Multiplane two-dimensional strain echocardiography for segmental analysis of right ventricular mechanics: new-RV study.

INTRODUCTION: Recent studies showed the prognostic value of strain measurements of the free right ventricular (RV) wall. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and the diagnostic value of the assessment of longitudinal mechanics of all segments of the RV by multiplane, two-dimensional transthoracic (2D) strain echocardiography. METHODS: A triplane apical visualization of the RV was attempted in each individual. RV systolic function was assessed with RV 2D strain, RV automated systolic index, real-time 3D echocardiography and RV parameters according to current guidelines. RESULTS: The study population (n = 118) consisted of 81 consecutive patients with overt right ventricular systolic dysfunction due to different etiologies, 13 patients with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) and 24 healthy controls. Triplane assessment of the RV was possible in all examinations. 2D strain of 18 segments could be obtained in 75 %, 9 segments of the RV free wall in 84 % and 3 segments in four-chamber view in 96 % of the examinations. Contrary to established RV parameters, RV 2D strain detected impaired RV function in all patient groups compared to the control group. In regard to global RV function, RV 2D strain by multiplane assessment was not superior to a monoplane approach. However, segmental strain analysis was able to define the presence of impaired RV function in ARVC patients which otherwise would have been missed by current standard parameters. CONCLUSION: Regional RV mechanics were reliably assessed by RV 2D strain in a multiplane apical chamber view mode.

Non-invasive quantification of right ventricular systolic function by echocardiography: a new semi-automated approach.

BACKGROUND: Right ventricular (RV) function determines long-term outcome in many cardiopulmonary diseases. However, the assessment of RV function is time-consuming and surrogate parameters derived from two-dimensional (2D) or Doppler echocardiography show poor consistency. METHODS: Forty consecutive patients were examined within 30 min after magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with comprehensive echocardiography, including strain imaging and real-time three-dimensional echocardiography. A new parameter, the RV automated systolic index (RV-ASI), was obtained from the apical four-chamber view using semi-automated border detection. RESULTS: RV-ASI could be assessed by 2D echocardiography in 38 of 40 patients. RV ejection fraction assessed by MRI was 48 ± 9 %, while RV-ASI was 52 ± 11 % (r = 0.74, SEE = 6 %, p < 0.0001). Intra- and inter-observer variabilities were 7.5 and 8.9 %, respectively. An RV-ASI cut-off value of 52 % in this cohort was able to differentiate between normal and impaired RV function (AUC 0.92, sensitivity 87 %, specificity 93 %). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the RV-ASI showed to be an easy, rapid to assess and reliable tool for quantification of right ventricular function. Furthermore, this index can complement the assessment of right ventricular mechanics by 2D strain imaging for efficient and comprehensive non-invasive evaluation of right ventricular function.