[Quantitative evaluation of right ventricular function by transesophageal echocardiography: report of a case with...

We were able to diagnose right ventricular infarction (RVI) by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in a patient with acute inferior infarction, and it was confirmed by cardiac catheterization. To evaluate right ventricular (RV) function quantitatively, area shortening (AS) and regional AS (rAS) were measured from RV images obtained by TEE. The AS correlated with RV ejection fraction obtained by radionuclide angiography (r = 0.72). The patient with RVI showed depressed RV function by AS measurement with decreased rASs of all regions in the acute phase. In the chronic phase, RV function of the patient improved, especially in the region of the ventricular septum and apex regions. These results indicate availability of TEE and that RV function can be evaluated by TEE.