A possible causal relationship between defective fibrinolysis and pulmonary hypertension

Pulmonary hypertension may be associated with multiple thrombi in the pulmonary arteries or with diffuse microembolization from a cryptic source. A 27-year-old man without any of the recognized clinical risk factors for venous thrombo-embolic disease presented with repeated attacks of chest pain and dyspnoea. Haemodynamic studies were compatible with the diagnosis of primary pulmonary hypertension. Despite intensive study there was no evidence of peripheral venous thrombosis. A survey of the plasma fibrinolytic profile showed unequivocal evidence of low spontaneous plasma fibrinolytic activity. The plasminogen activator activity of the venous wall was also markedly reduced. From these findings it would seem that a defective fibrinolytic defence mechanism may be an important predisposing factor in the pathogenesis of 'primary' pulmonary hypertension.