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World J Cardiol. Jun 26, 2014; 6(6): 495-501
Published online Jun 26, 2014. doi: 10.4330/wjc.v6.i6.495
Published online Jun 26, 2014. doi: 10.4330/wjc.v6.i6.495
Pulmonary arterial hypertension related to human immunodeficiency virus infection: A case series
Inês Araújo, 3rd Medicine Department, São Francisco Xavier Hospital, CHLO, 1449-005 Lisboa, Portugal
Cristina Enjuanes-Grau, Cardiology Department, University Hospital of Canarias, 38320 La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
Carmen Jimenez Lopez-Guarch, Maria J Ruiz-Cano, Teresa Velazquez-Martin, Juan Delgado, Pilar Escribano, Pulmonary Hypertension Unit, University Hospital of 12 de Octubre, 28041 Madrid, Spain
Dariusz Narankiewicz, Internal Medicine Department, Carlos Haya Hospital, 29010 Málaga, Spain
Author contributions: Araújo I, Enjuanes-Grau C, Ruiz-Cano MJ and Escribano P designed the research; Araújo I, Enjuanes-Grau C and Narankiewicz D performed the research; Lopez-Guarch CJ and Velazquez-Martin T contributed diagnostic tools; Araújo I, Enjuanes-Grau C, Ruiz-Cano MJ and Escribano P analysed the data; Araújo I and Escribano P wrote the paper; and Delgado J and Escribano P revised the manuscript.
Supported by An investigational grant from the Spanish Ministry of Health and Consumer Affairs through the Carlos III, Institute of Cardiovascular Research (research network REDINSCOR)
Correspondence to: Inês Araújo, MD, 3rd Medicine Department, São Francisco Xavier Hospital, CHLO, Estrada do Forte do Alto do Duque, 1449-005 Lisboa, Portugal. inesarauj@gmail.com
Telephone: +351-21-0431104 Fax: +351-21-0431093
Received: December 14, 2013
Revised: February 21, 2014
Accepted: May 8, 2014
Published online: June 26, 2014
Revised: February 21, 2014
Accepted: May 8, 2014
Published online: June 26, 2014
Core Tip
Core tip: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare disease, and HIV-infected patients are seldom included in clinical trials. Therefore, case reports are crucial to better understand this disease and its response to specific therapies. In this retrospective, observational study, 18 HIV-related PAH patients were included. Highly active antiretroviral therapy was associated with an accelerated onset of PAH. The survival rates of HIV-related PAH patients were higher, most likely due to new aggressive specific therapy. The majority of patients were on specific oral therapy and were clinically stable. Furthermore, sildenafil appears to be a safe option for less severe disease.