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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.
Krittika Teerapuncharoen1,2, Remzi Bag3,4
1Division of Biological Sciences, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.
Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a complication of pulmonary embolism (PE). Early diagnosis via V/Q scan and CTPA, followed by treatments like surgery or medication, improves outcomes for CTEPH patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Radiology
Background:
- Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a serious long-term complication of pulmonary embolism (PE).
- It involves pulmonary artery obstruction and microvasculopathy, often persisting despite anticoagulation.
- Delayed diagnosis of CTEPH is linked to adverse patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline the diagnostic pathway for CTEPH.
- To describe current management strategies for CTEPH.
- To emphasize the importance of timely intervention for CTEPH.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scans as the primary screening tool.
- Employing computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) for detailed assessment.
- Referral to specialized CTEPH centers for diagnosis verification.
Main Results:
- A normal V/Q scan effectively rules out CTEPH.
- Abnormal V/Q scans or CTPA findings suggestive of chronic thromboembolism necessitate further evaluation.
- Pulmonary thromboendarterectomy (PTE) is the primary surgical option for eligible patients.
Conclusions:
- Prompt diagnosis and management of CTEPH are crucial for improving patient prognosis.
- Treatment options include pulmonary thromboendarterectomy (PTE), pulmonary vasodilators, and balloon pulmonary angioplasty.
- Lifelong anticoagulation is recommended for all CTEPH patients.
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