Preserved Systolic Function (ef in Medicine / Internal Medicine — 66yo Man | Cardiology | SMLE Q#10954

SMLE Question #10954

Medicine / Internal Medicine Cardiology

Objective: OBJ-163

Last updated: February 2026
A 66-year-old man has 3 months of progressive exertional dyspnea worse when lying flat, bilateral leg swelling, and increasing abdominal distension. Examination shows raised jugular venous pressure, bilateral pitting edema, ascites, basal crackles, and tender hepatomegaly. Transthoracic echocardiography shows normal left and right ventricular size with preserved systolic function (EF >60%), marked biatrial enlargement, and no significant valvular disease. A restrictive filling process is suspected. What is the most useful next diagnostic test to help confirm the underlying cause?

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