Regional and global RVLS were obtained from multiple views of the right ventricle (centered on the right ventricle–focused apical position) in 40 patients with PH, defined as a mean pulmonary artery pressure ≥ 25 mm Hg, most of whom also had pulmonary capillary wedge pressures ≤ 15 mm Hg and were thus defined as having pulmonary arterial hypertension. This was compared with other 2D echocardiography–derived parameters of RV function and functional parameters.
Global RVLS calculated from multiple views had a superior correlation with 6-min walk distance compared with other parameters of RV function, including tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, RV myocardial performance index, and fractional area change. Although global RVLS calculated from multiple views displayed a similar correlation with 6-min walk distance as global RVLS calculated from a single four-chamber view, analysis of regional strains provided by multiple views identified distinct patterns of RV dysfunction, consisting of global, free wall, or septal dysfunction, that were associated with specific clinical characteristics.
Global RVLS derived from multiple right ventricle–focused views yields a comprehensive quantitative assessment of regional and global RV function that correlates moderately with functional parameters and may be useful in the assessment of PH. Distinct patterns of regional RV dysfunction are associated with different clinical characteristics.