Echocardiography in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension

Semin Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2006 Fall;18(3):230-5. doi: 10.1053/j.semtcvs.2006.09.006.

Abstract

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a significant complication of venous thromboembolism and is caused by incomplete resolution of pulmonary emboli. The persistent chronic pulmonary hypertension leads to right-ventricle pressure overload. As a result, there is often significant functional and morphological alteration of both the right and the left ventricle. Transthoracic echocardiography, which allows for the estimation of pulmonary arterial pressures, not only plays an important role in the diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension but also provides insights in the pathophysiology of CTEPH. This article reviews the echocardiographic techniques and findings in CTEPH patients.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Chronic Disease
  • Humans
  • Hypertension, Pulmonary / diagnostic imaging*
  • Hypertension, Pulmonary / etiology
  • Hypertension, Pulmonary / surgery
  • Pulmonary Embolism / complications
  • Pulmonary Embolism / diagnostic imaging*
  • Pulmonary Embolism / surgery
  • Ultrasonography