Prognosis of Cor Pulmonale

Abstract

DURING the past decade many aspects of the pathophysiology of pulmonary heart failure have been extensively studied. However, very little attention has been paid to prognosis, once the peripheral signs of congestive heart failure have appeared.Pulmonary heart failure is a common complication and a major cause of death in obstructive pulmonary diseases.¹ As such, its appearance portends a grave outcome.² However, several patients seen recently have had remarkably long periods of survival after the initial episode of heart failure. A review of all patients admitted in recent years to the Massachusetts General Hospital with a diagnosis of chronic cor . . .