The role of imaging in risk assessment for pulmonary arterial hypertension

There are several multifactorial risk assessment tools used to predict mortality in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). These tools are also used to guide clinical decision-making including changes in therapy and referrals for transplantation. While the prominent driver of morbidity and mortality in PAH is right ventricular failure, most available risk assessment tools do not include parameters specific to right ventricular structure or function. Several cardiac imaging parameters are known to be associated with survival and may enhance the predictive ability of existing risk scores.

This review compiles the existing literature surrounding the improved predictive power of existing risk assessment tools when combined with echocardiographic and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging findings. The review also discusses scenarios in which imaging findings may influence clinical decision making outside of risk scores.

Decision making in PAH is complex and multifaceted. Cardiac imaging is an important component in the management of PAH and should be considered carefully and in conjunction with existing risk assessment tools.