The key conventional echocardiographic parameter evaluating right ventricular systolic function is the tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE). It is measured in apical four chamber view by conventional M-mode imaging. Other echocardiographic parameters of right ventricular systolic function (Fractional Area Change; Tricuspid Lateral Annular Systolic Velocity; Right Ventricular Index of Myocardial Performance) are evaluated in apical four chamber view as well. However, this view might not be clearly visible in the clinical setting of critical illness and subcostal view is often preferred for its higher quality. Unfortunately, conventional M-mode can not be used for measurement in this view but anatomical M-mode imaging can. Therefore, the investigators decided to evaluate whether TAPSE measured in subcostal view by anatomical M-mode (sTAPSE) correlates with conventional TAPSE and whether reliably reflects systolic right ventricular function.
The purpose of this study is to validate a new echocardiographic parameter evaluating right ventricular function.