Systolic pulmonary and hepatic vein flow reversal due to pacemaker-induced retrograde ventriculoatrial conduction

Echocardiography. 2013 Mar;30(3):E61-3. doi: 10.1111/echo.12095. Epub 2013 Jan 11.

Abstract

Systolic pulmonary and hepatic vein flow reversals can typically be seen with severe atrioventricular (AV) valve regurgitation and during atrial fibrillation (AF). We report the case of a 67-year-old woman who presented with recent-onset exertional dyspnea. Her pacemaker was near end-of-life and reverted to a VVI mode from the preset DDDR mode. Electrocardiography demonstrated retrograde 1:1 ventriculoatrial (VA) conduction and spectral Doppler analysis revealed prominent systolic pulmonary and hepatic vein flow reversals. Symptoms, electrocardiogram (ECG) findings, and the spectral Doppler abnormalities resolved completely following a generator replacement and resumption of DDDR pacing.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Device Removal
  • Echocardiography / methods
  • Equipment Failure Analysis
  • Female
  • Hepatic Veins / diagnostic imaging*
  • Humans
  • Pacemaker, Artificial / adverse effects*
  • Peripheral Arterial Disease / diagnostic imaging*
  • Peripheral Arterial Disease / etiology*
  • Peripheral Arterial Disease / prevention & control
  • Pulmonary Artery / diagnostic imaging*
  • Tachycardia, Atrioventricular Nodal Reentry / diagnostic imaging*
  • Tachycardia, Atrioventricular Nodal Reentry / etiology*
  • Tachycardia, Atrioventricular Nodal Reentry / prevention & control