Evaluation of Right Ventricular Systolic Function after Mitral Valve Repair: A Two-Dimensional Doppler, Speckle-Tracking, and Three-Dimensional Echocardiographic Study

Preoperative right ventricular strain as an early predictor of perioperative cardiac failure in patients undergoing mitral surgery: An exploratory study

Objectives

This study's primary purpose was to demonstrate the correlation of preoperative right ventricular free-wall longitudinal strain (RVFWLS) and pre-/postsurgical variation in strain (delta strain) with the clinical and echocardiographic diagnosis of right ventricular dysfunction. Its secondary purpose was to determine the correlation of RVFWLS and delta strain with length of stay (LOS) in the intensive care unit (ICU), ventilation days, trend of natriuretic peptide test. (NT-proBNP) and lactate in the first 48 h, incidence of acute renal failure, and 28-day mortality.

Design

Prospective observational study.

Setting

Cardio-thoracic and Vascular Anaesthesia Department and ICU of the University Hospital Integrated Trust of Verona.

Participants

Patients scheduled for mitral surgery.

Interventions

None.

Measurements and Main Results

All clinical and transoesophageal echocardiographic (TEE) parameters were collected at baseline, before surgery (T1) and at admission in the ICU postsurgery (T2). During the postoperative period, the clinical and echocardiographic diagnoses of right, left, or biventricular dysfunction were evaluated. TEE parameters were evaluated by a cardiologist offline. The patients were divided into two subgroups according to the development of any type of ventricular dysfunction. No statistically significant differences emerged between the two groups. According to a logistic regression model, a T1-RVFWLS value of -15% appeared to predict biventricular dysfunction (sensitivity: 100%; specificity: 91.3%). No correlation between T1- or T2-RVFWLS and creatinine, hours of ventilation or ICU LOS was found.

Conclusions

Our study introduces a new parameter that could be used in perioperative evaluations to identify patients at risk of postoperative biventricular dysfunction.

Echocardiographic Characteristics of Left and Right Ventricular Longitudinal Function in Patients With a History of Cardiac Surgery

Previous studies have indicated a reduction in right ventricular (RV) longitudinal motion after cardiac surgery. However, the long-term effect of cardiac surgery on longitudinal motion and the involvement of left ventricular (LV) motion remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to comprehensively investigate the longitudinal function of the right ventricle and left ventricle in patients who underwent cardiac surgery. The study included patients who underwent comprehensive transthoracic echocardiography with 3-dimensional RV data sets. By propensity score matching of the clinical and echocardiographic variables, including LV and RV ejection fraction, the echocardiographic parameters were compared between patients with and without a history of cardiac surgery (the surgery and nonsurgery groups, respectively). In this study, the surgery group had significantly lower LV global longitudinal strain values than the nonsurgery group, despite having similar LV ejection fraction. The tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), tricuspid annular velocity, and RV free wall longitudinal strain were also significantly smaller in the surgery group, whereas the RV ejection fraction was comparable between the 2 groups. In addition, a subgroup analysis based on the time from previous surgery to transthoracic echocardiography (≤1 and >1 year) revealed that TAPSE was reduced in both postoperative phases. In conclusion, LV and RV longitudinal parameters were reduced after cardiac surgery, despite preserved LV and RV global functions. Moreover, TAPSE was reduced even after a long time after cardiac surgery. These findings emphasize the need for careful interpretation of biventricular longitudinal motion in patients with a history of cardiac surgery.

Prognostic significance of right ventricular dysfunction in patients presenting with acute left-sided heart failure

BACKGROUND

The prognostic value of right ventricular (RV) function in chronic heart failure (HF) has lately been well established. However, research on its role in acute heart failure (AHF) is sparse.

RESULTS

This study comprised 195 patients, aged between 18 and 80 years, with acute left-sided heart failure (HF) and a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) < 50%. Patients with LVEF ≥ 50%, mechanical ventilatory or circulatory support, poor echocardiographic windows, prosthetic valves, congenital heart diseases, infective endocarditis, and/or life expectancy < 1 year due to non-cardiac causes were excluded. The study participants' mean age was 57.7 ± 10.9 years, and 74.9% were males. Coronary artery disease was present in 80.5% of patients. The mean LVEF was 31% ± 8.7. RV dysfunction (RVD), defined as tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) < 17 mm, RV S' < 9.5 cm/s and/or RV fractional area change (FAC) < 35%, was identified in 48.7% of patients. The RV was dilated in 67.7% of the patients. RVD was significantly associated with a longer HF duration, atrial fibrillation, and idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. The primary outcome, a 6-month composite of cardiovascular death or hospitalization for worsening HF (HHF), occurred in 42% of the participants. Cardiovascular mortality and HHF occurred in 30.5% and 23.9% of the patients, respectively. The primary endpoint and longer CCU stays were significantly more common in patients with RVD than in those with normal RV function. RV dilatation was significantly associated with the primary outcome, whether alone or in combination with RVD. Multivariate regression analysis showed that only RV global longitudinal strain (GLS) independently predicted poor outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

RVD and RV dilatation strongly predict CV death and HHF in patients with AHF and LVEF < 50%. Multivariate analysis showed that RV GLS was the only predictor of a composite of CV death and HHF.

Right Ventricular Function in Surgical Treatment of Left Heart

Aim    The aim of this study was to evaluate right ventricular (RV) function during left chamber surgery.Material and methods    This was a single-site prospective cohort study. The study included 197 patients with valvular pathology of heart left chambers. Mean age of patients was 58 [47; 65] years. Precordial echocardiography was performed preoperatively and within one week after surgery.Results    Decreased parameters of the right ventricular (RV) longitudinal function and global contractile function were observed postoperatively in the majority of patients. More noticeable decreases were observed in parameters of the longitudinal function (p<0.001). Analysis of the changes in RV contractility depending on the underlying pathology revealed the greatest changes in the contractile function in the mitral insufficiency group. In the mitral stenosis group, the greatest difference was observed in the tricuspid annular systolic excursion (TAPSE) (p=0.027). In the groups with aortic defects, all parameters of RV contractile function, except for the fractional area change (FAC), showed statistically significant decreases after correction of the underlying defect (p<0.05).Conclusions    Surgical intervention for left heart valvulopathy can result in a decrease in RV function unrelated with systolic deficit of the left ventricle. Modern technologies allow multi-vector assessment of the RV contractile function. To assess the RV function, it is advisable to use a combination of parameters that reflect both global and longitudinal function.

Multiparametric assessment of right ventricular function in heart transplant recipients by echocardiography and relations with pulmonary hemodynamics

OBJECTIVE

Right ventricular (RV) dilatation and dysfunction are usually present in heart transplant (HTx) patients and worsened with residual pulmonary hypertension (PH). We aimed to determine the ability of different echocardiographic modalities to evaluate RV function in comparison with cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and their relations with pulmonary hemodynamics in HTx patients.

METHODS

A total of 62 data sets [echocardiographic, hemodynamic, and CMR] were acquired from 35 HTx patients. Comprehensive echocardiography, including two-dimensional (2D) transthoracic echocardiography, speckle tracking echocardiography, and three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography, was performed. Mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) was obtained invasively from right heart catheterization. The correlations between all echocardiographic parameters and CMR imaging data and the differences between patients with and without residual PH were evaluated.

RESULTS

Diastolic and systolic RV volumes and RV ejection fraction (RVEF) by 3D echocardiography correlated strongly with CMR-derived volumes and RVEF (r = .91, r = .79, r = .64; p < .0001 for each, respectively). Among other parameters, RV fractional area change (r = .439; p < .001) and RV free wall longitudinal strain (RVFW-LS) (r = -.34; p < .05) correlated moderately with CMR-RVEF, whereas tricuspid annulus S' velocity (r = .29; p < .05) and tricuspid annular systolic plane excursion (r = .27; p < .05) correlated weakly with CMR-RVEF. Additionally, 3D-RVEF and RVFW-LS were significantly decreased in studies with mPAP ≥ 20 mm Hg in comparison to those with mPAP < 20 mm Hg (47.7 ± 3.7 vs. 50.9 ± 5.3, p = .04 and -15.5 ± 3.1 vs. -17.5 ± 3, p = .03, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The best method for the evaluation of RV function in HTx recipients is 3D echocardiography. Besides, the subclinical impact of residual PH on RV function can be best determined by RVFW-LS and 3D-RVEF in these patients.

Three-Dimensional Echocardiography Assessment of Right Ventricular Volumes and Function: Technological Perspective and Clinical Application

Right ventricular (RV) function has important prognostic value in a variety of cardiovascular diseases. Due to complex anatomy and mode of contractility, conventional two-dimensional echocardiography does not provide sufficient and accurate RV function assessment. Currently, three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) allows for an excellent and reproducible assessment of RV function owing to overcoming these limitations of traditional echocardiography. This review focused on 3DE and discussed the following points: (i) acquisition of RV dataset for 3DE images, (ii) reliability, feasibility, and reproducibility of RV volumes and function measured by 3DE with different modalities, (iii) the clinical application of 3DE for RV function quantification.

Right Ventricular Function Improves Early After Percutaneous Mitral Valve Repair in Patients Suffering From Severe Mitral Regurgitation

Background

Percutaneous mitral valve edge-to-edge procedure (PMVR) using the MitraClip^® system (Abbot Vascular, CA) is an established therapy for severe mitral regurgitation (MR) in patients judged inoperable or at high surgical risk. Besides determining exercise capacity, right ventricular (RV) function has prognostic value in heart failure and after cardiac surgery. We therefore investigated the impact of PMVR on RV function in patients with severe MR.

Methods and Results

Sixty-three patients undergoing PMVR at our department were prospectively enrolled. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed before, early (2–12d) after PMVR and after 3 months, including advanced echocardiographic analyses such as 3D imaging and strain analyses. At baseline, all patients presented with advanced heart failure symptoms. Etiology of MR was more often secondary and, if present, left ventricular (LV) dysfunction was predominantly caused by ischemic cardiomyopathy. PMVR substantially reduced MR to a grade ≤ 2 in most patients. Echocardiographic assessment revealed a largely unchanged LV systolic function early after PMVR, while in contrast RV function substantially improved after PMVR [3D RV EF (%): pre 33.7% [27.4; 39.6], post 40.0% [34.5; 46.0] (p < 0.01 vs. pre), 3 months 42.8% [38.3; 48.1] (p < 0.01 vs. pre); 2D RV GLS (%): pre −12.9% [−14.5; −10.5], post −16.0% [−17.9; −12.6] (p < 0.01 vs. pre), 3 months −17.2% [−21.7; −14.9] (p < 0.01 vs. pre)]. Factors that attenuated RV improvement were larger ventricular volumes, lower LV function, secondary MR, and a higher STS score (all p < 0.05).

Conclusion

By using advanced echocardiographic parameters, we discovered an early improvement of RV function after PMVR that is preserved for months, independent from changes in LV function. Improvement of RV function was less pronounced in patients presenting with an advanced stage of heart failure and a higher burden of comorbidities reflected by the STS score.

Paradoxical Septal Motion after Uncomplicated Cardiac Surgery: A Consequence of Altered Regional Right Ventricular Contractile Patterns

Paroxysmal interventricular septal motion (PSM) is the movement of the septum toward the right ventricle (RV) during cardiac systole. It occurs frequently after uncomplicated cardiac surgery (CS), including coronary bypass (on-pump and off-pump), valve repair or replacement, and with all types of incisions (sternotomy or mini-thoracotomy). It sometimes resolves quickly but may persist for months or become permanent. Global RV systolic function, stroke volume and ejection fraction remain normal after uncomplicated CS, but regional contractile patterns are altered. There is a decrease in longitudinal shortening but an increase in transverse shortening in the endocardial and epicardial right ventricular muscle fibers, respectively. PSM is a secondary event as there is no loss of septal perfusion or thickening. The increased RV transverse shortening (free wall to septal fibers) may modify septal movement resulting in PSM that compensates for the reduced RV longitudinal shortening, thus preserving normal global right ventricular function.

Clinical Significance of Right Ventricular Function in Pulmonary Hypertension

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a progressive disease characterized by increased pulmonary vascular resistance that leads to right ventricular (RV) failure, a condition that determines its prognosis. This review focuses on the clinical value of the evaluation of RV function in PH. First, the pathophysiology of PH, including hemodynamics, RV function, and their interaction (known as ventriculoarterial coupling), are summarized. Next, non-invasive imaging modalities and the parameters of RV function, mainly assessed by echocardiography, are reviewed. Finally, the clinical impacts of RV function in PH are described. This review will compare the techniques that yield comprehensive information on RV function and their roles in the assessment of PH.

Right Ventricular Function After Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Surgery

OBJECTIVES

Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality after cardiac surgery. Minimally invasive mitral valve surgery (MIMVS) increasingly is being performed. The authors aim was to evaluate postoperative RV function in patients who underwent MIMVS versus traditional mitral valve surgery.

DESIGN

Six hundred seventy-five patients who underwent elective isolated mitral valve surgery at Centro Cardiologico Monzino from January 2016 to December 2019 were analyzed. After 1:1 propensity score matching, 60 patients were identified in the MIMVS (study group A) and 58 patients in the median sternotomy (control group B) and compared.

SETTING

A university-affiliated scientific institute, monocentric.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients.

INTERVENTIONS

Mitral valve surgery.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

No in-hospital deaths occurred. Aortic cross-clamp time (102 [87.5-119] v 83 [61-109] minutes, p = 0.0001), cardiopulmonary bypass duration (161.5 [142.5-181] v 105.5 [74-134] minutes, p < 0.0001) and intensive care unit stay (47 [44-72] v 45 [40-47] hours, p = 0.0015) were significantly longer in group A. The tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion was not different between group A and group B neither postoperatively (15 ± 3 v 14 ± 4 mm, p = 0.1) nor at three-month follow-up (18 ± 4 v 15 ± 3 mm, p = 0.3). No differences in peak postoperative lactates, inotropic score, central venous pressure, and pulmonary artery pulsatility index were observed. The length of hospital stay was significantly shorter in the minimally invasive group (ten [eight-13] v 12 [ten-17], p = 0.006).

CONCLUSION

The authors study showed that the surgical strategy had no significant impact on postoperative RV function after mitral valve surgery.

The Right Ventricle in the Trans-Catheter Era: A Perspective for Planning Interventions

Dysfunction of the right ventricle (RV) is common in patients with advanced left-sided valve disease and the significant impact of RV dysfunction on both short and long-term outcome is well established. However, considerations of RV function are largely absent in current management guidelines for valve disease and cardiac procedural risk models. As the indications and use of trans-catheter therapies rapidly expand for patients with acquired valvular disease, it is critical for clinicians to understand and consider RV function when making decisions for these patients. This review summarizes contemporary data on the assessment of RV function, the prognostic importance of baseline RV dysfunction on surgical and transcatheter procedures for acquired left-sided valvular disease, and the relative impact of these interventions on RV function. Baseline RV dysfunction is a powerful predictor of poor short- and long-term outcome after any therapeutic intervention for acquired left-sided cardiac valve disease. Surgical intervention for aortic or mitral valve disease is associated with a significant but transient decline in RV function, whereas trans-catheter procedures generally do not appear to have detrimental effects on either longitudinal or global RV function. Guidelines for therapy in patents with acquired left-sided valvular disease should account for RV dysfunction. Whereas surgical intervention in these patients leads to a predictable decline in RV function, trans-catheter therapies largely do not appear to have this effect. Further study is needed to determine the impact of these findings on current practice.

Percutaneous Edge-to-Edge Mitral Valve Repair: Beyond the Left Heart

Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction and tricuspid regurgitation (TR) are known to be associated with adverse outcomes in patients undergoing percutaneous mitral valve repair (PMVR). Although the effect of PMVR on left ventricular function is well known, data on the response of the right ventricle to PMVR, and its impact on prognosis, are limited. In this review the authors summarize available data regarding the prognostic role of RV function and TR in PMVR recipients and the possible effects of PMVR on the right heart. Preprocedural tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion < 15 mm, tricuspid annular tissue Doppler S' velocity < 9.5 cm/sec, and moderate or severe TR are reported as predictors of adverse outcome after PMVR. Therefore, they should be carefully evaluated for patient selection. Moreover, emerging data show that the benefit of PMVR may go beyond the left heart, leading to an improvement in RV function and a reduction in TR severity. Among PMVR recipients, improvement in RV function and reduction of TR degree are observed mainly in patients with RV dysfunction at baseline. On the other hand, high postprocedural transmitral pressure gradients seem to be associated with lack of RV reverse remodeling. Timing of mitral intervention with respect to RV impairment and predictors of RV reverse remodeling after PMVR are unknown. Further studies are needed to fill these gaps in evidence.

Partitioning the Right Ventricle Into 15 Segments and Decomposing Its Motion Using 3D Echocardiography-Based Models: The Updated ReVISION Method

Three main mechanisms contribute to global right ventricular (RV) function: longitudinal shortening, radial displacement of the RV free wall (bellows effect), and anteroposterior shortening (as a consequence of left ventricular contraction). Since the importance of these mechanisms may vary in different cardiac conditions, a technology being able to assess their relative influence on the global RV pump function could help to clarify the pathophysiology and the mechanical adaptation of the chamber. Previously, we have introduced our 3D echocardiography (3DE)-based solution-the Right VentrIcular Separate wall motIon quantificatiON (ReVISION) method-for the quantification of the relative contribution of the three aforementioned mechanisms to global RV ejection fraction (EF). Since then, our approach has been applied in several clinical scenarios, and its strengths have been demonstrated in the in-depth characterization of RV mechanical pattern and the prognostication of patients even in the face of maintained RV EF. Recently, various new features have been implemented in our software solution to enable the convenient, standardized, and more comprehensive analysis of RV function. Accordingly, in our current technical paper, we aim to provide a detailed description of the latest version of the ReVISION method with special regards to the volumetric partitioning of the RV and the calculation of longitudinal, circumferential, and area strains using 3DE datasets. We also report the results of the comparison between 3DE- and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging-derived RV parameters, where we found a robust agreement in our advanced 3D metrics between the two modalities. In conclusion, the ReVISION method may provide novel insights into global and also segmental RV function by defining parameters that are potentially more sensitive and predictive compared to conventional echocardiographic measurements in the context of different cardiac diseases.

Perioperative Course of Three-Dimensional-Derived Right Ventricular Strain in Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery: A Prospective, Observational, Pilot Trial

OBJECTIVES

Few data exist on perioperative three-dimensional-derived right ventricular strain. The authors aimed to describe the perioperative course of three-dimensional-derived right ventricular strain in coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery patients.

DESIGN

Prospective, observational, pilot trial.

SETTING

Single university hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

The study comprised 40 patients with preserved left ventricular and right ventricular (RV) function undergoing isolated on-pump CABG surgery.

INTERVENTIONS

Three-dimensional strain analysis and standard echocardiographic evaluation of RV function were performed preoperatively (T1) and postoperatively (T4) with transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and intraoperatively before sternotomy (T2) and after sternotomy (T3) with transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). All echocardiographic measurements were performed under stable hemodynamic conditions and predefined fluid management without any vasoactive support.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The measurements of three-dimensional-derived RV free-wall strain (3D-RV FWS) and RV ejection fraction were performed using TomTec 4D RV-Function 2.0 software. Philips QLAB 10.8 was used to analyze tissue velocity of the tricuspid annulus, tricuspid annular systolic excursion, and RV fractional area change. There were no significant differences (median [interquartile range {IQR}]) between preoperative TTE and intraoperative TEE measurements for 3D-RV FWS (T1 v T2: -22.35 [IQR -17.70 to -27.22] v -24.35 [IQR -20.63 to -29.88]; not significant). 3D-RV FWS remained unchanged after sternotomy (T2 v T3: -24.35 [IQR -20.63 to -29.88] v -23.75 [IQR -20.25 to -29.28]; not significant) but deteriorated significantly after CABG (T1 v T4: -22.35 [IQR -17.70 to -27.22] v -18.5 [IQR -16.90 to -21.65]; p = 0.004).

CONCLUSION

In patients undergoing on-pump CABG, 3D-RV FWS values for awake, spontaneously breathing patients measured with TTE and values assessed in patients under general anesthesia with TEE did not significantly differ. Three-dimensional RV FWS did not change after sternotomy but deteriorated after on-pump CABG.

Right ventricular assessment can improve prognostic value of Euroscore II

BACKGROUND

The aim of this multicenter prospective study was to evaluate the prognostic weight of preoperative right ventricular assessment on early mortality in cardiac surgery.

METHODS

This is a multicenter prospective observational study performed by the Italian Group of Research for Outcome in Cardiac Surgery (GIROC) including 11 centers. From October 2017 to March 2019, out of 923 patients undergoing cardiac surgery, 28 patients with some missing data were excluded and 895 patients were enrolled in the study right ventricular dilatation was defined as a basal end-diastolic diameter >42 mm. The right ventricle (RV) function was assessed using the combination of three parameters: fractional area changing (FAC), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), and S'-wave using tissue Doppler imaging (TDI-S'); RV dysfunction was defined as the presence of at least two of the following cutoffs: FAC <35%, TAPSE <17 mm, and TDI S' <9.5 mm RESULTS: Among the entire cohort, 624 (70%) showed normal RV, 92 (10%) isolated RV dilatation, 154 (17%) isolated RV dysfunction, and 25 (3%) both RV dilatation and dysfunction. Non-surviving patients showed a significantly higher rate of RV alteration at multivariable analysis, RV status was found to be an independent predictor for higher in-hospital mortality beside Euroscore II.

CONCLUSIONS

This prospective multicenter observation study shows the importance to assess RV preoperatively and to include both RV function and dimension in a risk score model such as Euroscore II to implement its predictivity, since PH cannot always mirror the status of the right ventricle.

Right ventricular mechanical pattern in patients undergoing mitral valve surgery: a predictor of post-operative dysfunction?

Aims

The PREPARE‐MVR study (PRediction of Early PostoperAtive Right vEntricular failure in Mitral Valve Replacement/Repair patients) sought to investigate the alterations of right ventricular (RV) contraction pattern in patients undergoing mitral valve replacement/repair (MVR) and to explore the associations between pre‐operative RV mechanics and early post‐operative RV dysfunction (RVD).

Methods and results

We prospectively enrolled 42 patients (63 ± 11 years, 69% men) undergoing open‐heart MVR. Transthoracic three‐dimensional (3D) echocardiography was performed pre‐operatively, at intensive care unit discharge, and 6 months after surgery. The 3D model of the RV was reconstructed, and RV ejection fraction (RVEF) was calculated. We decomposed the motion of the ventricle to compute longitudinal ejection fraction (LEF) and radial ejection fraction (REF). Pulmonary artery catheterization was performed to monitor RV stroke work index (RVSWi). RVEF was slightly decreased after MVR [52 (50–55) vs. 51 (46–54)%; P = 0.001], whereas RV contraction pattern changed notably. Before MVR, the longitudinal shortening was the main contributor to global systolic RV function [LEF/RVEF vs. REF/RVEF; 0.53 (0.47–0.58) vs. 0.33 (0.22–0.42); P < 0.001]. Post‐operatively, the radial motion became dominant [0.33 (0.28–0.43) vs. 0.46 (0.37–0.51); P = 0.004]. However, this shift was temporary as 6 months later the two components contributed equally to global RV function [0.44 (0.38–0.50) vs. 0.41 (0.36–0.49); P = 0.775]. Pre‐operative LEF was an independent predictor of post‐operative RVD defined as RVSWi < 300 mmHg⋅mL/m² [OR = 1.33 (95% CI: 1.08–1.77), P < 0.05].

Conclusions

MVR induces a significant shift in the RV mechanical pattern. Advanced indices of RV mechanics are associated with invasively measured parameters of RV contractility and may predict post‐operative RVD.

The Reduction in Right Ventricular Longitudinal Contraction Parameters Is Not Accompanied by a Reduction in General Right Ventricular Performance During Aortic Valve Replacement: An Explorative Study

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study was to identify whether the decrease of longitudinal parameters after cardiothoracic surgery (ie, tricuspid annular systolic plane excursion [TAPSE] and systolic excursion velocity [S']) is accompanied by a reduction in global right ventricular (RV) performance.

DESIGN

Prospective, observational study.

SETTING

Single-center explorative study in a tertiary teaching hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

The study comprised 20 patients who underwent aortic valve replacement with or without coronary artery bypass grafting.

INTERVENTIONS

During cardiac surgery, simultaneous measurements of RV function were performed with a pulmonary artery catheter and transesophageal echocardiography.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

TAPSE and S' were reduced significantly directly after surgery compared with the time before surgery (TAPSE from 20.8 [16.6-23.4] mm to 9.1 [5.6-15.5] mm; p < 0.001 and S' from 8.7 [7.9-10.7] cm/s to 7.2 [5.7-8.6] cm/s; p = 0.041). However, the reduction in TAPSE and S' was not accompanied by a reduction in RV performance, as assessed with the TEE-derived myocardial performance index (MPI) and pulmonary artery catheter-derived RV ejection fraction (RVEF). Both remained statistically unaltered before and after the procedure (MPI from 0.52 [0.43-0.58] to 0.50 [0.42-0.88]; p = 0.278 and RVEF from 27% [22%-32%] to 26% [22%-28%]; p = 0.294).

CONCLUSIONS

In the direct postoperative phase, the reduction of echocardiographic parameters of longitudinal RV contractility (TAPSE and S') were not accompanied by a reduction in global RV performance, expressed as MPI and RVEF. Solely relying on a single RV parameter as a marker for global RV performance may not be adequate to assess the complex adaptation of the right ventricle to aortic valve replacement.

Right Ventricular Analysis Using Real-time Three-dimensional Echocardiography for Preload Dependency

BACKGROUND

The importance of the right ventricle (RV) has been increasingly recognized, and accurate RV measurement has become necessary. However, assessment of the RV with two-dimensional (2D) echocardiography has several limitations. As the development of novel methods for RV measurement continues, we can expect more accordant values related to RV geometry.

METHODS

Fifty-eight subjects who were examined by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) immediately before and after hemodialysis (HD) were enrolled. Real-time, full-volume, three-dimensional (3D) echocardiographic images were acquired and analyzed using dedicated software. Conventional RV parameters for RV size and function were measured for comparison with pre-HD and post-HD values by both 2D-TTE and 3D-TTE.

RESULTS

3D RV volumes and ejection fractions were significantly decreased after HD. The values of the 3D image-derived RV dimensions, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), fractional area change (FAC), and longitudinal strain were also affected by acute preload changes (TAPSE pre-HD: 22.4 ± 4.0 mm, post-HD: 19.0 ± 4.2 mm, p < 0.001; FAC pre-HD: 49.6% ± 5.9%, post-HD: 46.4% ± 5.5%, p < 0.001; septal longitudinal strain pre-HD: -20.1% ± 3.7%, post-HD: -16.8% ± 3.8%, p < 0.001). With the exception of FAC, most 2D RV parameters were well correlated with the 3D values.

CONCLUSIONS

Various parameters representing RV anatomy and function were acquired easily and more accurately from 3D echocardiographic images than from 2D images but were affected by acute preload changes. 3D TTE could be a new modality for assessing RV function and size, but each value from 3D TTE should be interpreted with caution while considering the loading condition of the patients.

Does an occluded RCA affect prognosis in patients undergoing PCI or CABG for left main coronary artery disease? Analysis from the EXCEL trial

AIMS

The impact of an occluded right coronary artery (RCA) in patients with left main coronary artery disease (LMCAD) undergoing revascularisation is unknown. We compared outcomes for patients with LMCAD randomised to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) according to the presence of an occluded RCA in the EXCEL trial.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The EXCEL trial randomised 1,905 patients with LMCAD and SYNTAX scores ≤32 to PCI with everolimus-eluting stents versus CABG. Patients were categorised according to whether they had an occluded RCA at baseline, and their outcomes were examined using multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression. The primary endpoint was a composite of death, stroke, or myocardial infarction at three years. Among 1,753 patients with a dominant RCA by core laboratory analysis, the RCA was occluded in 130 (7.4%) at baseline. PCI was attempted in 34 of 65 patients with an occluded RCA (52.3%) and was successful in 27 (79.4% of those attempted; 41.5% of all RCAs recanalised). The RCA was bypassed in 42 of 65 patients with an occluded RCA (64.6%; p=0.0008 versus PCI). The three-year absolute and relative rates of the primary endpoint were similar between PCI and CABG, in patients with or without an occluded RCA (pinteraction=0.92).

CONCLUSIONS

In the EXCEL trial, the presence of an occluded RCA at baseline did not confer a worse three-year prognosis in patients undergoing revascularisation for LMCAD and did not affect the relative outcomes of PCI versus CABG in this high-risk patient cohort.

Right ventricular mechanical pattern in health and disease: beyond longitudinal shortening

Right ventricular (RV) function has proven to be a prognostic factor in heart failure with reduced and preserved ejection fraction and in pulmonary hypertension. RV function is also a cornerstone in the management of novel clinical issues, such as mechanical circulatory support devices or grown-up congenital heart disease patients. Despite the notable amount of circumferentially oriented myofibers in the subepicardial layer of the RV myocardium, the non-longitudinal motion directions are often neglected in the everyday assessment of RV function by echocardiography. However, the complex RV contraction pattern incorporates different motion components along three anatomically relevant axes: longitudinal shortening with traction of the tricuspid annulus towards the apex, radial motion of free wall often referred as the "bellows effect", and anteroposterior shortening of the chamber by stretching the free wall over the septum. Advanced echocardiographic techniques, such as speckle-tracking and 3D echocardiography allow an in-depth characterization of RV mechanical pattern, providing better understanding of RV systolic and diastolic function. In our current review, we summarize the existing knowledge regarding RV mechanical adaptation to pressure- and/or volume-overloaded states and also other physiologic or pathologic conditions.

Echocardiographic predictors of intraoperative right ventricular dysfunction: a 2D and speckle tracking echocardiography study

Background

Intraoperative or post procedure right ventricular (RV) dysfunction confers a poor prognosis in the post-operative period. Conventional predictors for RV function are limited due the effect of cardiac surgery on traditional RV indices; novel echocardiographic techniques hold the promise to improve RV functional stratification.

Methods

Comprehensive echocardiographic data were collected prospectively during elective cardiac surgery. Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), peak RV systolic velocity (S′), and RV fractional area change (FAC) were quantified on transesophageal echo (TEE). RV global and regional (septal and free wall) longitudinal strain was quantified using speckle-tracking echo in RV-focused views. Two intraoperative time points were used for comparison: pre-sternotomy (baseline) and after chest closure.

Results

The population was comprised of 53 patients undergoing cardiac surgery [15.1% coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) only, 28.3% valve only, 50.9% combination (e.g. valve/CABG, valve/aortic graft) surgeries], among whom 38% had impaired RV function at baseline defined as RV FAC < 35%. All conventional RV functional indices including TAPSE, S′ and FAC declined immediately following CPB (1.5 ± 0.3 vs.1.1 ± 0.3 cm, 8.0 ± 2.1 vs. 6.2 ± 2.5 cm/s, 36.8 ± 9.3 vs. 29.3 ± 10.6%; p < 0.001 for all). However, left ventricular (LV) and RV hemodynamic parameters remained unchanged (LV ejection fraction (EF): 56.8 ± 13.0 vs. 55.8 ± 12.9%; p = 0.40, pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP): 26.5 ± 7.4 vs 27.3 ± 6.7 mmHg; p = 0.13). Speckle tracking echocardiographic data demonstrated a significant decline in RV global longitudinal strain (GLS) [19.0 ± 6.5 vs. 13.5 ± 6.9%, p < 0.001]. Pre-procedure FAC, GLS and free wall strain predicted RV dysfunction at chest closure (34.7 ± 9.1 vs. 41.6 ± 8.1%, p = 0.01, 17.7 ± 6.5 vs. 21.8 ± 5.4%; p = 0.03, 20.3 ± 6.4 vs. 24.2 ± 5.8%; p = 0.04), whereas traditional linear RV indices such as TAPSE and RV S′ at baseline had no impact on intraoperative RV dysfunction (p = NS for both).

Conclusions

Global and regional RV function, as measured by 2D indices and strain, acutely decline intraoperatively. Impaired RV strain is associated with intraoperative RV functional decline and provides incremental value to traditional RV indices in predicting those who will develop RV dysfunction.

Changes in right ventricular longitudinal function: primary mitral and concomitant tricuspid valve repair

Objectives:

To evaluate the impact of concomitant tricuspid valve (TV) repair on the right ventricular (RV) function postoperatively and within the 6 months following degenerative mitral valve (MV) repair.

Methods:

The prospective study included 37 patients (mean age 57.32 ± 2.13 years) with severe MV regurgitation due to primary MV prolapse. Nineteen underwent successful MV repair (TV(−) group). Additional TV repair due to moderate-to-severe TV regurgitation was performed in 18 (TV(+) group). Two-dimensional (2D) speckle-tracking and tissue Doppler echocardiography was performed for all patients before surgery and 7 days and 6 months after surgery.

Results:

Preoperative dimensions and indices of RV longitudinal function did not differ between the groups (right ventricle end-diastolic diameter (RVEDD) was 33.53 ± 0.94 mm vs. 34.67 ± 1.72 mm, tricuspid annular systolic motion (S’) was 15.06 ± 0.85 cm/s vs. 16.0 ± 1.27 cm/s, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) was 24.02 ± 1.06 mm vs. 22.4 ± 1.36 mm, respectively; p>0.05). RVEDD decreased significantly and did not change within the follow-up in the TV(−) group. In the TV(+) group, RVEDD decreased early after surgery and more markedly six months later in comparison to the TV(−) group. Indices of RV systolic longitudinal function decreased early after surgery and had a tendency to increase after six months in both groups. Regional longitudinal strains of the lateral RV wall decreased early after surgery and improved within the six months in the TV(−) group and did not change significantly in the TV(+) group.

Conclusions:

Additional TV repair in degenerative MV repair more markedly reduces RV dimensions and does not have a negative impact on RV systolic function in comparison to an isolated MV repair although these conclusions are of limited value due to the lack of a control group.

Right Ventricular Function in Left Heart Disease

Right ventricular (RV) function is an independent prognostic factor for short- and long-term outcomes in cardiac surgical patients. Patients with mitral valve (MV) disease are at increased risk of RV dysfunction before and after MV operations. Yet RV function is not part of criteria for decision making or risk stratification in this setting. The role of MV disease in the development of pulmonary hypertension (PHTN) and the ultimate impact of PHTN on RV function have been well described. Nonetheless, there are other mechanisms by which MV disease and MV surgery affect RV performance. Research suggests that PHTN may not be the most important determinant of RV dysfunction. Both RV dysfunction and PHTN have independent prognostic significance. This review explores the unique anatomic and functional features of the RV and the pathophysiologic and prognostic implications of RV dysfunction in patients with MV disease in the perioperative period.

Standardization of adult transthoracic echocardiography reporting in agreement with recent chamber quantification, diastolic function, and heart valve disease recommendations: an expert consensus document of the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging

Aims

This European Association Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI) Expert Consensus document aims at defining the main quantitative information on cardiac structure and function that needs to be included in standard echocardiographic report following recent ASE/EACVI chamber quantification, diastolic function, and heart valve disease recommendations. The document focuses on general reporting and specific pathological conditions such as heart failure, coronary artery and valvular heart disease, cardiomyopathies, and systemic diseases.

Methods and results

Demographic data (age, body surface area, blood pressure, and heart rhythm and rate), type (vendor and model) of ultrasound system used and image quality need to be reported. In addition, measurements should be normalized for body size. Reference normal values, derived by ASE/EACVI recommendations, shall always be reported to differentiate normal from pathological conditions. This Expert Consensus document suggests avoiding the surveillance of specific variable using different ultrasound techniques (e.g. in echo labs with high expertise in left ventricular ejection fraction by 3D and not by 2D echocardiography). The report should be also tailored in relation with different cardiac pathologies, quality of images, and needs of the caregivers.

Conclusion

The conclusion should be concise reflecting the status of left ventricular structure and function, the presence of left atrial and/or aortic dilation, right ventricular dysfunction, and pulmonary hypertension, leading to an objective communication with the patient health caregiver. Variation over time should be considered carefully, taking always into account the consistency of the parameters used for comparison.

High-risk inferior myocardial infarction: Can speckle tracking predict proximal right coronary lesions?

BACKGROUND

It is important to diagnose right ventricular (RV) infarction in the setting of acute inferior myocardial infarction (MI). We aimed to improve the diagnostic accuracy of RV infarction and identify a high-risk subset of inferior MI patients with proximal RCA lesions.

HYPOTHESIS

We tried to find the link between speckle tracking and coronaries in high risk inferior infarction METHODS: This study included 68 patients within 24 hours of first acute inferior MI. Group 1 (n = 49) isolated inferior MI; group 2 (n = 19) inferior and RV MI. echocardiography for RV free wall longitudinal strain (FWLS), RV fractional area change (FAC), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), RV myocardial performance index (MPI) and peak systolic velocity (S').

RESULTS

Group 2 had higher MPI by tissue Doppler and 2D-RV average FWLS, whereas RV FAC, S', and TAPSE were lower (P < 0.001). In group 1, 14.4% had a significant proximal RCA lesion with impaired RV function. RV average FWLS at a cutoff value ≥ - 19.7% can predict proximal RCA culprit lesion with 91.7% sensitivity and 70.5% specificity, which was detected as an independent predictor in multivariate logistic regression (odds ratio: 37.75, P = 0.036).

CONCLUSIONS

2D RV average FWLS at a cutoff of ≥ - 19.7% is a useful added tool for diagnosis of RV involvement and an independent predictor to rule in proximal RCA culprit lesion in inferior-wall MI patients in the emergency department.

Comparison of tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion with fractional area change for the evaluation of right ventricular systolic function: a meta-analysis

Background

Accurate determination of right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) is challenging because of the unique geometry of the right ventricle. Tricuspidannular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and fractional area change (FAC) are commonly used echocardiographic quantitative estimates of RV function. Cardiac MRI (CMRI) has emerged as the gold standard for assessment of RVEF. We sought to summarise the available data on correlation of TAPSE and FAC with CMRI-derived RVEF and to compare their accuracy.

Methods

We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, CINAHL, ClinicalTrials.gov and the Cochrane Library databases for studies that assessed the correlation of TAPSE or FAC with CMRI-derived RVEF. Data from each study selected were pooled and analysed to compare the correlation coefficient of TAPSE and FAC with CMRI-derived RVEF. Subgroup analysis was performed on patients with pulmonary hypertension.

Results

Analysis of data from 17 studies with a total of 1280 patients revealed that FAC had a higher correlation with CMRI-derived RVEF compared with TAPSE (0.56vs0.40, P=0.018). In patients with pulmonary hypertension, there was no statistical difference in the mean correlation coefficient of FAC and TAPSE to CMR (0.57vs0.46, P=0.16).

Conclusions

FAC provides a more accurate estimate of RV systolic function (RVSF) compared with TAPSE. Adoption of FAC as a routine tool for the assessment of RVSF should be considered, especially since it is also an independent predictor of morbidity and mortality. Further studies will be needed to compare other methods of echocardiographic measurement of RV function.

Dominance of free wall radial motion in global right ventricular function of heart transplant recipients

Assessment of right ventricular (RV) function using conventional echocardiography might be inadequate as the radial motion of the RV free wall is often neglected. Our aim was to quantify the longitudinal and the radial components of RV function using three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography in heart transplant (HTX) recipients. Fifty-one HTX patients in stable cardiovascular condition without history of relevant rejection episode or chronic allograft vasculopathy and 30 healthy volunteers were enrolled. RV end-diastolic (EDV) volume and total ejection fraction (TEF) were measured by 3D echocardiography. Furthermore, we quantified longitudinal (LEF) and radial ejection fraction (REF) by decomposing the motion of the RV using the ReVISION method. RV EDV did not differ between groups (HTX vs control; 96 ± 27 vs 97 ± 2 mL). In HTX patients, TEF was lower, however, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) decreased to a greater extent (TEF: 47 ± 7 vs 54 ± 4% [-13%], TAPSE: 11 ± 5 vs 21 ± 4 mm [-48%], P < .0001). In HTX patients, REF/TEF ratio was significantly higher compared to LEF/TEF (REF/TEF vs LEF/TEF: 0.58 ± 0.10 vs 0.27 ± 0.08, P < .0001), while in controls the REF/TEF and LEF/TEF ratio was similar (0.45 ± 0.07 vs 0.47 ± 0.07). Current results confirm the superiority of radial motion in determining RV function in HTX patients. Parameters incorporating the radial motion are recommended to assess RV function in HTX recipients.

Role of Two-Dimensional Speckle-Tracking Echocardiography Strain in the Assessment of Right Ventricular Systolic Function and Comparison with Conventional Parameters

Despite the already well-known role the right side of the heart plays in many diseases, right ventricular (RV) function has only recently been carefully considered. Echocardiography is the first-line diagnostic technique for the assessment of the right ventricle and right atrium, whereas cardiac magnetic resonance is considered the gold standard but is limited by cost and availability. According to the current guidelines, systolic RV function should be assessed by several conventional measurements, but the efficacy of these parameters as diagnostic and prognostic tools has been questioned by many authors. The development in recent years of myocardial deformation imaging techniques and their application to the right heart chambers has allowed deeper evaluation of the importance of RV function in the pathophysiology of a large number of cardiovascular conditions, but the real value of this new tool has not been completely clarified. The aim of this review is to provide a wide and careful analysis of findings available in the literature about the assessment of RV systolic function by strain measurements, comparing them with conventional parameters and evaluating their role in several clinical settings.

Interobserver agreement on the echocardiographic parameters that estimate right ventricular systolic function in the early postoperative period of cardiac surgery

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE

To know the variability of transthoracic echocardiographic parameters that assess right ventricular systolic function by analyzing interobserver agreement in the early postoperative period of cardiovascular surgery.

SECONDARY OBJECTIVE

To assess the feasibility of these echocardiographic measurements.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional study, double-blind pilot study was carried out from May 2011 to February 2013.

SETTING

Cardiovascular postoperative critical care at the National Institute of Cardiology "Ignacio Chávez", Mexico City, Mexico.

PATIENTS

Consecutive, non-probabilistic sampling. Fifty-six patients were studied in the postoperative period of cardiac surgery.

INTERVENTION

The first echocardiographic parameters were obtained between 6-8hours after cardiac surgery, followed by blinded second measurements.

MAIN VARIABLES

Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), tricuspid annular peak systolic velocity on tissue Doppler imaging (VSPAT), diameters and right ventricular outflow area, tract fractional shortening. The agreement was analyzed by the Bland-Altman method, and its magnitude was assessed by the intraclass correlation coefficient (95% confidence interval).

RESULTS

Both observers evaluated TAPSE and VSPAT in 48 patients (92%). The average TAPSE was 11.68±4.53mm (range 4-27mm). Right ventricular systolic dysfunction was observed in 41 cases (85%) and normal TAPSE in 7 patients (15%). The average difference and its limits according to TAPSE were -0.917±2.95 (-6.821, 4.988), with a magnitude of 0.725 (0.552, 0.837); the tricuspid annular peak systolic velocity on tissue Doppler imaging was -0.001±0.015 (-0.031, 0.030), and its magnitude 0.825 (0.708, 0.898), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

VSPAT and TAPSE were estimated by both observers in 92% of the patients, these parameters exhibiting the lowest interobserver variability.