Isolated right ventricular infarction

Our experience with 18 cases of isolated right ventricular infarction is reported and the literature is reviewed. Chronic lung disease with right ventricular hypertrophy is an important risk factor. Chest pain is the usual symptom at presentation but some cases can have breathlessness, palpitations or syncope. Some cases can have sinus bradycardia, atrial fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia. Atrioventricular block is rare. Cases with pulmonary artery hypertension, extensive right ventricular infarction due to proximal occlusion of the right coronary artery, right atrial infarction or atrial fibrillation can have hypotension and/or systemic venous congestion. A surface electrocardiogram mainly showing changes in leads conventionally considered to represent left ventricle and right-sided chest leads may not show an infarct pattern in some cases. Echocardiography is, therefore, more reliable in diagnosing this condition. The cautious use of small doses of nitrates and diuretics is not hazardous in the absence of hypotension. High doses of steroids and anti-coagulants can be helpful. The prognosis is usually good, although sudden collapse can occur due to ventricular fibrillation, rupture of the right ventricular free wall or a massive pulmonary embolism.