CAQ-CVTS case studies
CAQ-CVTS · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The CAQ-CVTS (Certified Associate in Quantitative Vascular Technology and Sonography) is a multiple-choice credential aimed at entry- to mid-level vascular sonographers and technologists who perform and interpret noninvasive vascular studies. It is designed for candidates who want to demonstrate working command of both the technical craft - probe selection, Doppler settings, spectral waveform interpretation - and the clinical reasoning that turns a waveform into a report. The CAQ-CVTS case studies are 5 cases and about 2,840 words.
1Low Velocity, High Risk: Interpreting a Near-Occlusion on Carotid Duplex
A 68-year-old man presents with two episodes of right amaurosis fugax in the past week and a right hemispheric transient ischemic attack. Carotid duplex is performed with a linear array at a 60° Doppler angle, a 2-mm sample volume, and a PRF of 4 kHz.
634 words, about 3 min2The Calcified ABI That Cannot Be Trusted
A 74-year-old woman with type 2 diabetes, stage 4 chronic kidney disease, and a nonhealing ulcer on the right great toe reports buttock and thigh claudication after 50 yards. Ankle-brachial index (ABI) is performed with a handheld continuous-wave Doppler and standard cuff: right ABI 1.42, left ABI 1.38.
601 words, about 3 min3Swelling Two Years After DVT: Reflux, Obstruction, or Recurrence?
A 55-year-old woman with a history of left iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis (DVT) after pregnancy 2 years ago, treated with 6 months of anticoagulation, now has chronic left leg heaviness, swelling that worsens through the day, and venous claudication after 3 blocks. Duplex shows the left common femoral vein is partially compressible with echogenic material and continuous, monophasic flow with decreased phasicity; the popliteal vein has reflux of 2.8 seconds; the greater saphenous vein has reflux of 2.2 seconds; no acute intraluminal thrombus is seen.
553 words, about 3 min4A Fistula That Will Not Mature: Where Is the Problem?
A 62-year-old man with end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis via a tunneled catheter has a left brachiocephalic arteriovenous fistula created 10 weeks ago. Physical exam shows a weak thrill; the fistula collapses when the arm is elevated; there is no pulsatility.
523 words, about 3 min5Postprandial Pain and Weight Loss: Mesenteric Ischemia or Median Arcuate Ligament?
A 70-year-old woman with a 25-lb weight loss, fear of eating, and postprandial abdominal pain for 6 months is referred for mesenteric duplex after an 8-hour fast. The celiac artery PSV is 280 cm/s with a hook-like depression and turbulence; the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) PSV is 310 cm/s and EDV 90 cm/s; aortic PSV is 85 cm/s.
529 words, about 3 min