A new two-dimensional echocardiographic technique for evaluating right ventricular size and performance in patients...

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Pulmonology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) often affects right ventricular (RV) function.
• Accurate assessment of RV size and performance is crucial for managing COPD patients.
• Two-dimensional echocardiography (2-D echo) and radionuclide angiography (RNA) are methods for evaluating RV function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare 2-D echocardiographic estimates of RV size and performance with RNA.
• To evaluate the effects of isosorbide dinitrate on RV parameters measured by both methods.
• To determine the feasibility of 2-D echo for RV assessment in severe COPD patients.

Main Methods:

• 19 patients with severe COPD were evaluated.
• RV end-diastolic volume, end-systolic volume, and ejection fraction (EF) were measured using 2-D echo and RNA.
• Measurements were taken at rest and after isosorbide dinitrate administration.

Main Results:

• 2-D echo RV volumes and EF correlated well with RNA measurements (r=0.76-0.82 for volumes, r=0.80 for EF).
• Isosorbide dinitrate significantly decreased RV volumes and systolic arterial pressure, and increased heart rate, but did not significantly alter RV EF by either method.
• Correlations between 2-D echo and RNA remained strong after nitrate administration (r=0.75-0.79).

Conclusions:

• 2-D echocardiography is a feasible method for assessing RV size and performance in selected COPD patients.
• 2-D echo measurements of RV size and function compare favorably with RNA.
• These findings support the use of 2-D echo for RV evaluation in COPD patients at rest and after nitrate administration.