The assessment of the systolic right ventricle (RV) is more complex than LV due to complex morphology, is not cylindrical form, is triangular with infundibulum in the RVOT. RV systolic function has been evaluated using several parameters.

Two-dimensional fractional area change (FAC) (as a percentage) provides an estimate of RV systolic function. Two-dimensional FAC < 35% indicates RV systolic dysfunction.

TAPSE (tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion) is easily obtainable and is a measure of RV longitudinal function. It is measured from 4-chambers view in M-mode at the level of the tricuspid annulus, and the value is in mm and represents the displacement  of the TV annulus toward the apex in systole. TAPSE < 16 mm in adults indicates RV systolic dysfunction, values TAPSE in children depending of age and BSA.

In presence of tricuspid valve regurgitation (TR), the rate of pressure rise in early systole (right dP/dt max) may be used to evaluate global right ventricular contractility. TR jet velocity depends on the pressure gradient between the RV and right atrium. Using continuous wave Doppler TR spectral is acquired to calculate dP/dt: it represents time duration between change of velocity from 1 to 2 m/s on the MR spectral. Likely abnormal if right dp/dt < 400mmHg. Peak systolic annular velocity (S′ wave) measured at the level of the trivcuspid annulus reflects right ventricular contractility, S'< 8mm is related with RV dysfunction (more information in DTI lesson)

Reference:

Guidelines for the Echocardiographic Assessment of the Right Heart in Adults