Tissue Doppler Imaging in Pulmonary Hypertension

Abstract

Background: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a progressive cardiopulmonary disorder characterized by elevated pulmonary arterial pressure, increased pulmonary vascular resistance, and subsequent right ventricular (RV) dysfunction. Because the right ventricle is highly sensitive to pressure overload, early detection of RV systolic and diastolic impairment is crucial for prognosis and treatment planning. Conventional echocardiography provides structural and hemodynamic information, but it may fail to detect subtle myocardial dysfunction, particularly in early disease stages. Tissue Doppler Imaging (TDI) is a quantitative echocardiographic modality that measures myocardial velocities and provides sensitive indices of myocardial function. TDI-derived parameters, such as tricuspid annular systolic velocity (S’), early diastolic velocity (E’), and myocardial performance index (MPI), are especially useful in evaluating RV performance in patients with PH.