Assessing Right Ventricular Deformation by 2D Global Longitudinal Strain in Patients Undergoing CABG Pre vs. Post Procedure

Introduction: RV dysfunction after CABG is common finding in one fourth of patients after cardiac surgery. RV global longitudinal strain (RVGLS), has several advantages over other conventional echocardiographic parameters of RV systolic function.

Method: The study included 50 patients electively planned for CABG surgery. All patients were examined pre-operatively and 3 months after procedure with transthoracic echocardiography focusing on the RV systolic function by conventional methods along with global longitudinal strain.

Results: Data analysis found significant deterioration of the RV systolic function in the 2D longitudinal strain along with the all the conventional echocardiographic parameters.

Data showed reduced all parameters, FAC from median 53% to 45% P value <0.0001, TAPSE from median 2.2cm to 1.3cm P value <0.0001, S' wave TDI from median 14cm/s to 9cm/s P value <0.0001 and global longitudinal strain from median -19%, to -11.7% P value <0.0001.

Conclusion: RV global longitudinal strain, as measured by 2D STE, declines for up to 3 months after surgery. This may add to the current literature about 2D speckle tracking information for RV assessment in CABG patients, confirming the RV systolic impairment post procedures. As well adding incremental value to the GLS assessment for RV.