Right ventricular dysfunction in the critically ill. Echocardiographic evaluation

Area of Science:

• Critical care medicine
• Cardiology
• Physiology

Background:

• Right ventricular dysfunction is prevalent in critically ill patients.
• It is linked to increased mortality and diagnostic challenges.
• Understanding its pathophysiology is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review mechanisms and injury phenotypes of right ventricular dysfunction.
• To guide intensivists in diagnosing and managing this condition.
• To inform individualized treatment strategies.

Main Methods:

• Review of literature on right ventricular biomechanics and injury.
• Description of echocardiographic parameters for assessing right ventricular function.
• Evaluation of cardiac output and pulmonary pressures using echocardiography.

Main Results:

• Detailed outline of potential mechanisms and injury phenotypes.
• Recommended parameters for assessing right ventricular systolic and diastolic function.
• Echocardiographic methods for evaluating cardiac output and pulmonary circulation pressures.

Conclusions:

• Comprehensive understanding aids diagnosis and management.
• Echocardiography is key for evaluating right ventricular function in critical illness.
• Individualized treatment strategies can be guided by pathophysiology.