Causes of Cor Pulmonale
Acuity | Condition |
|---|---|
Acute | Massive pulmonary embolization Injury due to mechanical ventilation (most commonly in patients with ARDS) |
Chronic | COPD* Extensive loss of lung tissue due to surgery or trauma Chronic, unresolved pulmonary emboli Pulmonary veno-occlusive disorders Pulmonary interstitial fibrosis Kyphoscoliosis Obesity with alveolar hypoventilation Neuromuscular disorders involving respiratory muscles Idiopathic alveolar hypotension |
* COPD is the most common cause of chronic cor pulmonale. | |
ARDS = acute respiratory distress syndrome; COPD = chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. | |