Which finding is associated with pulmonale (cor pulmonale)?

Which finding is associated with pulmonale (cor pulmonale)?

• A. Decreased JVP
• B. Loud systolic murmur
• C. Peripheral edema only
• D. Increase jugular venous pressure

Answer: (D)

Pulmonale is right-sided heart failure caused by lung disease, leading to venous congestion. When the right ventricle fails, the pressure backs up into the right atrium and systemic veins, so the jugular veins become distended. That is why an increase in jugular venous pressure is the classic, confirming finding. Decreased JVP would suggest low intravascular volume, not right-sided failure. A loud systolic murmur isn’t a characteristic feature of cor pulmonale, and edema can occur but is not as specific or definitive as elevated JVP.

Pulmonale is right-sided heart failure caused by lung disease, leading to venous congestion. When the right ventricle fails, the pressure backs up into the right atrium and systemic veins, so the jugular veins become distended. That is why an increase in jugular venous pressure is the classic, confirming finding.

Decreased JVP would suggest low intravascular volume, not right-sided failure. A loud systolic murmur isn’t a characteristic feature of cor pulmonale, and edema can occur but is not as specific or definitive as elevated JVP.