Saturday, September 6, 2008

Pulmonary veno-occlusive disease

Respiratory system
Respiratory system
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.



Review Date: 05/03/2006
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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