OUTCOMES OF PULMONARY REHABILITATION IN SEVERE PULMONARY HYPERTENSION – CASE REPORT

Chronic pulmonary artery hypertension (CPAH) is characterized by progressive increase in vascular resistance and pulmonary artery pressure, leading to right heart failure and death. Diagnosis algorithm is complex, and the underlying cause often remains undefined. We present the case of a 74-year-old male patient, whose diagnosis was disputed for several months between cardiologists and pulmonologists, being eventually diagnosed with severe pulmonary hypertension and hypoxemic respiratory failure of chronic thromboembolic etiology intricate with diffuse interstitial lung disease. The new therapeutic approach with riociguat failed and the treatment was stopped, then the patient addressed Iasi Pulmonary Rehabilitation Clinic for an inpatient pulmonary rehabilitation program, comprising functional assessment, nutritional and psychological counseling, mild inspiratory muscle training sessions, low workload endurance exercise, followed by relaxation and appropriate breathing techniques. After two weeks, oxygen saturation, shortness of breath, fatigue, sleep, anxiety and depression symptoms had improved while 6-minute walk test distance did not change significantly.