ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC EVALUATION OF THE RIGHT HEART IN THE PULMONARY HYPERTENSION

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Introduction: A comprehensive assessment of right ventricular size and function, as well as evaluation of pulmonary artery pressures is an integral part of every echocardiographic examination. It is important to know the relevant guidelines but also the pitfalls of echocardiography. The aim: To determine the significance of echocardiography in the diagnostic process, prognosis and evaluation of treatment effectiveness in pulmonary hypertension. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Review and Discussion: The gold standard for evaluation of size, ejection fraction, and stroke volume of the right ventricle is cardiac magnetic resonance. Whereas, the gold standard for the assessments of pulmonary artery pressures is right heart catheterization. However, echocardiography is the first diagnostic modality in the assessment of size and function of the right heart. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: Echocardiographic evaluation of the right heart plays a fundamental role in the diagnostic process of pulmonary hypertension. Echocardiography is essential to predict the course of the disease and assess the treatment efficiency.