Right Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction Assessed by Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Is a Strong Predictor of Cardiovascular Death After Coronary Bypass Grafting

This Belgian study prospectively analyzed the predictors of long-term mortality in a group of 107 consecutive CABG patients with an LV EF < 35%.  All patients underwent preoperative Cardiac MR to assess both LV and RV EF.  Right ventricular systolic dysfunction (RVSD), defined as an RV EF < 35%, was a strong independent predictor of mortality at a median follow-up of 4.7 years.  The presence of RVSD more than doubled long-term mortality.