The use of inhaled aerosolized prostacyclin (IAP) in the treatment of pulmonary hypertension secondary to pulmonary embolism

Abstract

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. Design: Case report. Setting: Intensive care unit of a university teaching hospital. Patients: One patient with severe pulmonary hypertension secondary to acute-on-chronic pulmonary embolism. Interventions: Conventional medical management of massive pulmonary embolism and inhaled aerosolized prostacyclin (IAP). Measurements and 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.