The Dysfunctional Right Ventricle in Dilated Cardiomyopathies: Looking from the Right Point of View

Figures

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  Figure 1. Right ventricular geometry and function in a normal subject assessed by three-dimensional echocardiography. (A) Right ventricular volumes and ejection fraction. (B) Multi-slice view of the right ventricle from the three-dimensional echocardiography data set showing the crescent shape in cross-section and triangular shape when viewed from the side. (C) Right ventricular geometry and function in a normal subject by cardiac magnetic resonance. Abbreviations: CO, cardiac output; Dd, diastolic diameter; EDV, end-diastolic volume; EF, ejection fraction; ESV, end-systolic volume; FAC, fractional area change; HR, heart rate; LA, left atrium; LD, longitudinal diameter; LV, left ventricle; LVM, left ventricular mass; RA, right atrium; RV, right ventricle; RVM, right ventricular mass; SV, stroke volume; TAPSE, tricuspid annulus plane systolic excursion.

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  Figure 2. Right ventricular function assessed by M–mode (TAPSE), upper panel, and tissue Doppler imaging (S’ wave velocity), lower panel in (A) a normal subject, (B) a patient with dilated cardiomyopathy and normal right ventricular size and longitudinal dysfunction, and (C) a patient with dilated cardiomyopathy and biventricular involvement, yet normal right ventricular longitudinal function. Abbreviations as in Figure 1.

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  Figure 3. Right ventricular fractional area change calculation by two-dimensional echocardiography. Abbreviations: RVEDA, right ventricular end-diastolic area; RVESA, right ventricular end-systolic area; other abbreviations as in Figure 1.

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  Figure 4. Right ventricular functional assessment by speckle–tracking echocardiography in a patient with (A) normal right ventricular longitudinal function, and (B) right ventricular longitudinal dysfunction. Abbreviations: FWS, free wall strain; GS, global strain; other abbreviations as in Figure 1.

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  Figure 5. Right ventricular volumes and ejection fraction calculation by three-dimensional echocardiography in (A) a normal subject, (B) a patient with right ventricular dilation and preserved systolic function, and (C) a patient with right ventricular dilation and dysfunction. Abbreviations as in Figure 1.

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  Figure 6. Right ventricular volumes and ejection fraction calculated by cardiac magnetic resonance in (A) a normal subject and (B) a patient with dilated cardiomyopathy. Abbreviations as in Figure 1.