Pulmonary artery hypertension in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: determination by chest radiography

Pulmonary artery hypertension is a frequent complication of severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A study was undertaken to determine whether analysis of the chest radiograph can reveal the presence of pulmonary artery hypertension in COPD. Sixty-one men with COPD (forced expiratory volume in 1 second 0.97 +/- 0.35 liters, mean +/- SD) underwent right heart catheterization, and in 46 the mean pulmonary artery pressure was elevated (greater than 20 mmHg). Plain chest radiographs of the 61 patients and 42 normal control subjects were evaluated. The right descending pulmonary artery (RDPA) was enlarged (greater than 16 mm) in 43 of 46 patients (93%) with an elevated mean pulmonary artery pressure, and the left descending pulmonary artery (LDPA) diameter also was enlarged (greater than 18 mm) in 43 of 46. Combined increased RDPA and increased LDPA diameter measurements permitted correct diagnosis in 45 of 46 patients (98%) with pulmonary artery hypertension, including all 26 a mild elevation of mean pulmonary artery pressure (21-30 mmHg). There was a significant correlation between pulmonary artery pressure and both RDPA and LDPA measurements. Analysis of RDPA and LDPA diameters on the plain chest radiograph is a sensitive and accurate method of detecting the presence and severity of pulmonary artery hypertension in COPD.