Right ventricular remodeling and updated left ventricular geometry classification: is there any relationship?

OBJECTIVE: We sought to evaluate right ventricular (RV) structure and function in hypertensive patients with various left ventricular (LV) geometric patterns using an updated classification for LV geometry.

METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 232 hypertensive subjects. All the subjects underwent complete two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) echocardiographic examination. Using LV mass index, LV end-diastolic diameter and relative wall thickness, according to the updated classification, all subjects were divided into six different groups: normal LV geometry, concentric remodeling, eccentric LV hypertrophy (LVH), concentric, dilated, and concentric-dilated LVH.

RESULTS: RV wall thickness was increased in concentric and concentric-dilated LVH compared with normal LV geometry and LV concentric remodeling. RV longitudinal function was reduced in concentric and concentric-dilated patients compared with other hypertensive groups. 3D RV volumes were significantly higher in eccentric, dilated, and concentric-dilated LVH hypertensive subjects. Conversely, 3D RV ejection fraction was lower in these groups.

CONCLUSION: RV longitudinal myocardial function and 3D RV function are significantly influenced by LV geometry in hypertensive patients. RV remodeling is the most pronounced in the patients with concentric, dilated, and concentric-dilated LVH geometric patterns.