Pulmonary embolism and right ventricular function cardiac CT : right ventricular function in pulmonary embolism

Abstract

The aim of this thesis is to provide more insight into the relationship between pulmonary embolic burden, right and left ventricular function and dysfunction, using ECG-synchronized multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT). We demonstrated that RV and LV function can be accurately measured by using ECG-synchronized MDCT. Contrary to non-ECG synchronized MDCT-measured RV function, ECG-synchronized technique is a more accurate reflection of the hemodynamic consequences of different embolic locations on RV function. ECG-synchronized MDCT is able to distinguish patients with central PE from those with peripheral PE, while non-ECG-synchronized MDCT is not. RV dysfunction (RV-EF below 35%) is independently predicted by an obstruction index above 50% or a LV-EF below 45%.