Effective immunosuppressive therapy in a patient with primary pulmonary hypertension. Issue 4 (1st April 1999)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bellotto, F; Chiavacci, P; Laveder, F; Angelini, A; Thiene, G; Marcolongo, R
• Is Part Of: Thorax. Volume 54:Issue 4(1999)
• Page Start: 372
• Page End: 374
• Publication Date: 1999-04-01
• Subjects: pulmonary hypertension -- methotrexate -- transforming growth factor β; Chest -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Thorax; Chest -- Diseases; Periodicals; Periodicals; 617.54
• DOI: 10.1136/thx.54.4.372
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0040-6376

Abstract

Abstract : The case history is described of a young woman who presented with primary pulmonary hypertension and non-specific inflammatory signs. The patient received prolonged immunosuppressive treatment with low dose methotrexate and prednisone without any vasodilator agent. After one year the pulmonary artery pressure fell from a mean value of 47 mm Hg to 30 mm Hg and there was a corresponding clinical response. This case suggests that, in patients with pulmonary hypertension of unknown origin, immunopathogenetic factors should be sought in order to consider the utility of immunosuppressive therapy.