Evaluation of global and regional right ventricular function using automated border detection techniques

Quantitative evaluation of right ventricular (RV) function remains challeng ing due to the complex geometry of this chamber, which precludes the use of simple geometric assumptions. Automated border detection (ABD) techniques, which provide online changes in cardiac chamber dimensions, have been pred ominantly used for quantitative assessment of global as well as regional le ft ventricular function. Recently, acoustic quantification has been validat ed for quantitative evaluation of global RV function, and color kinesis has been used to objectively assess systolic and diastolic regional RV functio n. In this article, the main studies validating ABD for the objective asses sment of global RV function and the current clinical uses of this technique are reviewed. In addition, technical guidelines and limitations of ABD tec hniques are described, and potential applications of color kinesis for quan titative assessment of regional systolic and diastolic RV performance are d etailed. ABD techniques provide new insights into right atrial and RV systo lic and diastolic properties. The clinical value of these techniques in the diagnosis, prognosis, and potential guidance of therapeutic management of RV dysfunction remains to be determined.