Right ventricular function in dilated cardiomyopathy.

The right ventricular (RV) function was comprehensively examined in 18 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCMP) and compared with RV function in 10 controls. In most cases of DCMP, the RV function is affected simultaneously with a disturbance of the left ventricular (LV) function. However, the degree of its affection is usually less pronounced and, with less severe LV dysfunction, the right ventricle can work even normally. There can be substantial individual differences in the degree of affection of the right ventricle in DCMP. However, severe LV dysfunction is invariably associated with a marked involvement of the right ventricle. A disturbance of the RV function results (besides the influence of the decreased LV function) from both a decrease in its own contractility and a decrease in RV compliance. There exist significant relations between the RV systolic and diastolic function. The degree of RV disturbance in DCMP both of the systolic and diastolic function) can be approximately estimated from the level of diastolic pressure.