Chetan Rathi1, Anil Wanjari2, Sourya Acharya3
To study right ventricular function and pulmonary artery pressure in patients with mild-moderate COPD by 2D echo Doppler. METHODS: This observational cross sectional study was carried out in JNMC, Wardha. 100 subjects with COPD in our hospital were interviewed. Detailed history and physical examination done and all patients were subjected to pulmonary function test (PFT) and categorised as per GOLD Criteria. The patients so selected were subjected to 2D ECHO Doppler examination. Hence, right ventricular (RV) systolic function was calculated with the help of Tricuspid Regurgitation (TR) jet, Pulmonary Regurgitation (PR) jet and Tricuspid Annular Plane Systolic Excursion (TAPSE). RESULTS: The mean age of present study population was 53.45±15.73 years. In the present study, males account for 74%, with a male: female ratio of 2.84:1 which was comparable to other study groups. 61 patients in the study group were smokers of which 53 patients had moderate COPD. This proves importance of smoking as a risk factor. Out of 100 patients 20% had mild COPD and 80% had moderate COPD. Study of PASP by TR jet with the use of 2D ECHO showed mild PASP in 68 patients out of 100 while moderate PASP in remaining 32 patients, while there were no patients with severe PASP. Study of TAPSE by 2D ECHO showed that 80 patients had abnormal TAPSE value while 20 patients had normal value. CONCLUSION: The study explains the incidence of pulmonary hypertension in mild-moderate COPD patients. Thus if subjected to ECHO, RV systolic function and pulmonary hypertension can be detected in early course of disease and hence early intervention may predict decreased morbidity and favourable outcome in patients of COPD.
