European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

PROFILE OF ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC CHANGES IN COR PULMONALE

Tanmay Agrawal*, Amresh Kumar and Anurag Agrawal

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Cor pulmonale occurs when the right side of the heart is affected in the setting of chronic lung disease. Cor pulmonale can range clinically from mild changes in right ventricular function to frank right heart failure, and even death. The prevalence of cor pulmonale increases with the severity of chronic lung disease. The role of echocardiography in establishing a diagnosis of cor pulmonale is tremendous and cannot be undermined. A major advantage of this non-invasive modality is that it helps in identifying patients with early or occult cor pulmonale, in whom timely treatment can lead to a healthier life and better outcomes. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To study the echocardiographic changes and assess their relation with severity of disease in patients of cor pulmonale. MATERIAL AND METHODS: It was a cross-sectional observational study, consisting of 60 patients, who had clinical features of cor pulmonale. All patients were subjected to spirometry to assess the severity of disease. 2-D echocardiography was carried out in all patients, and findings suggestive of cor pulmonale (like dilated RA/RV, PAH, TR) and their severity were noted. A relationship between some of the parameters and the severity of disease was also looked into. RESULTS: Dilated RA/RV with RVH were seen in all patients, with 85% having left ventricular diastolic dysfunction also. PAH and TR were observed in all except 7 cases. The severity of obstruction was seen to be related to the severity of PAH. Also, significant association was seen between decreasing FEV1 and increasing RV size. CONCLUSION: Echocardiography should be performed as a screening tool for detection of cardiac dysfunction in all patients of chronic lung disease.

Keywords: Cor pulmonale, Pulmonary artery hypertension, Right and Left ventricular function.