Pulmonary veno-occlusive disease

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Respiratory system

Overview

Symptoms

Treatment

Prevention

Pulmonary veno-occlusive disease

Definition:

Pulmonary veno-occlusive disease is an extremely rare form of high blood pressure in the lung area (primary pulmonary hypertension).

Alternative Names:

Pulmonary vaso-occlusive disease

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

In most cases, the cause of pulmonary veno-occlusive disease is unknown. The condition may be related to a viral infection. It may occur as a complication of certain diseases such as lupus, or as a complication of leukemia, lymphoma, or chemotherapy.

The disorder is most common among children and young adults. As the disease gets worse, it causes narrowed pulmonary veins, pulmonary hypertension, congestion, and edema (swelling) of the lungs.

References:

Zipes DP, Libby P, Bonow RO, Braunwald E, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine, 7th ed. St. Louis, Mo; WB Saunders; 2005:829.

Mason RJ, Murray J, VC Broaddus, Nadel J. Murray & Nadel's Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2000:1472-1473.

Review Date: 5/3/2006
Reviewed By: David A. Kaufman, M.D., Assistant Professor, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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