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.