Polski merkuriusz lekarski : organ Polskiego Towarzystwa Lekarskiego
-
Sarcoidosis is a multisystemic disease of unknown pathogenesis. Its characteristic feature is formation of noncaseating granuloma in involved organs. ⋯ The variations in prevalence and incidence of this disease in individuals from different ethnic, racial groups or families show, that the genetic factors are also involved in sarcoidosis etiology. Although there is a clear genetic influence on the risk of sarcoidosis, the relation between clinical course of the disease is an area for further exploration in the future.
-
Pol. Merkur. Lekarski · Apr 2007
Review[The current view on pathophysiology of pulmonary arterial hypertension].
The article refers to actual data on pathophysiology of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). PAH is a group of diseases characterized by a progressive increase of resistance and pressure in pulmonary vascular bed, leading to systolic overload and failure of the right heart ventricle, and in consequence - to premature death. The latest classification of PAH, basing on pathophysiology of the disease, was proposed in 2003 in Venice. ⋯ In some cases secondary risk factors (e.g.: portal hypertension, congenital heart defects, HIV infection, connective tissue disorders, intoxications, myeloproliferative and storage diseases) are also important. In all types of PAH the same four pathological processes are reported: vasoconstriction, inflammation, thrombosis and remodelling. The growing knowledge of pathophysiology of PAH has enabled its better diagnosing and treatment, which has improved both symptoms and survival in the patients suffering from the disease.