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Updated: Jul 2, 2026
07:44
A Porcine Model of Acute Autologous Pulmonary Embolism
Published on: September 6, 2024
B-type natriuretic peptide in acute pulmonary embolism
Anna Kaczyńska1, Maciej Kostrubiec, Michał Ciurzyński
1Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiology, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland.
Summary
B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and NT-proBNP levels can indicate right ventricular dysfunction in acute pulmonary embolism (APE). Elevated levels predict worse outcomes, aiding risk stratification and therapy selection.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pulmonology
- Biomarkers
Background:
- Myocardial stretch triggers natriuretic peptide release in left ventricular dysfunction.
- Emerging evidence suggests B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and NT-proBNP originate from the right ventricle.
- Elevated BNP and NT-proBNP are observed in acute pulmonary embolism (APE), particularly with right ventricular dysfunction (RVD).
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the role of BNP and NT-proBNP in assessing RVD in APE.
- To determine the utility of these biomarkers in risk stratification and therapy selection for APE patients.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of BNP and NT-proBNP concentrations in APE patients.
- Correlation of biomarker levels with hemodynamic status, myocardial injury, and RVD.
- Comparison with echocardiography findings.
Main Results:
- BNP and NT-proBNP levels are elevated in APE patients with RVD.
- These biomarkers serve as adjunctive tools to echocardiography for identifying RVD.
- Elevated BNP/NT-proBNP levels predict mortality and adverse clinical course in APE.
Conclusions:
- BNP and NT-proBNP are valuable indicators of RVD in APE.
- These natriuretic peptides aid in risk stratification and therapeutic decisions for APE.
- Biomarker assessment complements hemodynamic and echocardiographic evaluations in APE management.
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