PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF PULMONARY-HYPERTENSION

Severe pulmonary hypertension has a poor prognosis and is complicated to treat. It is caused by states of hypoxia, thromboembolism, chronic inflammation, pulmonary venous congestion and/or hypercirculation. In the course of some days up to many years, remodelling of the pulmonary vasculature map occur. Morphologic characteristics of the remodelling process have extensively been described, while the underlying cellula r and molecular mechanisms remain largely unknown. Increasing knowledg e of the features of pulmonary vasoconstriction and vascular remodelli ng, will, however, improve the options for future therapy.