RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Right ventricular involvement in ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) entails an increased morbidity and mortality. However, very scarce data is present on its affection in the setting of non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). AIM: To assess the affection of right ventricular function in patients presenting with NSTEMI undergoing an invasive procedure. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: One hundred and fifty patients admitted with a first NSTEMI and eligible for reperfusion therapy via invasive percutaneous coronary intervention. These patients were divided in two groups; group A including patients with normal RV function, and group B including patients with impaired RV function as diagnosed by tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) cutoff valueâ¯<â¯17â¯mm. All patients underwent angioplasty and were followed up in-hospital and for 3â¯months. RESULTS: RV dysfunction occurred in ninety-five (61.3%) patients of the study population. Significant improvement occurred to TAPSE after 3â¯months in comparison to TAPSE at baseline (15.45⯱â¯3.21 versus 17.09⯱â¯4.17â¯mm). Those with impaired RV function showed improvement of TAPSE after three months as compared to baseline (13.62⯱â¯2.58 vs 17.16⯱â¯3.64 pâ¯=â¯0.008). Multivariate analysis determined the independent predictors of RV dysfunction as RVEDDâ¯>â¯26â¯mm, RVFACâ¯<â¯35%, RAAâ¯>â¯20â¯cm2, and TAPSEâ¯<â¯17â¯mm. CONCLUSION: RV dysfunction is not uncommon in NSTEMI when using the definition of TAPSEâ¯<â¯17â¯mm. Following up RV function by TAPSE, showed significant improvement after 3â¯months with successful PCI as compared to baseline. We recommend assessing and following up RV function in all patients admitted with a NSTEMI.