Adenotonsillar hypertrophy and cor pulmonale: clinical and echocardiographic correlation

It is well recognized that upper airways obstruction by adenotonsillar hypertrophy can lead to cor pulmonale, but delays in diagnosis still occur, leading to an appreciable morbidity and even occasional mortality. In the case presented, echocardiographic recognition of right ventricular enlargement and abnormal pulmonary valve motion served to complement and confirm the clinical diagnosis. Following surgical relief of the airways obstruction, the echocardiographic examination usefully documented the regression in right ventricular size and the return to normality of pulmonary valve motion.