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Sarcoid, stage IV - chest X-ray Acute vs. chronic conditions Cor pulmonale Respiratory system

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Cor pulmonale

Alternative Names: Right-sided heart failure - cor pulmonale Symptoms: Shortness of breath Symptoms of underlying disorders (wheezing, coughing) Swelling of the feet or ankles Exercise intolerance Chest discomfort Signs and tests: Bluish color to the skin (cyanosis) Distension of the neck veins indicating high right-heart pressures Abnormal fluid collection in the abdomen, enlargement of the liver Swelling of the ankles Abnormal heart sounds The following tests may help diagnose cor pulmonale: Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound) Chest X-ray CAT scan of the chest Pulmonary function tests Swan-Ganz catheterization V/Q scan Measurement of blood oxygen by arterial blood gas (ABG) Lung biopsy (rarely performed) Blood antibody tests Blood test for brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) -- a new blood test to detect heart failure

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