Tei index used to assess right ventricular function in tricuspid insufficiency

AIM To investigate the effect of tricuspid insufficiency on right ventricle. METHODS A total of 50 patients with tricuspid insufficiency and 50 normal subjects underwent Doppler echocardiographic examination. According to the degree of tricuspid insufficiency and the speed of tricuspid insufficiency, gradient pressure of the right ventricle and pulmonary arterial systolic pressure were classified. Tei index was measured with tissue Doppler. RERULTS Compared with those of the normal subjects, the RV IRT and ICT were significantly prolonged and ET was significantly shortened in patients with tricuspid insufficiency. Tei index in patients markedly increased（P<0.01）. CONCLUSION Tricuspid insufficiency may affect the right ventricular functions. The severer the tricuspid insufficiency is, the more decreases the ventricular function.