Definition
Cor pulmona is characterized by hypertrophy of the right
ventricle resulting from disease of the lungs, except for lung
changes in diseases that primarily affect the left side of the heart
and excluding congenital heart disease; acute cor pulmonale is
characterized by dilation and failure of the right side of the heart
due to pulmonary embolism. In both types, characteristic
electrocardiogram changes occur, and in later stages there is
usually right-sided cardiac failure.
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Radiographic Appearance
The chest x-ray may reveal right ventricular hypertrophy,
manifest as filling of the retrocardiac space on the lateral film,
and increased PA size. Image 2
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Pathology
Enlargement of the right ventricle occurs from pulmonary
hypertension, elevated blood pressure in the lungs. Pulmonary
hypertension is usually caused by lung disease (most commonly
chronic bronchitis or emphysema).
Any disease that causes chronically low blood levels of oxygen may
lead to pulmonary hypertension and cor pulmonale. This condition
does not include right ventricle enlargement that results from
congestive heart failure or heart valve disease. Cor pulmonale is
usually chronic (long-term), but it may be acute and reversible.
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Treatment:
Diuretics to prevent fluid accumulation
Digitalis to strengthen the force of heart-muscle contractions
Antibiotics for recurrent infections
Vasodilators to reduce the resistance of the blood vessels to
promote improved blood flow
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Image 1
Image 2
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Useful Link
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