Differential strain and velocity generation along the right ventricular free wall in pulmonary hypertension.

BACKGROUND: In contrast to the homogeneously distributed deformation properties within the left ventricle, the right ventricular (RV) free wall (RVFW) shows a more inhomogeneous distribution. It has been demonstrated that pulmonary hypertension (PH) results in significant RVFW mechanical delay.
OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of the degree of pulmonary arterial systolic pressure on the RVFW strain gradient and on myocardial velocity generation.
METHODS: Peak longitudinal strain and velocity data were collected from three different segments (basal, mid- and apical) of the RVFW in 17 normal individuals and 31 PH patients.
RESULTS: A total of 144 RV wall segments were analyzed. RVFW strain values in individuals without PH were higher in the mid and apical segments than in the basal segment. In contrast, RVFW strain in PH patients was higher in basal segments and diminished toward the apex. In terms of RVFW velocities, both groups showed decremental values from basal to apical segments. Basal and mid-RVFW velocities were significantly lower in PH patients than in individuals without PH.
CONCLUSIONS: PH results in significant alterations of strain and velocity generation that occurs along the RVFW. Of these abnormalities, the reduction in strain from the mid and apical RVFW segments was most predictive of PH. It is important to be aware of these differences in strain generation when studying the effect of PH on the right ventricle. Additional studies are required to determine whether these differences are due to RV remodelling.