Echocardiographic (EchoC) dimensions of the right cavities of the heart in right ventricular insufficiency

Seven dimensions of the right ventricle at different levels and one dimension of the right auricle at the tricuspidal valve level were determined in 414 patients with cardiac ailments without volume loading. The data obtained are confronted with the hemodynamics of the right ventricle determined via clinical investigations, right cardiac catheterization and the method of dye dilution. A considerable correlation exists between the size of the EchoC-dimensions of the right ventricle and right auricle and the values of the final diastolic pressure in the right ventricle and the mean pressure in the right auricle, being a precondition for the determination of the right ventricle function via echocardiography. Enlargement of all EchoC-dimensions of the right ventricle and right auricle is present in right ventricle insufficiency. The echocardiography dimensions of the right ventricle and right auricle show a high sensitivity (91%) in the determination of initial right-ventricle insufficiency, presenting a relatively low false positive results (13%).