Assessment Of Right Ventricular Function In Patients With Coronary Artery Disease By Tissue Doppler Imaging

Objective: To investigate the value of Tissue Doppler Imaging (TDI) in evaluating right ventricular (RV) function of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods: One hundred and thirty patients receiving coronary angiography (CAG) were divided into groups based on three different criteria, first by clinic data such as CAG, disease history, symptom, ECG, etc.; second by left ventricular (LV) function; and third by pure CAG results. Various ultracardiography examinations were taken, including 1 routine two dimensional, M mode and pulse-wave Doppler exams; 2 pulse-wave Doppler to measure Tei index (PW-Tei) of LV and RV; 3 TDI to measure motion velocities and Tei index (TDI-Tei) of two different spots on tricuspid annular. Results: 1 The differences in PW-Tei, TDI-Tei, Ea, and Ea/Aa of RV are statistically significant among the control group, angina group, and myocardial infarction group. There is no difference in Sa between the control group and angina group, but Sa of myocardial infarction group is lower than those of the other two groups. 2 The PW-Tei of RV has good correlation with the TDI-Tei of two different spots on tricuspid annular. 3 The TDI-Tei and motion velocities of the two different spots on tricuspid annular are correlated significantly. 4 The PW-Tei and TDI-Tei of RV have good correlation with the PW-Tei of LV.5 The differences in PW-Tei, TDI-Tei, Ea, and Ea/Aa of RV are statistically significant among normal LV function group, declining diastolic function group, and declining systolic function group. There is no difference in Sa between normal LV function group and declining diastolic group, but Sa of declining systolic function group is lower than those of the other two groups. 6 Compared to the control group, the group with lesion on right coronary artery has higher PW-Tei and TDI-Tei of RV, as well as lower Ea, Ea/Aa, and Sa. Conclusion: 1 TDI can be used to comprehensively evaluate RV function of patients with CAD. Patients with angina mainly suffer from declined diastolic function; patients with myocardial infarction show both declined diastolic and declined systolic function. TDI-Tei can sensitively reflects the damage level of overall RV function of patients with various CAD. 2 The PW-Tei has good correlation with TDI-Tei, but the latter is simpler, more accurate, and easier for clinic use. 3 The PW-Tei and TDI-Tei of RV have good correlation with the PW-Tei of LV. The TDI motion velocities of tricuspid annular varies with the damage level of LV function. These indicate that the functions of LV and RV are connected with each other. 4 The TDI-Tei and motion velocities of the two different spots on tricuspid annular are correlated significantly. 5 Patients with lesion on right coronary artery have declined diastolic function, systolic function, and overall cardiac function.