Symptoms & Signs
- Chest discomfort, usually in the front of the chest
- Exercise intolerance
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling of the feet or ankles
- Symptoms of underlying disorders (wheezing, coughing)
Diagnosis & Tests
- Abnormal fluid collection in the abdomen
- Abnormal heart sounds
- Bluish color to the skin (cyanosis)
- Enlargement of the liver
- Swelling (distension) of the neck veins, indicating high right-heart pressures
- Swelling of the ankles
The following tests may help diagnose cor pulmonale:
- Blood antibody tests
- Blood test for brain natriuretic peptide (BNP)
- Chest x-ray
- CT scan of the chest
- Echocardiogram
- Lung biopsy (rarely performed)
- Measurement of blood oxygen by arterial blood gas (ABG)
- Pulmonary function tests
- Right heart catheterization
- Ventilation and perfusion scan of the lungs (V/Q scan)
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Cor pulmonale : Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
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Cor pulmonale : Symptoms & Signs, Diagnosis & Tests
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Cor pulmonale : Treatment
Review Date : 4/24/2009
Reviewed By : Allen J. Blaivas, DO, Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine UMDNJ-NJMS, Attending Physician in the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Veterans Affairs, VA New Jersey Health Care System, East Orange, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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other sites are provided for information only — they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- 2010 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.