Unusual right ventricular flow pattern in a patient with inferior wall myocardial infarction.
We describe a case of an unusual right ventricular flow pattern in a patient with inferior wall myocardial infarction associated with massive right ventricular infarction. Echocardiography was significant for nearly continuous antegrade flow through both the tricuspid and pulmonic valves demonstrated by color and pulsed wave Doppler. The tricuspid and pulmonic valves remained open throughout the cardiac cycle. These findings signify the nearly complete loss of right ventricular pumping function, and indicate that the right heart was serving as a passive conduit with a flow pattern similar to a vein.
Spevack
Daniel M
DM
New York University Medical Center, 550 First Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA.
Tunick
Paul A
PA
Kronzon
Itzhak
I
D018618:Echocardiography, Doppler, Color; D018619:Echocardiography, Doppler, Pulsed; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology*; D018497:Ventricular Dysfunction, Right / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology*