Objective:Right ventricular dysfunction constitutes a major risk factor for patients suffering from degenerative mitral valve disease. The objective
of this study was to assess right ventricular function by echocardiography and to detect role of right ventricular functions in prediction of outcome
following mitral valve replacement operation in patients with rheumatic heart disease involving mitral valve.
Methods:Transthoracic 3D echocardiography was done in 52 patients posted for mitral valve replacement surgery. Right ventricular function was
analyzed by measuring fractional area change (FAC) of right ventricle, tethering distance and, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE).
Tricuspid regurgitation was graded 0 to 4. Based on echocardiographic ndings of right ventricle, patients were allocated in two groups; Group A
(normal right ventricular function) and Group B (poor right ventricular function). After surgery, incidence of complications such as; low cardiac
output syndrome, refractory arrhythmia and, sepsis were compared in two group.
Results: Incidence of postoperative complication such as low cardiac output syndrome and sepsis was signicantly more in patients with poor right
ventricular function. Right ventricular variables, FAC <35%, TAPSE <17 mm and tethering distance > 8 mm are independent predictors of
postoperative complications. Tricuspid valve was repaired in patients with grade 3 and 4 regurgitation. Therefore cardiopulmonary bypass time
was signicantly more in patients with grade 3 and 4 TR (84.42±69.77 min) (p<0.01). Duration of intensive care support was also signicantly
more in patients with poor right ventricular function (p<0.001)
Conclusion: To predict possible complications and outcome following mitral valve replacement surgery, right ventricular functions should be
thoroughly assessed by 3D echocardiography
An Australian-based Outreach Program of Valve Replacement Surgery for Rheumatic Heart Disease in Fiji: Early and Late Mortality, and Major Adverse Valve-related Events, Over a 10 Year Period, 2001–2011
