It's Topic Tuesday! (On a Wednesday!)

Good morning! Here are the answers to yesterday's quiz. How did you do?

1. How many leaflets does a normal aortic valve have?

Answer: B) Three

Most aortic valves are "tri-leaflet," meaning three leaflets come together when the valve closes to prevent blood from leaking backward.

2. What shape is often used to describe a normal aortic valve when viewed from above?

Answer: B) Mercedes-Benz logo

When viewed from above, the three leaflets of a normal aortic valve resemble the Mercedes-Benz logo which can be a helpful way to remember normal valve anatomy!

3. During a left heart catheterization, what is injected to help doctors see the coronary arteries on X-ray?

Answer: B) Contrast dye

A special dye visible on X-ray is injected through the catheter, allowing doctors to see blood flow through the coronary arteries in real time.

4. What is the name of the procedure where doctors inflate a tiny balloon to open a blocked coronary artery during a heart cath?

Answer: C) Coronary angioplasty

If a significant blockage is found, doctors may perform angioplasty (inflating a balloon to open the artery) and often place a stent to keep it open. This is also called percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

5. What type of imaging uses sound waves to create pictures of the heart and does NOT involve radiation?

Answer: C) Echocardiogram (TTE)

A transthoracic echocardiogram uses ultrasound (sound waves) to create moving images of the heart which means no needles, no radiation, and is completely painless.

6. Why does a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) provide clearer images than a regular echocardiogram?

Answer: B) The probe is positioned closer to the heart through the esophagus

Because the esophagus sits directly behind the heart, placing the probe there avoids interference from the chest wall, ribs, and lungs, resulting in much clearer images.

7. Which cardiac imaging test does NOT use radiation?

Answer: B) Cardiac MRI

Cardiac MRI uses a strong magnetic field to create images, therefore no radiation involved. This is one of its advantages over CT scans.

8. Approximately how long does a cardiac MRI typically take compared to a CT scan?

Answer: C) MRI takes longer (30-90 minutes vs. 5-30 minutes for CT)

While MRI provides highly detailed images without radiation, it does take longer than a CT scan. Patients need to remain still during the scan for the best image quality.

9. What is a common concern patients have about IV contrast dye used in CT scans?

Answer: B) It may affect the kidneys

Some patients worry about contrast-induced nephropathy (temporary kidney function changes). For most healthy people, the risk is very low and usually reversible if it occurs.

10. What can patients do to help protect their kidneys after receiving IV contrast?

Answer: B) Drink plenty of water

Staying well-hydrated before and after a CT scan with contrast helps the kidneys flush out the dye. Your care team may also give you IV fluids as an extra precaution.

Great job completing this month's quiz!

We hope these posts have helped you better understand the different ways doctors can look at your heart and aorta. Knowledge is power and the more you understand, the more confident you can be in your care.

Have a great week, and Think Aorta!

-Jack