Multi-parametric "on board" evaluation of right ventricular function using three-dimensional echocardiography: feasibility and comparison to traditional two-and three dimensional echocardiographic measurements.

Three-dimensional echocardiographic (3DE) of right ventricle (RV) has been validated in many clinical settings. However, the necessity of complicated and off-line dedicated software has reduced its diffusion. A new simplified "on board" 3DE software (OB) has been developed to obtain RV volumes and ejection fraction (EF) together with several conventional parameters automatically derived from 3DE: tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), fractional area change (FAC), longitudinal strain (LS). Aims of this study were to evaluate feasibility and accuracy of OB RV analysis. A complete 2DE and 3DE with OB 3DRV evaluation was obtained in 35 normal subjects and 105 patients with different pathologies. Results were compared with the conventional off-line software (OFL) and with the 2D-derived corresponding values. A subgroup of 22 patients underwent also cardiac CMR. OB 3DRV was feasible in 133/140 cases (95%) in a mean time of 97.5 ± 33 s lower than OFL analysis (129 ± 52 s plus dataset loading 80 ± 24 s). Imaging quality was good in 84%. OB and OFL 3DE RV volumes and EF were similar. 3DE derived FSA and LS (but not TAPSE) were similar to 2DE values and correlated with tissue Doppler systolic peak velocity, dP/dt, systolic pulmonary pressure and myocardial performance index. OB RV volumes and EF well correlated with CMR. (bias + SD: - 21.5 ± 20 mL for EDV; - 8.2 ± 12.4 mL for ESV; - 1 ± 5.9% for EF). OB 3DE method is feasible, simple, time saving. It easily provides 3DE RV volumes and multiple functional parameters. Off-line operator border adjustment may improve accuracy of 3DE TAPSE.