Lymphatic cardiomyopathy: cardiac lymphostasis in the pathogenesis of arrhythmias.

Artificial lymphatic cardiomyopathy was produced in 30 dogs by ligating the regional lymph nodes and the efferent collecting lymph trunks of the heart. In the development of cardiac lymphostasis the appearance of arrhythmias and conduction disturbances was revealed by repeated ECG recordings. The arrhythmic condition of the heart increased and pacemaker function of the sinus node deteriorated in lymphatic cardiomyopathy. Cardiac lymphostasis could be detected during open heart surgical procedure and in long lasting tachycardiac attacks. It is probable that the cardiac lymphostasis has a role in the pathogenesis of some arrhythmias.