In precapillary pulmonary hypertension, 6-minute walk distance was significantly associated with right ventricular longitudinal function, including FWS (B=-15.2; 95% CI -22.3 to -8; p<0.001).
Cross-Sectional (n=49)
Impaired right ventricular longitudinal function assessed by multimodality imaging is significantly associated with reduced exercise capacity in patients with precapillary pulmonary hypertension.
Effect estimate: B=-15.2 (95% CI -22.3 to -8)
p-value: p=< 0.001
Abstract Background Right ventricular (RV) failure is a key determinant of outcome in precapillary pulmonary hypertension (PHprecap). Contemporary four-strata risk assessment incorporates functional capacity and NT-proBNP, yet the relationship between these and RV function remains unclear. We therefore examined these associations in PHprecap. Methods and results Patients with PHprecap (n=49; 69% women, median age 62 IQR 52,74 years) underwent six-minute walk distance (6MWD), NT-proBNP sampling, right heart catheterization, and comprehensive RV assessment by echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging most within 24 hours. RV function was impaired (RVEFCMR 41%, FWSECHO -15%, and FACECHO 30%), 6MWD was reduced (315 m), and NT-proBNP was elevated (1078 ng/L). In multivariable analysis adjusted for age and sex, 6MWD was associated with RV longitudinal function parameters (adjusted R2=0.33-0.50, all p0.05), including FWS (B=-15.2, 95% CI -22.3 to -8; p 0.001) and TAPSE/sPAP (B=338,6 95% CI 179.7-498.7; p 0.001). In univariable analysis, log10(NT-proBNP) was associated with TAPSE, RV–PA coupling parameters, AVPD, and CMR-derived FWS (all p 0.05), but only TAPSE/sPAP, S′/sPAP, and CMR-FWS remained significant after adjustment for mean right atrial pressure. Combined models showed minimal incremental explanatory value of RV function for 6MWD, whereas AVPD and age were the only independent predictors (adjusted R2 ≈ 0.50). Conclusion Impaired RV longitudinal function is significantly associated with exercise capacity, Abstract with tracking changesindependent of imaging modality and confounders, whereas NT-proBNP provides a moderate reflection of right-sided filling pressures. Resting RV assessment may underestimate disease severity, and stress-based evaluation could better capture functional impairment in PHprecap.
Jumatate et al. (2026) conducted a cross-sectional in Precapillary pulmonary hypertension (PHprecap) (n=49). Right ventricular longitudinal function was evaluated on Association of 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) with RV longitudinal function (FWS) (B=-15.2, 95% CI -22.3 to -8, p=< 0.001). In precapillary pulmonary hypertension, 6-minute walk distance was significantly associated with right ventricular longitudinal function, including FWS (B=-15.2; 95% CI -22.3 to -8; p<0.001).