[Echocardiographic dimensions of the right cavities of the heart in systolic overload of the right ventricle].

The echocardiographic dimensions of the right ventricle and right auricle and the systolic pressure in the right ventricle were compared in 102 patients with different heart diseases. The data obtained are compared with the same echocardiographic parameters in 79 healthy subjects and 43 patients with volume loading of the right ventricle, a result of intraauricular defect, confirmed by cahteterization. The dchocardiographic dimensions of both right ventricle and auricle were proved not to be enlarged with the systolic loading of the right ventricle, when the right-ventricle function is compensated. Echocardiographic dimensions of the right heart cavities are enlarged with systolic loading of the right ventricle when the continuous diastolic pressure in the right ventricle raises and with the presence of clinical data for a right-ventricular cardiac insufficiency. The echocardiographic dimensions of the right ventricle and right auricle are considerably enlarged with the volume loading of the right ventricle, regardless the absence of right-ventricular cardiac insufficiency. The echocardiography provides a possibility of determining the type of right-ventricle loading by a non-invasive method and of determining the presence of right-ventricular insufficuency.