Assessment of Right Ventricular Morphology and Function

 

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ABSTRACT

The assessment of right ventricular morphology and function is of clinical importance in patients with pulmonary disease. Until recently the evaluation of the right ventricle was difficult because of the unusual geometry of the right ventricle. This chapter discusses the various diagnostic modalities available for assessment of right ventricular morphology and function. Although echocardiography is widely used because of its common availability, nuclear magnetic resonance imaging and radionuclide angiocardiography should be considered the gold standards and are preferred when reliable and accurate measures of right ventricular function and morphology are needed.

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