Evaluation of right ventricular function in acute pulmonary embolism by 3D ejection fraction and longitudinal strain echocardiography in acute phase and follow-up

Abstract Background Assessment of right ventricular (RV) function by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) in acute pulmonary embolism (PE) has an essential role to severity stratification. However, there is no reliable information on RV function about the clinical utility of advanced TTE parameters in follow-up. Purpose We aimed to assess the clinical utility of 3D RV ejection fraction (3DEF) and free wall longitudinal strain (FWLS) compared to conventional parameters in evaluating RV function in patients with acute PE at time of diagnosis and after follow-up and the relation with adverse outcomes. Methods We prospectively recruited 86 patients with intermediate-high and high-risk bilateral PE from 2018 to 2020 in our centre. Patients underwent TTE during admission and at 6 to 12 months follow-up that included conventional RV parameters (pulsed Doppler S wave (S'), TAPSE, and fractional area change (FAC)). 3DEF and FWLS were obtained as well. Normal values were stablished according to European guidelines. Results Mean age was 63.7±16.5 years, 58% males. Reperfusion treatment was performed in a 26,8%. In-hospital mortality was 4,7% (3 patients in the acute phase of PE and 1 due to rePE. The median follow-up was 1.3 years (IQR 1–2.5). 9 patients died (2 due to PE, 3 due to respiratory failure and 5 due to cancer). Patients with adverse events had a greater severity in PESI scale and worse RV function assessed by 3DEF and 3D volumes. There were no significant differences between groups in FAC, S' and TAPSE (Table 1). Baseline echocardiographic parameters were analyzed in the acute phase during admission and at 6–12 month follow-up (Table 2). There was a significant improvement in conventional parameters (TAPSE and FAC) and a reversal of FWLS values (P=0,01) at follow-up. 3DEF improved, but was not statistically significant (p=0,06). There was a greater reversal in end-systolic volume compared to end-diastolic volume. Conclusion Advanced RV function assessment by 3DEF and FWLS is useful in the acute phase and follow-up. FWLS showed and early normalization after PE resolution, whereas 3DEF improved but remained pathological at 6–12 months follow-up. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None. Table 1Table 2