Which Type of Cardiomyopathy (Ischemic or Dilated) can be Attributed to more Alteration in Right Ventricular Dysfunction?

Abstract

Background: There are few studies in the literature comparing the RV function of the two entities of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM). The aim of this study was to compare RV dysfunction among patients with ICM or DCM. Methods: The study population consisted of 287 consecutive patients with heart failure referred for pre-CRT echocardiography evaluation at the Tehran Heart Center between January 2005 and December 2010. A complete transthoracic echocardiographic examination, which included 2-dimensional and Doppler echocardiography with color flow mapping were performed using standard techniques. For assessing RV function, the two parameters of the tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and right ventricular peak mean systolic tissue velocity (RVSM) were measured. Results: Comparing RV function on TAPSE measurement between the ischemic and dilated cardiomyopathy groups showed no significant differences between them that the mean of TAPSE was 15.05 ± 4.65 mm and 15.64 ± 4.90 mm, respectively. With respect to assessing RV function using peak mean systolic RVSM measurement, this parameter in the ischemic and dilated cardiomyopathy were also similar (3.795 ± 2.050 cm/s versus 4.551 ± 2.753 cm/s, p = 0.176). Conclusion: There is no difference with regard to RV functional state between ICM and DCM.