Objective To evaluate the diagnostic value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and echocardiogram in secondary right ventricular dysfunction in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods A total of 118 patients diagnosed as COPD and suspected secondary right ventricular function changes from February 2017 to February 2018 in our hospital were enrolled in this study. All patients were given Cine magnetic resonance imaging (Cine MRI) and real-time threedimensional echocardiography (RT-3DE). The image features and right heart function parameters [right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF), right ventricular stroke volume (SVRV), right ventricular end-systolic volume (ESVRV), right ventricular end-diastolic volume (EDVRV)] were analyzed, and the consistency of two detection methods was assessed. Results Cine MRI examination showed 108 cases of right ventricular function changes, and imaging showed thickening of right pulmonary artery, right ventricular enlargement, thickening of ventricle wall, early increase and late decrease of right ventricular muscle mass, and regurgitation of tricuspid and pulmonary valve. RT3DE examination showed 105 cases of right ventricular function changes, and imaging showed increase of right ventricular diameter, wall thickening, left ventricular pressure, increase of right ventricular outflow tract diameter, increase of right pulmonary artery diameter or pulmonary artery, and significant regurgitation of tricuspid. There was no significant differences in the RVEF, SVRV, ESVRV and EDVRV measured by Cine MRI and RT-3DE (P>0.05), and the consistency rate of the two methods for secondary right ventricular dysfunction in COPD patients was 95.76% (Kappa=75.96%, P<0.05). Conclusion Both Cine MRI and RT-3DE can accurately assess the changes of right heart function in patients with COPD. The two methods have high consistency in evaluation, and the imaging shows examination images have certain characteristics, and have high clinical application value.