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Electrical alternans: Mechanism in pericardial effusion

1972; Elsevier BV; Volume: 83; Issue: 4 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1016/0002-8703(72)90035-x

1097-6744

Bruce W. Usher, Richard L. Popp,

Pericarditis and Cardiac Tamponade

Two patients with pericardial effusion, cardiac tamponade, and electrical alternans were studied using cardiac echography. These studies support the theory that electrical alternans is the result of a specific type of cardiac motion within the pericardium. The factors that may determine the presence of this type of motion are discussed. The volume of the effusion, viscosity of the fluid, and heart rate are thought to be interrelated in the production of electrical alternans.