The strain-encoded (SENC) MR imaging for detection of global right ventricular dysfunction in pulmonary hypertension

The aim of this study was to explore whether the regional peak longitudinal (LS) and circumferential strains (CS) at the right ventricular (RV) free wall could be used to identify global RV dysfunction in relation to RV ejection fraction (RVEF) and plasma concentration of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) in pulmonary hypertension (PH). A total of 37 consecutive patients diagnosed with PH and 13 healthy control subjects were included. Fast strain encoded and routine cine MRI was performed. The LS and CS at three RV levels were quantified and their relations with RVEF and BNP were investigated. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was employed to assess the diagnostic utility of strain encoded MRI for the detection of low RVEF. Significant correlations with LS were observed for RVEF and BNP. Compared to CS, LS showed better correlation with RVEF. The mid-ventricular level of RV was the most sensitive site for evaluation of RV dysfunction. According to our ROC analysis, LS showed higher sensitivity and specificity to detect low RVEF. Compared to CS, LS showed stronger correlations with RVEF and BNP and could be a good detector of RV dysfunction in PH.