Evaluation of the global longitudinal strain and segmental strain of the right ventricle with two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography with elevation of the legs

Abstract

Introduction: Speckle-tracking echocardiography has shown its usefulness in the evaluation of the right ventricle (RV) in healthy subjects and in pulmonary hypertension. It is unknown whether this technique could be sensitive to assess healthy RV with increases in preload. Methods: Consecutive subjects were studied without evidence of cardiopulmonary disease. They underwent speckIe-tracking echocardiography in General Electric Vivid 7® equipment. The “segmental longitudinal strain” (SL8) and “global longitudinal strain” (GLS) of the RV was determined at rest and with an increase in the preload through elevation the legs to 45°. Results: We analyzed 31 subjects, 16 men and 15 women, aged 16-53 years, in which were measured SL8 and GL8. Basal of the RV free wall: -29.1 ± 3.3 versus -32.7 ± 5.5%, p = 0.0002. Mid of the RV free wall: -28.6 ± 6.4 versus -31.5 ± 4.9%, p = 0.001. Apical of the free wall of the RV: -21.9 ± 6.5 versus -23.3 ± 6.1%, p = 0.118. Basal inferoseptum: -19.40 ± 3.2 versus -18.9 ± 3.0%, p = 0.204. Mid inferoseptum: -19.3 ± 3.2 versus -19 ± 3.1%, p = 0.249. Apical septum: -17.1 ± 5.1 versus -17 ± 5.4%, p = 0.457. GLS of the RV: -23.06 ± 3.4 versus -24.5 ± 2.9%, p = 0.002. ICC: 0. 773, 95% CI: 0534-0890, p < 0.001. Conclusions: This method was sensitive to detect differences in the GLS and SL8 basal and mid of the RV free wall.