Cor pulmonale
Background
- Remodeling of right ventricle in response to pulmonary pathology
- Often caused by COPD, pulmonary hypertension, PE, ARDS
Clinical Features
Pathophysiology
- Pulmonary vasoconstriction (hypoxia, acidemia)
- Destruction of pulmonary vasculature by emphysema, ILD
- Increased blood viscosity (sickle cell, polycythemia)
Chronic
- RVH
Acute
- RV dilation
Signs and Symptoms
- Cough
- Dyspnea
- Tachypnea
- Hemoptysis
- Syncope
- Peripheral edema
- Cyanosis