1.4 Conventional Ultrasound Parameter Analysis
Standard two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography and Doppler
imaging were conducted following recommended guidelines. Left
ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was assessed using the modified
Simpson’s biplane method from the conventional apical 4-chamber (A4C)
and 2-chamber (A2C) views. Standardized measurements of right heart
structure and function parameters were performed in accordance with the
guidelines of the American Society of Echocardiography[10]. Participants remained at rest and connected
to electrocardiography during the examination. The echocardiographic
examination commenced with the patient in the left lateral decubitus
position. Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) was
evaluated using M-mode tracing of the tricuspid annulus from the
conventional echocardiographic images. Additionally, tissue Doppler
imaging was employed to assess tricuspid lateral annular systolic
velocity (S’).
Upon obtaining a clear apical four-chamber view, the three-dimensional
full-volume mode was activated, capturing and storing four cardiac
cycles of volumetric data. These volumetric datasets were then saved in
DICOM format for subsequent analysis.