MRI evaluation of right ventricular pressure overload in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the development of pulmona ry hypertension is common, This study was performed to assess the signs of right ventricular (RV pressure overload and RV failure in COPD, In 8 COPD p atients without primary cardiac disease, RV wall thickness, mass, and end-d iastolic volume were measured by cardiac-triggered cine MRI. MR phase-contr ast velocity quantification was used to measure stroke volume and the patte rns of now into and out of the RV. Data of patients were tested versus thos e of a control group matched for age (n = 8), Results showed that the RV wa ll thickness was increased (.6 +/- 0.1 vs 0.4 +/- 0.1 cm, P < .001). RV mas s was increased (67 +/- 11 vs 57 +/- 5 g, P < .005). RV stroke volume was d ecreased (57 +/- 13 vs 71 +/- 13 mi, P < .01), but RV ejection fraction was not different. In the main pulmonary artery now, the quotient of accelerat ion time divided by ejection time was decreased (33 +/- 5% vs 38 +/- 4%, P < .05), which is indicative of pulmonary hypertension. In conclusion, this MRI protocol provides a tool to assess the effects of RV pressure overload in COPD before heart failure has become manifest.