# Navigating Pediatric Cor Pulmonale: A Comprehensive Review of Diagnosis and Management

**Authors:** Yash Thakur, Revat J Meshram, Amar Taksande

PMC · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.67782 · Cureus · 2024-08-26

## TL;DR

This paper reviews the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric cor pulmonale, a heart condition caused by chronic lung disease, emphasizing the need for early detection and multidisciplinary care.

## Contribution

The paper provides a comprehensive review of diagnostic and management strategies for pediatric cor pulmonale, emphasizing multidisciplinary approaches and future research directions.

## Key findings

- Early diagnosis using imaging and hemodynamic assessments is crucial for effective management.
- Multidisciplinary care involving cardiologists, pulmonologists, and critical care specialists improves patient outcomes.
- Emerging therapies and a better understanding of pathophysiology may lead to improved treatment strategies.

## Abstract

Pediatric cor pulmonale, characterized by right ventricular dysfunction due to chronic pulmonary hypertension, presents significant diagnostic and management challenges. This comprehensive review delves into this complex condition's etiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic strategies, and management. Key etiological factors include congenital heart defects, chronic lung diseases, and pulmonary vascular disorders. Early diagnosis, facilitated by imaging, hemodynamic assessments, and laboratory investigations, is crucial for effective intervention. Pediatric cor pulmonale management encompasses pharmacological treatments, such as vasodilators, diuretics, and inotropic agents, and non-pharmacological interventions, including oxygen therapy, mechanical ventilation, and surgical options. Long-term follow-up is essential to monitor disease progression and adjust treatment strategies accordingly. Multidisciplinary care involving pediatric cardiologists, pulmonologists, and critical care specialists is paramount to address the multifaceted needs of these patients. The review highlights the importance of early recognition and comprehensive care, offering insights into current best practices and future research and clinical practice directions. Advances in understanding the pathophysiology of pediatric cor pulmonale and emerging therapies promise to improve patient outcomes, underscoring the need for continued collaboration and innovation in this field.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** cor pulmonale (MONDO:0001493), congenital heart defects (MONDO:0005453)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** congenital heart defects (MESH:D006330), pulmonary vascular disorders (MESH:D002561), Cor Pulmonale (MESH:D011660), chronic pulmonary hypertension (MESH:D006976), right ventricular dysfunction (MESH:D018497), lung diseases (MESH:D008171)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## Figures

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## References

72 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11422785/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11422785