Evaluation of Right Ventricular Functions before and after Balloon Mitral Valvuloplasty Using 2D-Speckle Tracking Echocardiography

Background: Right ventricular (RV) functional assessment is challenging due to its complex anatomy. Evaluation of right ventricular functions using speckle tracking method looks to be a promising method compared with conventional echocardiographic measures. Objective The aim of our work was to evaluate right ventricular functions using 2D speckle tracking echocardiography in patients with isolated severe mitral stenosis (MS) before and one month after Balloon mitral valvuloplasty (BMV). Methods: Our study was conducted on 60 patients with isolated severe MS eligible for (BMV) and 30 healthy control group. All patients were evaluated by conventional and 2D speckle tracking echocardiography before and one month after Balloon mitral valvuloplasty. Results: The mean mitral valve area (MVA) was significantly increased after BMV (p<0.001), there was significant improvement of conventional RV measures after BMV but all measures before and after BMV were within normal range. There was significant improvement of all RV strain measures after BMV. Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that RV free wall /mid wall strain were significant independent predictors for improvement of Pulmonary artery systolic Pressure after BMV. Conclusion: RV strain can be a reliable method for assessment of subtle RV dysfunction and also for assessment of improved RV functions after BMV.