From the Guidelines
A TAPSE of 2.0 cm is considered normal and indicates good right ventricular function. This measurement is within the normal range, as values above 1.5 cm are generally considered satisfactory, according to the European Society of Cardiology and European Respiratory Society guidelines 1. The normal range for TAPSE is typically between 1.6-3.0 cm, with values above 1.7 cm generally considered normal. TAPSE is an important echocardiographic parameter that measures the distance of systolic excursion of the right ventricular annular segment along its longitudinal plane. It serves as a reliable and easily obtainable indicator of right ventricular systolic function. Some key points to consider when evaluating TAPSE include:
- A TAPSE of 2.0 cm suggests that the right ventricle is contracting properly and efficiently pumping blood to the lungs.
- Right ventricular dysfunction can be associated with various cardiac conditions, including pulmonary hypertension, right-sided heart failure, and certain congenital heart diseases.
- The guidelines suggest that a TAPSE greater than 2.0 cm is associated with a better prognosis in patients with pulmonary hypertension 1.
- Regular cardiac follow-ups as recommended by your healthcare provider are still important for overall heart health monitoring, even with a normal TAPSE value.
From the Research
Tricuspid Annular Plane Systolic Excursion (TAPSE) Values
- A TAPSE value of 2.0 cm may be considered normal in certain contexts, as seen in a study where the mean TAPSE for a group of critically ill patients was 2.05 ± 0.66 cm 2.
- However, the normal value of TAPSE can vary depending on factors such as age, body surface area, and right ventricular volume 3, 4.
- In healthy women over 70 years of age, the mean TAPSE value was approximately 24 mm, which is equivalent to 2.4 cm 5.
- A study found that TAPSE had a good linear correlation with right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) and was also dependent on right ventricular volume 4.
- The cut-off value of TAPSE for predicting right ventricular dysfunction can vary depending on the right ventricular volume, with a higher cut-off value of 2.4 cm for normal to mildly dilated right ventricular volumes and a lower cut-off value of 2.0 cm for normal or moderately to severely dilated right ventricular volumes 4.
Comparison of TAPSE Values
- A TAPSE value of 2.0 cm is lower than the mean value of 2.05 ± 0.66 cm reported in a study of critically ill patients 2.
- However, a TAPSE value of 2.0 cm is within the range of normal values reported in other studies, such as a study of healthy women over 70 years of age, where the mean TAPSE value was approximately 2.4 cm 5.
- A study found that a TAPSE cut-off value of 2.4 cm was the best predictor of in-hospital and long-term mortality in critically ill patients, while a cut-off value of 2.0 cm was associated with a higher sensitivity and Youden index in a validation cohort 2, 4.
Clinical Implications
- TAPSE is a useful parameter for assessing right ventricular function and can be used to predict right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) in patients with pulmonary hypertension 6.
- A simple equation, RVEF = 2 × TAPSE, can be used to predict RVEF using TAPSE, an easily measurable M-mode index of echocardiography 6.
- The clinical implications of a TAPSE value of 2.0 cm depend on the individual patient's context, including their age, body surface area, and right ventricular volume, as well as the presence of any underlying medical conditions 3, 2, 4.