Right ventricular mechanics using a novel comprehensive three-view echocardiographic strain analysis in a normal population

Daniel Forsha, Niels Risum, P Andrea Kropf, Sudarshan Rajagopal, P Brian Smith, Ronald J Kanter, Zainab Samad, Peter Sogaard, Piers Barker, Joseph Kisslo

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

47 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Although quantitative right ventricular (RV) strain analysis may be useful in congenital and acquired heart disease populations with RV failure, a comprehensive, standardized approach is lacking. An 18-segment RV strain analysis obtained from three standardized RV apical echocardiographic images was used to determine the feasibility, normal values, and reproducibility of the method in normal adults.

METHODS: Forty healthy, prospectively enrolled volunteers with no cardiac histories and normal QRS durations underwent echocardiography optimized for strain analysis including three RV apical views. Two-dimensional speckle-tracking longitudinal strain analysis was performed using EchoPAC software. Eleven retrospectively identified subjects with RV disease were included as a pilot population. All had been imaged using the same protocol including the three RV apical views.

RESULTS: All control subjects had normal anatomic morphology and function by echocardiography. Feasibility of the RV strain analysis was good (adequate tracking in 696 of 720 segments [97%]). RV global peak systolic strain was -23 ± 2%. Peak strain was highest in the RV free wall and lowest in the septum. Dyssynchrony indices demonstrated no dyssynchrony using left ventricular criteria. Reproducibility of most strain measures was acceptable. This methodology identified important disease not seen in the four-chamber apical view alone in the pilot population of 11 patients with RV disease. Strain patterns and values were different from those in the control population, indicating that differences do exist from normal.

CONCLUSIONS: Eighteen-segment RV strain analysis is feasible, with strain measures falling into discrete ranges in this normal population. Those with RV disease illustrate the potential utility of this approach. These data indicate that this model can be used for more detailed studies evaluating abnormal RV populations, in which its full potential can be assessed.

Original languageEnglish
JournalJournal of the American Society of Echocardiography
Volume27
Issue number4
Pages (from-to)413-422
Number of pages10
ISSN0894-7317
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2014

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Right ventricular mechanics using a novel comprehensive three-view echocardiographic strain analysis in a normal population'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this