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Assessment of right ventricular function by strain rate imaging in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

"La Sapienza" University, Rome, Italy

CORRESPONDENCE: A. Vitarelli, Via Lima 35, 00198 Rome, Italy. Fax: 39 068841926. E-mail: vitar{at}tiscali.it

Keywords: Echocardiography, cor pulmonale, pulmonary function tests, right ventricular function, strain Doppler imaging

Received: June 18, 2005
Accepted September 22, 2005

The purpose of the current study was to compare right ventricular (RV) myocardial wall velocities (tissue Doppler imaging) and strain rate imaging (SRI) parameters with conventional echocardiographic indices evaluating RV function in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients.

In total, 39 patients with COPD and 22 healthy subjects were included in the current study. Seventeen patients had pulmonary artery pressure <35 mmHg (group I) and 22 patients had pulmonary artery pressure >35 mmHg (group II). Tissue Doppler imaging, strain and strain rate (SR) values were obtained from RV free wall (FW) and interventricular septum. Respiratory function tests were performed (forced expiratory volume in one second/vital capacity (FEV₁/VC) and carbon monoxide diffusion lung capacity per unit of alveolar volume (D_L,CO/V_A)).

Strain/SR values were reduced in all segments of group II patients compared with group I patients and controls with lowest values at basal FW site. A significant relationship was shown between peak systolic SR at basal FW site and radionuclide RV ejection fraction. A significant relationship was shown between peak systolic SR at basal FW site and D_L,CO/V_A and FEV₁/VC.

In conclusion, in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients, strain rate imaging parameters can determine right ventricular dysfunction that is complementary to conventional echocardiographic indices and is correlated with pulmonary hypertension and respiratory function tests.