Factors associated with right ventricular dysfunction among patients with chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis

Background: It is known that right heart failure contributes significantly to morbidity and mortality among patients with chronic lung diseases. However, there is very little literature describing factors associated with right ventricle (RV) dysfunction among patients with chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP). Our aim was to investigate factors associated with the RV systolic dysfunction among patients with chronic HP. Material and Methods: We identified 86 patients with chronic HP, who underwent echocardiography, spirometry, plethysmography, diffusing capacity of carbon monoxide (DLCO), bronchoscopy and lung biopsy. Pulmonary high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) was assessed by Kazerooni scale (ground glass and lung fibrosis). Pulse wave velocity (PWV), and BMI were evaluated. RV systolic function was assessed using different methods (tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), RV myocardial performance index (MPI) and RV systolic excursion velocity by tissue Doppler (S′)). Results: RV systolic dysfunction was found in 40.6% of subjects by TAPSE and 38.4% by RV MPI and S′. All parameters of RV systolic function correlated with total lung capacity (p Conclusions: RV systolic dysfunction is associated with lungs fibrosis, diffusion disturbance and arterial stiffness among patients with chronic HP.