Point-of-Care Ultrasonography to Assess Portal Vein Pulsatility and the Effect of Inhaled Milrinone and Epoprostenol in Severe Right Ventricular Failure: A Report of 2 Cases

A A Case Rep. 2017 Oct 15;9(8):219-223. doi: 10.1213/XAA.0000000000000572.

Abstract

This article describes 2 patients with severe acute right ventricular failure causing circulatory shock. Portal vein pulsatility assessed by bedside ultrasonography suggested clinically relevant venous congestion. Management included cardiac preload reduction and combined inhalation of milrinone and epoprostenol to reduce right ventricular afterload. Portal vein ultrasonography may be useful in assessing right ventricular function in the acutely ill patient.

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Inhalation
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Epoprostenol / administration & dosage*
  • Female
  • Heart Failure / diagnostic imaging
  • Heart Failure / drug therapy*
  • Heart Failure / physiopathology
  • Heart Ventricles / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Milrinone / administration & dosage*
  • Point-of-Care Systems
  • Portal Vein / diagnostic imaging*
  • Ultrasonography

Substances

  • Epoprostenol
  • Milrinone