The simple right ventricle contraction pressure index: A novel method for echocardiographic assessment of right ventricle dysfunction in acute pulmonary embolism

Purpose The simple right ventricular contraction pressure index (sRVCPI) is a new echocardiographic variable for estimating the right ventricular systolic function. Our aim was to investigate the association between the sRVCPI, the pulmonary embolism severity index (PESI), and mortality rate in acute pulmonary embolism (APE). Methods We included in this study 116 patients diagnosed with APE by pulmonary computed tomography angiography or ventilation/perfusion scintigraphy. They were divided into two groups based on the simplified PESI < or >1. Tricuspid regurgitation velocity and TAPSE were measured and used for sRVCPI calculation. Results Mortality was higher in patients with a higher sRVCPI (P < .001). In receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis using a cut-off level of 312.8 mm Hg mm, sRVCPI predicted mortality with a sensitivity of 86.8% and specificity of 69.5% (ROC area under curve: 0.712; 95%CI 0.597-0.882; P < .001). The sRVCPI was lower in the sPESI >1 than in the sPESI <1 group (364.3 +/- 31.9 vs 511.6 +/- 26.1; P < .001). There was an inverse correlation between sRVCPI and the sPESI score (-0.784; P < .001). Conclusion The sRVCPI correlated with the sPESI score and was associated with mortality in patients with APE. This easily measurable variable may be used to predict short-term mortality in APE patients.