[Treatment of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension in elderly patients]

To establish efficacy and security of invasive treatments for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) in elderly patients (≥80 years old): pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) and balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA).

Between 2014 and 2017, 549 CTEPH patients were addressed to our hospital for PEA (364 patients) or BPA (225). From this total, patients 80 years old and over were: 17 treated by PEA and 21 by BPA. Demographic characteristics as well as hemodynamic parameters, results and complications were compared for both groups (Young - Y - versus Old - O).

Elderly BPA patients presented a higher functional class (mean O: 3,16 versus Y: 2,73; P=0,001), with similar hemodynamics parameters compared with the younger patients. Indication for BPA in the elderly was the presence of comorbidities contraindicating surgery in 33% of cases vs. 9,3% in the younger group (P=0,005). Response to treatment was comparable in both groups with significant reductions of mPAP, PVR and improvement of functional class. Complications rate was alike between groups for hemoptysis, reperfusion lesions or mortality, with the exception of a higher incidence of contrast-induced nephropathy, without need for dialysis, in the elderly group (O: 8,4% versus 2,6%; P=0,010). Elderly PEA patients were more often male (O: 76,5% versus Y: 50,1%; P=0,034) and with a lower creatinine clearance (O: 57,6±13,4 versus Y: 72,2±21,2mL/min/m²; P=0,004). Functional class, hemodynamics, surgical times and in-hospital stay was similar between groups. There is a non-significant trend towards higher in-hospital mortality in the elderly group, CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, treatment of CPC PE in elderly patients, either by PEA or BPA is effective with acceptable complication rates.