RIGHT SIDE OF THE HEART: ASSESSMENT BY TRANSTHORACIC ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY

Abstract

Echocardiographic evaluation of right heart has been a neglected area of Transthoracic studies. As technology improved, it has taken rapid strides, for structure and functional assessment. Right heart function has proven prognostic implications. Echocardiographic evaluation of the Right Heart spans from M-mode to 2 and 3 dimensional studies, Doppler (Pulsed wave, Continuous wave, color and tissue), and recent addition of Speckle Tracking. In this review, the definitions, echocardiographic methods, limitations and prognostic implications of the parameters used to assess Right heart structure and function by Trans-thoracic echocardiography (exclusive of 3D) have been detailed.