Noninvasive Assessment of Right Ventricular Function in Patients with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension and Left Ventricular Assist Device

Journal Article · Thu Aug 15 04:00:00 EDT 2019 · Current Cardiology Reports (Print)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1007/S11886-019-1156-2· OSTI ID:22929228

Ramani, Gautam ^[1]; Chen, Wengen ^[2]; Patel, Sonika ^[1]; Judy, Jean ^[2]; Ton, Van-Khue ^[1]

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1. University of Maryland School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology (United States)
2. University of Maryland School of Medicine, Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine (United States)

Purpose of Review: Right ventricular (RV) failure in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is associated with increased hospitalizations, worsening functional class, and poor survival. Accurate RV function assessment is essential in diagnosing RV failure, guiding therapies, and determining prognosis. Noninvasive imaging techniques provide fast and reliable quantification of RV morphology and function. Recent Findings: We review echocardiography, nuclear medicine, and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses for RV function assessment in patients with PAH and LVAD. We identify current knowledge gaps in utilizing noninvasive tests to assess RV function. Summary: Echocardiography is most widely used to quantify RV function in patients with PAH and LVAD, followed by cardiac MRI for RV morphology and function measurement in PAH patients. The first-pass radionuclide angiography with radiolabeled RBC is the gold standard for calculating RV function. Gated blood pool SPECT can be an alternative as it separates the cardiac chambers well and provides accurate assessment of the RV function with high reproducibility, which is particularly useful for monitoring treatment. More research is needed to compare and validate these modalities in evaluating RV function.

• OSTI ID: 22929228
• Journal Information: Current Cardiology Reports (Print), Journal Name: Current Cardiology Reports (Print) Journal Issue: 8 Vol. 21; ISSN 1523-3782
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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