Right ventricular outflow tract systolic excursion: A novel echocardiographic parameter of right ventricular function

Abstract

Aims: Right ventricular (RV) function has important prognostic and therapeutic implications. Assessment of RV function using echocardiography is challenging. The aim of this study was to evaluate a new parameter of RV function, right ventricular outflow tract systolic excursion (RVOT-SE). Methods and results: RVOT-SE was measured using M-Mode echocardiography from the parasternal short-axis view at the level of the aortic valve, and was defined as the systolic excursion of the RVOT anterior wall. RVOT-SE was measured in 50 patients (age 64 ± 18 years, 28 males) with normal RV function [RV fractional area change (FAC) <35 and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) <1.6 cm] and 40 patients (age 68 ± 12 years, 35 males) with reduced RV function (RV FAC <35 and TAPSE <1.6 cm). R.V FAC was 46 ± 7 in the normal RV group and 22 ± 5 in the reduced RV group (P < 0.0001). TAPSE was 2.2 ± 0.4 cm in the normal RV group and 1.0 ± 0.2 cm in the reduced RV group (P < 0.0001). RVOT-SE was 9.6 ± 1.5 mm in the normal RV group and 1.7 ± 1.1 mm in the reduced RV group (P < 0.0001). RVOT-SE <6 mm identified patients with reduced RV function with 100 sensitivity and 100 specificity. Survival at 1 year was 63 in patients with RVOT-SE <6 mm and 84 in patients with RVOT-SE <6 mm, P 0.004. Conclusion: RVOT-SE is a novel, simple, and promising parameter for assessing RV function, and it is associated with poor survival. © The Author 2012.