Right Atrial and Ventricular Infarction

In order to compare the results of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in diagnosis of right atrial (RA) and right ventricular (RV) infarction with those of transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), 11 patients admitted to the coronary care unit with the diagnosis of posteroinferior left ventricular (LV) acute myocardial infarction (MI) and electrocardiographic suspicion of extension to RV were studied. In two of the 11 patients, RA infarction was identified on the basis of akinesis of the RA free wall, dilatation of the atrial cavity, spontaneous echo contrast, mural thrombosis, and poor atrial contribution to RV filling. In all 11 patients, RV infarction was determined by akinesis of one or more segmental regions, dilatation of the cavity in four patients, and tricuspid regurgitation in seven. Only six cases of RV infarction were diagnosed with TTE. The findings indicate that TEE provides additional information to TTE for determining RA and RV infarction during the early stages of MI.     

Isolated Right Ventricular Myocardial Infarction

Abstract Isolated right ventricular infarction is uncommon. A 73-year-old man without previous cardial complaints was admitted pulseless to hospital. An infarct of the left ventricle was suspected. Autopsy showed a fresh thrombus located in a small branch artery of the right coronary artery accompanied by a fresh infarction of the anterior free wall of the right ventricle. Only 8 cases of isolated right ventricular infarction located in the anterior free wall were found in a review of the literature of right ventricular infarction. The diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of right ventricular infarction are discussed.     

Impedance Cardiographic Findings in Electrocardiographically Diagnosed Acute Right Ventricular Infarction

Background: Thorax impedance cardiography (TIC) can provide important information about the hemodynamic state of patients. In this study, we aimed at finding out if TIC can be used in the early follow‐up of acute right ventricular myocardial infarction (RVMI). Methods: The study consisted of patients with RVMI who were admitted to our coronary care unit between March 1998 and October 1999. The patients were divided into two groups: group A: patients with hemodynamically significant RVMI, and group B: patients with hemodynamically insignificant RVMI. All impedance measurements were performed with the commercially available device BoMed NCCOM3. We measured stroke volume index, cardiac index and ejection fraction by TIC. The measurements were done on the day of admittance (day O), first day and second day continuously, and on the third to fifth day during bed rest. Comparisons of TIC measurements and vital signs were made by Friedman analysis. Group A and group B were compared by Mann Whitney U test and chi square. The level of statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Results: There were 26 patients in group A (mean age: 62 ± 10) and 14 patients in group B (mean age: 61 ± 12). There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in age and sex. There were statistically significant differences between group A and B with regard to stroke volume index (32 ± 5 vs 28 ± 5; P = 0.0147), total peripheral resistance (19 ± 5 vs 23 ± 5; P = 0.0084); ejection fraction (0.44 ± 0.16 vs 0.58 ± 0.08; P = 0.0131). The vital signs with statistically significant differences were systolic arterial blood pressure (110 ± 17 vs 88 ± 7, P < 0.0001); diastolic arterial blood pressure (72 ± 12 vs 55 ± 13; P = 0.0002) and heart rate (89 ± 12 vs 71 ± 11; P < 0.0001). The differences disappeared on the second day. The lack of significance continued on the fifth day. Friedman analysis revealed that all the TIC parameters except for left ventricular ejection fraction change towards the normal range. Ejection fraction did not change in group B but decreased in group A on the second day; however it was stable later. Conclusion: TIC can provide easily obtained parameters which may have a role in the treatment of hemodynamically significant RVMI. This is particularly important in coronary care centers with limited invasive capabilities. A.N.E. 2000;5(4):330–335     

The ECG Pattern of Isolated Right Ventricular Infarction during Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Isolated right ventricular infarction (RVI) is a rare event. The electrocardiographic (ECG) pattern of RVI, ST‐elevation in lead V₄R and in anterior chest leads V_1‐3 is similar to that of a proximal occlusion of a small, nondominant right coronary artery (RCA). The ECG changes may be misinterpreted as signs of infarction of the anterior wall. This paper describes a case of isolated temporary occlusion of the major side branches of the RCA during percutaneous coronary intervention, recognized by angiography findings and typical ECG changes. This case demonstrates how one might avoid wrong decisions even in the catheterization laboratory by putting attention to the anatomical interpretation of the ECG.     

右室梗塞患者临床特点及卡托普利的影响：中国心脏研究—I专题报告之七

目的本文目的是分析右室梗塞患者的临床特点及卡托普利治疗的作用。方法用多中心随机安慰剂对照临床试验方法，重点分析中国心脏研究—Ｉ中右室梗塞患者住院４周病死率和并发症及卡托普利的影响。结果试验四周内，右室梗塞者总病死率（１６．７％）、心力衰竭（２９．０％）、心源性休克（１２．０％）、室颤（６．７％）、其它类型心跳骤停（４．４％）、Ｉ／ＩＩ度房室传导阻滞（１４．６％）、脑卒中（２．２％）、低血压（１６．７％）发生率均高于非右室梗塞者（９．４％、１７．６％、４．４％、３．１％、２．３％、４．８％、１．２％、１３．４％）。卡托普利治疗４周，轻微增加了病死率，轻微增加心源性休克发生率。结论右室梗塞患者系高危病人，卡托普利早期治疗无益     

A Rare Clinical Entity: Ventricular Septal Rupture with Right Ventricular Wall Dissection after Inferior Myocardial Infarction

Right ventricular wall dissection following ventricular septal rupture related to inferior myocardial infarction has been reported in a few cases. In most of the cases, right ventricular wall dissection was diagnosed in postmortem studies. Herein, we present a 68-year-old man who had a ventricular septal rupture with right ventricular wall dissection after inferior myocardial infarction. Early recognition of this complication with bedside transthoracic echocardiography and prompt surgical repair are key to achieving survival in these patients.     

Isolated Right Ventricular Infarction: A Case Report and Literature Review

Isolated right ventricular (RV) infarction is extremely rare and its diagnosis may be challenging, because RV infarction most often occurs simultaneously with infarction of the inferior wall of the left ventricle. A 66-year-old man with a history of diabetes mellitus presented with cold sweat and general malaise. Although his symptoms were atypical for myocardial infarction, he was quickly diagnosed with RV infarction and successfully underwent urgent percutaneous coronary intervention. He was definitely diagnosed with isolated RV infarction by a scintigram and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. Our review showed the importance of the combined assessment in the diagnosis of isolated RV infarction.     

Echocardiographic Features of Ventricular Septal Rupture with Right Ventricular Aneurysm After Acute Myocardial Infarction

Postinfarction ventricular septal defect is a life-threatening disorder that may be adequately treated if the diagnosis is obtained promptly. Two-dimensional color Doppler echocardiography is a reliable tool for this diagnosis and gives additional information regarding its location, size, and shape. The authors emphasize the feasibility of this method to depict a particular form of postinfarction interventricular septal rupture, which developed an aneurysm inside the right ventricular cavity. Its characteristics were completely defined by color Doppler echocardiography and confirmed at surgery.     

Diagnostic Value of aVL Derivation for Right Ventricular Involvement in Patients with Acute Inferior Myocardial Infarction

Background: Right ventricular (RV) involvement is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in patients with acute inferior myocardial infarction (MI). Although electrocardiography is probably the most useful, simple, and objective tool for the diagnosis of acute MI, there are no well‐defined criteria in the standard 12‐lead electrocardiogram to properly identify RV involvement in patients with acute inferior MI. Our objective was to evaluate the value of ST‐segment depression in lead aVL in diagnosing RV involvement in patients with acute inferior MI. Materials and Methods: Sixty‐seven patients, hospitalized with acute inferior myocardial infarction, were included in this study. The diagnosis of acute inferior myocardial infarction was based on the clinical history, characteristic enzyme pattern of CK‐MB values, and the appearance of ST‐segment elevation ≥ 1 mm in at least two of the leads (leads II, III, aVF). RV infarction was defined by ST‐segment elevation ≥ 1mm in lead V4R. ST‐segment depression in lead aVL that is more than 1 mm was accepted as a diagnostic criterion for RV involvement in patients with acute inferior MI. Results: Thirty‐one patients had >1 mm ST‐segment depression and 28 of them had right ventricular infarction according to lead V4R. Thirthy‐six patients showed ≤1 mm ST‐segment depression indicating no right ventricular involvement but four of them also had right ventricular infarction according to V4R. Conclusion: More than 1 mm ST‐segment depression in lead aVL was found to have high sensitivity (87%), specificity (91%), high positive and negative predictive value (90%, 88%, respectively), and high diagnostic accuracy (89%) in diagnosing RV involvement in patients with acute inferior MI. Therefore, by using a simple 12‐lead electrocardiographic sign, ST‐segment depression >1 mm in lead aVL, obtained on admission, it is possible to identify RV involvement in patients with acute inferior MI.     

The Diagnostic Value of 12‐Lead Electrocardiogram in Predicting Infarct‐Related Artery and Right Ventricular Involvement in Acute Inferior Myocardial Infarction

Background: The aim of the present study was to investigate the predictive value of presentation and 24‐hour electrocardiograms in defining the infarct‐related artery (IRA), its lesion segment, and the right ventricular involvement in acute inferior myocardial infarction (Ml). Methods: One hundred forty‐nine patients with acute inferior MI were included. Infarct‐related artery, its lesion segment, and the validity of new ECG criteria for the diagnosis of right ventricular Ml (RVMI) were investigated by means of criteria obtained from admission and 24‐hour ECGs. Results: The presence of ST‐segment elevation in lead III > lead II criterion (Criterion 1) and ST‐segment depression in lead I > lead aVL criterion (Criterion 2) from admission ECG defined the right coronary artery (RCA) as IRA with a sensitivity of 64% and a specificity of 100%. These two criteria also defined the proximal or mid lesions in RCA as culprit lesions (sensitivity of 99%, specificity of 96%). Absence of these two criteria indicated Cx as IRA with a sensitivity of 50% and a specificity of 97%. The depth of Q wave in lead III > lead II criterion (Criterion 3) had no value for discrimination of IRA, but the width of Q wave in lead III > lead II criterion (Criterion 4) supported the RCA to be IRA with a sensitivity of 60% and a specificity of 61% (Criteria 3 and 4 were obtained from 24‐hour ECGs). The finding of Criterion 1 plus Criterion 5 (ST elevation in V₁ but no ST elevation in V2) on admission ECG had a sensitivity of 63% and a specificity of 99% in the diagnosis of RVMI. Conclusion: We concluded that 12‐lead ECG is a cheap, easy, and readily obtainable diagnostic approach in discrimination of IRA and its culprit lesion segment. However, despite high specificity, due to moderate degree sensitivity, its value for the diagnosis of RVMI is questionable. A.N.E. 2001; 6(3):229–235     

急性右心室梗死血流动力学特征与扩容及再灌注治疗疗效观察

目的:探讨急性右心室梗死(ARVI)临床和血流动力学特征以及扩容与再灌注治疗效果。方法:观察58例ARVI患者的临床经过,根据有创血流动力学特征分为1型(n=28)、2型(n=19)、3型(n=11)共三型,根据是否行再灌注治疗分为一般治疗组(n=29)及再灌注治疗组(n=29),评估扩容及再灌注治疗的疗效。以发病2周及4周的存活率或病死率和心脏超声右心室运动评分为观察指标。结果:血流动力学1、2、3三型的病死率分别为:3.5%,26%,54%,其中2型多为严重ARVI,常常伴严重低血压休克,预后较差;3型除ARVI外,左心室梗死程度重,治疗效果差。1、2型患者对扩容效果好。所有患者在再灌注治疗组存活86%,右心室超声评分改善1.2;一般治疗组存活72%,右心室超声评分改善0.4,两组比较差异显著(P<0.05)。结论:ARVI血流动力学特征检测有助于病情评估和治疗选择。再灌注治疗可明显提高患者心肌功能的恢复,降低病死率。     

急性下后壁伴右心室心肌梗死患者梗死相关动脉的造影特点分析

目的分析急性下后壁伴右心室心肌梗死患者,右冠状动脉作为梗死相关动脉罪犯病变造影特点。方法60例明确诊断急性下壁、正后壁或右心室心肌梗死的患者为本院2002年1月～2003年12月收入院,并接受冠状动脉造影及介入治疗的病例。最小年龄31岁,最大年龄80岁,平均年龄57±11岁。所有资料采用SAS软件处理,以P〈0.05作为有显著性差异。结果（1）临床特点：本组入选60例患者,男性占83.3%,女性占16.7%,男女比例5∶1,男性明显高于女性（P〈0.0001）。男女患者发病年龄无显著性差异（P=0.05878）。40岁以上者占绝大多数;（2）心电图特征：60例经心电图确诊的急性下壁、正后壁心肌梗死患者中,55例合并右心室梗死,占91.7%;（3）冠脉造影特征：60例患者中1例为冠状动脉左优势型,4例拒绝行冠状动脉造影。,其余55例患者梗死相关动脉均为右冠状动脉,罪犯病变在近段者18例（32.7%）,其中15例完全闭塞,中段24例（43.6%）,13例完全闭塞,远段5例（9.1%）,1例完全闭塞;后侧支3例（5.5%）,2例完全闭塞,后降支4例（7.3%）,2例完全闭塞;锐缘支1例（1.8%）,以右冠状动脉近、 中段狭窄或闭塞最常见（占76．4％）。在罪犯病变狭窄程度方面：轻、中度狭窄者5例（5．5％）;重度狭窄19例（34．5％）;完全闭塞33例（60％）;（4）左心室功能：全组平均EF正常（60％±13％）。结论在急性下、后壁伴右心室心肌梗死患者,右冠状动脉作为梗死相关动脉最为常见。罪犯病变以近、中段重度狭窄或闭塞为主。     

Prospective Study of Cardiac Sarcoid Mimicking Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia

Introduction: Case studies indicate that cardiac sarcoid may mimic the clinical presentation of arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia/cardiomyopathy (ARVD/C); however, the incidence and clinical predictors to diagnose cardiac sarcoid in patients who meet International Task Force criteria for ARVD/C are unknown.
Methods and Results: Patients referred for evaluation of left bundle branch block (LBBB)-type ventricular arrhythmia and suspected ARVD/C were prospectively evaluated by a standardized protocol including right ventricle (RV) cineangiography-guided myocardial biopsy. Sixteen patients had definite ARVD/C and four had probable ARVD/C. Three patients were found to have noncaseating granulomas on biopsy consistent with sarcoid. Age, systemic symptoms, findings on chest X-ray or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), type of ventricular arrhythmia, RV function, ECG abnormalities, and the presence or duration of late potentials did not discriminate between sarcoid and ARVD/C. Left ventricular dysfunction (ejection fraction <50%) was present in 3/3 patients with cardiac sarcoid, but only 2/17 remaining patients with definite or probable ARVD/C (P = 0.01).
Conclusions: In this prospective study of consecutive patients with suspected ARVD/C evaluated by a standard protocol including biopsy, the incidence of cardiac sarcoid was surprisingly high (15%). Clinical features, with the exception of left ventricular dysfunction and histological findings, did not discriminate between the two entities.     

Evaluation of Right Ventricular Function During CABG: Transesophageal Echocardiographic Assessment of Hepatic Venous Flow Versus Conventional Right Ventricular Performance Indices

The vulnerability of right ventricle (RV) to ischemic insult during cardiac surgery is being increasingly recognized. This study aims to evaluate right ventricular function by measuring hepatic venous flow (HVF) patterns using intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), and to compare HVF with other conventional two-dimensional echocardiographic and hemodynamic indices of RV performance. Patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) were studied intraoperatively using a multiplane dual frequency 5/3.7-MHz phased array transducer, a pulmonary artery catheter, and an arterial catheter. Peak velocities and time velocity integrals of HVF pattern were studied. Peak systolic-diastolic ratio (S/D) of biphasic HVF and reverse flow ratio (% reverse flow/forward flow = % RF/FF) were also examined. Two-dimensional echocardiographic measurements included: (1) transverse plane long-axis (LA) and short-axis (SA) planimetered areas expressed as ratios; LA maximum major and minor-axis shortening fractions; (2) tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) ratio. All data were obtained after induction of anesthesia (stage 1), after sternotomy (stage 2), aftercardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) (stage 3), and after sternal closure (stage 4). Pre-CPB all 35 patients had biphasic HVF by Doppler. In 31 patients peak S/D ratio was >1. After CPB, there was significant reduction in systolic forward flow (S wave), along with an increase in late systolic reverse flow (V wave) and an increase in % RF/FF. At this stage TAPSE ratio decreased (pre CPB 0.33 +/- 0.12 vs post CPB 0.30 +/- 0.11). There was simultaneous decrease in 2-D long-axis LA (pre CPB 0.52 +/- 0.11 vs post CPB 0.31 +/- 0.01) and max major axis LA (pre CPB 0.38 +/- 0.06 vs post CPB 0.31 +/- 0.11). Max major axis LA correlated significantly with changes in right atrial pressure (P < 0.05). Tricuspid annular motion diminished significantly at sternal closure. Hepatic systolic forward flow and TAPSE ratio can be an indirect measure of RV systolic functions in correlation with maximum major axis LA changes. Evaluation of HVF provides unique insight into right ventricular dynamics. It is an easy, safe, and sensitive method for assessing RV functions intraoperatively.     

Beneficial Effects of Delayed Opening the Infarct - related Artery on Late Phase Left Ventricular Function in Acute Anterior Myocardial Infarction

Objectives To assess the effect of delayed opening the infarct - related artery(IRA) by percutanous coronary intervention (PCI) on the late phase left ventricular function after acute anterior myocardial infarction. Methods 64 patients with initial Q -wave anterior myocardial infarction and the infarct- related arteries were total occluded conformed by angiogram at 2 to 14 days after onset were divided into successful PCI group and control group (not receiving PCI or the IRA not re - opened). 2 - DE was performed at early phase ( about 3 weeks) , 2 and 6months after onset of AMI respectively to detect the left ventricular function and left ventricular wall motion abnormality (VWMA). The total congestive heart failure events were recorded during 6 months follow-up. Results VWMA scores, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular end - diastolic and end-systolic volume indices (LVEDVI and LVDSVI)were similar in 2 groups at early phase and 2 months.There were no differences between early phase and 2months in each group too. VWMA scores and LVEF did not changed at 6 months in each group compared with the early phase and 2 months (P ＞ 0.05 ). But LVEDVI and LVESVI were significantly smaller in the successful PCI group than in the control group (P ＜0.01,P ＜ 0. 05 ). The congestive heart failure events were taken place in 19% of patients in control group compared with 2% in successful PCI group ( P ＞ 0.05 ).Conclusions Although the infarct size does not changed, delayed opening the IRA has beneficial effect to the late phase left ventricular dilatation after acute anterior myocardial infarction.     

Catheter Ablation of Ventricular Tachycardia Induced by Injection of Acetylcholine in the Right Coronary Artery

Ventricular Tachycardia Induced by Acetylcholine. We report the case of a patient who suffered from early morning nonsustained ventricular tachycardia. Clinical ventricular tachycardia without coronary spasm was reproducibly induced only by injection of acetylcholine in the right coronary artery. A good pace mapping site with 30 ms early ventricular activity was present in the right ventricular free wall. After radiofrequency ablation based on electroanatomical mapping, the tachycardia could no longer be induced by intracoronary injection of acetylcholine. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 21, pp. 1410‐1412, December 2010)     

Acute Anterior ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction and Electrical Storm Secondary to Nondominant Right Coronary Artery Occlusion

A 42-year-old man emergently presented with chest pain and anterior ST elevation. Refractory ventricular arrhythmias and shock developed rapidly. A coronary angiogram revealed the acute occlusion of a nondominant right coronary artery. After percutaneous coronary intervention, the anterior ST elevation and ventricular arrhythmias resolved. The electrocardiographic pattern was a result of isolated right ventricular infarction that in turn caused profound electrical and hemodynamic instability. We discuss the cause and pathophysiology of this patient''s case, and we recommend that interventional and general cardiologists be aware that anterior ST elevation can be caused by the occlusion of a nondominant right coronary artery.     

Ablation of Ventricular Arrhythmias in Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia

VT Ablation in Right Ventricular Dysplasia. Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia (ARVD) is a genetically determined myocardial disease characterized by fibrofatty replacement of the right ventricular wall. Ventricular tachyarrhythmias can be seen in the early stages of the disease, which is one of the most important causes of sudden death in young healthy individuals. Radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation is an option for the treatment of medically refractory ventricular arrhythmias and it has shown to successfully abolish recurrent ventricular tachycardias (VT) as well as reduce the frequency in defibrillator therapies. However, variable acute and long‐term success rates have been reported. The current mapping and ablation techniques include activation and entrainment mapping during tolerated VT and substrate ablation using 3‐dimensional electroanatomic mapping systems. This article aims at providing a comprehensive review of RF catheter ablation of ventricular arrhythmias in the context of ARVD. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 21, pp. 473‐14, April 2010)