All of the following are true about Right Ventricular Infarcts, Except?
**Core Concept**
Right ventricular infarcts are a type of myocardial infarction that primarily affects the right ventricle of the heart. This condition is often associated with a blockage of the right coronary artery (RCA), which supplies blood to the right ventricle. Right ventricular infarcts are relatively rare compared to left ventricular infarcts and can lead to significant morbidity and mortality.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Right ventricular infarcts are characterized by the presence of right ventricular dysfunction, which can be detected by echocardiography or cardiac catheterization. The pathophysiology of right ventricular infarcts involves the disruption of the normal right coronary artery blood supply, leading to ischemia and necrosis of the right ventricular myocardium. This can result in severe clinical symptoms, including hypotension, shock, and multi-organ failure.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Right ventricular infarcts are often associated with a blockage of the right coronary artery (RCA), which is incorrect because left circumflex artery can also cause right ventricular infarcts in some cases. However, the question is asking for an exception, so let's assume RCA is a true statement.
**Option B:** Right ventricular infarcts are often characterized by the presence of right ventricular dysfunction, which is a true statement.
**Option C:** Right ventricular infarcts can lead to significant morbidity and mortality, which is a true statement.
**Option D:** Right ventricular infarcts are relatively common compared to left ventricular infarcts, which is incorrect because right ventricular infarcts are relatively rare compared to left ventricular infarcts.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
It's essential to remember that right ventricular infarcts can be difficult to diagnose, especially in patients with a history of chronic lung disease or pulmonary hypertension. A high index of suspicion and prompt recognition are crucial in managing these patients.
**Correct Answer:** D. Right ventricular infarcts are relatively rare compared to left ventricular infarcts.