Assessment of Right Ventricular Function in Patients undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Graft : a single center study

Abstract

Abstract Background: Right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) is a major risk factor in coronary artery disease (CAD). In patients undergoing revascularization for left ventricular ischaemia, the incidence of RVD is reported in about 20%. Aim: this study aimed to assess right ventricular function as a possible risk factor in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft. Patients and methods: This prospective study was conducted on 77 patients underwent coronary artery bypass grafting. All cases were subjected to detailed medical history, full physical examination, electrocardiogram, routine laboratory tests including echocardiography or STE, all parameters obtained before, within 1 week and 6 months after surgery. Result: Though, LVEF preoperatively was insignificantly higher in RVD group compared to non RVD (P=0.84), LVEF 1 week postoperatively was significantly lower in RVD group compared to non RVD group (p=0.03) at the same time there was significant reduction in LVEF in both groups 1 week postoperatively compared to preoperatively and this was more obvious in RVD group compared to non RVD group (p=0.001). In addition, the diastolic function (E/A ratio) preoperatively was significantly lower in RVD group compared to non RVD group (p=0.03). Moreover, the mean longitudinal strain was significantly higher in non RVD group compared to RVD group preoperatively (p=0.012). Conclusion: It is suggested that at the early days after the CABG surgery there is a decline in right ventricle function which is relatively reversible at longer intervals (6 months after surgery). Hence, it is recommended to conduct longer studies to evaluate right ventricular function after CABG surgery.