Right Ventricular Myocardial Infarction

Infarction of the right ventricle with or without left ventricular involvement is becoming a more commonly diagnosed entity as the tools for diagnosis and options for treatment evolves. This activity will discuss the pertinent topics related to the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of right ventricular myocardial infarction (RVMI). RVMI was first identified in patients with inferior wall MI who had elevated right ventricular (RV) filling pressures and RV failure, with normal values for the left ventricle (LV). RVMI can occur with or without LV involvement. When inferior MI is associated with RVMI, patients show more bradycardia, need for pacing, hypotension, and mortality.