Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 29, 2025
09:22
Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension and Assessment of Right Ventricular Function in the Piglet
Published on: November 4, 2015
12.4K
Acute Right Ventricular Dysfunction Secondary to Hereditary Angioedema Exacerbation
Abbas Shahmohammadi1, Kathryn M Burtson2
1Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA.
Cureus
|July 8, 2021
Summary
A woman with hereditary angioedema (HAE) experienced acute right ventricular dysfunction. Symptoms resolved with HAE management, and cardiac function normalized on follow-up.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Genetics
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of severe swelling.
- Right ventricular dysfunction can occur in various cardiovascular conditions, but its association with HAE exacerbations is not well-documented.
Observation:
- A 31-year-old woman with a history of HAE presented with acute abdominal pain and swelling.
- Initial investigations revealed sinus tachycardia, T wave inversions, and elevated troponin levels.
- Echocardiography demonstrated dilated and severely hypokinetic right ventricle with normal left ventricular function.
Findings:
- The patient's symptoms, including abdominal swelling and elevated troponins, resolved with symptomatic management of her HAE exacerbation.
- Follow-up echocardiography six months later showed normalization of right ventricular function.
Implications:
- This case suggests a potential link between HAE exacerbations and acute right ventricular dysfunction.
- Further research is warranted to understand the pathophysiology and clinical significance of this association.
- Recognition of this potential complication may aid in the timely diagnosis and management of HAE patients presenting with cardiac symptoms.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Heart Failure III: Clinical Manifestations
109
Heart failure (HF) manifests primarily as dyspnea, fatigue, and fluid retention, resulting in peripheral and pulmonary edema. Symptoms may vary depending on which ventricle is more affected, left or right.Left-Sided Heart FailureAlso known as left ventricular failure, this condition results from the left ventricle's inability to fill or eject sufficient blood into the systemic circulation. It leads to pulmonary congestion, which occurs when the left ventricle fails to eject blood effectively...
109
01:29Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
104
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy without ventricular dilation. It is more common in men and is typically diagnosed in young, athletic adults.EtiologyHCM is primarily genetic and is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Researchers have identified over 1400 mutations across at least 11 different genes. Among these, the most frequently occurring mutations are found in the...
104
01:29Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology
122
Systolic Heart Failure and Compensatory MechanismsSystolic heart failure (also termed HFrEF, Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction) is the most prevalent type of heart filure. It results in a decreased volume of blood being pumped from the ventricle. The aortic arch and carotid sinuses have baroreceptors that detect reduced blood pressure, triggering the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) to release epinephrine and norepinephrine. Initially, this response aims to boost heart rate and...
122
01:15Aortic Regurgitation I: Introduction
109
IntroductionAortic regurgitation is characterized by the backward flow of blood from the aorta into the left ventricle during diastole and arises from the improper closure of the aortic valve. This condition results in left ventricular volume overload and can stem from both acute and chronic etiologies, each contributing uniquely to the disease's progression and symptomatology.Acute and Chronic CausesAcute aortic regurgitation often results from events that suddenly impair the integrity of the...
109
01:25Aortic Regurgitation III: Medical Management
91
Aortic regurgitation (AR) is when the aortic valve does not close or seal properly, leading to backward blood circulation from the aorta into the left ventricle during diastole. Common causes of AR include rheumatic heart disease, congenital valve defects, and aortic root dilation. Managing AR requires a multifaceted approach to alleviate symptoms, preserve left ventricular function, and address the underlying cause of the regurgitation. Patients with symptomatic AR or significant left...
91
01:23Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction
136
Rheumatic heart disease or RHD is a chronic condition that results from rheumatic fever, causing permanent damage to the heart valves.Etiology and Risk FactorsIt primarily arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that can develop after untreated or inadequately treated group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis. Streptococcus spreads through direct contact with oral or respiratory secretions. While the bacteria are the causative agents, factors like malnutrition, overcrowding, poor...
136