Ocular pressure waveform reflects ventricular bigeminy and aortic insufficiency.
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Date
2015-01
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Abstract
Ocular pulse amplitude (OPA) is defined as the difference
between maximum and minimum intraocular pressure (IOP)
during a cardiac cycle. Average values of OPA range from
1 to 4 mmHg. The purpose of this investigation is to determine
the source of an irregular IOP waveform with elevated OPA
in a 48‑year‑old male. Ocular pressure waveforms had an
unusual shape consistent with early ventricular contraction.
With a normal IOP, OPA was 9 mmHg, which is extraordinarily
high. The subject was examined by a cardiologist and was
determined to be in ventricular bigeminy. In addition, he had
bounding carotid pulses and echocardiogram confirmed aortic
insufficiency. After replacement of the aortic valve, the bigeminy
resolved and the ocular pulse waveform became regular in
appearance with an OPA of 1.6–2.0 mmHg. The ocular pressure
waveform is a direct reflection of hemodynamics. Evaluating this
waveform may provide an additional opportunity for screening
subjects for cardiovascular anomalies and arrhythmias.
Description
Keywords
Aortic insufficiency, arrhythmia, amplitude ocular pulse, ventricular bigeminy
Citation
Kassem Jean B, Katz Steven E, Mahmoud Ashraf M, Small Robert H, Raman Subha V, Roberts Cynthia J. Ocular pressure waveform reflects ventricular bigeminy and aortic insufficiency. Indian Journal of Ophthalmology. 2015 Jan; 63(1): 59-61.