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Morphological and Functional Assessment of the Right Ventricle Using 3D Echocardiography
Published on: October 28, 2020
Right ventricular abnormalities in Takotsubo cardiomyopathy
Ana Clara Rodrigues1, Laise Guimaraes, Edgar Lira
1Echocardiography Laboratory - MDP, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Echocardiography (Mount Kisco, N.Y.)
|April 19, 2013
Summary
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy can affect the right ventricle (RV), particularly in the classical form. The presentation type, not RV dysfunction, influences complication risk and functional impairment severity.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) typically involves transient left ventricular (LV) contractile abnormalities.
- While apical and mid-LV segments are commonly affected, basal segments and right ventricular (RV) dysfunction are less frequently reported.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the distribution of regional abnormalities in TTC.
- To evaluate the extent and pattern of RV involvement in TTC.
- To compare findings with existing literature.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 23 patients (25 episodes) with classical or inverted TTC presentations.
- Evaluation of LV and RV regional wall motion abnormalities.
- Comparison of clinical characteristics and outcomes between presentation types and RV involvement.
Main Results:
- Classical TTC (15 patients) showed lower LV ejection fraction (EF) and higher troponin levels than inverted TTC (10 patients).
- RV abnormalities occurred in 28% of patients, predominantly in the classical form, affecting mid and apical RV segments.
- RV involvement was associated with lower LVEF, but presentation type, not RV dysfunction, correlated with complication rates.
Conclusions:
- RV contractile abnormalities in TTC can mirror LV regional distribution.
- The type of TTC presentation is a stronger determinant of complication risk and functional impairment than RV dysfunction.
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