Intorduction
In recent years, an expanding body of literature has underscored the prognostic significance of right ventricular (RV) myocardial dysfunction in cardiovascular pathology[1, 2]. Traditional echocardiographic indices and two-dimensional speckle tracking have been the primary modalities for evaluating RV function. However, the inherent complexity of the right ventricular morphology poses challenges to accurately assess three-dimensional myocardial alterations using these methodologies. The advent of three-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (3D-STE) has revolutionized the quantification of RV myocardial strain by enabling spatial tracking of myocardial speckles.
While cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) remains the gold standard for comprehensive assessment of RV function, recent studies have demonstrated the commendable agreement between 3D-STE and CMR in evaluating RV function[3]. The non-invasive nature and operational convenience of 3D-STE further enhance its utility in clinical settings.
Existing literature predominantly focuses on RV involvement in congenital heart defects, pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary embolism, and heart transplantation [4-8]. However, scant attention has been directed towards exploring the interplay between RV strain and coronary artery disease (CAD). Prior investigations have elucidated the adverse prognostic implications of RV dysfunction in chronic ischemic cardiomyopathy[9]. Chronic CAD can lead to RV dysfunction through mechanisms such as increased RV pressure load, ischemia impacting the RV myocardium, and secondary effects of left-sided heart failure. Notably, therapeutic interventions targeting chronic myocardial ischemia, such as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), hold promise for ameliorating RV dysfunction. Thus, there arises a pertinent hypothesis regarding the potential for post-PCI recovery of RV function in patients with chronic stable angina.
Therefore, the present study aims to bridge this research gap by leveraging 3D-STE to assess alterations in RV systolic function in patients with non-acute coronary syndrome angina undergoing PCI. By elucidating the dynamics of RV function following PCI, this investigation seeks to contribute valuable insights into the management strategies for coronary artery disease, thereby fostering enhanced clinical outcomes and patient care.