[Pulmonary circulation: contributions of the year 2009]

A significant number of studies on pulmonary circulation diseases have been published in 2009 that are likely to have a notable clinical impact. Anticoagulant treatment is on the verge of a significant change with the arrival of new oral drugs that have an inhibitory effect over factor X (rivaroxaban, apixaban) or thrombin (dabigatran). New studies have shown an efficacy comparable to enoxaparin in the prevention of thromboembolic disease and in some cases a lower risk of haemorrhage. Also interesting is a study on the incidence of pulmonary thromboembolism in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, a little known aspect. A study that demonstrates some efficacy of rosuvastatin in the prevention of thromboembolic disease, something that could change our current practices. Pulmonary hypertension (PH) continues to produce numerous publications. One French study has shown a relatively low risk of developing PH in patients with systemic sclerosis over a period of 3 years. As regards treatment, ambrisentan seems to confirm it lower risk of hepatoxicity compared to other endothelin antagonists. A new phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor, tadalafil, has made a strong impact on the PH scene during this year. Its results are similar to other oral drugs with a convenient posology. The surgical treatment of PH due to chronic thromboembolism in one of the hospitals of our country has been present with results that, particularly in the past few years, are perfectly comparable to other centres of excellence. To summarise, 2009 has continued to provide important news in the area of pulmonary circulation.