Background
Right ventricular (RV) end-systolic dimensions provide information on both size and function. We investigated whether an internally scaled index of end-systolic dimension is incremental to well-validated prognostic scores in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).
Methods and Results
From 2005 to 2014, 228 patients with PAH were prospectively enrolled. RV end-systolic remodeling index (RVESRI) was defined by lateral length divided by septal height. The incremental values of RV free-wall longitudinal strain (RVLS) and RVESRI to risk scores were determined. Mean age was 49±14 years, 78% were female, 33% had connective tissue disease, 52% were in NYHA class ≥III and mean pulmonary vascular resistance was 11.2±6.4 Wood Units. RVESRI and right atrial area were strongly connected to the other right heart metrics. Three zones of adaptation (adapted, maladapted and severely maladapted) were identified based on the RVESRI to RV systolic pressure relationship. During a mean follow-up of 3.9±2.4 years, the primary endpoint of death, transplant or admission for heart failure was reached in 88 patients. RVESRI was incremental to risk prediction scores in PAH including the REVEAL score, the pulmonary hypertension connection equation and the Mayo clinic model. Using multivariable analysis, NYHA class III/IV, RVESRI, and log N-terminal–pro brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) were retained (Chi-square 62.2, p<0.0001). Changes in RVESRI at 1 year (n=203) were predictive of outcome; patients initiated on prostanoid therapy showed the greatest improvement in RVESRI. Among right heart metrics, RVESRI demonstrated the best test-retest characteristics.
Conclusions
RVESRI is a simple reproducible prognostic marker in patients with PAH.
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