Of the following chest CT signs of right ventricular dysfunction, which is the most accurate predictor of morbidity and mortality?
Thoracic Imaging
Yes
U
C
ANSWER: RVV/LVV >1.2
EXPLANATION:
The most accurate predictor of poor prognosis in a patient with CT evidence of right ventricular dysfunction is an elevated ratio of RV volume when compared to LV volume greater than 1.2. In fact, in one study the vast majority of patients who did not demonstrate an elevated RVV/LVV survived.
Pulmonary embolism inhibits normal blood flow through the pulmonary arteries, creating backup pressure to the right heart and increasing the workload that may lead to right heart dysfunction.
WRONGANSWERS:
Axial RVD/LVD >1.0 is a close second in terms of a prognosticator. The remaining CT signs are less of a prognosticator.
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