[Reversible cor pulmonale in central disorder of respiratory regulation]

Irreversible increase of pulmonary vascular resistance is a well known complication of chronic hypoxemia. In our 12 months old patient a central ventilation disorder caused severe hypoxemia and hypercapnea at sleep. With 9 months of age pulmonary hypertension was found echocardiographically and was verified by catheterization. Massive increase of pulmonary vascular resistance was measured. A controlled oxygen therapy normalized oxygen partial pressure at sleep, and a rapid regression of the echocardiographic signs of pulmonary hypertension became evident. However, the central ventilation disorder was not significantly influenced.