Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 28, 2026
09:45
Histological Quantification of Chronic Myocardial Infarct in Rats
Published on: December 11, 2016
15.6K
Right Ventricular Ejection Fraction in Ischemic Versus Nonischemic Cardiomyopathy
Stephen Wasemiller1, Tiffany Earle1, Michael Kashner2
1Loma Linda University Health, Loma Linda, California.
The American Journal of Cardiology
|December 20, 2015
Summary
Cardiomyopathy patients with left ventricular (LV) dysfunction often exhibit right ventricular (RV) dysfunction. This RV dysfunction is present regardless of whether the cardiomyopathy is ischemic or nonischemic in origin.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Right ventricular (RV) function in cardiomyopathy is not well-defined, especially with advanced 3D cardiac imaging.
- Computed tomography (CT) enables precise ejection fraction (EF) measurements, overcoming challenges with the RV's complex shape.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between cardiomyopathy etiology and RV function using 3D CT imaging.
- To compare RV function and volumes in patients with ischemic versus nonischemic cardiomyopathy.
Main Methods:
- Evaluated 130 patients with cardiomyopathy and LV EF ≤ 40% at Loma Linda VA Healthcare System.
- Determined cardiomyopathy etiology (ischemic vs. nonischemic) via CT angiography.
- Calculated RV volumes and RV ejection fraction (RVEF) from 3D CT datasets.
Main Results:
- Baseline left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was similar between ischemic and nonischemic groups (mean 28%).
- RV function and volumes were moderately reduced in both groups.
- No significant differences in RVEF were observed between ischemic (34%) and nonischemic (32%) cardiomyopathy patients.
Conclusions:
- The majority of patients with LV dysfunction also present with RV dysfunction.
- The severity of RV dysfunction in cardiomyopathy is independent of its underlying etiology.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy
809
Restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) is a rare heart muscle disease characterized by impaired ventricular filling due to stiffened ventricular walls, leading to significant diastolic dysfunction.EtiologyRestrictive cardiomyopathy can arise from both inherited and acquired diseases, many of which are systemic. It is categorized into four main types: infiltrative, storage, non-infiltrative, and endomyocardial diseases.Infiltrative diseases, such as amyloidosis, lead to RCM by depositing amyloid...
809
01:29Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
697
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy without ventricular dilation. It is more common in men and is typically diagnosed in young, athletic adults.EtiologyHCM is primarily genetic and is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Researchers have identified over 1400 mutations across at least 11 different genes. Among these, the most frequently occurring mutations are found in the...
697
01:25Cardiomyopathy I: Introduction and Classification
800
Cardiomyopathy, or CMP, is a group of diseases affecting the myocardial structure, impairing its ability to pump blood effectively. This condition can lead to arrhythmias, heart failure, or sudden cardiac death.Cardiomyopathies are classified into primary and secondary categories:Primary Cardiomyopathy refers to conditions involving only the heart muscle that are often idiopathic (of unknown cause) or genetic. They primarily affect the myocardium without the involvement of other systemic...
800
01:30Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy
751
Dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, is a progressive myocardial disorder characterized by ventricular chamber dilation and contractile dysfunction.EtiologyVarious factors can cause DCM, including hypertension and heavy alcohol intake, which contribute to the weakening and enlargement of the heart muscle. Viral infections, such as Coxsackievirus B, adenoviruses, and influenza, can lead to DCM by causing inflammation and damage to heart tissue. Certain chemotherapeutic agents, including daunorubicin,...
751
01:29Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care
634
Managing cardiomyopathy involves addressing underlying or precipitating causes, treating heart failure with medications, and implementing dietary changes and a balanced exercise and rest regimen.Lifestyle ModificationsCardiomyopathy patients should adopt a low-sodium diet to reduce fluid retention and manage heart failure. A personalized exercise and rest plan helps maintain physical fitness without overstraining the heart. Avoiding alcohol and tobacco is essential to prevent further damage to...
634
01:29Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology
1.4K
Systolic Heart Failure and Compensatory MechanismsSystolic heart failure (also termed HFrEF, Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction) is the most prevalent type of heart filure. It results in a decreased volume of blood being pumped from the ventricle. The aortic arch and carotid sinuses have baroreceptors that detect reduced blood pressure, triggering the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) to release epinephrine and norepinephrine. Initially, this response aims to boost heart rate and...
1.4K