scholarly journals Experience with exercise right heart catheterization in the diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension: a retrospective study

2014 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephan Keusch ◽  
Anina Bucher ◽  
Séverine Müller-Mottet ◽  
Elisabeth Hasler ◽  
Marco Maggiorini ◽  
...  

Background: Data on exercise pulmonary hemodynamics in healthy people and patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) are rare. We analyzed exercise right heart catheterization (RHC) data in a symptomatic collective referred with suspected PH to characterize the differential response by diagnostic groups, to correlate resting with exercise hemodynamics, and to evaluate safety. Methods: This is a retrospective single-center study reviewing data from patients in whom an exercise RHC was performed between January 2006 and January 2013. Patients with follow-up RHC under PH -therapy were excluded. Results: Data from 101 patients were analyzed, none of them had an adverse event. In 35% we detected a resting PH (27.8% precapillary, 6.9% postcapillary). Exercise PH (mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) >30 mmHg at exercise) was found in 38.6%, whereas in 25.7% PH was excluded. We found a remarkable number of exercise PH in scleroderma patients, the majority being postcapillary. 83% of patients with mPAP-values between 20 and 24.9 mmHg at rest had exercise PH. Patients with resting PH had worse hemodynamics and were older compared with exercise PH ones. Conclusion: In this real-life experience in symptomatic patients undergoing exercise RHC for suspected PH, we found that exercise RHC is safe. The facts that the vast majority of patients with mPAP-values between 20 and 24.9 mmHg at rest had exercise PH and the older age of patients with resting PH may indicate that exercise PH is a precursor of resting PH. Whether earlier treatment start in patients with exercise PH would stabilize the disease should be addressed in future studies.

ESC CardioMed ◽  
2018 ◽  
pp. 2507-2511 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniela Calderaro ◽  
Luis Felipe Prada ◽  
Rogério Souza

The diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension (PH) relies on the haemodynamic criterion of mean pulmonary arterial pressure greater than or equal to 25 mmHg, assessed by right heart catheterization. The scope of this chapter is to discuss the key elements of clinical assessment of PH patients and the decision process to indicate right heart catheterization. Investigation must get through all the possible causes of PH according to their probability and frequency in the population. Echocardiography is the most important non-invasive test as an indicator for further diagnostic evaluation. Patients who are eligible for right heart catheterization should always be referred to PH centres, where technical skills and standardized procedures will enable maximal reliability of haemodynamic measurement. In the reference centre, a multidisciplinary team will discuss clinical and haemodynamic data, to propose the best therapeutic and follow-up schedule.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 204589402094878 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kanza N. Qaiser ◽  
James E Lane ◽  
Adriano R. Tonelli

Right heart catheterization is an essential diagnostic modality in the evaluation of pulmonary hypertension. The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has resulted in deferral of elective procedures including right heart catheterization. The benefits of proceeding with right heart catheterization, such as further characterization of hemodynamic subtype and severity of pulmonary hypertension, initiation of targeted pulmonary arterial hypertension therapy, as well as further hemodynamic testing, need to be carefully balanced with the risk of potentially exposing both patients and health care personnel to coronavirus disease 2019 infection. This review article aims to provide best clinical practices for safely performing right heart catheterization in pulmonary hypertension patients during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 204589402091788
Author(s):  
Christoph B. Wiedenroth, MD ◽  
Andreas J. Rieth, MD ◽  
Steffen Kriechbaum, MD ◽  
H.-Ardeschir Ghofrani, MD ◽  
Andreas Breithecker, MD ◽  
...  

Background * These authors contributed equally as last authors. Balloon pulmonary angioplasty is an evolving, interventional treatment option for inoperable patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). Pulmonary hypertension at rest as well as exercise capacity is considered to be relevant outcome parameters. The aim of the present study was to determine whether measurement of pulmonary hemodynamics during exercise before and six months after balloon pulmonary angioplasty have an added value. Methods From March 2014 to July 2018, 172 consecutive patients underwent balloon pulmonary angioplasty. Of these, 64 consecutive patients with inoperable CTEPH underwent a comprehensive diagnostic workup that included right heart catheterization at rest and during exercise before balloon pulmonary angioplasty treatments and six months after the last intervention. Results Improvements in pulmonary hemodynamics at rest and during exercise, in quality of life, and in exercise capacity were observed six months after balloon pulmonary angioplasty: WHO functional class improved in 78% of patients. The mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) at rest was reduced from 41 ± 9 to 31 ± 9 mmHg (p < 0.0001). The mPAP/cardiac output slope decreased after balloon pulmonary angioplasty (11.2 ± 25.6 WU to 7.7 ± 4.1 WU; p < 0.0001), and correlated with N-terminal fragment of pro-brain natriuretic peptide (p = 0.035) and 6-minute walking distance (p = 0.01). Conclusions Exercise right heart catheterization provides valuable information on the changes of pulmonary hemodynamics after balloon pulmonary angioplasty in inoperable CTEPH patients that are not obtainable by measuring resting hemodynamics.


Author(s):  
Masashi Yokose ◽  
Takashi Tomoe ◽  
Takehiko Yamaguchi ◽  
Takanori Yasu

Abstract Background There is an increasing number of elderly patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension, and their characteristics differ from those of young or middle-aged patients with this condition. Case Summary A 73-year-old woman with a history of myocardial infarction and cardiovascular risk factors was admitted to the hospital with 2-week exertional dyspnoea. Her initial diagnosis was heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, but the symptoms persisted despite receiving treatment with diuretics. Additional tests showed a significant decrease in diffusing capacity of carbon monoxide and findings suggestive of severe pulmonary hypertension. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the chest, and pulmonary angiography, showed no narrowing or obstruction of the pulmonary arteries. Right heart catheterization revealed hemodynamic data implying pre-capillary pulmonary hypertension. Her condition gradually deteriorated to World Health Organization functional class IV, and sequential combination therapy with tadalafil, macitentan, and selexipag was initiated with a pulmonary arterial hypertension diagnosis; however, she died 1 month later. Pathological findings in autopsy were consistent with pulmonary arterial hypertension, and some parts of the lungs revealed the presence of obstructive and interstitial lung disease. Discussion The majority of elderly patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension might have multimorbidity. However, there is no specific treatment strategy. It is associated with diagnostic delay and worse prognosis; therefore, early suspicion and comprehensive tests, including right heart catheterization, are essential for better management.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Camila Farnese Rezende ◽  
Eliane Viana Mancuzo ◽  
Maria Carmo P Nunes ◽  
Ricardo de Amorim Corrêa

Abstract Purpose: Studies in the context of research have shown a significant disagreement between the echocardiographic measurement of the systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP) and right atrial pressure (RAP) and that obtained by right heart catheterization (RHC). We compare measurements of sPAP and RAP, verified by transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) with those detected by RHC in patients being investigated for pulmonary hypertension (PH). Methods: Cross-sectional study was performed in a context of usual clinical practice in the public referral center for PH, including patients with high or intermediate echocardiographic probability of pulmonary arterial hypertension and chronic thromboembolic PH. Bland-Altman test was used to assess the agreement amongthe values and ROC curve to identify sPAP and tricuspid regurgitation velocity (TRV) values ​​with better accuracy. Clinically acceptable differences of 10 mmHg for sPAP and 5 mmHg for RAP were considered.Results: Ninety-five patients were included. The Bland-Altman analysis showed a bias of 8.03 mmHg for sPAP and -3.30 mmHg for RAP. Area under the curve for sPAP and TRV measured by TTE were 0.936(95% CI: 0.836-1.0) and 0.919(95% CI: 0.837-1.0), respectively. According to the pre-defined pressure differences, only 33.4% of the echocardiographic estimate of sPAP and 55.1% of RAP were accurate, as compared to the measurements obtained by RHC. Conclusions: Real life study revealed that echocardiographic evaluation demonstrated a high discriminatory power for diagnosis of PH, but sPAP and RAP measurements showed significant disagreements in relation to hemodynamic measures. The technical improvement of diagnostic services may contribute to the earlier recognition of this condition by TTE.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 204589401987538
Author(s):  
Avital Avriel ◽  
Michael Kassirer ◽  
Avi Shimony ◽  
Gal Tsaban ◽  
Amir Bar-Shai ◽  
...  

Background The diagnosis of pulmonary arterial hypertension requires right heart catheterization (RHC) which is typically performed via proximal venous access (PVA). Antecubital venous access (AVA) is an alternative approach for RHC that can minimize complications, decrease procedural duration and allow for immediate patient recovery. A direct comparison between the two procedures in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) is lacking. Objectives To determine the feasibility, safety, and adoption rates of AVA-RHC as compared with ultrasound-guided PVA in a subpopulation of patients with PH. Methods All patients who underwent RHC for evaluation of PH between December 2014 and March 2017 at a single large academic medical center were included in this study. Demographic, procedural and outcomes data were retrieved from the medical records. Results In total, 159 RHC were included (124 AVA, 35 PVA). The duration of RHC was significantly shorter in the AVA compared with PVA group (53 (IQR 38–70) vs. 80 (IQR 56–95) min, respectively, p < 0.001). 19% of AVA (24/124) procedures were switched to PVA. Failed attempts at AVA were more common in scleroderma (50% failure rate). Success rate of AVA increased from 81.2% to 93.3% from the first to last quartile. Fluoroscopy time was similar in both groups, the difference between the groups in the radiation dose are not statistically significant (54.5 (IQR 25–110) vs. 84.5 (IQR 30–134)). Conclusion AVA-RHC is a feasible and safe alternative to PVA in patients with PH who are evaluated for pulmonary arterial hypertension diagnosis. Our experience and rapid adoption rate support the use of AVA as the preferred access site for RHC in uncomplicated PH patients.


2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 219-224
Author(s):  
Gabor Kovacs ◽  
Horst Olschewski

Pulmonary vascular disease represents one of the most frequent complications in systemic sclerosis leading to increased mortality. The recognition and appropriate clinical management of early pulmonary vascular disease could significantly improve the prognosis of affected patients. Early pulmonary vascular disease is characterized by the histological signs of pulmonary vascular remodeling, mildly increased mean pulmonary arterial pressure (21–24 mmHg) at rest, abnormal pulmonary hemodynamics during exercise, decreased exercise capacity, and a high risk for development of pulmonary arterial hypertension. Pulmonary hemodynamics can be investigated during exercise by echocardiography or by right heart catheterization both representing important clinical tools for the screening and confirmation of early pulmonary vascular disease. Further studies are needed to better understand the clinical course of systemic sclerosis patients with early pulmonary vascular disease and to define the characteristics of patients that will or will not profit from pulmonary arterial hypertension treatment.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 204589402093528 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dana Kay ◽  
Ferdous Kadri ◽  
Garrett Fitzpatrick ◽  
Hassan Alnuaimat ◽  
Raju Reddy ◽  
...  

Pulmonary arterial hypertension has been reported with a prevalence of 7.9% in patients with anti-synthetase syndrome; however, anti-synthetase syndrome associated with pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (PVOD) has never before been described in the literature. We present a novel case of anti-synthetase syndrome-associated PVOD in a patient who presented with hypoxic respiratory failure associated with right heart failure and was diagnosed with anti-synthetase syndrome based on his autoimmune serology and pre-capillary pulmonary hypertension on right heart catheterization. He was initiated on pulmonary arterial hypertension therapy, but with escalating dose of parenteral epoprostenol, experienced acute clinical worsening with chest imaging concerning for PVOD that was confirmed on autopsy. Anti-synthetase syndrome can be associated with PVOD, and it should be suspected in patients who have evidence of pre-capillary pulmonary hypertension and who deteriorate with the initiation of pulmonary hypertension-specific therapy.


Rheumatology ◽  
2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nobuya Abe ◽  
Masaru Kato ◽  
Michihito Kono ◽  
Yuichiro Fujieda ◽  
Hiroshi Ohira ◽  
...  

Abstract Objectives Pulmonary hypertension (PH) in patients with CTD is a heterogeneous condition affected by left heart disease, chronic lung disease and thromboembolism as well as pulmonary vascular disease. Recent studies using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) have shown that right ventricular dysfunction is predictive for mortality in patients with PH, but limited to pulmonary arterial hypertension. This study aimed to analyse prognostic factors in PH-CTD. Methods This retrospective analysis comprised 84 CTD patients, including SSc, who underwent both CMR and right heart catheterization from 2008 to 2018. Demographics, laboratory findings, and haemodynamic and morphological parameters were extracted. The prognostic value of each parameter was evaluated by multivariate analysis using covariables derived from propensity score to control confounding factors. Results Of 84 patients, 65 had right heart catheterization-confirmed PH (54 pulmonary arterial hypertension, 11 non-pulmonary arterial hypertension). Nine out of these PH patients died during a median follow-up period of 25 months. In 65 patients with PH, right ventricular end-diastolic dimension index (RVEDDI) evaluated by CMR was independently associated with mortality (hazard ratio 1.24; 95% CI: 1.08–1.46; P = 0.003). In a receiver operating characteristic analysis, RVEDDI highly predicted mortality, with area under the curve of 0.87. The 0.5–2-year follow-up data revealed that RVEDDI in both survivors and non-survivors did not significantly change over the clinical course, leading to the possibility that an early determination of RVEDDI could predict the prognosis. Conclusion RVEDDI simply evaluated by CMR could serve as a significant predictor of mortality in PH-CTD. A further validation cohort study is needed to confirm its usability.


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