Airway hemorrhage in Eisenmenger syndrome – Cardiology MCQ – Answer

All of the following are true about airway hemorrhages in Eisenmenger syndrome except:

Correct answer: c) More likely while descending a mountain

In Eisenmenger syndrome airway hemorrhages have to be thought of specially when moving from lower to a higher altitude as during air travel or while ascending a mountain. Hemoptysis has been reported as a cause of death in Eisenmenger syndrome in 11-29% [1].

Defects in hemostatic mechanism due to abnormal platelet function, thrombocytopenia, deficiencies of clotting factor as well as depletion of von Willebrand factor may also contribute to airway hemorrhages in Eisenmenger syndrome [2].

References

1. Jensen AS, Iversen K, Vejlstrup NG, Sondergaard L. Pulmonary artery thrombosis and hemoptysis in Eisenmenger syndrome. Circulation. 2007 Jun 19;115(24):e632-4.
2. Silversides CK, Granton JT, Konen E, Hart MA, Webb GD, Therrien J. Pulmonary thrombosis in adults with Eisenmenger syndrome. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2003 Dec 3;42(11):1982-7.

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