From the Guidelines
There is currently no established direct link between Coxsackie B5 virus infection and pulmonary hypertension. Coxsackie B5 is an enterovirus that typically causes a range of illnesses including myocarditis (heart muscle inflammation), pericarditis, hand-foot-mouth disease, and viral meningitis. While Coxsackie viruses can affect the cardiovascular system, particularly through myocarditis, there is insufficient evidence in medical literature specifically connecting Coxsackie B5 to the development of pulmonary hypertension 1. Pulmonary hypertension is characterized by increased blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries and has various known causes including left heart disease, lung diseases, blood clots, and certain infections, but Coxsackie B5 is not among the well-documented infectious triggers.
According to the 2015 ESC/ERS guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary hypertension, the condition can be found in multiple clinical conditions, but Coxsackie B5 is not mentioned as a potential cause 1. The guidelines provide a comprehensive clinical classification of pulmonary hypertension, including pulmonary arterial hypertension, pulmonary veno-occlusive disease, and pulmonary hypertension due to left heart disease, but do not include Coxsackie B5 as a potential trigger.
It's worth noting that pulmonary hypertension can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetic factors, environmental exposures, and certain medical conditions 1. However, Coxsackie B5 is not among the known causes of pulmonary hypertension. If you're experiencing symptoms of pulmonary hypertension such as shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, or dizziness, it's essential to consult with a healthcare provider for proper evaluation, regardless of any history of Coxsackie infection, as early diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary hypertension is crucial for managing the condition effectively.
Some key points to consider include:
- Pulmonary hypertension is a haemodynamic and pathophysiological condition defined as an increase in mean pulmonary arterial pressure ≥25 mmHg at rest 1
- Coxsackie B5 is an enterovirus that can cause a range of illnesses, but its connection to pulmonary hypertension is not well-established
- Early diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary hypertension are crucial for managing the condition effectively
- Patients with symptoms of pulmonary hypertension should consult with a healthcare provider for proper evaluation, regardless of any history of Coxsackie infection.
From the Research
Coxsackie B5 and Pulmonary Hypertension
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies that Coxsackie B5 can cause pulmonary hypertension 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, a study on Coxsackie B5 myopericarditis in a young adult found that the patient had recent gastrointestinal symptoms and was diagnosed with Stokes-Adams syndrome, but no hemodynamic abnormalities were found on cardiac catheterization 5.
- Pulmonary hypertension is a progressive disease of the pulmonary vasculature characterized by increased vascular resistance and pressure overload of the right ventricle 2.
- The diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension typically involves echocardiography and right heart catheterization 2, 3, 4.
- Treatment options for pulmonary hypertension include oral anticoagulation, diuretics, oxygen supplementation, and phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors 3, 6.
- Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors have been shown to be effective in improving WHO functional class, six-minute walk distance, and mortality in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension 6.