Evaluation of the long-term effect of percutaneous balloon valvuloplasty on the right ventricular function using tissue Doppler imaging in patients with mitral stenosis

Objectives: We investigated the long-term effects of percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty (PMBV) on the right ventricular function using tissue Doppler imaging. Study design: Twenty-seven patients who underwent successful PMBVs were enrolled in the study. Echocardiographic examination, including color tissue Doppler imaging, was done from the lateral tricuspid ring 24 hours before the intervention. The echocardiographic examination was repeated 24 hours, and 6 months after the intervention. Results: At 24 hours after the intervention, significant increases were observed in S, and A' wave velocities (9.52 +/- 1.85 cm/s vs. 10.92 +/- 1.20 cm/s, p= 0.012; -10.44 +/- 2.64 cm/s vs. -11.73 +/- 2.05 cm/s, p= 0.029, respectively). E' wave velocity and E'/A' ratio did not change significantly (p> 0.05 for both). At 6. postprocedural month, S wave velocity was similar to the value in the early postoperative period, but higher than the baseline level (9.52 +/- 1.85 cm/s vs. 10.69 +/- 1.72 cm/s, p= 0.023). However, A' wave velocity in the late postoperative period was decreased compared to the early period and was not significantly different from the baseline level (-10.44 +/- 2.64 cm/s vs. -10.74+/- 2.63 cm/s, p> 0.05). The increase in E' wave velocity in the late period when compared to the baseline level was found to be statistically significant (7.85 +/- 1.54 cm/s vs. -9.21 +/- 1.81 cm/s, p= 0.046). Conclusion: Right ventricular systolic function improved in the early period, and this improvement was seen to continue in the late post-PMBV period.. Diastolic function did not improve in the early period, but did improve in the late period. Right atrium systolic function improved in the early period; however, in the late period, levels returned to baseline levels.