Primary pulmonary hypertension in pregnancy: case report

Primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH) is a rare, progressive and currently incurable disease characterised by an increase in pulmonary artery pressure without a demonstrable cause. When associated with pregnancy, the maternal mortality ranges from 30 to 50%. In this report we present a 26-year old patient diagnosed with primary pulmonary hypertension during her twenty-first week of gestation. She was treated with a low-molecular-weight heparin and sedatives and underwent pregnancy termination without complications. Although cases have been reported with positive maternal and fetal outcome, the available evidence suggests that pregnancy with primary pulmonary hypertension should be avoided. Thus, in cases of pregnancy occurring, a therapeutic abortion is indicated.