Prediction of right ventricular dysfunction from radiographic estimates of right descending pulmonary artery in hemodynamically stable pulmonary embolism patients

Abstract

Background: The evaluation of right ventricular (RV) dysfunction by echocardiography is
one of the most important established determinants of the prognosis of acute pulmonary embolism.
The aim of the study was to investigate possible association between diameter of right
descending pulmonary artery on chest X-rays and RV dysfunction by echocardiography in
hemodynamically stable pulmonary embolism patients.

Methods: Eighty-nine patients with the diagnosis of hemodynamically stable pulmonary
embolism were included.

Results: The frequency of RV dysfunction was signifi cantly higher in patients with an
enlarged right descending pulmonary artery on chest X-rays (p = 0.001). There was
a signifi cant positive correlation between the diameter of the right descending pulmonary artery
on postero-anterior chest X-rays and the diameter of the RV (r = 0.469; p = 0.002). Diameter
of right descending pulmonary artery on chest X-rays was also found as a signifi cant predictor
of RV dysfunction besides the troponin-T levels and systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: Diameter of right descending pulmonary artery on chest X-rays may provide
information about the risk for pulmonary embolism patients and may be used as a prognostic
radiological parameter for the appropriate management of acute pulmonary embolism.