Isoflurane and primary pulmonary hypertension

Primary pulmonary hypertension is a rare and fatal disease. These patients represent an anaesthetic challenge because of the high mortality associated with the marked intra-operative increase in pulmonary vascular resistance and right ventricular decompensation. This is a first case report which demonstrates the safe and beneficial effects of isoflurane in lowering pulmonary arterial pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance in such a patient for a short surgical procedure. The anaesthetic considerations in these patients are discussed.