Evaluation of right heart functions by echocardiography during acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) during attack period on anatomic and functional changes of the heart, and mainly on the right heart. Material and Method:This study included 30 patients with COPD attack who have referred and 30 individuals for the control group. Demographic characteristics, physical examination findings, respiratory function test results, and echocardiography findings of the patients were reviewed. Respiratory function test and echocardiographic findings of the patients with COPD attack were re-evaluated for the control within weeks 2 and 3. Results: In the present study, the age average of the patients with COPD was 62,6±11,6 years; 63,3% of the patients ere male. There was not any difference between the patient and control groups for age, gender, BMI, occupation, smoking status, and co-morbidity (respectively; p:0,923; p:1,000; p:0,056; p:0,839; p:0,842; p:1,000). Smoking prevalence was detected higher in the COPD group (p:0,003). There was not any difference detected between the groups for aortic root, diameter of the ascending aorta, IVSD, LVPWD, mitral failure grade, aortic valve failure grade, pulmonary failure grade, tricuspide failure grade, TAPSE, FAC, RV, E', RV A' and RV S' respectively; p:0,986; p:0,680; p:0,883; p:0,720; p:0,738; p:0,338; p:0,600; p:0,690; p:0,669; p:0,886; p:0,402; p:0,927; p:0,619). In the COPD group, LA, LVSSD, LVDSD, PAB, RV were significantly higher(respectively; p:0,001; p:0,002; p:0,002; p:0,008; p:0,000); however, EF and RA were significantly lower (respectively; p:0,036; p:0,006). It was detected that PAB increased(p:0,022); and TAPSE and FAC significantly decreased in COPD patients during attack period (respectively; p:0,017; p:0,001) Conclusion: Although there is not any anatomic change during acute period of COPD, it was detected that PAB increased, TAPSE and FAC decreased during attack period. We believe that this constitutes the basis for the changes during chronic period. Key words: COPD exacerbation, right heart functions