Right ventricular dysfunction in acute pulmonary embolism: NT-proBNP vs. troponin T

Abstract Background and objective Dysfunction of the right ventricle (RV) is a parameter of severity in acute pulmonary embolism (PE). Echocardiographic assessment is not always possible in accident and emergency, hence the need to predict the presence of RV dysfunction using easily measurable parameters. To analyse the value of NT-proBNP and troponin T as markers of RV dysfunction in patients with acute PE. Secondarily, to assess the relationship between RV failure and clinical parameters related to PE. Material and method Analytical, observational, cross-sectional and retrospective study comparing the values NT-proBNP, troponin T and presenting symptoms of PE among patients with and without RV dysfunction. Results One hundred seventy-two patients (52 with RV failure, 120 without) were included. All symptoms occurred with similar frequency between the 2 groups except dyspnoea and syncope (more common in the group with RV failure). Both NT-proBNP and troponin T had significantly higher values in the group of patients with RV dysfunction. However, in the multivariate analysis, NT-proBNP had a higher explanatory value for RV failure than troponin T. Conclusion NT-proBNP is a diagnostic parameter of RV dysfunction with higher sensitivity in the context of acute PE.