4328 The imaging spectrum of pulmonary hypertension

Abstract

Resume Pulmonary Hypertension Pulmonary hypertension exists when the mean pulmonary artery pressure exceeds 25mm of Hg at rest. The normal mean pulmonary artery pressure is 12-16mm of Hg at sea level. Pulmonary hypertension is commonly associated with underlying lung diseases such as emphysema and severe fibrosis. In these cases the diagnosis is not difficult. In more unusual causes the diagnosis is delayed up to 24 months after the onset of symptoms which are non-specific and include fatigue, dyspnea, chest pain and syncope. Pulmonary hypertension has been classified in number of ways including the classic separation between pre-capillary and post-capillary disease. Precapillary Pulmonary Hypertension Primary pulmonary hypertension is a disease primarily of women. There is also known association with collagen-vascular disease, HIV infection, portal hypertension and drug ingestion (anorexigens). Pulmonary embolie disease including: bland emboli, tumor emboli, talc and schistosomiasis. Postcapillary Pulmonary Hypertension Pulmonary veno-occlusive disease Compression of pulmonary veins Atrial tumors Mitral disease Left ventricular dysfunction. The pulmonary capillaries can be directly involved in patients with pulmonary capillary hemangiomatosis. The imaging findings in these disease will be discussed.