Noninvasive delineation of normal right ventricular contractile motion with magnetic resonance imaging myocardial tagging

As the importance of the right ventricle in many diseases and conditions has been realized, the need for quantitative assessment of the motion and contraction of the right ventricular free wall (RVFW) has become apparent. This study applied the myocardial tagging magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique to the normal RVFW to elucidate normal heterogeneity in RV motion and contractile patterns. The RVFW was divided into three segments (inferior, mid and superior) in each of three slices (apical, mid and basal) to allow for a detailed analysis of the motion and contraction. Percent segmental shortening (PSS) was used to measure the amount of contraction, and a vector analysis was used to quantitate the trajectory of the RVFW through systole. PSS increased monotonically through time to an average across all segments of 12% in the basal slice, 14% in the mid-ventricular slice, and 16% in the' apical slice of the heart. The trajectory of the RVFW was characterized by a wave of motion toward the septum and outflow tract. The data provided in this study provide a better understanding of normal RV kinematics and can serve as a comparison for disease states.