The use of inhaled aerosolized prostacyclin (IAP) in the treatment of pulmonary hypertension secondary to pulmonary embolism.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the use of inhaled aerosolized prostacyclin (IAP) in a patient with life-threatening pulmonary hypertension secondary to pulmonary embolism and to discuss the possible use of inhaled prostacyclin in the management of pulmonary embolism.


METHODS
Case report.


METHODS
Intensive care unit of a university teaching hospital.


METHODS
One patient with severe pulmonary hypertension secondary to acute-on-chronic pulmonary embolism.


METHODS
Conventional medical management of massive pulmonary embolism and inhaled aerosolized prostacyclin (IAP).


RESULTS
Description of clinical course, haemodynamic data and gas exchange data.


CONCLUSIONS
We describe a patient with massive pulmonary embolism for whom the addition of IAP to his therapy appeared to result in a transient improvement in pulmonary haemodynamics and gas exchange.
Webb
S A
SA
Department of Intensive Care, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, Western Australia.
Stott
S
S
van Heerden
P V
PV
D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000336:Aerosols; D000368:Aged; D011464:Epoprostenol / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D006976:Hypertension, Pulmonary / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000150:complications*; D018497:Ventricular Dysfunction, Right / Q000209:etiology
D000336:Aerosols; D011464:Epoprostenol