High Probability Of Pulmonary Hypertension Research Articles

Prevalence of Pulmonary Hypertension in an Unselected Community-Based Population: A Retrospective Echocardiographic Study-RES-PH Study.

Introduction. The actual prevalence of pulmonary hypertension (PH) in Italy is unknown. Echocardiography is useful in the screening of patients with suspected PH by estimation of the pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) from the regurgitant tricuspid flow velocity evaluation, according to the simplified Bernoulli equation. Objectives. We aimed to evaluate the frequency of suspected PH among unselected patients. Methods. We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional database search of 7005 patients, who underwent echocardiography, to estimate the prevalence of PH, between January 2013 and December 2014. Medical and echocardiographic data were collected from a stratified etiological group of PH, using criteria of the European Society of Cardiology classifications. Results. The mean age of the study population was 57.1 ± 20.5 years, of which 55.3% were male. The prevalence of intermediate probability of PH was 8.6%, with nearly equal distribution between men and women (51.3 vs. 48.7%; p = 0.873). The prevalence of high probability of PH was 4.3%, with slightly but not significant higher prevalence in female patients (43.2 vs. 56.8%; p = 0.671). PH is predominant in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or left ventricle (LV) systolic dysfunction and related with age. PASP was significantly linked with left atrial increase and left ventricular ejection fraction. In addition, an increased PASP was related to an enlargement of the right heart chamber. Conclusions. PH has a frequency of 4.3% in our unselected population, but the prevalence may be more relevant in specific subgroups. A larger epidemiological registry could be an adequate strategy to increase quality control and identify weak points in the evaluation and treatment of these patients.

Pulmonary embolism in a 51-year-old woman with chronic kidney disease

Background Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a worldwide public health problem both in terms of the number of patients and the cost of treatment. Chronic kidney disease seems to be the main driver of pulmonary embolism (PE) in dialysis patients. The diagnosis of PE is difficult due to its non-specific signs and symptoms, especially in many comorbidities with similar features. Chronic kidney disease plays a role in both the incidence of venous thromboembolism and the manifestations of pulmonary hypertension, resulting in an increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Advances in the management of patients with suspected PE have improved diagnostic accuracy. An approach using several diagnostic tools with different characteristics, such as D-dimer measurement, and imaging tests-predominantly computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) - can help evaluate the diagnosis. Case DescriptionHere we report the case of a 51-year-old woman with a history of chronic kidney disease, who presented with sudden worsening of dyspnea. Further examination showed signs of right heart failure with a high probability of pulmonary hypertension on echocardiography. Based on the general features it is difficult to distinguish between acute pulmonary embolism and chronic pulmonary hypertension, both of which can be caused by the underlying chronic kidney disease. Nevertheless, gold standard imaging using CTPA confirmed the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism, with underlying pulmonary hypertension from chronic kidney disease. ConclusionsThe diagnosis of pulmonary embolism with comorbidities is challenging. The availability of diagnostic modalities will confer different advantages and particular accuracy to meet the challenges in diagnosis.

Right ventricular systolic and diastolic function assessed by two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease.

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a common comorbidity in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD), and can induce various changes in the right heart, such as right ventricular (RV) hypertrophy, dilatation, and dysfunction. We hypothesized that RV function, not only systolic function but also diastolic function, could be worsened with PH progression. We aimed to compare RV systolic and diastolic function in dogs with MMVD. Twenty healthy dogs and sixty-eight dogs with MMVD were enrolled. Dogs with MMVD were classified into the probability of PH. Two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiographic indices for right heart and two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography indices were measured. The morphological indicators of the right heart were significantly higher only in the high probability of PH group. The RV strain, early-diastolic and systolic strain rates were significantly lower in the high probability of PH group than those in the low and intermediate probability of PH groups. Multivariate analysis showed that increased RV internal dimension normalized by body weight and RV myocardial performance index were significantly associated with the presence of right-sided congestive heart failure. Speckle tracking echocardiography-derived RV systolic and diastolic function were activated in the low and intermediate probability of PH groups. However, dogs with high probability of PH showed RV myocardial dysfunction and dilatation. Increased RV myocardial performance index and end-diastolic RV internal dimension normalized by body weight were significantly associated with the presence of right-sided congestive heart failure in dogs with MMVD.

The Effects of Hydroxyurea Therapy on the Six-Minute Walk Distance in Patients with Adult Sickle Cell Anemia: An Echocardiographic Study.

BackgroundThe impact of hydroxyurea (HU) medication as treatment of choice has not been evaluated in adult sickle cell anemia (SCA) patients in terms of the 6-min walk distance (6 MWD).AimThe aim of the study was evaluating the effects of HU on the 6 MWD, serum brain natriuretic peptide (NT-pro BNP) level, and pulmonary hypertension (PH) measured by tricuspid regurgitation velocity (TRV).MethodsIn this cross-sectional, prospective study, 110 patients with homozygous SCA were studied and compared with age- and gender-matched healthy controls. Every patient was investigated via pulsed and tissue Doppler echo evaluation, 6-min walk test (6 MWT), and blood level for the level of NT-pro-BNP hormone. Data were compared in patients with (n = 59; group 1, G1) and without (n = 51; group 2, G2) HU medication. Pearson correlation analysis was applied and clinical follow-up for the frequency of acute chest syndrome (ACS). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) multivariate statistical analysis was applied between groups.ResultsIn the study, 110 patients with SCA were studied and compared with 110 control patients. Patients in G1 compared with G2 had a longer 6 MWD (491 ± 64.4 m vs 428.6 ± 54.3 m, p < 0.005), higher HbF% (21 ± 2.5% vs 8 ± 1.8%, p < 0.005), and lower NT-pro-BNP level (314.1 ± 27.5 pmol/L vs 407 ± 18.9 pmol/L, p = 0.05). The mean TRV values were 2.8 ± 0.5 m/s in G1 versus 3.4 ± 0.4 m/s in G2, p < 0.005, and 1.5 ± 0.7 m/s in the control group. The high probability of PH based on a TRV > 3.4 m/s was 10.1% in G1 versus 17.6% in G2 and 3.6% in the control. There were weak positive correlations between NT-pro-BNP and TRV (r = 0.264; p = 0.005) and HbF% and 6 MWD (r = 0.452; p = 0.001). After 12 months of follow-up, frequency of acute chest syndrome (ACS) was twice as high in G2, at 32 patients, versus 16 in G1.ConclusionPatients with SCA on HU medication compared with no HU had significantly longer 6 MWD, lower level of NT-pro-BNP, higher HbF% level. After 1-year follow-up HU patients had less frequency of ACS. There were significant positive correlations between the level of NT-pro BNP level and TRV in m/s on echo.

Prognostic Value of the Echocardiographic Probability of Pulmonary Hypertension in Patients with Acute Decompensated Heart Failure.

The prognostic value of pulmonary hypertension (PH) estimated by echocardiography in unselected patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) is poorly studied. Between November 2014 and September 2018, 657 patients were recruited in a prospective registry of ADHF (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02444416). The probability of pulmonary hypertension was based on European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines for echocardiographic evaluation. The median survival without all-cause mortality or readmission was 7 months. During the median follow-up period of 15 months, there were 450 events including 185 deaths. In multivariate analysis, the hazard ratio (HR) of all-cause mortality or readmission for patients with a high probability of PH was 1.67 (95% CI 1.29–2.17, p < 0.001) as compared to patients with a low or intermediate probability. The left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and right ventricular function (RVF) were not associated with the primary outcome—HR 1.02 (95% CI 0.81–1.29; p = 0.84) and 0.96 (95% CI 0.76–1.23; p = 0.77) respectively. In patients admitted for ADHF, a high probability of PH as evaluated by echocardiography provided the highest independent prognostic value for mortality and readmission, whereas LVEF and RVF were not associated with prognosis. The identification of patients at high risk of PH by non-invasive measurement conveys important prognostic information and may guide management.

Incomplete echocardiographic recovery at 6\xa0months predicts long-term sequelae after intermediate-risk pulmonary embolism. A post-hoc analysis of the Pulmonary Embolism Thrombolysis (PEITHO) trial

IntroductionSymptoms and functional limitation are frequently reported by survivors of acute pulmonary embolism (PE). However, current guidelines provide no specific recommendations on which patients should be followed after acute PE, when follow-up should be performed, and which tests it should include. Definition and classification of late PE sequelae are evolving, and their predictors remain to be determined.MethodsIn a post hoc analysis of the Pulmonary Embolism Thrombolysis (PEITHO) trial, we focused on 219 survivors of acute intermediate-risk PE with clinical and echocardiographic follow-up 6 months after randomisation as well as over the long term (median, 3 years after acute PE). The primary outcome was a composite of (1) confirmed chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) or (2) ‘post-PE impairment’ (PPEI), defined by echocardiographic findings indicating an intermediate or high probability of pulmonary hypertension along with New York Heart Association functional class II–IV.ResultsConfirmed CTEPH or PPEI occurred in 29 (13.2%) patients, (6 with CTEPH and 23 with PPEI). A history of chronic heart failure at baseline and incomplete or absent recovery of echocardiographic parameters at 6 months predicted CTEPH or PPEI at long-term follow-up.ConclusionsCTEPH or PPEI occurs in almost one out of seven patients after acute intermediate-risk PE. Six-month echocardiographic follow-up may be useful for timely detection of late sequelae.

Echocardiographic evaluation of prevalence of pulmonary hypertension in β-thalassemia major: A cross sectional study

Introduction: Pulmonary hypertension is a common complication associated with thalassemia syndromes and it may play an important role in the pathogenesis of right ventricle failure. The true prevalence of pulmonary hypertension in patients with thalassemia major remains unclear and has been reported to be between 2 and 79%.Materials and methods: In total, 70 patients with thalassemia major were initially examined. Patients with valvular left heart disease, congenital heart diseases such as atrial septal defect (ASD) and ventricular septal defect (VSD), left heart failure, and chronic embolism were excluded. All patients with thalassemia major underwent echocardiography. Based on tricuspid regurgitation velocity (TRV), the patients were divided into the following three groups: low, medium, and high risk of pulmonary hypertension.Results: The mean age of the subjects was 24 y; 60.6% of the subjects were males and 39.4% of the subjects were females. Overall, three (4.5%) subjects were considered at a high risk of pulmonary hypertension. The mean hemoglobin level in the patients with a high probability of pulmonary hypertension was 8.2 g/dL and that in the patients with a low or medium probability of pulmonary hypertension was 9.1 g/dL. No significant difference was observed between the groups (p = .059).Conclusion: This study showed that, based on new echocardiography criteria, the prevalence of pulmonary hypertension secondary to β-thalassemia was 4.5% and there was no correlation between TRV and the number of received blood units or disease duration.

Pulmonary Artery Hypertension Associated with HIV Infection in Nine Year-Old Child

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a serious life threatening and severe complication ofHIV infection. A PAH presentation in patient with HIV tends to non specific, result in recognizeddiagnosis at a later stage. A 9 year-old HIV patient came to Pediatric Clinic with a chief complaint of worsening dyspneu for 1 month, leg edema and difficulty lying on a flat bed. Patient showed signs and symptoms that lead to pulmonary hypertension. An ECG findings were sinus rhythm, right axis deviation, and right ventricular hypertrophy. Echocardiography findings showed rightventricular and atrial enlargement, and high probability of pulmonary hypertension. Blood examination showed CD 4 was 84 cells/μL. The patient was managed as pulmonary arteryhypertension associated with HIV (HIV-PAH) infection.The patient was admitted for 3 weeksand eventually discharged with relieve condition.

Right heart catheterization for hemodynamic evaluation of pulmonary hypertension

Objective description of clinical characteristics of patients, their physiological and hemodynamic parameters during right heart catheterization in the center of pulmonary hypertension in Ukraine.Material and methods. The procedure fof the right heart catheterization according to national and international protocols was performed in 108 patients with intermediate or high probability of pulmonary hypertension according to expert echocardiography. Physiological evaluation at the time of diagnosis includes a 6-minute walk test, a NTpro-BNP level, and an expert echocardiography with expanded protocol and an assessment of the right ventricular function.Results. We confirmed the presence of pulmonary hypertension in 94 patients (90.4%). During the diagnosis, 67% of patients with pulmonary hypertension had functional class III and 8% — functional class IV, 75% of patients had functional class III or IV. 67 patients underwent right heart catheterization before administering specific therapy for pulmonary hypertension, and the remaining 27 patients had already received specific therapy without confirmation of diagnosis. Our experience has shown that the lack of accurate hemodynamic measurements leads to a misleading diagnosis or inappropriate use of drugs specific to pulmonary hypertension, which can lead the patient to seek alternative treatments that have no proven efficacy.Conclusions. Catheterization of the right heart is the only way to reliable diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension and the risk of serious complications. It is necessary for the diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension, assessment of pulmonary hemodynamic condition and estimation of further prognosis.

Failure of noninvasive prediction of pulmonary hypertension in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) in patients with advanced idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a complication connected with unfavorable prognosis. Great efforts have been made in attempting to establish a reliable non-invasive method which would enable detection of this complication. In this context a formula using pulmonary function parameters was published with outstanding results. We tested the formula in 27 IPF patients who underwent a lung function examination, cardiac ultrasonography and catheterisation on the same day. Pulmonary hypertension was detected by catheterisation in 17 patients (63%). In our group, contrary to the published data, the aforementioned formula was neither useful for detecting patients with a high probability of PH nor as a means of calculating the mean pulmonary artery pressure in individual patients (p = 0.502 and p = 0.833, respectively). Ultrasound examination reached borderline correlation with the values measured by catheterisation when we compare patients with relevant results (r = 0.531, p = 0.051). However, the examination gave no usable results in 13 patients (48%). Our data suggests that no reliable, noninvasive method is currently available for detecting and confirming PH in IPF patients. We did not confirm the usefulness of the published formula. Further carefully organised studies will be necessary to verify or refute it.

Use of echocardiographic pulmonary acceleration time and estimated vascular resistance for the evaluation of possible pulmonary hypertension

BackgroundDuring ultrasound examination, tricuspid regurgitation may be absent or gives a signal that is not reliable for the estimation of systolic pulmonary pressure. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of acceleration time (AT) from the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) as an estimation of the trans-tricuspid valve gradient (TTVG) and to investigate the correlation between estimated and invasive pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR).MethodsThe AT was correlated to the TTVG measured with routine standard echocardiography in 121 patients. In a subgroup of 29 patients, systolic pulmonary pressure (SPAP) and mean pulmonary arterial pressure (MPAP) were obtained from recent right heart catheterization (RHC).ResultsWe found no significant correlation between the estimation of right atrial pressure (RAP) by echocardiography and the RAP obtained by RHC. Estimated SPAP (TTGV + RAP mean from RHC) showed a good linear relation to invasively measured SPAP. TTVG and AT showed a non-linear relation, similar to SPAP and MPAP measured by catheterization and AT. For detection of SPAP above 38 mmHg a cut-off for AT of 100 ms resulted in a sensitivity of 89% and a specificity of 84%. For detection of MPAP above 25 mmHg a cut-off for AT of 100 ms resulted in similar sensitivity and specificity. Invasive PVR and the ratio of TTVG and the time velocity integral of the RVOT (TVI RVOT ) had a strong linear relation.ConclusionsOur study confirms that AT appears to be useful for the evaluation of pulmonary hypertension. In high risk patients, an AT of less than 100 ms indicates a high probability of pulmonary hypertension. Furthermore, PVR estimation by ultrasound seems preferably be done by using the ratio of TTVG and TVI RVOT.