Abstract: Objective   To evaluate the global and regional systolic function of the right ventricle using realtime threedimensional ultrasound (RT3DE) and tissue velocity vector image(VVI) techniques, and to predict its value to patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) associated with right heart failure. Methods  A total of 86 PH patients was selected and divided into two groups according to pulmonary arterial systolic pressure (PASP) :  the lightto moderate PH group mild group and the severe  PH  group.  Totally 43 patients in each group were selected for physical examination. Realtime threedimensional ultrasound quantitative analysis of right ventricular threedimensional ejection fraction (3DRVEF), right ventricular threedimensional stroke volume (3DRVSV), right ventricular threedimensional enddiastolic volume (3DRVEDV), right ventricular threedimensional endsystolic volume (3DRVESV) were analyzed using the VVI technique to analyze the longitudinal myocardial strain (LS) , strain rate (LSR) global strain (Globle S) and strain rate (Globle SR) in six segments of the right ventricle. The relationship between the parameters was analysed. Results  Compared with the control group, 3DRVEF was gradually decreased in the mildtomoderate group and the severe group, and 3DRVEDV, 3DRVESV, and 3DRVSV witnessed increase (P<0.01). There was no statistical difference in LSR between the three groups of interventricular septum A. Compared with the control group, the LS and LSR in the left ventricular segments of the right ventricle in both PH groups decreased  (P<0.05). Compared with the lighttomoderate group, the LS and LSR in the severe group decreased. Compared with the control group, the LS and LSR in the left ventricular segments of the right ventricle in both PH groups decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the light tomoderate group, the LS and LSR in the severe group decreased. 3DRVEF was positively correlated with Globe S and Globle SR. PASP was negatively correlated with Globle S and Globle SR, but the correlation was not strong. Conclusion  The systolic function of the right ventricle in the pulmonary arterial hypertension group was reduced. With the increase of the pulmonary artery pressure, the longitudinal strain and strain rate of the right ventricle segments gradually decreased. However, in the groups with different levels of PH, the change of right ventricular local systolic function was earlier  that of the overall function.

Key words: echocardiography, threedimensional, vectorcardiography, hypertension, pulmonary, ventricular function, right