Estimation of right ventricular function in highlanders with high altitude pulmonary hypertension and high altitude cor pulmonale

Tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) is used as additional approach for diagnosis of right ventricular (RV) dysfunction in PH. But RV function obtained by TDI has rarely been investigated in highlanders. The aim of the study was to evaluate RV functions in highlanders by TDI. Methods: Pulmonary haemodynamics and RV functions were evaluated by TDI and Doppler-ECHO in 48 highlanders at altitude of residency (3200-3800 m). All subjects were divided into the three groups: 1st group (n=20) - patients with high altitude pulmonary hypertension (HAPH). 2nd group (n=8) patients with HAPH and RV hypertrophy. 3rd group (n=20) healthy highlanders. All subjects underwent clinical examination, ECG, spirometry. Results: View this table: Right ventricular function in highlanders estimating by TDI Conclusion: Thus, the evaluation of peak systolic and diastolic tricuspid annular velocity using TDI revealed RV hypertrophic diastolic dysfunction in HAPH patients and RV systolic dysfunction with pseudonormal diastolic dysfunction in patients with HAPH and RV hypotrophy.