Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 21, 2026

Induction and Phenotyping of Acute Right Heart Failure in a Large Animal Model of Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension
Published on: March 17, 2022
Acute vasodilator testing: An opportunity to advance the precision care of pulmonary hypertension
Meghan M Cirulis1, Lynda O Jorgensen2, Ronald W Day2
1Division of Pulmonary Medicine (Fellow), Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah, 50 North Medical Drive, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA.
Insights
A child with severe pulmonary arterial hypertension showed immediate normalization of pulmonary arterial pressure with nitric oxide. This acute response to inhaled nitric oxide persisted, suggesting its value in personalized pulmonary hypertension treatment.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pulmonology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a severe condition characterized by high blood pressure in the lung arteries.
- Accurate assessment of pulmonary vascular response is crucial for effective PAH management.
Observation:
- An 8-year-old child with severe PAH experienced immediate normalization of pulmonary arterial pressure during inhaled nitric oxide administration.
- This acute responsiveness to nitric oxide was maintained throughout the patient's life.
Findings:
- The patient's acute vasodilator testing responses correlated with long-term medication efficacy.
- Inhaled nitric oxide demonstrated a consistent and sustained effect on pulmonary arterial pressure.
Implications:
- Acute vasodilator testing, particularly with inhaled nitric oxide, can predict long-term treatment responses in PAH.
- This approach may enhance precision medicine strategies for pediatric and adult pulmonary hypertension patients.
Abstract:
The pulmonary arterial pressure of a child with severe pulmonary arterial hypertension immediately normalized while breathing nitric oxide during heart catheterization at 8 years of age. Her acute pulmonary vascular response to nitric oxide has persisted throughout her life. Her acute response to other medications has been similar to her long-term response to medications in the same class. Acute vasodilator testing with inhaled nitric oxide and other medications may be an opportunity to refine study design and advance precision care for patients with pulmonary hypertension.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Pulmonary Hypertension: Classification and Pathogenesis
There are various classifications for PH, each relating to different underlying causes and also...
Pulmonary Function Tests
Pulmonary Function Tests are crucial diagnostic tools for assessing respiratory function, particularly in patients with chronic respiratory disorders. They comprehensively evaluate lung volumes, ventilatory function, breathing mechanics, diffusion, and gas exchange. These tests help diagnose pulmonary diseases and play a significant role in monitoring disease progression, evaluating disability, and assessing response to therapy.
PFTs involve using a spirometer, a...
Acute Kidney Injury V: Interprofessional Care
Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors
Among the PDE5 inhibitors, sildenafil (Revatio) stands out as a competitive and selective inhibitor. It operates by elevating cellular levels of cGMP and augmenting signaling through the cGMP-PKG pathway, promoting vasodilation. Upon oral...
Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care

