What is the mechanism behind the development of pulmonary encephalopathy in chronic cor pulmonale?
Disease description:
I've had heart disease for a long time. Recently, I've been feeling unwell, and after a medical checkup, I was diagnosed with pulmonary encephalopathy secondary to chronic cor pulmonale. What exactly is pulmonary encephalopathy caused by chronic cor pulmonale?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Guan Yanlei
Pulmonary encephalopathy in chronic cor pulmonale generally occurs due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD is often accompanied by emphysema, primarily characterized by restricted airflow, accumulation of residual gas in the lungs, increased exhalation of waste gases, and impaired oxygen intake, leading to reduced lung elasticity. Additionally, carbon dioxide cannot be effectively expelled from the body, resulting in hypoxia and CO2 retention in patients. Pulmonary encephalopathy arises from brain tissue damage caused by hypoxia and CO2 retention, which may lead to cerebral edema and alterations in mental status and cognition, such as coma, headache, psychiatric disturbances, and cognitive impairment.
