Evaluation of Global Right Ventricular Systolic Function in Patients with Dilated Cardiomyopathy by Real-time Three-dimensional Echocardiography

Objective:To evaluate the global right ventricular volume and systolic function in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy(DCM) using real-time three-dimensional echocardiography(RT-3DE).Methods:Two-dimensional echocardiography(2DE) examinations were performed initially in 51 patients of DCM verified by clinical diagnosis and 36 healthy individuals(normal control group).Forty-one patients with normal size of right ventricle(RV) and remaining 10 with enlarged RV were divided into DCM group 1 and DCM group 2.RT-3DE were performed in those patients and healthy contrds,Global right ventricular end-diastolic volume(RVEDV),end-systolic volume(RVESV) and ejection fraction(RVEF) were measured by 4D-RVF software and inter-group comparisons were used.Results:Two DCM groups were compared with normal control group,respectively,RVEDV,RVESV and RVEF,values were significantly different(P0.001).DCM group1 compared with DCM group2,RVEDV,RVESV and had significant differences(P0.05),However,RVEF was no significant difference(P=0.31).Conclusion:Even one patient with DCM shows normal right ventricular diameter measured by 2DE,the global right volume is much larger than normal,and the right ventricular function has also been significantly reduced.RT-3DE technology by 4D-RVF software will prompt right ventricular systolic dysfunction earlier and more intuitively.