Echocardiographic evaluation of right ventricular function

Abstract

Echocardiographic accurate assessment of right ventricular function due to complex three-dimensional morphology and different from left ventricular myocardial fibers orientation remains limited. Systolic function of right ventricle has been evaluated using several parameters — tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), right ventricular fractional area change (RV FAC), right ventricle to left ventricle size comparison, myocardial Doppler tissue imaging (S’ velocity) and the Tei index as an expression of right ventricle impairment. Echocardiographic evaluation of right ventricle diastolic function has been evaluated using Doppler of the tricuspid inflow, tissue Doppler of the lateral tricuspid annulus, and measurements of inferior vena cava size and collapsibility.