Isoflurane and primary pulmonary hypertension

Abstract

Primary pulmonary hypertension is a rare and fatal disease. These patients represent an anaesthetic challenge because of the high mortality associated with the marked intra‐operative increase in pulmonary vascular resistance and right ventricular de‐compensation. This is a first case report which demonstrates the safe and beneficial effects of isoflurane in lowering pulmonary arterial pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance in such a patient for a short surgical procedure. The anaesthetic considerations in these patients are discussed. Copyright © 1988, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved