Pulmonary hypertension in pregnancy: two cases and review of the literature

Abstract

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in pregnancy carries a mortality of 30-56%. There are few published data to guide clinicians in its management. Two pregnant women with severe PAH have been treated at Royal Perth Hospital with a successful result in both. Their presentation and management are described. We review the physiological changes in pregnancy, pathophysiology in PAH, and review the literature describing treatment of PAH in pregnancy.