Looking beyond ejection fraction: what we have in echocardiography

Abstract

Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is the most frequently used echocardiographic parameter. LVEF based heart failure classification, timely intervention in a patient with valvular disease (e.g. aortic stenosis, mitral regurgitation), deterioration of myocardial function in a patient treated with chemotherapy; all need a simple LVEF value for decision-making process. An echocardiographic examination also contains several parameters with invaluable importance. Measurement and evaluation of these parameters should be made in every patient suspected of having myocardial disease.

Right ventricular strain

“…Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the preferred imaging method for RV evaluation (1) however echocardiography is the most frequently used one due to its widespread availability, safety, repeatability, and real time imaging with high temporal and spatial resolution (2). In our previous reviews in depth analysis of left ventricle and left atrium were discussed (3,4). Here in this mini review we will focus on echocardiographic deformation imaging of the right ventricle and its derived parameters.…”