Preoperative TAPSE/PASP Ratio as a Non-Invasive Predictor of Hypotension After General Anesthesia Induction

<b>Background:</b> Hypotension is a common adverse event after the induction of general anesthesia and may lead to serious complications. The Tricuspid Annular Plane Systolic Excursion (TAPSE)/Pulmonary Arterial Systolic Pressure (PASP) ratio is an echocardiographic parameter reflecting right ventricular (RV) function and pulmonary circulation. This study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of the TAPSE/PASP ratio for hypotension after general anesthesia induction. <b>Methods:</b> This prospective observational study included 79 patients with no known cardiac disease who were scheduled for elective surgery and classified as having a physical status of I-III according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA). TAPSE, PASP, and RV function were assessed using transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) within 5-30 min before surgery, and their hemodynamic changes after general anesthesia induction were recorded. <b>Results:</b> Data analysis revealed a significant association between the TAPSE/PASP ratio and the occurrence of hypotension following the induction of general anesthesia (<i>p</i> < 0.001). In addition, a cut-off value of ≤1.98 was determined for predicting hypotension, which demonstrated a sensitivity of 72.5% and a specificity of 64.1% (AUC = 0.733, 95% CI: 0.621-0.826, <i>p</i> < 0.001). <b>Conclusions:</b> The TAPSE/PASP ratio is a potential predictor of hypotension following the induction of general anesthesia. Further studies are required to validate its predictive accuracy and clinical utility in perioperative hemodynamic management.