PULSUS ALTERNANS IN DIASTOLIC LEFT-VENTRICULAR DYSFUNCTION - A CASE-REPORT

Pulsus alternans is usually found in patients with reduced systolic ve ntricular function. We describe a patient with recurrent pulmonary ede ma, hypertension, bilateral renal artery stenosis, but with normal sys tolic function. Pulsus alternans was demonstrated in both pulmonary ar tery, right ventricle, and left ventricle pressures. After successful renal artery revascularization, the pulsus alternans disappeared. This case illustrates that pulsus alternans can be present with diastolic dysfunction of the left ventricle in the absence of systolic dysfuncti on.