TAPSE represents the distance of systolic excursion of the RV annular plane towards the apex.
• It is obtained using an M-mode cursor passed through the tricuspid lateral annulus in a four-chamber view (Figure 3) and measuring the amount of longitudinal displacement of the annulus at peak-systole.
• Normal value for TAPSE: above 16 mm.[2]
• It has been shown to have a good correlation with isotopic derived RVEF.[4]
• While it is an easy and simple parameter to use in daily clinical practice it is necesary to emphasise that TAPSE measures displacement of the anular plane twords the transducer and it is therefore an angle dependent parameter and it is influenced by LV function and overall heart motion.