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Updates in the diagnosis and management of chronic thromboembolic disease
Alisha Kabadi1, Kim Kerr, Timothy M Fernandes
1Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, University of California, San Diego, California, USA.
Insights
Chronic thromboembolic disease (CTED) management is individualized. Early referral to specialized centers is recommended to determine the best treatment, whether watchful waiting, balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA), or pulmonary thromboendarterectomy.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Cardiology
- Vascular Surgery
Background:
- Chronic thromboembolic disease (CTED) is distinct from chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH).
- CTED is characterized by exertional dyspnea post-pulmonary embolism with residual perfusion defects but no resting pulmonary hypertension.
Conclusions:
- CTED management is individualized, based on patient symptoms and exercise capacity.
- Early referral to specialized CTEPH centers is crucial for optimal CTED management.
- Further research is needed to establish long-term outcomes and compare treatment modalities for CTED.
Purpose Of Review:
Chronic thromboembolic disease (CTED) is distinct from chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) and is defined by dyspnea on exertion after acute pulmonary embolism with the presence of residual perfusion defects and absence of resting pulmonary hypertension. Here, we review clinical features and diagnostic criteria for CTED and summarize treatment options.
Recent Findings:
The optimal management for CTED is unclear as the long-term outcomes of conservative vs. invasive treatment for this disease have not been reported. There are a few studies evaluating outcomes of pulmonary thromboendarterectomy and balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) in CTED, concluding that these procedures are safe and effective in select patients. However, these trials are small nonrandomized observational studies, reporting outcomes only up to 1 year after the intervention. Conservative management of CTED with observation, pulmonary hypertension-targeted therapy, or cardiopulmonary rehabilitation has not been studied. It is unknown whether these treatments are as effective or superior to pulmonary thromboendarterectomy or BPA in CTED.
Summary:
The management of CTED is individualized and based on symptoms and exercise limitations. Early referral of patients with CTED to a specialized CTEPH center is recommended to determine if watchful waiting, BPA, or pulmonary thromboendarterectomy is most beneficial.
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