Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 8, 2026

Isolation of Pulmonary Artery Smooth Muscle Cells from Neonatal Mice
08:02

Isolation of Pulmonary Artery Smooth Muscle Cells from Neonatal Mice

Published on: October 20, 2013

Idiopathic severe pulmonary hypertension in an infant with pulmonary infection

M Yoshinaga1, Y Nakae, Y Nomura

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Kogoshima University, Sakuragaoka 8-35-1, Kagoshima 890-8520, Japan.

Pediatric Cardiology
|March 13, 2002
PubMed

Insights

A 5-month-old infant recovered from severe pulmonary hypertension, showing typical echocardiogram results but unusual lung tissue. This suggests pulmonary infections may play a role in some infant cases.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Pulmonology
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Primary pulmonary hypertension in infants presents unique diagnostic challenges.
  • Echocardiography is crucial for assessing pulmonary hypertension severity.
  • Histopathological examination aids in understanding underlying causes.

Observation:

  • A 5-month-old infant exhibited echocardiographic signs consistent with primary pulmonary hypertension.
  • Despite severe pulmonary hypertension, the infant's lung tissue showed atypical histopathological findings.
  • Lung biopsy revealed mild thickening of small pulmonary arteries and activated macrophages.

Findings:

  • The infant demonstrated a remarkable recovery from severe pulmonary hypertension.
  • Histopathological findings were not typical for primary pulmonary hypertension.
  • Pulmonary infection was suggested as a potential contributing factor in some infant cases.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the potential for recovery in severe infant pulmonary hypertension.
  • Atypical histopathology in infant pulmonary hypertension warrants further investigation.
  • The association between pulmonary infection and idiopathic pulmonary hypertension in infants needs more research.

More Related Videos

Protocol and Guidelines for Point-of-Care Lung Ultrasound in Diagnosing Neonatal Pulmonary Diseases Based on International Expert Consensus06:15

Protocol and Guidelines for Point-of-Care Lung Ultrasound in Diagnosing Neonatal Pulmonary Diseases Based on International Expert Consensus

Published on: March 6, 2019

Development of a Neonatal Piglet Acute Lung Injury Model Recreating the Early Environment of Preterm Infant Lungs08:58

Development of a Neonatal Piglet Acute Lung Injury Model Recreating the Early Environment of Preterm Infant Lungs

Published on: October 31, 2025

Related Concept Videos

Pulmonary Hypertension: Classification and Pathogenesis01:30

Pulmonary Hypertension: Classification and Pathogenesis

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a severe health condition in which the mean pulmonary arterial pressure increases to 25 mmHg or more, even when the body is at rest. This high pressure in the blood vessels that transport blood from the heart to the lungs can cause various symptoms, including shortness of breath, can lead to right heart failure, and significantly affect the overall quality of life.
There are various classifications for PH, each relating to different underlying causes and also...
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:30

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction01:29

Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction

Pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs when a thrombus, fat or air embolus, amniotic fluid, or tumor tissue blocks one or more pulmonary arteries. These blockages originate in the venous system or the right side of the heart.EtiologyPE primarily arises from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and other hypercoagulable states, such as inherited thrombophilias. Additional etiological factors include venous stasis, commonly seen in obesity, and endothelial injury from surgery and trauma. Less common causes include...
Pulmonary Edema II: Pathophysiology01:18

Pulmonary Edema II: Pathophysiology

Pulmonary edema is the accumulation of fluid in the interstitial and alveolar spaces of the lungs, impairing gas exchange and oxygen delivery. It may be cardiogenic or noncardiogenic, but both reduce oxygenation and lung compliance.Cardiogenic Pulmonary EdemaCardiogenic edema results from increased hydrostatic pressure in pulmonary capillaries, usually due to left ventricular dysfunction from myocardial infarction, heart failure, or valvular disease. Ineffective cardiac pumping causes blood to...
Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction01:19

Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction

A blood clot, or thrombus, is a semi-solid mass composed of fibrin, platelets, and red blood cells. When it forms within a vessel, it can obstruct blood flow, known as thrombosis. If part of the clot detaches, it becomes an embolus that can travel and block distant vessels. When this occurs in the pulmonary arteries, it causes a condition known as pulmonary embolism (PE).Origin and ImpactMost often, the embolus originates from a thrombus in the deep veins of the lower limbs, a condition called...
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:29

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an infection of the lower respiratory tract that leads to inflammation of the lung parenchyma, often resulting in the accumulation of inflammatory exudate in the alveoli and airways. Unlike the watery, low-protein fluid exudate in pulmonary edema, the exudate in this case is a thick fluid rich in immune cells, proteins, and debris produced during infection and inflammation.This impairs gas exchange and can lead to consolidation of lung tissue. The infection may be caused by a...