What is PV (pulmonary valve) systolic fraction and how is it measured?

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From the Research

Pulmonary valve (PV) systolic fraction is an important measurement that represents the percentage of the cardiac cycle during which the pulmonary valve remains open during systole, and it is calculated by dividing the pulmonary valve opening time by the total cardiac cycle duration and multiplying by 100. To measure PV systolic fraction, a clinician uses pulsed-wave Doppler echocardiography to record blood flow across the pulmonary valve, identifying the time from valve opening to closure, then dividing this by the R-R interval (total cardiac cycle length) from the simultaneous ECG recording 1. This parameter provides valuable information about right ventricular function and pulmonary hemodynamics. A decreased PV systolic fraction may indicate increased pulmonary vascular resistance or right ventricular dysfunction, while elevated values might suggest volume overload conditions. The normal range typically falls between 30-50%, though this can vary based on heart rate and other physiological factors. PV systolic fraction is particularly useful in evaluating patients with suspected pulmonary hypertension, congenital heart disease, or right heart failure, as it offers insights into right ventricular-pulmonary artery coupling that complement other hemodynamic measurements. Some studies have investigated the relationship between right ventricular function and pulmonary artery pressure, finding that right ventricular ejection fraction correlates highly with right ventricular peak systolic pressure and mean pulmonary artery pressure 2. Additionally, the combination of endothelin receptor blockade and phosphodiesterase-5 inhibition has been shown to increase right ventricular mitochondrial capacity in pulmonary arterial hypertension, highlighting the importance of considering right ventricular function in the treatment of this condition 3. However, the most recent and highest quality study on the topic of right ventricular pressure-volume analysis provides the most relevant information for measuring PV systolic fraction, emphasizing the importance of understanding right ventricular physiology and its contribution to cardiovascular function in health and disease 1.

Key Points

  • PV systolic fraction is a measure of the percentage of the cardiac cycle during which the pulmonary valve remains open during systole
  • It is calculated by dividing the pulmonary valve opening time by the total cardiac cycle duration and multiplying by 100
  • Pulsed-wave Doppler echocardiography is used to measure PV systolic fraction
  • The normal range for PV systolic fraction is typically between 30-50%
  • PV systolic fraction is useful in evaluating patients with suspected pulmonary hypertension, congenital heart disease, or right heart failure

Measurement Techniques

  • Pulsed-wave Doppler echocardiography is used to record blood flow across the pulmonary valve
  • The time from valve opening to closure is identified and divided by the R-R interval (total cardiac cycle length) from the simultaneous ECG recording
  • This measurement provides valuable information about right ventricular function and pulmonary hemodynamics

Clinical Applications

  • PV systolic fraction is useful in evaluating patients with suspected pulmonary hypertension, congenital heart disease, or right heart failure
  • It offers insights into right ventricular-pulmonary artery coupling that complement other hemodynamic measurements
  • The combination of endothelin receptor blockade and phosphodiesterase-5 inhibition has been shown to increase right ventricular mitochondrial capacity in pulmonary arterial hypertension 3

References

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This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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