Right ventricular mechanical pattern in health and disease: beyond longitudinal shortening

Compared to the left ventricle (LV), whose anatomy and function has been the subject of intensive research, right ventricular (RV) morphology and mechanics were traditionally less studied in contemporary science. In the past few decades, novel diagnostic techniques and important epidemiology studies have brought RV function back into the scientific spotlight. RV function has proven to be a prognostic factor in heart failure with reduced and preserved ejection fraction and in pulmonary hypertension. RV function is also a cornerstone in the management of novel clinical issues, such as mechanical circulatory support devices or grown-up congenital heart disease patients. In our current review, we summarize the existing knowledge regarding RV mechanics in different overload conditions and emphasize the role of non-longitudinal contraction of the chamber and its evaluation.

The myocardium is a complex three-dimensional network of myofibers in a multiple helical arrangement with important functional consequences. A contraction of these bundles deforms the ventricle and generates ejection, whereas the relaxation aids diastole; moreover, knowing the myofiber orientation helps to understand the pattern of RV contraction in the three-dimensional space. On the epicardial surface, circumferentially oriented myofibers are present; these myofibers are components of the myofiber tracts that are shared with the LV, encompass the subpulmonary infundibulum and advance more or less parallel with the atrioventricular groove. At the apex, this layer spirals into the deep (subendocardial) layer of the RV. However, this subendocardial fiber orientation is rather longitudinal (Fig. 1). In physiologic conditions, the mid-layer containing circumferential fibers is absent [1]. However, there are congenital and acquired modifications of this myofiber architecture that result in an altered motion pattern of the RV.

Mechanistically, the RV shows a distinctive, peristaltic-like contraction pattern: the activation starts from the inlet portion and ends at the infundibulum [2]. During the isovolumic contraction, the subepicardial layer of the inflow tract acts as an early pressure generator and deforms the RV circumferentially. Subendocardial fibers are responsible for the longitudinal shortening mainly during the ejection phase [3]. The function of the interventricular septum also accounts for a significant part of global RV function, mainly through its longitudinal shortening. Notably, an inward motion of the septal myocardium into the RV cavity can also develop. There is no significant contribution of twist to RV pump function [4].

Accordingly, three main mechanisms contribute to RV pump function: (1) shortening of the longitudinal axis with traction of the tricuspid annulus towards the apex; (2) inward (radial) movement of the RV free wall, which is often referred as the “bellows effect”; and (3) bulging of the interventricular septum into the RV during the left ventricular contraction and stretching of the free wall over the septum (causing shortening in the anteroposterior direction).

Normative data are still lacking regarding the relative contribution of the longitudinal, radial, and anteroposterior components of RV wall motion to global ejection. Under physiological conditions, the longitudinal shortening was suggested to account for the majority of RV pump function [5]; however, the majority of recent studies suggest a similar importance of longitudinal and radial motions (Fig. 2) [6, 7]. Larger studies are needed to characterize potential age-related and gender-related alterations. Moreover, there are several diseases and clinical scenarios in which the normal ratio between the different mechanisms can change, indicating the (mal)adaptation of the chamber.

Two-dimensional echocardiography is barely capable of thoroughly characterizing RV morphology and function. Still, RV function assessment is often based exclusively on tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), which refers only to the longitudinal shortening of the chamber. The estimation of RV volumes based on 2D geometrical assumptions (as regarding the LV) are not used routinely; instead, fractional area change (FAC) is calculated. Although this technique is a 2D approach and partially incorporates radial motion direction, FAC describes RV function in a single cut of a very complex 3D structure. Speckle-tracking echocardiography emerged as a valuable tool for a more quantitative, semi-automated approach. Global longitudinal strain is showing an established diagnostic and prognostic value regarding LV pathologies [8], and promising data also have been gathered for the RV [9]. Although the RV longitudinal strain has an established added prognostic value compared to TAPSE, longitudinal strain still incorporates only one motion direction.

As a recent advancement, 3D echocardiography may overcome these shortcomings. Several software solutions are available to reconstruct the endocardial surface of the RV for a better appreciation of its geometry and to allow the measurement of volumes and subsequent ejection fraction. In addition, novel postprocessing solutions have become available for a deeper analysis of shape and function. Beyond 3D speckle tracking, curvature analysis and the separate quantification of the different motion components (longitudinal, radial, and anteroposterior) are promising in terms of obtaining a deeper understanding of RV physiology and pathophysiology [10, 11].

In conditions accompanied by pressure overload, the challenge for the RV is to remain coupled to the increased afterload. The major mechanisms include adaptive myocardial hypertrophy, which leads to increased wall thickness and reduced wall stress, and alterations of muscle properties, such as myocardial fiber orientation and also RV shape [10]. The relative dominance of the circumferential fibers within the RV wall can be observed [12]. A greater decline in radial contraction is often reported (Fig. 3), and radial motion seems to be a better predictor of RV pump function and of pulmonary artery pressure than longitudinal shortening [13]. Moreover, recent studies have demonstrated the prognostic value of the “bellows effect” in pulmonary hypertension patients [14].

RV-LV interactions should not be neglected in pulmonary hypertension. There is a parallel interaction via the leftward bowing of the interventricular septum and an in-series interaction as the RV fails to supply an adequate LV preload. Another interesting aspect of ventricular interdependence is functional linkage via common myofibers. In experimental models of pulmonary artery banding, the addition of a mild aortic band increases the contractility of the pressure-stressed RV, and this change is probably attributable to the Anrep effect and the continuity of myofibers [15]. Better coordination of RV and LV contractions and temporal alignment of cardiac cycle events can improve function, as also seen in bundle branch block activation delay.

Although pressure overload induces prominent changes in RV structure and function, RV remodeling seems to be highly reversible, and the recovery of RV function could be observed after appropriate treatment. Patients with pulmonary hypertension showed markedly improved RV function and decreased RV wall thickness after lung transplantation, even with severe preoperative RV dysfunction [16]. The degree of improvement is variable and related to pulmonary artery pressure and the duration of disease prior to transplantation [17]. The regaining of radial contraction may serve as a sensitive marker of disease regression during follow-up in these patients.

When RV preload increases, wall stress is maintained by dilation of the chamber, along with preserved end-systolic volumes in the early stages; these observations suggest increased contractile function through the Frank-Starling law, which effectively compensates for altered hemodynamic conditions. Clinical experience includes an accompanying increase in RV longitudinal shortening. The significant elevation of RV preload may be also tolerable with maintained global function in acute and chronic settings, and these observations led to the conclusion that RV volume overload is a benign condition that lacks hemodynamically detrimental consequences. However, there is growing evidence from tricuspid and pulmonary regurgitation patients that strongly emphasizes the negative effects of RV volume overload [18‐21].

In the clinical setting, the main etiologic factors of RV volume overload are tricuspid regurgitation (TR), pulmonary valve regurgitation, and left-to-right shunts. The latter two entities are almost exclusively associated with congenital heart diseases; for such diseases, in addition to the presence of RV volume overload, other complex structural and functional aspects must be taken into consideration and will be discussed later. Approximately 80% of TR is functional, and the nature of the primary disease also significantly affects pathophysiology and presentation [20]. The majority of experimental TR models and clinical data are not focused on RV mechanics and/or mechanoenergetics. According to the available experimental data, acute, severe TR results in elevated RV end-diastolic volume, along with depressed RV performance, which also persists in the subacute phase [19]. A better understanding of RV function in TR would be of interest, considering that the independent prognostic significance of TR is well known in a wide spectrum of cardiovascular disorders, and the current management of these patients is still a matter of debate [20].

Congenital heart diseases (CHD) represent a wide range of cardiac malformations, in which RV characteristics are also the cornerstones of disease presentation and progression. Depending on the nature of the abnormality, the RV may be exposed to severe pressure and/or volume overload. In certain types of defects, the myofiber architecture also differs from the physiological architecture [22], and this effect may become more prominent based on the altered loading conditions of the RV [12]. Because of these complex factors, CHD patients present diverse forms of RV geometry and mechanics.

In isolated atrial septal defect (ASD) patients, increased preload results in the dilation of the RV, along with maintained/increased contractility in compensated state [23]. Global RV function measured by the RV ejection fraction is usually preserved or even supernormal. Speckle-tracking analysis and tissue Doppler imaging reveal higher global longitudinal strain (GLS) and systolic velocity in ASD patients than controls, suggesting that the increased longitudinal shortening, especially in the apical segments, may be attributable to the increased systolic function [24]. When a patient’s shunt volume is high and closure of the defect is not performed, severe volume overload induces pulmonary hypertension with fixed near-systemic resistance of the pulmonary vascular bed (Eisenmenger’s syndrome) [25]. Compared to idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension, CHD-associated pulmonary hypertension is associated with more pronounced concentric RV hypertrophy [26]. Beyond morphological differences, RV mechanics are also markedly different in these patients; in contrast to the severely decreased RV radial shortening observed in pulmonary arterial hypertension patients, in Eisenmenger’s syndrome, the transverse (radial) function of the RV is relatively preserved, predominantly in patients with posttricuspid shunts [26]. Moreover, transverse strain of the RV is an independent predictor of mortality in this population [26].

In intracardiac shunts, the main driver of RV geometric and functional remodeling is the altered loading conditions of the ventricle, whereas in complex malformations of the heart, such as tetralogy of Fallot (ToF), the RV myoarchitecture is primarily affected. In contrast with healthy individuals, in ToF patients, a prominent middle layer with circumferentially oriented myofibers is also found, similar to the LV architecture. Consequently, we may hypothesize a relative dominance of radial RV function. In the current era of ToF management, total surgical repair is performed in the first years of life. Still, pulmonary regurgitation as a consequence of the repair procedure is a common finding. This volume overload of the RV may be tolerated for the long term; however, current data support the finding that the restoration of valve function must be performed to preserve RV function [27]. In the adult ToF population, global RV function is impaired, and decreased longitudinal function can be seen with apical predominance [24], along with compensatory increase in free wall radial shortening (Fig. 4) [28]. Clinical data suggests that the restoration of pulmonary valve function may have a beneficial effect on RV longitudinal function [29].

Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (AC) is an inherited cardiomyopathy that predominantly affects the RV. While the genetic background of AC is established, other factors, such as the volume load of the RV, may precipitate the disease and accelerate progression [30]. Ventricular arrhythmias are the typical first clinical manifestation of the disease; however, RV functional impairment is also seen in more advanced stages [31]. Although in-depth analysis of RV morphology and mechanics reveals several markers of AC, diagnosis is still driven by clinical features, and we lack specific markers for subclinical disease. Whereas in overt stages, the dilation of the RV and globally reduced RV function are evident, in early-phase AC, normal RV volumes and slightly reduced RV global function are expected, with maintained longitudinal shortening [32]. The regional assessment of RV longitudinal function suggests that the basal (subtricuspid) strain may be a marker of subclinical involvement [33].

In heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), it has been shown that more than 50% of total deaths are attributable to right heart failure [34]. In the presence of LV diastolic dysfunction and the loss of left atrial compliance, a pulsatile overload burdens the pulmonary venous system. Typical comorbidities may even exaggerate pulmonary vasoconstriction, resulting in a disproportional increase in pulmonary pressures compared to the left side. A recent position paper from the European Society of Cardiology emphasizes the importance of transverse (radial) motion of the RV as a potential screening parameter for pulmonary hypertension in patients with HFpEF [35].

In heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), right heart failure develops because of gradual increases in afterload due to pulmonary hypertension and because of tricuspid regurgitation accompanied by volume overload. Due to the given pericardial space, the enlargement of one ventricle will affect its counterpart. Moreover, in the presence of overload conditions, misalignment of interventricular interactions and normal cardiac cycle events can lead to mechanical dyssynchrony. Geometrically, this change often means that in the early stages, the bulging of the septum will be more prominent, and the space for RV volume will drop. This effect may imply a heavier dependence on longitudinal shortening of the free wall, as seen in other conditions in which a heavily distorted RV geometry is present [36]. RV failure develops when the RV begins to dilate and loses its longitudinal function. There are numerous outcome studies showing the predictive value of baseline longitudinal RV function, most recently by assessing RV longitudinal strain [37].

Changes in RV mechanical pattern in conduction abnormalities and during RV pacing also attract scientific interest. Pacing from the RV results in a contraction pattern that is similar to a left bundle branch block [38]. This effect again disintegrates ventricular interdependence and hampers the LV contribution to RV function. Regaining interventricular synchrony and improving RV function may be an important factor in the established beneficial effects after upgrading to cardiac resynchronization therapy from RV pacing [39].

The assessment of RV function by echocardiography is also key in the selection of candidate patients for ventricular assist device implantation. The presence of RV dysfunction is unequivocally associated with worse outcomes. Carluccio et al. investigated and followed up 200 patients with HFrEF but normal TAPSE [40]. RV free wall strain provided incremental prognostic value compared to the conventional measurement. Moreover, 3D echocardiography-derived RV ejection fractions were found to be superior to clinical risk factors and conventional echocardiographic measurements in predicting adverse outcomes in a patient population with various cardiac diseases [41]. These studies point to the incremental value of advanced techniques, including both diagnostic and prognostic benefits, in heart failure patients. However, the incorporation of non-longitudinal motion directions and geometrical analysis based on 3D echocardiography remains to be tested.

Left-sided valvular diseases subsequently affect the right heart through the varying burden of pressure- and/or volume overload. However, RV function is commonly found to be significantly altered following cardiac surgeries, such as coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), surgical valve repair, or heart transplantation [6, 42]. The most prominent change is a decline in longitudinal shortening, even if the global RV function is preserved [43]. This decline in long-axis RV function is persistent and independent of the side of the surgical procedure. Majority of studies emphasizes the role of pericardiotomy in the reduction of RV long-axis movement because pericardial constraint and ventricular interdependence can be hampered by the opening of the pericardial sac. Notably, RV systolic function (ejection fraction and stroke volume) is mostly maintained regardless of the surgery, as radial RV contraction might compensate for the decline in longitudinal shortening (Fig. 5) [43, 44]. In addition to the significant effect of the pericardial incision, its extent also influences postoperative RV function along the long-axis; a less prominent decline was reported following minimally invasive surgical valve procedures than after full sternotomy [45, 46]. These findings suggest that minimally invasive approaches tend to have a less deleterious effect on longitudinal RV function and that preservation of the pericardium might be beneficial. Once the pericardium is disrupted, the RV contraction pattern will be permanently altered, even if pericardial repair is performed [47].

The evaluation of RV function following orthotropic heart transplantation deserves special attention because RV failure is still one of the major determinants of cardiac complications and mortality during the early postoperative period [48]. The alterations of the RV contraction pattern and the superiority of radial contractions compared to longitudinal shortening can be also observed in these patients [6]. However, the magnitude of longitudinal functional decline tends to be greater, and the recovery appears to be much slower than that is observed after other cardiac surgeries [42, 49]. Beyond the previously discussed factors, additional factor may be involved; hence, posttransplantation RV function is determined by a more complex interaction among the donor, the operation, and the recipient.

In conclusion, the decline in RV longitudinal function after cardiac surgery does not necessarily indicate a reduction in global RV systolic function. Therefore, reporting of RV parameters that also incorporate radial function is highly recommended [50].

Regular exercise training is associated with significant changes in cardiac dimensions and function, which are also referred to as athlete’s heart [51]. Traditionally, it was believed that the RV is only exposed to volume overload due to increased cardiac output; however, recent data also suggest the presence of significant pressure overload [52]. The overall effects of these hemodynamic changes are still a matter of debate, considering the growing evidence for exercise-induced RV injury and AC [30].

Although very few prospective follow-up studies were performed in the field, current data suggest that the volumetric adaptation of the RV to exercise is more pronounced than that of the LV and that the eccentric type of hypertrophy is expected at all levels of training [53]. Resting global RV function is often in the low-normal range and data suggests a relative decrease in radial shortening along with maintained or increased longitudinal function [7, 54]. Following ultraendurance sport events, however, the RV dimensions may increase, and decreased ejection fractions and GLS can be seen [54]. In the context of the concept of mixed hemodynamic RV overload in exercise, these results are consistent with the findings of pathological RV volume and pressure overload. As previously discussed, volume overload of the RV is associated with relatively increased longitudinal function [24], whereas RV pressure overload primarily affects radial shortening, with prominently decreased bellows motion [13]. When the exercise load of the RV passes a certain level and genetic predisposition is also present, RV damage may develop [30].

In our review, we have provided a brief summary of the existing literature regarding the mechanical adaptation of the RV to different overload conditions. The RV, which is often referred to as the “forgotten chamber”, has emerged as an important factor and prognosticator for several cardiovascular conditions. The avoidance of RV failure is now a major and explicit goal, for instance, in pulmonary hypertension, HFpEF, and CHD patients.

Echocardiography is the first-line modality for assessing and monitoring RV morphology and function. However, 2D approaches fail to provide a good estimation of the non-longitudinal contraction of the chamber. Notably, the subepicardial layer of the RV myocardium consists of circumferentially oriented myofibers, which play a significant role in the complex contraction pattern. Nevertheless, further prospective studies are needed to assess the clinical value of in-depth characterization of RV mechanics. While pressure overload seems to affect the RV in a uniform way, the mechanical characterization of a volume-overloaded RV is more complex. Beyond contractility, the preload and afterload determine RV function, and the effect of pericardial constraint should not be neglected. Surgical procedures induce an instant shift in the functional pattern.

To provide a clinical recommendation on the assessment of RV function, it is important to emphasize that the sole evaluation of longitudinal shortening does not grant sufficient information concerning the majority of RV-related pathological conditions (Table 1). If applying 2D echocardiography, a comprehensive approach by multiple parameters is suggested, involving those measures that conventionally refer to the longitudinal shortening (TAPSE, tissue Doppler imaging) and, importantly, adding others that will at least partly incorporate radial shortening (FAC). The incremental diagnostic and prognostic value of speckle tracking-derived longitudinal strain is established for the assessment of the RV as well, and should be also implemented. However, 3D echocardiography-based geometrical and functional RV characterization may represent a real breakthrough in both clinical and research perspectives. Several software solutions by big vendors and by custom development enter the arena to also quantify the non-longitudinal component of the RV mechanical pattern.

Using advanced imaging modalities, the knowledge gap in our understanding of the adaptation of RV shape and function appears to be narrowing. As for the LV, segmental and subsequent motion pattern analyses are the next steps in RV research activity.