Case Report Pulmonary Hypertension in a Patient with COPD and Newly Diagnosed Systemic Sclerosis
by Edmond Njua*, Camila Jaramillo*, Masi Javeed, Funbi Awoniyi, Serena Wasilewski, Debra Angelo, Felix Monicka
HCA Healthcare/USF Morsani College of Medicine GME/HCA, Trinity, Florida, USA
*Corresponding author: Edmond Njua and Camila Jaramillo, HCA Healthcare/USF Morsani College of Medicine GME/HCA, Trinity, Florida, USA
Received Date: 07 February 2025
Accepted Date: 11 February 2025
Published Date: 14 February 2025
Citation: Njua E, Jaramillo C, Javeed M, Awoniyi F, Wasilewski S, et al (2025) Pulmonary Hypertension in a Patient with COPD and Newly Diagnosed Systemic Sclerosis. Ann Case Report. 10: 2189. https://doi.org/10.29011/2574-7754.102189
Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a severe complication of systemic sclerosis (SSc) that is often challenging to diagnose, particularly in its early stages. PH is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, necessitating timely identification and management. Late-onset SSc at ages greater than 60 years is known to present with a poorer prognosis. We present a case of a 62-year-old female with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and an 8-month history of progressive dysphagia and dyspnea, who was diagnosed with both SSc and PH following hospitalization for sepsis secondary to a urinary tract infection (UTI). COPD and SSc are recognized contributors to PH, each requiring distinct therapeutic approaches. In such cases, comprehensive evaluation using invasive and non-invasive testing is essential for accurately characterizing PH and guiding appropriate treatment. Early diagnosis and targeted therapy reduce mortality and improve patient outcomes.
Keywords: Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension; Pulmonary Hypertension; Connective Tissue Disease; Scleroderma; Systemic Sclerosis.
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