Pulmonary shunt

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Pulmonary shunt is a medical condition that occurs when the alveoli of the lungs fill with fluid, causing a portion of the lung to be unventilated although it is still perfused. This condition is a type of V/Q mismatch and can lead to hypoxemia and respiratory failure.

Causes[edit | edit source]

Pulmonary shunts can be caused by several conditions, including:

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

The symptoms of a pulmonary shunt can vary depending on the underlying cause, but may include:

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

The diagnosis of a pulmonary shunt often involves a combination of physical examination, medical history, and diagnostic tests. These tests may include:

Treatment[edit | edit source]

The treatment of a pulmonary shunt depends on the underlying cause. Treatment options may include:

See also[edit | edit source]

Pulmonary shunt Resources

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD