Nuclear imaging of chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity

Right ventricular dysfunction during chemotherapy in patients with breast cancer

Aim. To assess the right ventricle (RV) during chemotherapy (CT) in patients with breast cancer (BC).

Material and methods. The study included 40 women aged 35-72 years with BC who underwent anthracycline chemotherapy. The main group (n=40) included women with BC, examined at the first contact, 37 of whom were reexamined after 6 months. Control group (n=25) included women without BC.

Results. In the main group, the median transverse dimension and anterior wall thickness of the RV were significantly greater than in the control group (p<0,001). Early diastolic transtricuspid flow velocity (Et) after 6 months was lower than in the control group (p=0,003). The ratio of Et to late (At) diastolic transtricuspid flow (Et/At) in BC patients significantly decreased during the follow-up period (p<0,05) when compared with the control group and baseline values. Higher values of Tei index were noted in the main group compared to the control one (p<0,05). Using logistic regression for the Tei index, the model included radiation therapy, the total anthracycline dose, and negative affectivity score as follows: F(3,17)=12,548, p<0,001, R2=0,729. For the Et/At ratio, additional radiation therapy and heart rate were significant factors as follows: F(2,16)=12,548, p=0,005, R2=0,526.

Conclusion. Against the background of CT, deterioration of RV systolic (increase in Tei index and RV volume) and diastolic (decrease in Et and Et/At ratio) function was noted.