An Increase of BNP Levels in Massive Pulmonary Embolism and the Reduction in Response to the Acute Treatment

Abstract

Type B Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) is a neurohormone that is secreted from the cardiac ventricles in response to dilatation or an increase of pressure. Right ventricle dysfunction is seen in pulmonary embolism patients, but it may be hard to diagnose. Echocardiography is the most sensitive means of diagnosis for acute right ventricle dysfunction. However, echocardiography is also limited in some ways. BNP levels may increase with right ventricle dysfunction when the patients is in bed and decrease with treatment. We presented a case study in which diagnosed with mitral valve regurgitation, pulmonary embolism and pregnant for 1.5 months. Initial BNP levels of 633 pg/ml decreased to 233, 65.2, 58.4 levels respectively which was parallel to improvements in the clinical state and right ventricle function detected in echocardiography. We used a rapid bedside test for determination of BNP. © 2004 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.