Echocardiographic assessment of the right ventricle

© Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2015. In echocardiography studies, a comprehensive assessment of the right ventricle should be performed using multiple acoustic windows and different image techniques. This will ensure the echocardiography report to provide both qualitative and quantitative assessment. Parameters include RV size and RV systolic function, as evaluated by at least one or a combination of the following: Rv fractional area change (FAC), DTI-based tricuspid lateral annular systolic velocity wave (S’), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and RV index of myocardial performance (RIMP). Rv systolic pressure, calculated using the tricuspid regurgitation jet and with estimate of right atrium (RA) pressure on the basis of inferior vena cava (IVC) size and collapse, should be reported when a tricuspid regurgitant (TR) Doppler velocity is present. In many conditions, additional measurements such as pulmonary artery (PA) diastolic pressure and an assessment of RV diastolic function are indicated. When feasible, additional parameters such as 3DE-determined RV volumes and EF should complement the basic 2D echocardiographic measurements [1, 2].