Objectives .– Assessing right ventricular (RV) function is still a challenge. MRI is considered as gold standard but not available in many times. We used a strategy based on systematic multiparametric approach to assess RV function compared with MSCT scan evaluation known to be well correlated to MRI.

Patients and methods .– From December 2009 to April 2010, 57 patients (mean age 56,7 ± 13, male 63,15%) have been referred to our institution to perform non invasive coronary arteries angiography using 64-MSCT. Three-dimensional RV ejection fraction (RVEF) was measured using commercially available software. Right ventricular fractional area change (RVFAC) was measured in axial plane and reconstructed in apical 4 chambers view. We also measured in the same views tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (Scan TAPSE). TTE was performed the same day to assess RV parameters according to the more recent guidelines: tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), tricuspid annular peak systolic velocity in Tissue Doppler Imaging (Sa tricuspid annulus), myocardial performance index (Tei index), right ventricular fractional area change (RVFAC).We studied correlations between TTE parameters and cardiac 64-MSCT scan. Right ventricular dysfunction was assessed using at least two parameters in TTE.

Results .– Hemodynamic conditions were similar before both exams. We found good correlations between: RVEF measured by MSCT scan and RVFAC in TTE (Rho = 0,53; P = 0,002); RVFAC measured by MSCT scan in axial view and RVFAC in TTE (Rho = 0,59; P = 0,0006); RVFAC measured by MSCT scan in apical 4 chambers view and RVFAC in TTE (Rho = 0,58; P = 0,0007); TAPSE scan measured by MSCT scan in axial view and Sa tricuspid annulus in TTE (Rho = 0,60; P = 0,0002); TAPSE scan measured by MSCT scan in apical 4 chambers view and Sa tricuspid annulus in TTE (Rho = 0,63; P < 0,0001). Assessing RV function by systematic multiparametric TTE strategy had a 50% sensibility and a 89,7% specificity to predict RVEF less than 35% in cardiac 64-MSCT scan with a 94,59% negative predictive value.

Conclusion .– We showed that TTE parameters used to assess RV function had good correlations with modern parameters derived from a standard 64-MSCT cardiac scan. A systematic multiparametric strategy in TTE had a high negative predictive value of RV dysfunction assessed by 64-MSCT cardiac scan. The prognostic value of such a strategy should be evaluated in prospective studies in different clinical issues like risk stratification before cardiac adult surgery or after a pulmonary embolism.