Acute right heart syndrome

Acute right heart syndrome (ARHS) is defined as a sudden deterioration in right ventricular (RV) function and failure of the RV to deliver adequate blood flow to the pulmonary circulation. This can result in systemic hypoperfusion.

Pathology

ARHS can occur in several settings

• in the setting of sepsis
• in the setting of massive pulmonary embolism
• in the setting of acute respiratory distress syndrome

See also

• right ventricular strain
• cor pulmonale