Hemodynamic Changes Associated with Fluid Retention Induced in Noncardiac Subjects by Corticotropin (ACTH) and Cortisone; Comparison with the Heinodynamic Changes of Congestive Heart Failure

Abstract

This study proposed to determine whether marked fluid retention, induced by ACTH and cortisone, produces hemodynamic alterations similar to those of clinical congestive heart failure. Of 20 noncardiac subjects, four gained marked amounts of fluid, became edematous and three developed symptoms and signs consistent with congestive heart failure. The associated hemodynamic changes were similar to those of congestive heart failure in that the heart enlarged, "blood volume" increased and right heart and venous pressure rose, but differed in that cardiac ouput and A-V oxygen difference remained normal. It is suggested that the hemodynamic state associated with marked fluid retention is a noncardiac circulatory congestion which simulates congestive heart failure in several non-specific hemodynamic functions but differs in that primary cardiodynamic functions remain normal and the heart does not fail as a pump.