Measuring strain and strain rate in the right ventricle by speckle tracking echocardiography in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension: Correlation with invasive and clinical parameters.

Objective

This study will evaluate a new clinical tool for assessing RV function. Strain and Strain rate analysis by speckle tracking has shown promise in being able to detect and quantify subtle forms of myocardial dysfunction. Use of this method in the right ventricle could help future patients with PAH by defining prognosis, assessing treatment effects and avoiding invasive tests.

IRB Protocol Number

10-0903

All Other Trials

• Heart & Circulation
• Lungs & Respiratory

Contact

Cheri Abbott, RN, CCRP at 303-724-7466
or cheryl.abbott@ucdenver.edu

Eligibility and Other Participant Information

Inclusion Criteria

• must be at least 18 years of age
• must meet 2008 Dana Point classification, WHO group I pulmonary hypertension
• Only subjects that are scheduled for a RHC as part of their clinical workup for PH will be considered

Exclusion Criteria

Patients with any of the following will be excluded: 

• left ventricular systolic dysfunction
• ventricular or atrial septal defects
• primary valve disease 
• pulmonary capillary wedge pressure >15mmHg on RHC
• left or right bundle branch block 
• a pacemaker
• poor echo window on echocardiogram
• inability or unwillingness to consent to the study.