Pulmonary Embolus versus Right Ventricular Infarction
OVERVIEW
- features that distinguish PE from RV infarction
COMPARISON TABLE
Table created by Chris Poynter
1 | 2 | 3 |
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RV infarct | Acute PE | |
History |
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symptoms |
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Examination |
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Investigations | ||
bedside | ECG – classic inferior/posterior MI changes with ST elevation in inferior leads and V4R, evidence of heart block | ECG – Tachycardia, S1Q3T3ABG – hypoxia, increased A-a gradient, hypocapnia |
laboratory | Raised troponin, CK, CKMB | Troponin may be raised but lesser degree |
radiological |
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special tests | Angiogram – blocked RCA (right dominant) |
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References and Links
- Ginghina C, Caloianu GA, Serban M, Dragomir D. Right ventricular myocardial infarction and pulmonary embolism differential diagnosis–a challenge for the clinician. J Med Life. 2010 Jul-Sep;3(3):242-53. PMC3019007.
Critical Care
Compendium
Chris is an Intensivist and ECMO specialist at The Alfred ICU, where he is Deputy Director (Education). He is a Clinical Adjunct Associate Professor at Monash University, the Lead for the Clinician Educator Incubator programme, and a CICM First Part Examiner.
He is an internationally recognised Clinician Educator with a passion for helping clinicians learn and for improving the clinical performance of individuals and collectives. He was one of the founders of the FOAM movement (Free Open-Access Medical education) has been recognised for his contributions to education with awards from ANZICS, ANZAHPE, and ACEM.
His one great achievement is being the father of three amazing children.
On Bluesky, he is @precordialthump.bsky.social and on the site that Elon has screwed up, he is @precordialthump.
| INTENSIVE | RAGE | Resuscitology | SMACC