Right ventricular global dysfunction score: a new concept of right ventricular function assessment in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF)

BackgroundRight ventricular (RV) function is currently being evaluated solely according to the properties of RV myocardium. We have tested a concept that in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), RV assessment should integrate the information about both RV function as well as size. MethodsA total of 836 stable patients with HFrEF (LVEF 23.6 & PLUSMN; 5.8%, 82.8% males, 68% NYHA III/IV) underwent echocardiographic evaluation and were prospectively followed for a median of 3.07 (IQRs 1.11; 4.89) years for the occurrence of death, urgent heart transplantation or implantation of mechanical circulatory support. ResultsRV size (measured as RV-basal diameter, RVD1) was significantly associated with an adverse outcome independent of RV dysfunction grade (p = 0.0002). The prognostic power of RVD1 was further improved by indexing to body surface area (RVD(1)i, p < 0.05 compared to non-indexed value). A novel parameter named RV global dysfunction score (RVGDs) was calculated as a product of RVD(1)i and the degree of RV dysfunction (1-4 for preserved RV function, mild, moderate and severe dysfunction, respectively). RVGDs showed a superior prognostic role compared to RV dysfunction grade alone (& UDelta;AUC >0.03, p < 0.0001). In every subgroup of RVGDs (<20, 20-40, 40-60, >60), patients with milder degree of RV dysfunction but more dilated RV had similar outcome as those with more severe degree of RV dysfunction but smaller RV size (all p > 0.50), independent of tricuspid regurgitation severity and degree of pulmonary hypertension. ConclusionRV dilatation is a manifestation of RV dysfunction. The evaluation of RV performance should integrate the information about both RV size and function.

Automated summary

Right ventricular (RV) function in heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) should be assessed by considering both RV function and size. RV size (measured as RV-basal diameter) was associated with poor outcomes, independent of RV dysfunction grade. A novel parameter, RV global dysfunction score (RVGDs), which combines RV size and function, had superior prognostic value compared to RV dysfunction grade alone.