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Critical Care
Published in: Critical Care 3/2006

01-06-2006 | Review

What role does the right side of the heart play in circulation?

Authors: Maurizio Cecconi, Edward Johnston, Andrew Rhodes

Published in: Critical Care | Special Issue 3/2006

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Abstract

Right ventricular failure (RVF) is an underestimated problem in intensive care. This review explores the physiology and pathophysiology of right ventricular function and the pulmonary circulation. When RVF is secondary to an acute increase in afterload, the picture is one of acute cor pulmonale, as occurs in the context of acute respiratory distress syndrome, pulmonary embolism and sepsis. RVF can also be caused by right myocardial dysfunction. Pulmonary arterial catheterization and echocardiography are discussed in terms of their roles in diagnosis and treatment. Treatments include options to reduce right ventricular afterload, specific pulmonary vasodilators and inotropes.
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Metadata
Title
What role does the right side of the heart play in circulation?
Authors
Maurizio Cecconi
Edward Johnston
Andrew Rhodes
Publication date
01-06-2006
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Critical Care / Issue Special Issue 3/2006
Electronic ISSN: 1364-8535
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/cc4832

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