Right ventricular longitudinal strain in valvular heart disease: A comprehensive review

Right ventricular (RV) longitudinal strain has emerged as a crucial tool for evaluating RV systolic function in patients with heart disease. The complex anatomy of the RV presents challenges for functional assessment, traditionally conducted using conventional parameters, such as tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion and RV fractional area change. While these conventional methods are simple and practical, they have limitations in reflecting the majority of global RV systolic function. In contrast, RV longitudinal strain, measured using speckle tracking echocardiography, offers a more accurate evaluation of RV systolic function with high reproducibility. It is less dependent on angle and load and utilizes automated techniques. The utility of RV longitudinal strain in patients with valvular heart disease has been reported, showing its effectiveness in detecting early RV systolic dysfunction and providing valuable prognostic information compared to conventional methods. Treatment options for valvular heart disease include not only traditional open-heart surgery but also catheter-based interventions, which have become increasingly available in recent years. In addition to conventional risk assessment, considering treatment choices based on RV systolic function may be beneficial. This approach could provide a new method for determining the optimal treatment plan for individual patients. Despite challenges such as imaging quality and vendor-specific variability, RV longitudinal strain remains a valuable tool for early detection of RV systolic dysfunction, optimizing patient management, and improving outcomes. This review examines the clinical utility of RV longitudinal strain in patients with valvular heart disease, focusing on its prognostic value and role in patient management.