Acute Right Ventricular Dysfunction in Intensive Care Unit

Figure 1

Mechanisms of acute right ventricular dysfunction/failure (RVD/RVF). RV dysfunction begins with excessive increases in preload or afterload or injury that results in decreased contractility. RV ischemia and LV function impairment ensue a vicious cycle worsening hemodynamics and precipitate the transition to RVF. ARDS: acute respiratory distress syndrome; A-V: atrioventricular; CO: cardiac output; CVP: central venous pressure; MI: myocardial infarction; PE: pulmonary embolism; PFO: patent foramen oval; POCS: postoperative cardiac surgery; RAP: right atrial pressure; R → L: right-to-left; SV: stroke volume.