ABSTRACT
A respirophasic variation of the QRS complex was observed in a patient with bilateral pulmonary embolism and pulmonary hypertension. An analogous variation of the Sa systolic velocity of the tricuspid annular tissue Doppler imaging was also noticed. Both phaenomena persisted until the clinical and haemodynamic improvement of the patient. A mechanistic approach of the electric phaenomenon is proposed.
ABSTRACT
An excessive respiratory fluctuation (RTFV) in transmitral early diastolic velocity E is a pivotal Doppler echocardiographic sign of haemodynamic compromise, in constrictive pericardial diseases. RTFV is expressed as a percentage and 25% is considered a threshold value. Unfortunately there is no unanimity in calculating RTFV. Sometimes it is expressed as a percentage of expiratory E velocity, while others of inspiratory E velocity. This disparity has led to gross misinterpretations in medical literature. Here we emphasize the importance of a rational procedure calculating RTFV and we propose the appropriate mathematical model.
Subject(s)
Heart Diseases/diagnostic imaging , Pericardium/physiopathology , Respiratory Function Tests/standards , Respiratory Mechanics , Echocardiography, Doppler/methods , Echocardiography, Doppler/standards , Heart Diseases/physiopathology , Humans , Respiratory Function Tests/methods , Respiratory Mechanics/physiologyABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: A case of cardiac toxicity due to prolonged hypothermia is reported. CASE PRESENTATION: A 42-year-old woman of Caucasian origin presented with hypothermia after an accident. She developed atrial fibrillation and heart failure with minor electrocardiographic changes, which mimicked ischaemia. She recovered completely after one month of treatment for heart failure. CONCLUSION: Prolonged hypothermia, which mimicks ischaemia, may cause arrhythmias and heart failure.
