Echocardiographic Assessment of the Right Ventricle-State of the Art

Heart Lung Circ. 2019 Sep;28(9):1339-1350. doi: 10.1016/j.hlc.2019.04.016. Epub 2019 May 13.

Abstract

Assessment of right ventricular (RV) structure and function by echocardiography has largely been qualitative in the past. More recent approaches emphasise the quantification of RV structure from multiple echocardiographic views and quantification of multiple parameters of RV function. Current echocardiographic examinations should include at least two quantitative measures of RV function. This paper will highlight commonly used measures along with their strengths and weaknesses. With further technical developments in three-dimensional and myocardial deformation imaging and as more outcome data become available it is likely that further quantitative assessment will become routine and be used to guide diagnosis and treatment choices.

Keywords: Diagnosis; Echocardiography; Prognosis; Quantification; Right ventricle.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Echocardiography*
  • Heart Ventricles* / diagnostic imaging
  • Heart Ventricles* / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Ventricular Dysfunction, Right* / diagnostic imaging
  • Ventricular Dysfunction, Right* / physiopathology
  • Ventricular Function, Right*