P5581In patients with aortic valve regurgitation, left ventricular geometry and strain, more than pulmonary artery systolic pressure, affect right ventricular function

Abstract

Abstract Background Left ventricular (LV) overload due to aortic valve (AR) regurgitation may affect right ventricular (RV) function. Elevation of pulmonary artery pressures secondary to isolated AR is not common. Thus, the effects of chronic LV overload due to AR on RV function remains to be clarified. Purpose To assess the determinants of RV dysfunction in chronic AR. Methods We studied 36 patients with moderate or severe AR (53±18 years, 81% were men). We used 3D echocardiography to acquire multi-beat, full-volume data sets of LV and RV and to measure volumes and EF. RV fractional area change (FAC) was calculated. LV global longitudinal strain (GLS) and RV peak longitudinal strain (RVLS) were assessed by 2D speckle tracking echocardiography. Results RV EF and RV FAC were 40±6% and 34±9%. LV GLS and peak RVLS were reduced (Table). LV EDVi showed negative correlations with RV function (RV EF: r=−0.545, p<0.001; RV FAC: r=−0.816, p<0.001). LV sphericity index showed negative correlations with RV function (RVFAC: r=−0.608, P=0.001; RV EF: r=−0.469, P=0.004). Moreover, LV GLS and RVLS correlated positively with RV function (FAC: for GLS: r=0.475, p=0.003 and for RVLS: r=0.389, p=0.019) (RV EF: for GLS: r=0.526, p=0.001 and for RVLS: r=0.475, p=0.003). On multivariable linear regression analysis, LV EDVi, LV sphericity index, LV GLS and peak RVLS were found to be the only independent predictors of RV EF and FAC. Left and right ventricular volumes and function in patients with chronic aortic regurgitation AR (n=36) Control (n=25) p value LV end-diastolic volume (ml/m2) 106±36 56±8 <0.001 LV end-systolic volume (ml/m2) 50±28 22±4 <0.001 LV ejection fraction (%) 54±10 60±4 <0.001 LV sphericity index 0.53±0.11 0.38±0.08 <0.001 Pulmonary artery systolic pressure (mm Hg) 27±8 RV end-diastolic volume (ml/m2) 59±12 35±7 <0.001 RV end-systolic volume (ml/m2) 31±9 17±3 <0.001 RV ejection fraction (%) 40±6 50±4 <0.001 RV fractional area change (%) 34±9 44±6 <0.001 LV GLS (%) −18±3 21±1 <0.001 Peak RVLS (%) −26±5 −31±3 <0.001 Conclusions RV remodeling in chronic LV overload due to AR occurs independent on PASP values. LV size, shape and strain are the only independent predictors of RV function.