RSV-induced LV dysfunction, what can be the underlying cause?

Severe bronchiolitis due to RSV infection was found to be incriminated in LV dysfunction. Overlooked pulmonary hypertension, direct cardiomyocyte injury and positive pressure involvement are the suggested hypotheses to date. RSV might cause myocardial inflammation, the latter may impact postnatal adaptations of LV mechanics, also positive pressure ventilation might increase intrathoracic pressure leading to impaired ventricular filling. The most accepted explanation remains an unrecognized pulmonary hypertension, with resultant RV-LV interactions, which draws attention to the importance of applying multiple echo parameters before exclusion of pulmonary hypertension including IVC assessment through subcostal window, pulmonary wall compliance via motion-mode and blood speckle imaging. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.