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Passive effect of reduced cardiac function on splanchnic intravascular volume
D L Rutlen1, F G Welt, A Ilebekk
1Department of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06510.
The American Journal of Physiology
|May 1, 1992
Summary
Heart failure reduces cardiac output, but splanchnic intravascular volume does not redistribute to support it. Pacing-induced heart failure in pigs showed splenic volume decreased and hepatic volume increased, with no change in total splanchnic volume.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Hemodynamics
- Heart Failure Pathophysiology
Background:
- Lowered cardiac output in heart failure is hypothesized to cause volume redistribution to support cardiac function.
- The role of splanchnic circulation in this compensatory mechanism remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the hypothesis of passive intravascular volume redistribution from peripheral to central circulation during acute heart failure.
- To assess changes in splanchnic intravascular volume in response to pacing-induced heart failure.
Main Methods:
- Acute heart failure was induced in anesthetized pigs via rapid atrial pacing.
- Splanchnic intravascular volume was measured using radionuclide imaging.
- Hemodynamic parameters including cardiac output and pressures were monitored.
Main Results:
- Pacing significantly decreased cardiac output, mean arterial pressure, and increased atrial pressures.
- Total splanchnic intravascular volume remained unchanged.
- Splenic volume decreased, while hepatic volume increased, with no change in mesenteric volume.
Conclusions:
- Pacing-induced acute heart failure does not lead to a compensatory decrease in total splanchnic intravascular volume.
- Changes in splenic and hepatic volumes occur, driven by altered perfusion and central venous pressures, but do not support cardiac filling.