Reverse Bernheim phenomenon

Last revised by Karen Machang'a on 22 Nov 2023

Reverse Bernheim phenomenon, also known as reverse Bernheim syndrome or reverse Bernheim effect, describes the compromise of left ventricular filling caused by the interventricular septum bulging into the left ventricle. When there is right ventricular pressure and volume overload, the interventricular septum bulges toward the left ventricle, creating left ventricular diastolic dysfunction1.

This can mimic symptoms of left heart failure but is caused by right heart failure.

Epidemiology

Associations

Reverse Bernheim has been associated with the following conditions:

History and Etymology

In 1910, Hippolyte Bernheim, a French professor, observed ten individuals with signs and symptoms of right-sided heart failure, and autopsy revealed a thick left ventricular free wall and ventricular septum with the latter bulging into the right ventricular chamber in each1.

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