Findings of Cor pulmonale

Characteristic findings of Cor pulmonale

Common etiologies :

• COPD
• Interstitial lung disease
• Pulmonary vascular disease (eg, thromboembolic)
• Obstructive sleep apnea

Symptoms :

• Dyspnea on exertion, fatigue, lethargy
• Exertional syncope (due to decreased CO)
• Exertional angina (due to increased myocardial demand)

Examination : 

1. Peripheral edema
2. Increased Jugular venous pressure with prominent a wave
3. Loud S2
4. Right sided heave
5. Pulsatile liver from congestion
6. Tricuspid regurgitation murmur

Imaging :

• EKG : partial or complete RBBB , right axis deviation, right ventricular hypertrophy right ventricular enlargement

• Echocardiogram : Pulmonary hypertension, dilated right ventricle, tricuspid regurgitation

Right heart catheterization: Gold standard for Dx showing right ventricular dysfunction, pulmonary HTN and no left heart disease.