Health Dictionary Find a Doctor

Paradoxical septal motion

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Synonyms and keywords: PSM

Overview

Overview

Paradoxical septal motion is defined as movement of the interventricular septum away from the left ventricular free wall during systole which is the opposite of its normal movement which is inward toward the left ventricle / or the left ventricular free wall during systole.

Causes

Causes

Risk Factors

Risk Factors

Certain surgical procedures are independently associated with a higher risk of PSM:[2]

Risk Factors Associated with an Increased Risk of PSM

Risk Factors Associated with an Decreased Risk of PSM

Diagnosis

Diagnosis

Echocardiography

{{#ev:youtube|PXygXDVDbvY}}

{{#ev:youtube|VXCzt5n9Oeg}}

References

References

  1. http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/49/3/423.full.pdf
  2. Reynolds HR, Tunick PA, Grossi EA et-al. Paradoxical septal motion after cardiac surgery: a review of 3,292 cases. Clin Cardiol. 2007;30.

Looking for the patient version?

Back to the patient-friendly article

© 2026 MyEClinic – IFTM Institut für Telematik in der Medizin GmbH