Novel quantitative echocardiographic parameters in acute PE.

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Pulmonary Medicine
• Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

• Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and right ventricular performance index (RVPI) are established predictors of clinical outcomes in various cardiovascular and pulmonary conditions.
• Their utility in acute pulmonary embolism (APE) requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To measure TAPSE and RVPI in patients diagnosed with APE.
• To assess the correlation of these parameters with known predictors of clinical outcomes in APE.

Main Methods:

• Echocardiograms were performed within 24 hours of APE diagnosis.
• B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and serial troponins were measured.
• Clinical course was monitored until discharge.

Main Results:

• Abnormal TAPSE was associated with elevated BNP (60% vs. 5%) and troponin (50% vs. 11.1%).
• Mean TAPSE was lower with elevated BNP (17.4 mm vs. 22.3 mm) and abnormal RV function (17.6 mm vs. 21.7 mm).
• TAPSE and RVPI correlated with echocardiographic markers of RV remodeling.

Conclusions:

• TAPSE demonstrates good correlation with surrogate markers of morbidity and mortality in APE.
• TAPSE and RVPI are objective, easily measurable parameters for assessing RV function in APE.
• Prospective studies with larger cohorts are warranted to evaluate clinical outcomes.