Inter- and intra-observer variability in the echocardiographic evaluation of right ventricular function

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Echocardiography
• Cardiac Function Assessment

Background:

• Right ventricular systolic function assessment via echocardiography is challenging due to anatomical complexities.
• Various echocardiographic methods exist for quantifying right ventricular function, but their reliability is debated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the reliability and reproducibility of echocardiographic parameters for right ventricular systolic function.
• To assess inter-observer and intra-observer variability of these parameters in patients with mitral valvulopathy.

Main Methods:

• 30 patients with isolated mitral valvulopathy underwent echocardiography by two independent observers.
• Parameters assessed included TAPSE, tricuspid annular peak systolic velocity, and various fractional shortening measurements.
• Intra-observer variability was assessed at least one month post-acquisition.

Main Results:

• Good inter-observer and excellent intra-observer concordance for TAPSE and tricuspid annular peak systolic velocity.
• Poor concordance was observed for fractional shortening of the right ventricular outflow tract, areas, and diameters.

Conclusions:

• TAPSE and tricuspid annular peak systolic velocity are the most reliable and reproducible echocardiographic parameters for assessing right ventricular systolic function.
• These parameters are particularly valuable in patients with isolated mitral valvulopathy.