does not typically cause **headaches, dizziness, or claudication** in the absence of severe complications. *ASD* - An **atrial septal defect (ASD)** is often asymptomatic until adulthood or presents with mild symptoms like fatigue or dyspnea with exertion. - It is not associated with **headache, dizziness, or intermittent claudication**.

Q: Uncommon finding in congestive cardiac failure in a newborn -

Pedal edema. ***Pedal edema*** - While **edema** can occur in newborns with **congestive heart failure (CHF)**, it is less common to see isolated **pedal edema** compared to older children or adults. - In newborns, fluid retention often manifests as **generalized edema** or **periorbital edema** due to less developed lymphatic drainage and different fluid distribution. *Tachycardia* - **Tachycardia** (increased heart rate) is a **very common** and significant finding in newborns with **CHF** as the heart attempts to maintain cardiac output. - It is an early compensatory mechanism in response to decreased pump function. *Tachypnoea* - **Tachypnoea** (increased respiratory rate) is a **common symptom** of **CHF** in newborns due to pulmonary congestion and increased effort of breathing. - The lungs become stiff and less compliant, leading to faster, shallow breathing. *Hepatomegaly* - **Hepatomegaly** (enlarged liver) is a **frequent and diagnostically important sign** of **right-sided heart failure** in newborns due to venous congestion. - The liver acts as a reservoir, and its enlargement often indicates increased systemic venous pressure.

Q: Cantrell pentalogy include all except

Trisomy 21. ***Trisomy 21*** - **Cantrell's pentalogy** is a rare congenital condition involving defects of the **diaphragm**, **abdominal wall**, **pericardium**, **sternum**, and **heart**. - **Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome)** is a chromosomal abnormality characterized by distinct facial features, intellectual disability, and various congenital anomalies, but it is not a component of Cantrell's pentalogy. *ASD* - An **atrial septal defect (ASD)** is a common cardiac anomaly found in Cantrell's pentalogy, resulting from improper development of the heart. - The cardiac defect is one of the five primary components of **Cantrell's pentalogy**. *VSD* - A **ventricular septal defect (VSD)** is another frequent cardiac defect associated with Cantrell's pentalogy. - This defect involves a hole in the wall separating the two lower chambers of the heart and is a key feature of the **cardiac malformation component**. *TOF* - **Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF)** is a complex congenital heart defect often seen in cases of Cantrell's pentalogy. - It comprises four specific heart anomalies and contributes to the significant **cardiovascular malformations** in this syndrome.

Q: One month old baby is referred for failure to thrive. On examination there are features of congestive cardiac failure. Femoral pulses are feeble compared to brachial pulses. The likely diagnosis is

Coarctation of aorta. ***Coarctation of aorta*** - **Coarctation of the aorta** is characterized by a narrowing of the aorta, leading to reduced blood flow to the lower body. This explains the **feeble femoral pulses** compared to the **brachial pulses**. - Presentation in a **one-month-old infant** with **congestive cardiac failure** suggests **critical coarctation** that becomes symptomatic when the **ductus arteriosus closes** (typically in first few weeks of life), suddenly increasing afterload on the left ventricle. - The increased workload on the heart upstream from the coarctation results in signs of **congestive cardiac failure** and contributes to **failure to thrive** in infants. - The **pulse discrepancy** (weak femoral vs normal/bounding brachial) is the **pathognomonic finding** for coarctation. *Congenital aortic stenosis* - **Congenital aortic stenosis** would typically present with a **systolic ejection murmur** and symptoms related to reduced cardiac output, but usually *without* a significant difference in pulse strength between upper and lower extremities. - While it can cause **congestive cardiac failure** and **failure to thrive**, the classic **pulse discrepancy** is absent. *Congenital aorto-iliac disease* - While **aorto-iliac disease** can cause diminished femoral pulses, it is exceedingly **rare as a congenital condition** presenting with heart failure in an infant. - It would typically affect blood supply to the legs more directly, but less likely to cause the global heart failure symptoms seen in this case. *Patent ductus arteriosus* - A **patent ductus arteriosus (PDA)** results in a **continuous murmur** and can cause **congestive cardiac failure** and **failure to thrive** due to left-to-right shunting. - However, PDA typically presents with **bounding pulses** or **widened pulse pressure**, not feeble femoral pulses that differ significantly from brachial pulses.

Q: A neonate is diagnosed with pentalogy of Fallot. She may have the following lesions:

TOF + ASD. ***TOF + ASD*** - The "pentalogy of Fallot" is an atypical variant of the more common **tetralogy of Fallot (TOF)** that includes an additional cardiac anomaly. - The fifth lesion in pentalogy of Fallot is typically an **atrial septal defect (ASD)** or, less commonly, a **patent foramen ovale (PFO)**, adding to the four classic TOF lesions (ventricular septal defect, pulmonary stenosis, overriding aorta, right ventricular hypertrophy). *TOF + COA* - **Coarctation of the aorta (COA)** is a narrowing of the aorta that, when present alongside TOF, does not constitute the pentalogy of Fallot. - While both are congenital heart defects, COA is a distinct lesion not typically included in the definition of pentalogy of Fallot. *TOF + PDA* - A **patent ductus arteriosus (PDA)** is a persistent connection between the aorta and pulmonary artery that usually closes shortly after birth. - While it can coexist with TOF, a PDA is not considered the fifth lesion that defines the pentalogy of Fallot. *TOF + Polysplenia* - **Polysplenia** is a heterotaxy syndrome characterized by multiple small spleens and is associated with complex congenital heart disease, but it is an *extracardiac* anomaly. - The "pentalogy of Fallot" specifically refers to 5 *intracardiac* or *great vessel* abnormalities.

Q: What is the most common congenital heart defect in newborns with Down syndrome?

AV canal defect. ***AV canal defect*** - An **atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD)**, also known as an **AV canal defect**, is the **most common congenital heart defect** in newborns with Down syndrome, accounting for **40-45%** of cardiac defects - This defect involves a **hole in the center of the heart** where the atria and ventricles meet, often affecting both the **mitral and tricuspid valves** (complete AVSD) - The defect results from failure of endocardial cushion development during embryonic life *VSD* - A **ventricular septal defect (VSD)** is the **second most common** CHD in Down syndrome, occurring in approximately **30-35%** of cases - VSDs involve a hole in the **interventricular septum**, leading to left-to-right shunting - While common, it is less frequent than AVSD in this population *ASD* - An **atrial septal defect (ASD)** is also seen in Down syndrome but is **less frequent** than both AVSD and VSD - ASDs are holes in the **interatrial septum**, often leading to volume overload of the right heart - Secundum ASD is the most common type overall, but AVSD remains more prevalent in Down syndrome *Tetralogy of Fallot* - **Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF)** is a complex cyanotic heart defect that can occur in Down syndrome but is **much less common** than AVSD - TOF consists of four components: **VSD, pulmonary stenosis, overriding aorta, and right ventricular hypertrophy** - While TOF is an important differential, it is not the most prevalent defect in this population

Q: Which among the following is a sure sign of heart failure in an infant with congenital heart disease?

Liver enlargement. ***Liver enlargement*** - **Hepatomegaly** is a reliable sign of **heart failure in infants** because the infant's liver is very compliant and readily distends with increased systemic venous pressure. - Due to a less developed compensatory mechanism, infants often manifest heart failure with signs related to **systemic congestion**, with liver enlargement being a primary indicator. *Pedal oedema* - **Pedal edema is uncommon in infants** with heart failure compared to adults, as they are often supine and have less hydrostatic pressure effect on their lower extremities. - When present, it might be due to other causes or a sign of very severe, chronic heart failure rather than an early or "sure" sign. *JVP* - **Jugular venous distension (JVD) is difficult to assess accurately in infants** due to their short, fat necks and the difficulty in positioning and visualizing the neck veins. - Therefore, it is generally considered an **unreliable physical sign** for diagnosing heart failure in this age group. *Basal crepitations* - **Basal crepitations (rales)** indicate pulmonary congestion and can be a sign of left-sided heart failure. - However, in infants, these can also be caused by **bronchiolitis**, **pneumonia**, or other respiratory infections, making them a less specific "sure sign" than liver enlargement.

Q: A 2-week-old girl is found to have a harsh murmur along the left sternal border. The parents report that the baby gets "bluish" when she cries or drinks from her bottle. Echocardiogram reveals a congenital heart defect associated with pulmonary stenosis, ventricular septal defect, dextroposition of the aorta, and right ventricular hypertrophy. What is the appropriate diagnosis?

Tetralogy of Fallot. ***Tetralogy of Fallot*** - The combination of **pulmonary stenosis**, **ventricular septal defect**, **dextroposition of the aorta** (overriding aorta), and **right ventricular hypertrophy** is the classic definition of Tetralogy of Fallot. - The "bluish" episodes (cyanosis) when crying or feeding are characteristic of **tet spells**, indicating right-to-left shunting and reduced pulmonary blood flow, exacerbated by activity. *Atrial septal defect* - An ASD primarily involves a **left-to-right shunt** and typically presents with a **fixed, split S2** and a **pulmonic flow murmur**, usually without cyanosis in infancy. - It does not involve the characteristic four defects seen in this patient, particularly the significant pulmonary stenosis and cyanosis. *Coarctation of aorta, postductal* - **Postductal coarctation** typically presents in older children or adults with **hypertension in the upper extremities** and **diminished or absent femoral pulses**, often without cyanosis. - This condition is a narrowing of the aorta **distal to the ductus arteriosus** and does not involve the four specific intracardiac defects described. *Coarctation of aorta, preductal* - **Preductal coarctation** can present in neonates with **heart failure** and **differential cyanosis** (upper body pink, lower body blue), or signs of shock if the ductus arteriosus closes. - This condition involves a narrowing of the aorta **proximal to the ductus arteriosus** and is not characterized by the four specific tetralogy defects.

Q: Tetralogy of Fallot's includes all except -

ASD. ***ASD*** - An **atrial septal defect (ASD)** is not considered one of the four classic components of **Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF)**. - While other cardiac defects can co-exist with TOF, an ASD is not a primary defining feature of the syndrome. - The **four classic components** of TOF are: VSD, pulmonary stenosis, RVH, and **overriding aorta**. *VSD* - A **ventricular septal defect (VSD)** is one of the four essential components of **Tetralogy of Fallot**, allowing communication between the ventricles. - It is typically a large, **malalignment VSD** that is a critical part of the pathophysiology. *Pulmonary stenosis* - **Pulmonary stenosis** (often infundibular, valvular, or supravalvular) is a key defining feature, leading to obstruction of blood flow from the right ventricle to the pulmonary artery. - The degree of pulmonary stenosis determines the severity of the **cyanosis** and clinical presentation. *RVH* - **Right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH)** develops as a compensatory mechanism due to the increased workload on the right ventricle to pump blood across the stenotic pulmonary valve. - This is a direct consequence of the **pulmonary stenosis** and is one of the four classic components of the syndrome.

Q: True about a 1-year-old child with PDA is –

Symptoms similar to aortopulmonary window. ***Symptoms similar to aortopulmonary window*** - Both **patent ductus arteriosus (PDA)** and an **aortopulmonary window** involve a connection between the aorta and pulmonary artery, leading to **left-to-right shunting**. - This shunting results in similar clinical presentations, such as a **continuous murmur**, signs of **pulmonary overcirculation**, and potential for **congestive heart failure** and **pulmonary hypertension**. *Indomethacin may help in closure* - **Indomethacin** is effective in closing a PDA, but primarily in **premature infants** and typically within the first few weeks of life. - In a **1-year-old child**, the ductus arteriosus has become muscularized and fibrotic, making medical closure with indomethacin ineffective. *Chances of spontaneous closure high* - The highest probability of **spontaneous closure** of a PDA occurs within the **first few days to weeks of life**. - By **1 year of age**, spontaneous closure is highly unlikely, and the PDA is generally considered to require intervention if it is hemodynamically significant. *Endocarditis is rare* - While uncommon, **infective endocarditis** is a well-recognized complication of an uncorrected PDA. - The turbulent blood flow through the shunt creates an environment conducive to bacterial adherence and infection at the pulmonary artery end of the ductus. - This makes endocarditis a definite risk rather than a rare occurrence, particularly in untreated cases.

Question 1

A child presented with headache, dizziness, intermittent claudication with occasional dyspnea. The most probable diagnosis is:

Accepted Answer

Coarctation of aorta

Answer

PDA

Answer

TOF

Answer

ASD

Question 2

Uncommon finding in congestive cardiac failure in a newborn -

Accepted Answer

Pedal edema

Answer

Tachycardia

Answer

Tachypnoea

Answer

Hepatomegaly

Question 3

Cantrell pentalogy include all except

Accepted Answer

Trisomy 21

Answer

ASD

Answer

VSD

Answer

TOF

Question 4

One month old baby is referred for failure to thrive. On examination there are features of congestive cardiac failure. Femoral pulses are feeble compared to brachial pulses. The likely diagnosis is

Accepted Answer

Coarctation of aorta

Answer

Congenital aortic stenosis

Answer

Congenital aorto-iliac disease

Answer

Patent ductus arteriosus

Question 5

A neonate is diagnosed with pentalogy of Fallot. She may have the following lesions:

Accepted Answer

TOF + ASD

Answer

TOF + COA

Answer

TOF + PDA

Answer

TOF + Polysplenia

Question 6

What is the most common congenital heart defect in newborns with Down syndrome?

Accepted Answer

AV canal defect

Answer

Tetralogy of Fallot

Answer

VSD

Answer

ASD

Question 7

Which among the following is a sure sign of heart failure in an infant with congenital heart disease?

Accepted Answer

Liver enlargement

Answer

Pedal oedema

Answer

JVP

Answer

Basal crepitations

Question 8

A 2-week-old girl is found to have a harsh murmur along the left sternal border. The parents report that the baby gets "bluish" when she cries or drinks from her bottle. Echocardiogram reveals a congenital heart defect associated with pulmonary stenosis, ventricular septal defect, dextroposition of the aorta, and right ventricular hypertrophy. What is the appropriate diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Tetralogy of Fallot

Answer

Atrial septal defect

Answer

Coarctation of aorta, postductal

Answer

Coarctation of aorta, preductal

Question 9

Tetralogy of Fallot's includes all except -

Accepted Answer

ASD

Answer

VSD

Answer

Pulmonary stenosis

Answer

RVH

Question 10

True about a 1-year-old child with PDA is –

Accepted Answer

Symptoms similar to aortopulmonary window

Answer

Indomethacin may help in closure

Answer

Chances of spontaneous closure high

Answer

Endocarditis is rare

Cardiology — MCQs

Cardiology — MCQs

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