Isolated Tricuspid Regurgitation Alternans in Acute Myocardial Infarction

Pulsus alternans is characterized by alternating strong and weak beats, and occurs with failing hearts. Left ventricular pulsus alternans is known to occur with ischemic heart disease, valvular heart disease, and outflow tract obstructions. Isolated right ventricular (RV) pulsus alternans is a rare entity. We report the case of a 51-year-old male patient who presented with inferior wall myocardial infarction and cardiogenic shock. He was diagnosed to have an isolated tricuspid regurgitation alternans signifying severe RV dysfunction. The patient was resuscitated and treated with primary percutaneous intervention to the right coronary artery. We also review the literature associated with RV pulsus alternans and its mechanisms.