Preload Dependency of 2D Right Ventricle Speckle Tracking Echocardiography Parameters in Healthy Volunteers: A Prospective Pilot Study

Abstract

(1) Background: Right ventricular (RV) strain parameters derived from the analysis of the tricuspid annular displacement (TAD) are emergent two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) parameter used for the quantitative assessment of RV systolic function. Few data are available regarding 2D-STE parameters and their dependency on RV preload. Our aim was to evaluate the effect of an acute change in RV preload on 2D-STE parameters in healthy volunteers. (2) Methods: Acute modification of RV preload was performed by a fluid challenge (FC): an infusion of 500 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride was given over 5 min in supine position. Preload dependency (responder group) was confirmed by a stroke volume increase of at least 10% measured by echocardiography. (3) Results: Among 32 healthy volunteers, 19 (59%) subjects were classified as non-responders and 13 (41%) as responders. In the responder group, the tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) significantly increased (20 (20–23.5) mm to 24 (20.5–26.5) mm; p = 0.018), while RV strain parameters significantly decreased after FC: −23.5 ((−22.3)–(−27.3))% to −25 ((−24)–(29.6))%; p = 0.03) for RV free wall longitudinal strain and −22.8 ((−20.4)–(−30.7))% to −23.7 ((−21.2)–(−27))%; p = 0.02) for RV four-chamber longitudinal strain. 2D-STE parameters derived from the TAD analysis were not influenced by the FC (all p > 0.05). (4) Conclusions: In young, healthy volunteers, RV strain parameters and TAPSE are preload dependent, while TAD parameters were not. The loading conditions must be accounted for when evaluating RV systolic function by 2D-STE parameters.