Right ventricular failure (RVF) represents a formidable clinical challenge that carries
significant morbidity and mortality [
[1]
]. The management is mainly focused on the treatment of the underlying condition, with
additional interventions aimed at optimizing preload, afterload, and contractility
[
1
,
2
]. However, there is a lack of therapies that specifically target the dysfunctional
right ventricle (RV). Recent studies have identified the importance of interventricular
interactions, right and left ventricular (LV) dyssynchrony, and subsequent impairment
of LV function in the setting of RVF [
3
,
4
,
5
]. Novel echocardiographic techniques have enabled objective quantification of both
ventricular dyssynchrony and myocardial contractility. One novel approach of echocardiographic
imaging is known as speckle tracking echocardiography (STE). Because of its sensitive
assessment of myocardial contractility and lack of preload dependence, STE has propelled
our understanding of ventricular dyssynchrony and its consequences on overall cardiac
function [
6
,
7
]. Consequently, STE may help in the evaluation of novel therapeutic interventions
for RVF.To read this article in full you will need to make a payment
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References
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: August 31, 2012
Accepted:
August 22,
2012
Received in revised form:
August 8,
2012
Received:
August 8,
2012
Identification
Copyright
© 2013 Elsevier Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
