Pulmonary artery vasodilators for treatment of pulmonary hypertension complicating fibrosing mediastinitis

Abstract

Fibrosing mediastinitis (FM) is a heterogeneous disease characterized by sclerosing fibrosis of mediastinal structures. Pulmonary hypertension (PH) may complicate the course of the disease and can contribute significantly to the morbidity of FM. Due to the rarity and complexity of the disease, evidence-based guidelines are not currently available, and the optimal treatment approach is unknown. Management approaches should be individualized, and current techniques are often unsatisfactory. Here, we present two cases of PH complicating FM that were managed using pulmonary artery vasodilator therapy with excellent hemodynamic response.

Keywords

• Fibrosing mediastinitis
• Mediastinal fibrosis
• Sclerosing mediastinitis
• Pulmonary hypertension
• Pulmonary vasodilators