Haemodynamic response to intrapulmonary verapamil in bilharzial cor-pulmonale

Eleven patients with bilharzial cor pulmonale were subjected to right sided cardiac catheterization for the determination of pulmonary artery pressure [PAP], pulmonary vascular resistance [PVR], and cardiac output before and 5 minutes after intrapulmonary administration of 5 mg verapamil. This was accompanied by slight reduction of PAP, PVR, with a subsequent slight increase in cardiac output. Such effects resulting from the vasodilator properties of verapamil point to the presence of a potentially reversible vasospastic element in bilharzial cor pulmonale. However, the chronic effects as well as the clinical application of Ca channel blockers in such cases have to be evaluated