Histologic and Hemodynamic Correlates of Right Ventricular Function in a Pressure Overload Model: a Study Using Three-Dimensional Speckle Tracking Echocardiography

Abstract

The aim of our study was to assess the characterization of right ventricular (RV) deformation using three-dimensional (3D) speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) and association of 3D-STE indices with histologic and hemodynamic parameters in a chronic RV pressure overload animal model. Pulmonary artery banding (PAB) was used to induce RV pressure overload in seven beagles. 3D-STE, histologic and hemodynamic measurements were performed in PAB and sham-operated beagles 3 mo after PAB. RV longitudinal, radial and circumferential strain was measured from 3D-STE. Three mo after PAB, RV longitudinal strain was decreased; whereas radial and circumferential strain remained unchanged in PAB group. RV longitudinal strain was associated with interstitial fibrosis (r = −0.733) in the endocardial layer of the RV free wall. RV circumferential strain was related to dp/dtmax (r = 0.718). The significant correlations of RV 3D-STE indices with histologic and hemodynamic parameters indicate that 3D-STE may be a valuable tool for assessment of ventricular function in RV pressure overload.