Echocardiographic assessment of right ventricular function in patients with pulmonary hypertension: Strain imaging study

Abstract

ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to assess the right ventricular (RV) function in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) using strain imaging.BackgroundNoninvasive techniques evaluating RV performance have important limitations, and strain imaging studies have helped overcome some of these limitations.Patients and methodsFifty patients with PH (72% male and 28% female; mean age 55.76 ± 14.60 years) and 20 age-matched and sex-matched controls were studied using Vivid 9. Apical four-chamber view was used to measure the strain and strain rate of the RV free wall and septal wall. Parameters were quantified in basal, mid, and apical segments of the septal and RV free wall and measures were correlated with pulmonary artery systolic pressure.ResultsThere was a statistically significant difference between patients and controls with regard to strain of the RV free wall (P < 0.001) and strain rate of the RV free wall (P < 0.001). There was significant negative correlation between pulmonary artery systolic pressure and strain of the RV free wall (r = −0.459, P < 0.001) and strain rate of the RV free wall (r = −0.526, P < 0.001).ConclusionThe impairment of RV myocardial deformation is evident in patients with PH using strain and strain rate.