Cor pulmonale

Definition:

Enlargement of the right ventricle that occurs because of pulmonary hypertension from lung disorders (most commonly chronic bronchitis or emphysema). 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.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• obstructive sleep apnea
• central sleep apnea
• airway obstruction (massively enlarged tonsils)
• morbid obesity
• chronic mountain sickness
• cystic fibrosis
• primary pulmonary hypertension
• pneumoconiosis
• kyphoscoliosis lung disease
• diffuse pulmonary interstitial fibrosis
• pulmonary vascular disease