[Pulmonary hypertension and HIV infection: report of a case]

Pulmonary hypertension associated to HIV infection has been reported in the literature with increased frequency. Apparently, this condition has a faster clinical evolution and a higher mortality than primary pulmonary hypertension. The pathogenic mechanisms of HIV associated pulmonary hypertension and the influence of its treatment on patient's evolution are not well known. We report a 32 years old homosexual male that developed a severe dyspnea in a period of 2 months. Echocardiogram demonstrated right ventricular dilatation and a systolic pulmonary artery pressure of 86 mm Hg. No other causes for pulmonary hypertension were found. Antiviral therapy and vasodilator treatment with a calcium channel blocker were started and the patient had an important subjective clinical improvement.