Haemodynamic Assessment

BSE / ASE reference tables

RAP, PASP & PH probability

IVC diameter and collapse — estimating right atrial pressure

Estimate RAP from subcostal IVC diameter and its inspiratory (sniff) collapse. A dilated, non-collapsing IVC with spontaneous contrast suggests RAP >20 mmHg.

IVC → estimated right atrial pressure
IVC diameterInspiratory collapseEstimated RAP
≤2.1 cm>50%3 mmHg (0–5)
≤2.1 cm<50%8 mmHg (5–10)
>2.1 cm>50%8 mmHg (5–10)
>2.1 cm<50%15 mmHg (10–20)

TextbookRudski et al. Guidelines for the echocardiographic assessment of the right heart in adults. ASE 2010.

Pulmonary pressures — TR velocity and RVSP severity grading

PASP = 4 × (TR Vmax)² + RAP (no RVOT obstruction). Normal RVSP/PASP ≤34 mmHg.

TR velocity & RVSP grading (ASE)
ParameterNormalMildModerateSevere
TR Vmax (m/s)<2.82.8–3.13.2–3.5≥3.6
RVSP / PASP (mmHg)≤3435–4950–69≥70

TextbookRudski et al. Guidelines for the echocardiographic assessment of the right heart in adults. ASE 2010.

Echo probability of pulmonary hypertension (ESC/ERS)

2022 ESC/ERS echo probability of PH from peak TR velocity plus other PH signs (RV/LV ratio >1, D-shaped septum, RVOT acceleration time <105 ms / mid-systolic notching, PA diameter >25 mm, dilated IVC, RA area >18 cm²).

Echo PH probability (ESC/ERS 2022)
Peak TR velocity (m/s)Other PH signsPH probability
≤2.8 or not measurableNoLow
≤2.8 or not measurableYes (≥2)Intermediate
2.9–3.4NoIntermediate
2.9–3.4Yes (≥2)High
>3.4Not requiredHigh

TextbookHumbert et al. 2022 ESC/ERS Guidelines for pulmonary hypertension. Eur Heart J 2022.

Revision flashcards

RAP & pulmonary pressures — flashcards

How is right atrial pressure estimated from the IVC?

Right atrial pressure estimated from the IVC (sniff)
IVC ≤2.1 cm, collapse >50%3 (0–5)mmHg
Intermediate pattern8 (5–10)mmHg
IVC >2.1 cm, collapse <50%15 (10–20)mmHg

TextbookRudski et al. Guidelines for the echocardiographic assessment of the right heart in adults. ASE 2010.

How is pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) estimated?

Pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP)
Estimation (no RVOT obstruction)4 × (TR Vmax)² + RAP
Normal PASP / RVSP≤34mmHg

TextbookRudski et al. Guidelines for the echocardiographic assessment of the right heart in adults. ASE 2010.

Echo probability of pulmonary hypertension by TR velocity?

Echo probability of pulmonary hypertension
Peak TR velocity (m/s)Other PH signsProbability
≤2.8 / not measurableNoLow
≤2.8 / not measurableYes (≥2)Intermediate
2.9–3.4NoIntermediate
2.9–3.4Yes (≥2)High
>3.4Not requiredHigh

TextbookHumbert et al. 2022 ESC/ERS Guidelines for pulmonary hypertension. Eur Heart J 2022.