Recurrent respiratory insufficiency. Is the cause chronic lung disease or heart failure?

Abstract

The Communication describes a case study of patient with known chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), who was repeatedly hospitalized with acute respiratory failure. On first admition the breathlessness was caused by acute exacerbation of COPD with bilateral bronchopneumonia.

During the second hospitalization the exacerbation of COPD was considered again. Laboratory parameters of inflammation, however, were low.

Increased level of natriuretic peptide (BNP) and severe pulmonary congestion on chest X-rays examination pointed at the cardiac origin of dyspnea. Echocardiographic examination found severe degenerative mitral regurgitation.

Mitral valve replacement was successfully performed.

Keywords

• Respiratory insufficiency
• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• mitral regurgitation
• degenerative valvular heart disease
• heart failure
• echocardiography