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.