Abstract 13237: Right Ventricular Automated Systolic Index (RV-ASI): A Reliable Tool for Non-Invasive Quantification of Right Ventricular Function

Abstract

Background: Right ventricular (RV) function determines long-term outcome in cardiopulmonary disease. However, the assessment of RV function is time-consuming and surrogate parameters derived from two-dimensional (2D) or Doppler echocardiography show poor consistency.

Methods: Forty consecutive patients were examined within 30 minutes after magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with comprehensive echocardiography, including strain imaging and real-time three-dimensional echocardiography (RT3DE).

Results: Right ventricular automated systolic index (RV-ASI) could be assessed by 2D echocardiography in 38 of the RV patients from the apical four-chamber view using a commercially available semi-automated endocardial border detection tool. RV ejection fraction assessed by MRI was 48±9%, while RV-ASI was 52±11% (r=0.74, SEE=6 %, p<0.0001). Intra- and interobserver variability were 7.5% and 8.9% respectively. A RV-ASI cut-off value of 52% in this cohort was able to differentiate between normal and impaired RV function (AUC=0.92, sensitivity=87%, specificity=93%). While surrogate parameters of RV function showed no important discrimination compared to RV-ASI, this index was able to significantly differentiate NYHA class, RV-EF (MRI), RV-EF (RT3DE) and 2D-Strain of RV free wall.

Conclusions: In this study, RV-ASI showed to be an easy, rapid to assess and reliable parameter for quantification of right ventricular function. Furthermore, this index can complement the assessment of right ventricular mechanics by 2D strain imaging for efficient and comprehensive non-invasive evaluation of right ventricular function.