Cor pulmonale

Background

Clinical Features

Pathophysiology

Chronic

Acute
  • RV dilation

Signs and Symptoms

Differential Diagnosis

Evaluation

Blood tests
  • CBC (polycythemia)
  • ABG (oxygenation, acid-base status)
  • α-1-antitrypsin
  • ANA
  • Coagulation studies (protein C/S, factor V Leiden etc)

CXR
  • Enlarged pulmonary arteries
  • Cardiomegaly
  • Decreased retrosternal air space

ECG
  • RVH
  • Right axis deviation
  • Right bundle branch block
  • R:S ratio > 1 in V1
  • TWI in V1-3 in acute right heart strain
  • S1 Q3 T3 in acute right heart strain
  • Large P wave in II, III, aVF
  • Arrhythmia (PAC, SVT, MFAT, A-fib, A-flutter)

Echocardiography
  • Increased RV thickness
  • RV dilation
  • Tricuspid insufficiency
  • High estimated PA pressures
  • Septal bowing into LV

CTPA for PE

V/Q scan for PE

Management
  • Treat underlying disease
  • Fluids, vasoconstrictors to support BP in acute setting
  • Oxygen therapy: decreases pulmonary vasoconstriction
  • Diuretics: decrease RV filling volume
  • Calcium channel blockers: vasodilate the pulmonary arteries
  • Beta agonists (epoprostenol, iloprost): bronchodilate
  • Phlebotomy for severe hypoxia leading to polycythemia
  • Lung transplant or heart-lung transplant as last resort

Disposition


See Also

References
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