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Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension and Assessment of Right Ventricular Function in the Piglet
Published on: November 4, 2015
Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension: an underdiagnosed entity?
Jason M Ali1, Gillian Hardman, Aravinda Page
1Papworth Hospital, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom.
Hospital Practice (1995)
|October 23, 2012
Summary
Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a potentially curable condition linked to pulmonary embolism (PE). Improved awareness is crucial as underdiagnosis prevents patients from accessing life-saving pulmonary endarterectomy.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Vascular Surgery
Background:
- Pulmonary hypertension is a serious condition with limited treatment options.
- Pulmonary endarterectomy offers a potential cure for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH).
- CTEPH is a recognized complication following pulmonary embolism (PE).
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the significant underdiagnosis of CTEPH.
- To emphasize the link between PE and CTEPH development.
- To advocate for increased awareness to improve diagnostic rates.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on CTEPH incidence and diagnosis.
- Analysis of factors contributing to diagnostic discrepancies.
- Assessment of the impact of underdiagnosis on patient access to treatment.
Main Results:
- Up to 8.8% of PE patients may develop CTEPH within two years.
- Significant discrepancies exist in CTEPH diagnosis, referral, and treatment rates.
- Vague clinical presentation and imaging interpretation challenges contribute to underdiagnosis.
Conclusions:
- Underdiagnosis of CTEPH prevents patients from receiving potentially curative treatment.
- Increased clinical awareness is essential for improving CTEPH diagnosis.
- Early detection and treatment are critical for patients with CTEPH.
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