Chronic Cor Pulmonale

 

Chronic Cor Pulmonale

 Definition

It is a condition characterized by right ventricular hypertrophy and failure secondary to a structural and/or functional abnormality of the lungs.

 Etiology

1.Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

                        .Chronic bronchitis.

                        .Emphysema.

                        .Bronchiectasis.

                        .Chronic restrictive lung disease due to any  cause.

 Clinical features

 1.Pain in the chest as in angina pectoris.

2.Weakness due to reduction in the cardiac out put.

3.Cyanosis.

4.Tiredness after minimal activity.

5.Hepatic tenderness.

6.Oedema of feet.

7.Hands are warm but cyanosed.

8.The pulse is of good volume but ceases to be felt when pressure is exerted.

9.Capillary pulsations are left.

 

Investigations

1.ECG.

2.Hb:it is high.

3.Chest X-ray.

4.Pulmonary function tests.

 

Treatment

1.Treatment of the cause 

2.Smoking is prohibited.

3.Antibiotics are given to prevent secondary infection.

4.Benzoin inhalation is given to liquefy secretions.

5.Bronchodilators are given to relieve bronchospasm.

6.Corticosteroids are given ,e.g. prednisolone.

7.Oxygen is given as required.

8.Diuretic is given,  e.g. furosemide.