Echocardiographic Evaluation of Right Ventricular Function in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Left ventricular dysfunction in diabetes mellitus (DM) patients is widely assessed and established by conventional diagnostic methods, whereas right ventricular (RV) function is not sufficiently evaluated. The aim of this study was to assess the right ventricular function in type 2 diabetic patients In this case control study, forty nine (49) diabetic patients and same number of (49) non-diabetic healthy volunteers were studied who were devoid of any other conditions that may influence the both systolic and diastolic function of the RV. In addition to 2D and M-mode evaluation, standard Doppler, pulsed tissue Doppler and 3D echocardiographic assessment of both ventricles were performed. Both right ventricular (RV) systolic and diastolic parameters were impaired in tissue Doppler analysis. Tissue Doppler derived IVA was significantly (p<0.05) lower in diabetic patients. Right ventricular early diastolic velocity (E') and late diastolic velocity (A'), E'/A' were significantly (p<0.05) lower in DM. MPI and E/E' was significantly (p<0.05) higher in diabetic patients. The RV parameters (E/E', IVA, MPI) showed positive relation with the LV similar parameters in tissue Doppler assessment. Diabetes is associated with both RV systolic and diastolic dysfunction. Pulsed tissue Doppler is a useful tool to detect the early changes. RV parameters (both systolic and diastolic) correlate well with those of the LV.