Target the concomitant risk factors for pulmonary hypertension in an HIV-positive man: a case report

Abstract

Abstract Background Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a progressive disease characterized by elevated pulmonary arterial pressure causing right ventricular failure and death. HIV infection is one of the high-risk factors for the development of PH and HIV-related PH is associated with non-AIDS-related comorbidities. In this study we report a case of pulmonary hypertension with several concomitant risk factors, who experienced a complete clinical improvement after drug rehabilitation, application of anti-retroviral therapy (ART) and Sildenafil. Case presentation A 37-year-old HIV-positive man complained about worsening dyspnea was diagnosed with severe pulmonary hypertension. Pulmonary hypertension in this case was characterized by association with multi-factors including amphetamine inhalation, HIV infection, bacterial liver abscess with the history of splenectomy and past ventricular septal defect, which was different from previously reported cases with HIV-related pulmonary hypertension who were associated solely to HIV infection. Conclusion Pulmonary hypertension should be suspected among HIV-positive patients with unexplained dyspnea. Notably, investigating the co-existent risk factors and a multidisciplinary team are crucial for early diagnose and improved prognosis of HIV- related pulmonary hypertension.