Different Combinations of Right Ventricular Longitudinal Velocity and Displacement Can Be Applied Effectively for Diagnosis of Right Heart Failure in Chinese Patients

Abstract

<strong>Background:</strong> The noninvasive evaluation of right ventricular function (RVF) in cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases remains a challenge. Internationally recommended echocardiographic parameters for the evaluation of RVF may not be applicable to China, because of the limited examination time per patient, the varying skill levels of ultrasonographers, inadequate allocation of professional specialties, and outdated instruments and equipment.<br /><strong>Methods:</strong> Sixty-two patients admitted for right heart failure and 52 healthy volunteers were included in the analysis. The tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), peak systolic velocity in the tricuspid annulus of the right ventricular free wall (S′), myocardial performance index, right ventricular fractional area change, and Doppler peak strains in the base and mid cavity were evaluated and compared between groups.<br /><strong>Results:</strong> Compared with the control group, all RVF parameters in the right heart failure group showed significant deterioration (P &lt; .001). However, only TAPSE and S′ were finally included in the discriminant equation. The diagnostic cutoff values derived from the receiver operating characteristic curve were &lt;13.74 mm and &lt;9.5 cm/s, respectively. The highest specificity in the diagnosis of right heart failure (100%) was achieved using S′ &lt;9.5 cm/s, either alone or in combination with TAPSE &lt;13.74 mm. The highest diagnostic sensitivity (90.32%) was achieved using either TAPSE &lt;13.74 mm or S′ &lt;9.5 cm/s alone.<br /><strong>Conclusion:</strong> TAPSE and S′ are more suitable than other parameters for the diagnosis of right heart failure in Chinese patients. Different combinations of TAPSE and S′ can be applied effectively for the diagnosis of right heart failure.