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World J Clin Cases. Aug 16, 2013; 1(5): 162-165
Published online Aug 16, 2013. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v1.i5.162
Published online Aug 16, 2013. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v1.i5.162
Biventricular pulsus alternans: An echocardiographic finding in patient with pulmonary embolism
Tin Nguyen, Long-Bao Cao, Minh Tran, Assad Movahed, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, East Carolina University, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina Heart Institute, Greenville, NC 27834, United States
Author contributions: Nguyen T, Cao LB, Tran M and Movahed A contributed to the manuscript writing and revision.
Supported by The “East Carolina Heart Institute”
Correspondence to: Assad Movahed, MD, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, East Carolina University, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina Heart Institute, 115 Heart Drive, Mail Stop 651, Greenville, NC 27834, United States. movaheda@ecu.edu
Telephone: +1-832-3731447 Fax: +1-252-7447724
Received: June 11, 2013
Revised: July 7, 2013
Accepted: July 17, 2013
Published online: August 16, 2013
Revised: July 7, 2013
Accepted: July 17, 2013
Published online: August 16, 2013
Core Tip
Core tip: Biventricular pulsus alternans is a rare phenomenon and has only been described in few cases of severe left ventricle systolic dysfunctions and left anterior descending coronary artery disease. Pulsus alternans is an ominous sign that suggests severe heart failure; early recognition can aid in appropriate management and intervention, which may change patient outcome.