Biventricular pulsus alternans.

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Hemodynamics
• Clinical Case Reports

Background:

• Pulsus alternans is a rare hemodynamic phenomenon characterized by alternating systolic pressure variations.
• It is typically associated with advanced myopathic conditions and impaired cardiac function.
• Left ventricular and right ventricular pulsus alternans are uncommon, with biventricular involvement being exceedingly rare.

Observation:

• A 62-year-old female presented with a recent anterior wall myocardial infarction.
• Cardiac catheterization revealed pulsus alternans affecting both the left and right ventricles.
• This observation represents a rare instance of biventricular pulsus alternans.

Findings:

• The patient exhibited significant beat-to-beat variability in systolic pressure.
• The findings indicate compromised stroke volume in alternate cardiac cycles.
• Biventricular pulsus alternans was confirmed during the invasive hemodynamic assessment.

Implications:

• This case underscores the potential for biventricular pulsus alternans in acute myocardial infarction.
• Understanding this rare condition is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management.
• Further research into the mechanisms and clinical significance of biventricular pulsus alternans is warranted.