Cor Pulmonale

Question 1

What is Cor Pulmonale?

Answer 1

RVH and dilation due to pulmonary hypertension

Question 2

What generally causes acute cor pulmonale?

Answer 2

A large pulmonary embolus

Question 3

What is the most common cause of chronic cor pulmonale?

Answer 3

Chronic obstructuve pulmnoary disease and pulmonary fibrosis

Question 4

Describe the pathogenesis of cor pulmonae caused by parenchymal lung disease

Answer 4

1. Lung blood vessel obliteration and pulmonary arteriolar vasoconstriction
2. Reduction of cross-sectional area of pulm vasc bed
3. Hypoxia, Hypercapnia, Acidosis cause pulm vasoconstriction
4. Hypoxia leads to polycythemia increasing blood viscosity

Question 5

A mutation in what gene is associated with primary cor pulmonale?

Answer 5

Bone morphogenic protein receptor 2

Question 6

A heart is shown at autopsy. What is your Dx? What are the characteristics seen in this image commonly found in the Dx?

Answer 6

Cor Pulmonale; Dilation/Hypertrophy of RA, Concave septum to the right heart