What does this research mean for the field?

Non-invasively determined right ventricular-arterial coupling surrogate parameters, specifically RVFWLS/PASP and RVEF/PASP, independently predict heart failure rehospitalization in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.INCREMENTAL. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

This study aims to assess the prognostic significance of non-invasively measured RV–PA coupling parameters in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy.

March 18, 2026Open Access

Prognostic Value of Non-Invasively Determined Right Ventricular–Arterial Coupling Surrogate Parameters in Patients with Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Key Result

RVFWLS/PASP and RVEF/PASP independently predicted heart failure rehospitalization in dilated cardiomyopathy, with optimal cut-offs of 0.46 and 1.2, respectively.

Key Points

This study aims to assess the prognostic significance of non-invasively measured RV–PA coupling parameters in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy.
Retrospective and prospective evaluation of 88 patients from January 2019 to September 2023
Parameters analyzed included TAPSE/PASP, RVFAC/PASP, RVFWLS/PASP, and RVEF/PASP
Follow-up period averaged 14 months
Primary endpoint was rehospitalization for decompensated heart failure
Secondary endpoint was all-cause mortality
Univariate analysis showed all indices were linked to rehospitalization
Multivariate analysis identified RVFWLS/PASP and RVEF/PASP as independent predictors
Optimal cut-offs were established: 1.2 for RVEF/PASP and 0.46 for RVFWLS/PASP
Sensitivity for RVEF/PASP was 72%, specificity 80%; for RVFWLS/PASP, sensitivity was 72%, specificity 76%
No significant correlation with all-cause mortality was observed

Structured PICO

Do echocardiography-determined surrogate parameters of right ventricular-arterial coupling predict rehospitalization for decompensated heart failure in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy?

Population

Patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM)

Intervention

Echocardiography-determined surrogate parameters of right ventricular-arterial (RV-PA) coupling (TAPSE/PASP, RVFAC/PASP, RVFWLS/PASP, and RVEF/PASP)

Outcome

Rehospitalization for decompensated heart failure (HF)hard clinical

Non-invasive echocardiographic indices of RV-PA coupling, specifically RVFWLS/PASP and RVEF/PASP, can independently predict the risk of heart failure rehospitalization in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy.

Main Result

Absolute Event Rate: 0% vs 0%

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Right ventricular dysfunction is frequent in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and contributes significantly to prognosis. This study evaluated the prognostic value of echocardiography-determined surrogate parameters of right ventricular–arterial (RV–PA) coupling in patients with DCM. Methods: A total of 88 patients admitted between January 2019 to September 2023 were retrospectively and prospectively assessed and followed for a mean of 14 months. The primary endpoint was rehospitalization for decompensated heart failure (HF); the secondary endpoint was all-cause mortality. The parameters studied included TAPSE/PASP, RVFAC/PASP, RVFWLS/PASP, and RVEF/PASP. Results: In univariate analysis, all indices were associated with rehospitalization, but multivariate analysis retained only RVFWLS/PASP and RVEF/PASP as independent predictors. Optimal cut-offs were identified as 1.2 for RVEF/PASP (sensitivity 72%, specificity 80%) and 0.46 for RVFWLS/PASP (sensitivity 72%, specificity 76%). None of the parameters correlated significantly with all-cause mortality. Conclusions: These findings highlight the prognostic utility of non-invasively derived RV–PA coupling indices for rehospitalization risk stratification in DCM.