Gourt > Health > Conditions and Diseases > Cardiovascular Disorders > Heart Disease > Cor Pulmonale
Cor pulmonale is a medical term used to describe a change in structure and function of the right ventricle of the heart as a result of a respiratory disorder. RVH (right ventricular hypertrophy) is the predominant change in chronic cor pulmonale, however in acute cases dilation dominates. Both hypertrophy and dilation are the result of increased right ventricular pressure. Dilation is essentially a stretching of the ventricle, the immediate result of increasing the pressure in an elastic container. Ventricular hypertrophy is an adaptive response to a long-term increase in pressure. Additional muscle grows to allow for the increased force in contraction required to move the blood against greater resistance. To be classified as cor pulmonale, the cause must originate in the pulmonary circulation. Vascular remodelling of the pulmonary circulation as a result of tissue damage (causes including disease, hypoxic injury, chemical agents, etc.) or chronic hypoxic vasoconstriction are two major causes. RVH due to a systemic defect is not classified as cor pulmonale.
Left untreated, cor pulmonale can lead to right-heart failure and death.
Pathophysiology
There are several mechanisms leading to pulmonary hypertension and cor pulmonale:
- Pulmonary vasoconstriction
- Anatomic changes in vascularisation
- Increased blood viscosity
- Primary pulmonary hypertension
Congestive Failure
Pulmonary :: Hypertension
Respiratory Disorders
Pickwickian Syndrome
Gente, como é difÃcil achar os detalhes que merecem consertos em um artigo cientÃfico! Em breve publicarei um sobre Cor Pulmonale. Still!
italoleite (Italo Leite) Sun, 13 Dec 2009 23:55:46 -0000
Gente, como é difícil achar os detalhes que merecem consertos em um artigo científico! Em breve publicarei um sobre Cor Pulmonale. Still!
Columbia University Health Sciences - A brief article on cor pulmonale and its causes, diagnosis and treatment.
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Cor Pulmonale - A definition, causes, and risk factors for cor pulmonale.
Cor Pulmonale in Systemic Lupus Erythematosis - Reports a case of SLE who presented with severe pulmonary hypertension and cor pulmonale without any evidence of parenchymal lung disease.
DrKoop.com: Cor Pulmonale - Discusses the causes and risks.
MDAdvice.com - Gives an in-depth look at cor pulmonale including signs and symptoms, risk increases, prevention, diagnostic measures, complications, treatment and outcome.
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The Merck Manual - Etiology, pathogenesis, symptoms, signs, diagnosis, and treatment for cor pulmonale.
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Virtual Hospital: COPD with Pulmonary Hypertension and Cor Pulmonale - A discussion about treatments including beta-agonist inhalers, anticholinergic inhalers, theophylline, corticosteroids and other therapies.
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