Pengo et al reported criteria and risk factors for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTPH). CTPH occurs sooner and more often than many clinicians expect. The authors are from the Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension Study Group.
Criteria for the diagnosis of CTPH:
(1) pulmonary artery systolic blood pressure > 40 mm Hg
(2) pulmonary artery mean blood pressure > 25 mm Hg
(3) pulmonary capillary wedge pressure normal
(4) angiographic evidence of thromboemboli
Risk factors for CTPH:
(1) history of previous pulmonary emboli
(2) younger age (mean age for patients about 49 years vs 62 for controls)
(3) larger perfusion defect
(4) idiopathic pulmonary embolism
While most patients with an acute pulmonary embolus recover, a few may develop pulmonary hypertension. These patients can be detected with adequate followup.
To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.
