Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension

Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension: the Bedside

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH), included in group 4 PH, is an uncommon complication of acute pulmonary embolism (PE), in which emboli in the pulmonary vasculature do not resolve but rather form into an organized scar-like obstruction which can result in right ventricular (RV) failure. Here we provide an overview of current diagnosis and management of CTEPH.

RECENT FINDINGS

CTEPH management is complex with treatments that range from surgery, percutaneous interventions, to medical therapies. Current CTEPH medical therapies have largely been repurposed from pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The diagnosis of CTEPH can be challenging, requiring a multimodality approach to differentiate from disease mimics. While these treatments improve symptoms, they may not reverse the underlying pathology of CTEPH.

Melo E, B. C. T. Coimbra L, Lapa MS, Acencio MMP, Freitas-Filho O, Capelozzi VL, Teixeira LR, Fernandes CJCS, Jatene FB, Laurindo FRM, Terra-Filho M. Shear stress-exposed pulmonary artery endothelial cells fail to upregulate HSP70 in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension

The pathophysiological mechanisms underlying chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) are still unclear. Endothelial cell (EC) remodeling is believed to contribute to this pulmonary disease triggered by thrombus and hemodynamic forces disbalance. Recently, we showed that HSP70 levels decrease by proatherogenic shear stress. Molecular chaperones play a major role in proteostasis in neurological, cancer and inflammatory/ infectious diseases. To shed light on microvascular responses in CTEPH, we characterized the expression of molecular chaperones and annexin A2, a component of the fibrinolytic system. There is no animal model that reproduces microvascular changes in CTEPH, and this fact led us to isolated endothelial cells from patients with CTEPH undergoing pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA). We exposed CTEPH-EC and control human pulmonary endothelial cells (HPAEC) to high- (15 dynes/cm2) or low- (5 dynes/cm2) shear stress. After high-magnitude shear stress HPAEC upregulated heat shock protein 70kDa (HSP70) and the HSP ER paralogs 78 and 94kDa glucose-regulated protein (GRP78 and 94), whereas CTEPH-ECs failed to exhibit this response. At static conditions, both HSP70 and HSP90 families in CTEPH-EC are decreased. Importantly, immunohistochemistry analysis showed that HSP70 expression was downregulated in vivo, and annexin A2 was upregulated. Interestingly, wound healing and angiogenesis assays revealed that HSP70 inhibition with VER-155008 further impaired CTEPH-EC migratory responses. These results implicate HSP70 as a novel master regulator of endothelial dysfunction in type 4 PH. Overall, we first show that global failure of HSP upregulation is a hallmark of CTEPH pathogenesis and propose HSP70 as a potential biomarker of this condition.

Overview of Riociguat and Its Role in the Treatment of Pulmonary Hypertension

Pulmonary hypertension (PH), which includes pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH), is a progressive condition with significant morbidity and mortality due to right heart failure if left untreated. Riociguat is a soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) stimulator and is the only treatment approved for both PAH and CTEPH. The objectives of this review are to describe the epidemiology and pathophysiology of PAH and CTEPH; synthesize the pharmacology, efficacy, safety, and utilization of riociguat; and discuss the role of the pharmacist in managing patients with these conditions. Data presented in this review is supported by peer reviewed literature, using PubMed and key words including pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary arterial hypertension, chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, and riociguat. The review draws on key studies and review articles that discuss the pathophysiology of PAH and CTEPH, as well as articles discussing the safety and efficacy of riociguat. The overall goal in the treatment of PAH and CTEPH is to improve long-term survival. Treatment planning depends on the type of PH, treatment goals, comorbidities, and risk profiles. Pharmacists serve a valuable role as part of the multidisciplinary team in the care of patients with PH, many of whom may have comorbidities that contribute to high costs and resource utilization. Riociguat is a first-in-class medication and the only approved treatment for both PAH and CTEPH. In clinical trials, riociguat has demonstrated favorable efficacy and tolerability. Riociguat is a valuable addition to the armamentarium of options for treating patients with PH.

The role of balloon pulmonary angioplasty and pulmonary endarterectomy: Is chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension still a life-threatening disease?

BACKGROUND

The management of non-operable chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) has evolved with the availability of balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) and pulmonary vasodilators. We launched the BPA program in 2011. The aim was to analyze the survival and treatment efficacy of our CTEPH treatment program in the modern management era.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We retrospectively reviewed data from 143 consecutive CTEPH patients diagnosed from January 2011 (i.e. after the availability of BPA) to December 2019. Of forty-one patients who underwent pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA), 25 underwent additional BPA (Combination group) and the others were treated with only PEA (PEA group). Ninety patients underwent BPA (BPA group). The remaining 12 patients did not undergo any interventional treatments. The 1- and 5-year survival rates of operated patients (n = 41) were 97.4% and 90.0%, compared to 96.9% and 86.9% in not-operated patients (n = 102), respectively (p = 0.579). There was no mortality in the Combination group. Mean pulmonary artery pressure after treatments in the PEA only, Combination, and BPA only groups was 20.5 ± 6.7, 17.9 ± 4.9, and 20.7 ± 4.6 mmHg, respectively (p = 0.067, one-way ANOVA). Percent decrease of pulmonary vascular resistance in each treatment groups was -73.7 ± 11.3%, -74.3 ± 11.8%, and - 54.9 ± 22.5%, respectively (p < 0.01, one-way ANOVA).

CONCLUSION

There was no significant difference in long-term survival between operated and not-operated CTEPH. Moreover, the Combination approach might have the potential to introduce notable improvements in the prognosis of CTEPH. BPA and PEA appear to be mutually complementary therapies in the modern management era.

Long-term changes of exercise hemodynamics and physical capacity in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension after pulmonary thromboendarterectomy

BACKGROUND

A substantial number of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) patients experience dyspnea on exertion and limited exercise capacity despite surgically successful pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA). We sought to prospectively evaluate resting and peak exercise hemodynamics before, 3 and 12 months after PEA in consecutive CTEPH-patients and correlate it to physical functional capacity.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Twenty consecutive CTEPH-patients were examined. Twelve months after PEA, 75% of patients with severely increased pre-PEA mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) at rest had normal or mildly increased mPAP. However, mPAP reduction was less pronounced during exercise where only 45% had normal or mildly increased mPAP at 12 months. Hemodynamic changes during exercise were tested using the pressure-flow relationship (i.e. mPAP/cardiac output (CO) slope). The average mPAP/CO slope was 7.5 ± 4.2 mm Hg/L/min preoperatively and 3.9 ± 3.0 mm Hg/L/min at 12 months (p < .005). CO reserve (CO increase from rest to peak exercise) was increased (5.7 ± 2.9 L/min) 12 months after PEA compared with pre-PEA (2.5 ± 1.8 L/min), p < .0001. However, 12 months after PEA, the CO reserve was only 49% of that of healthy controls, p < .0001. Changes in cardiac output (∆CO), calculated as the difference between CO before PEA and 12 months later, were significantly correlated with six-minute-walk-test and peak oxygen uptake (VO2), both at rest and peak exercise.

CONCLUSION

Invasive exercise hemodynamic examination in CTEPH-patients demonstrates that after otherwise successful PEA surgery, >50% of patients have a significant increase in exercise mPAP, and the CO reserve remains compromised 12 months after PEA. Improvement in physical capacity is correlated with ∆CO.

Primary intimal sarcoma of the pulmonary artery misdiagnosed as pulmonary thromboembolism: A case confirmed at medicolegal autopsy

Misdiagnosed PAS confirmed at medicolegal autopsy Pulmonary artery sarcoma (PAS) is a rare disease and usually indistinguishable from acute or chronic thromboembolic disease of the pulmonary arteries. We present a case of pulmonary artery sarcoma in a 54-year-old male, who was clinically misdiagnosed as pulmonary thromboembolism. The patient died of disease; however, the actual diagnosis of PAS was made after a medicolegal autopsy. PAS can be a diagnostic challenge for both clinicians and pathologists. In an autopsy case with a clinical suspicion of pulmonary thromboembolism, if there is an abnormal gross appearance in the pulmonary artery, the forensic pathologist should have a high index of suspicion of PAS, which should be ruled out by a histopathologic examination.

An Evaluation of the Learning Curve in Pulmonary Endarterectomy Using Propensity Score Matching

OBJECTIVE

Pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) is the only causative, but demanding treatment of choice for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). We analyzed our results with PEA to evaluate the learning curve.

METHODS

Consecutive 499 patients who underwent PEA between 1995 and 2014 were divided into two groups according to the temporal order: early cohort (n = 200, December 1995-March 2006), and late cohort (n = 299, March 2006-December 2014). We assessed perioperative outcomes after PEA as compared between the early and the late cohort also in propensity-score-matched cohorts.

RESULTS

Age at the surgery was older in the late cohort (p = 0.042). Preoperative mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) was 46.8 ± 11.0 mm Hg in the early cohort and 43.5 ± 112.7 mm Hg in the late cohort (p = 0.0035). The in-hospital mortality in the early and late cohorts was 14.0% (28/200) and 4.7% (14/299), respectively (p = 0.00030). The duration of circulatory arrest (CA) became much shorter in the late cohort (42.0 ± 20.5 min in the early and 24.2 ± 11.6 min in the late cohort, respectively, p < .0001). In matched cohorts, the in-hospital mortality showed no significant difference (8.7% in the early cohort and 5.2% in the late cohort, < 0.0001). The CA duration, however, was still shorter in the late cohort (p <0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Over time, older patients have been accepted for surgery, more patients were operated for lesser severity of CTEPH. Duration of CA and mortality decreased even beyond the first 200 patients, indicating a long learning curve.

Selexipag for Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension in Japanese Patients - A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Multicenter Phase II Study

BACKGROUND

Selexipag is an oral prostacyclin receptor (IP receptor) agonist with a non-prostanoid structure. This study examined its efficacy and safety in Japanese patients with non-operated or persistent/recurrent chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH).Methods and Results:This Phase II study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel-group comparison. The primary endpoint was a change in pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) from baseline to week 17. The main analysis involved a per-protocol set group of 28 subjects. The change in PVR (mean±SD) after 17 weeks of treatment in the selexipag group was -104±191 dyn·s/cm⁵, whereas that in the placebo group was 26±180 dyn·s/cm⁵. Thus, the treatment effect after 17 weeks of selexipag treatment was calculated as -130±189 dyn·s/cm⁵(P=0.1553). Although the primary endpoint was not met, for the group not concomitantly using a pulmonary vasodilator the PVR in the selexipag group was significantly decreased compared with placebo group (P=0.0364). The selexipag group also showed improvement in total pulmonary resistance and cardiac index.

CONCLUSIONS

Selexipag treatment improved pulmonary hemodynamics in Japanese patients with CTEPH, but PVR did not show a significant difference between the selexipag and placebo groups. (Trial registration: JAPIC Clinical Trials Information [JapicCTI-111667]).

Advances in targeted therapy for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is characterized by unresolved thrombi in the pulmonary arteries and microvasculopathy in nonoccluded areas. If left untreated, progressive pulmonary hypertension will induce right heart failure and, finally, death. Currently, pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) remains the only method that has the potential to cure CTEPH. Unfortunately, up to 40% of patients are ineligible for this procedure for various reasons. In recent years, refined balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) has become an alternative option for inoperable CTEPH patients, and it may be another curative treatment in the future, particularly in combination with prior PEA. Nevertheless, 23% of patients still suffer from persistent PH after BPA. Given that CTEPH shares many similarities with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), targeted drugs developed for PAH are also attractive options for CTEPH, especially for inoperable or persistent/recurrent CTEPH patients. To date, riociguat, macitentan, and subcutaneous treprostinil are the only drugs proven by randomized control trials to be capable of improving the exercise capacity (6-min walking distance) of CTEPH patients. In this review, we summarize the achievements and unresolved problems of PAH-targeted therapy for CTEPH over the last decade.

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension - still evolving

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is one of the leading causes of severe pulmonary hypertension (PH). The disease is still underdiagnosed, and the true prevalence is unknown. CTEPH is characterized by intraluminal non-resolving thrombus organization and fibrous stenosis, or complete obliteration of pulmonary arteries, promoted by progressive remodeling of the pulmonary vasculature. One consequence of this is an increase in pulmonary vascular resistance and pressure, resulting in PH and progressive right heart failure, leading to death if left untreated.

Endovascular disobliteration by pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) is the preferred treatment for CTEPH patients. PEA surgery is the only technique that can potentially cure CTEPH disease, especially in patients with fresh or organized thrombi of the proximal branches of pulmonary arteries. However, not all patients are eligible for PEA surgery. Recent research has provided evidence suggesting balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) and targeted medical therapy as additional promising available treatments options for inoperable CTEPH and recurrent/persistent PH after PEA surgery.

Studies on BPA have shown it to improve pulmonary hemodynamics, symptoms, exercise capacity and RV function in inoperable CTEPH. Subsequently, BPA has developed into an essential component of the modern era of CTEPH treatment. Large randomized controlled trials have demonstrated varying significant improvements with targeted medical therapy in technically inoperable CTEPH patients. Thus, treatment of CTEPH requires a comprehensive multidisciplinary assessment, including an experienced PEA surgeon, PH specialist, BPA interventionist and CTEPH-trained radiologist at expert centers. In this comprehensive review, we address the latest developments in the fast-evolving field of CTEPH. These include advancements in imaging modalities and developments in operative and interventional techniques, which have widened the range of patients who may benefit from these procedures. The efficacy and safety of targeted medical therapies in CTEPH patients are also discussed. As the treatment options for CTEPH improve, hybrid management involving multiple treatments in the same patient may become a viable option in the near future.

Long-term health-related quality of life after surgery in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension

PURPOSE

To assess the dynamic of various health-related quality of life (HRQoL) parameters 3 years after pulmonary thromboendarterectomy (PTE), and to identify factors affecting HRQoL parameters in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) in the long-term follow-up after surgery.

METHODS

This prospective cohort study included 128 patients with CTEPH before and after the PTE (3 year follow-up). The HRQoL was examined using the Short-Form 36 Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36).

RESULTS

In patients with CTEPH 3 years after PTE, a significant improvement in all the HRQoL parameters. The summary indicators of the physical and mental components of health remained at the same level as 1 year after the PTE and did not exceed 50 points. The residual pulmonary hypertension was a leading factor limiting parameters of physical and mental health 3 years after a PTE. In addition, the parameters of physical activity were adversely affected by age and the age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index.

CONCLUSIONS

In the study group of patients with CTEPH, PTE contributes to a significant improvement in all HRQoL parameters, which observed both 1 year and 3 years after surgery. The leading factor adversely affecting the physical and emotional components of health in the long-term period after PTE was residual pulmonary hypertension recorded in the early postoperative period. In addition, some physical HRQoL parameters are affected by age and age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index.

Effects of balloon pulmonary angioplasty for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension on remodeling in right-sided heart

Remodeling in the right-sided heart plays an important role in the management of pulmonary hypertension (PH) patients. However, the effect of balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) on right ventricular (RV) and right atrial (RA) morphology of patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) remains uncertain. This study involved 45 CTEPH patients who underwent BPA with mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) of 37.0 mmHg (all ≥ 25 mmHg). All patients underwent echocardiography and right-heart catheterization at baseline and 3 months after BPA. RV and RA remodeling was assessed as RV and the RA area, and RV systolic function was calculated by averaging peak speckle-tracking longitudinal strain of the RV free-wall (RV free-wall strain). Significant reverse remodeling in the right-sided heart was observed after BPA, resulting in improvement of mPAP and pulmonary vascular resistance (RV area: from 15.0 ± 5.3 to 9.6 ± 3.0 cm², p < 0.0001; RA area: from 17.3 ± 6.6 to 13.4 ± 3.8 cm², p = 0.0002; RV free-wall strain: from 15.9 ± 5.6 to 21.2 ± 4.9%, p < 0.0001). Furthermore, multiple regression analysis showed that the baseline RV area was an independent predictor of post-BPA normalization of RV systolic function defined as RV free-wall strain ≥ 20% (odds ratio = 1.16, p = 0.0305). Interestingly, significant RV reverse remodeling was also observed after additional BPA even in 18 CTEPH patients with residual pulmonary arterial stenosis, whose mPAP was normalized after BPA (RV area: from 11.5 ± 3.8 to 9.2 ± 3.8 cm², p = 0.0045; RV free-wall strain: from 17.2 ± 4.8 to 22.8 ± 7.4%, p = 0.0216). Significant reverse remodeling in the right-sided heart, as well as hemodynamic improvement, was observed in CTEPH patients after BPA.

Improved hemodynamics and cardiopulmonary function in patients with inoperable chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension after balloon pulmonary angioplasty

Background

Balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) has been demonstrated to improve cardiac function and exercise capacity in patients with inoperable chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH), but its instant impact on cardiopulmonary function has seldom been evaluated. This study aims to determine the safety and efficacy of BPA and its immediate and lasting effects on cardiopulmonary function among CTEPH patients.

Methods

From May 2018 to January 2019, patients with inoperable CTEPH who underwent BPA sessions were consecutively enrolled. Hemodynamics were measured by right heart catheterization, selective pulmonary angiography and BPA were successively conducted. Hemodynamic variables, WHO functional class (WHO-FC), 6-min walk distance (6MWD) and serum NT-proBNP were evaluated before and after BPA sessions during hospitalization. Pulmonary function testing (PFT) and cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) were performed within 1–3 days pre and post BPA to evaluate the effect of BPA on cardiopulmonary function.

Results

Twenty-five patients with inoperable CTEPH who underwent a total of forty BPA sessions were consecutively enrolled. A total of 183 segmental or subsegmental vessels (4.6 ± 1.9 vessels per session) in 137 segments (3.4 ± 1.6 segments per session) were dilated. No procedure-related complications occurred. Instant hemodynamics, WHO-FC, 6MWD and NT-proBNP were all significantly improved after a single BPA session. Significant improvement in cardiopulmonary function was also evident as assessed by PFT indexes (forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in the first second, maximal voluntary ventilation) and CPET parameters (peak work rate, peak VO₂, oxygen uptake efficiency slope). Further analysis among ten CTEPH patients receiving multiple BPA sessions (2–4 sessions) indicated BPA resulted in lasting improvements in hemodynamics and cardiopulmonary function.

Conclusions

BPA, a safe and effective approach, can bring instant improvements after a single session and lasting benefits after multiple sessions to hemodynamics and cardiopulmonary function for patients with inoperable CTEPH.

Clinical outcome and survival in 30 pulmonary hypertension patients with high severity indices and advanced functional class

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is an idiopathic or secondary disorder associated with many systemic illnesses. Long-term survival in PH depends on the severity and functional class. Several new drugs are now available to treat PH, but their impact on clinical outcome and survival are not well established.

OBJECTIVES

Evaluate severity parameters and the impact of current recommended therapy on survival in PH.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional.

SETTINGS

Tertiary care center.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study included adult patients who had undergone right heart catheterization since 2012 and were diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension. Survival was recorded after 6 years, at the end of the study. Nine severity variables for PH were assessed including right ventricular size by echocardiogram and pulmonary artery diameter (PA diameter) and the ratio of pulmonary artery diameter to ascending aorta diameter (PA/Ao ratio) by CT.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Evaluation of severity parameters.

SAMPLE SIZE

30 patients.

RESULTS

Twenty-five patients were positive for 8/9 severity parameters. Eight of 30 (26.6%) patients died. In nonsurvivors, right ventricular size was increased by 25% ( P=.427), pulmonary vascular resistance increased by 29.4% in nonsurvivors ( P=.302), the 6-minute walk distance decreased by 21% ( P=.875), median brain natriuretic peptide increased by 96% ( P=.890), median GGT and alkaline phosphatase were 3 times higher in nonsurvivors ( P=.893 and P=.047, respectively) and PA/Ao was nonsignificantly decreased in nonsurvivors ( P=.373), Survival was decreased by a median of 2.3 years in nonsurvivors.

CONCLUSION

Our study identified a subgroup of PH patients with NYHA functional class III and above with worsening severity indicators who were labeled as a high-risk group. These patients showed continuous deterioration in their clinical status despite escalation of therapy with current guidelines. We recommend these high-risk group patients be referred for early lung transplantation.

LIMITATIONS

Low sample size and only a single center. Needs confirmation with a larger multicenter trial.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

None.

Risk factors for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension - Importance of thyroid disease and function

INTRODUCTION

Although a number of risk factors for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) have been reported, the exact prevalence is controversial and varies between published cohorts. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of risk factors in operable CTEPH patients with special emphasis on thyroid disease and function.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Overall, 228 CTEPH patients (47.7% female; median age 63 [IQR 52-72] years) scheduled for pulmonary endarterectomy between 01/2014 and 12/2015 were studied. Prevalence of risk factors was assessed, and patients were classified according to their thyroid function based on laboratory measurements.

RESULTS

As many as 86.0% of patients reported a history of pulmonary embolism (PE; of those, 24.5% were diagnosed with "acute" PE less than six months before the diagnosis of CTEPH), 80.7% of patients had a blood group non-0 and 24.1% of patients had known thyroid disease (of those, 78.2% hypothyroidism). Laboratory measurements revealed thyroid dysfunction in 10.5% of patients (of those, 54.8% had no known thyroid disease). Patients with hypothyroid function had higher WHO functional classes, NT-proBNP levels and a lower cardiac index compared to patients with euthyroid function.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of a history of PE and blood group non-0 was higher than previously reported. However, a relevant proportion of patients might have suffered from pre-existing CTEPH rather than acute PE. Thyroid disease and dysfunction were frequent and hypothyroid function associated with more severe disease.

[Features of clinical, functional and hemodynamics profile, medical treatment and prognosis evaluation in patients with inoperable chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension and idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension according to the Russian registry]

AIM

to perform the complex analysis of clinical, functional, hemodynamics profile in patients with inoperable chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) compared to the idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) group at the time of diagnosis verification according to the Russian registry, and to evaluate the features of medical therapy and it's influence on prognosis in these patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In the retrospective study 193 patients with IPAH and 130 patients with inoperable CTEPH older than 18 years were included. All included patients were the participants of Russian registry (www.medibase.pro) in 15 Russian expert centers during the period from 01.01.2012 to 31.12.2018 year. The diagnosis was verified according to the algorithm, reflected in the Russian guidelines on diagnosis and treatment of PH and CTEPH (2016 year). The comparison analysis of clinical, functional, hemodynamics parameters in patients with IPAH and inoperable CTEPH was made.

RESULTS

The status of 193 patients with IPAH (32 male and 162 female) and 130 patients with inoperable CTEPH - (40 male and 90 female) was analyzed during the study. The CTEPH patients were older compared to the IPAH patients: 52.2 [41.1; 60.6] and 36.5 [26.8; 36.5] years, respectively. The median period since symptom occurrence till CTEPH verification was 1.08 [0.2; 3.1] years, in IPAH patients - 2.01 [0.6; 4.2] years. More than 80% of inoperable CTEPH patients had III and IV functional class (FC) according to the World Health Organization classification at the time of diagnosis verification versus 61% of IPAH patients. According to echocardiography the level of mean pulmonary arterial pressure was comparable in two groups of PH patients. However in inoperable CTEPH patients the right atrial area was larger. The significantly higher value of mean pulmonary arterial pressure and lower value oxygen saturation of arterial blood according to the right heart catheterization were revealed. The 5-year survival in CTEPH patients, receiving initial dual combination therapy in 75% cases (in 40% - combination of riociguat and iloprost ) was 93% versus 86.5% in patients with IPAH.

CONCLUSION

It was revealed, that inoperable CTEPH patients were significantly older with severe functional and hemodynamics status at the time of diagnosis verification, although with higher level of 5-year survival compared to the IPAH patients according to the Russian registry.

Prevalence of antiphospholipid (aPL) antibodies among patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension: a systematic review and meta-analysis

How thrombophilia may contribute to the development of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is unknown. We searched on PubMed and EMBASE (until 15 April 2018), studies on CTEPH reporting data on inherited or acquired thrombophilia. Starting from 367 articles mentioning the search terms, 347 were excluded mainly as duplicate articles or articles not in English. After reading the full text of remaining articles, ten were excluded for being reviews, editorials, letters or case reports, and two were further removed from the analysis because of the potential selection bias. All the eight considered studies provided the proportion of patients positive for antiphospholipid (aPL) antibodies. The crude rate of aPL in CTPEH patients is 11.8% (95% CI 10.09-13.8%). The meta-analysis considering the weighted mean proportion and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) yields a rate of aPL antibody-positive profile of 12.06% (95% CI 8.12-16.65%) among the patients with CTEPH in the random effects model (I² 76.33%; 95% CI 52.75-88.14%, p = 0.0001). The sensibility analysis confirms the result. No predictors of heterogeneity are found in a meta-regression analysis. Our results suggest that aPL antibodies are frequently associated with CTEPH underlining the need to test for aPL antibodies in young patients with "idiopathic" and "provoked" PE caused by mild provoking risk factors.

Hypercoagulability in Pulmonary Hypertension

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is divided into varied pathophysiological and etiologic groupings, as classified by the World Health Organization (WHO). Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), which falls under WHO group 1 PH, is a progressive and potentially fatal disease characterized by a vasoconstrictive, proliferative, and thrombotic phenotype, which leads to increased pulmonary artery pressure, right heart failure, and death. Pathologically, in situ thromboses are found in the small distal pulmonary arteries. Dysregulation of coagulation, platelet function, and endothelial cells may contribute to a prothrombotic state. There is mixed evidence for the use of anticoagulation or antiplatelet therapy in PAH patients.

Predictors of survival in patients with not-operated chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension

BACKGROUND

Treatment options for inoperable chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) have recently evolved with the availability of balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) and pulmonary vasodilators. Our aim was to analyze the prognostic variables associated with long-term outcome in a cohort of patients with not-operated CTEPH.

METHODS

From January 2006 to December 2016, 343 newly diagnosed consecutive patients with not-operated CTEPH were diagnosed and followed up in the French Reference Center for Pulmonary Hypertension. Overall long-term survival and prognostic factors according to the diagnosis period (early period, 2006-2012, vs recent period, since 2013, i.e., one year before availability of BPA) were analyzed.

RESULTS

In the overall population, baseline New York Heart Association functional class, right atrial pressure, 6-minute walk distance (6MWD), and diagnosis period were independent predictors of survival. The 1- and 3-year survival rates of patients diagnosed in the recent period (n = 170) were 91.6% and 85.0%, compared with 89.0% and 74.3% in patients diagnosed in the early period (n = 173), respectively (p = 0.030). Multivariate analysis from patients diagnosed in the recent period found that baseline 6MWD (per 20 m increase in distance) (hazard ratio [HR], 0.879; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.832-0.928, p < 0.001) and BPA (HR, 0.307; 95% CI, 0.099-0.957; p = 0.042) were independently associated with survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Survival of not-operated patients with CTEPH has significantly improved in the recent management era. New treatment options, including BPA, might have the potential to improve the prognosis of patients with inoperable CTEPH.

Case series of seven women with uterine fibroids associated with venous thromboembolism and chronic thromboembolic disease

Uterine fibroids have been described as an associate to acute venous thromboembolism (VTE), with case reports showing an association between large uterine fibroids, acute deep venous thrombosis (DVT), and acute pulmonary embolism (PE). However, there is little known about the association or causation between uterine fibroids, chronic thromboembolic disease (CTED), and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). We report on six women with uterine fibroids and CTEPH, as well as one woman with CTED, all of whom presented with exertional dyspnea, lower extremity swelling, and in the cases of CTEPH, clinical, echocardiographic, and hemodynamic evidence of pulmonary hypertension and right heart failure. Compression of the pelvic veins by fibroids was directly observed with invasive venography or contrast-enhanced computed tomography in five cases. All seven women underwent pulmonary thromboendarterectomy (PTE) followed by marked improvement in functional, clinical, and hemodynamic status.

The impact of patient choice on survival in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension

Pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) is the gold standard treatment for operable chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). However, a proportion of patients with operable disease decline surgery. There are currently no published data on this patient group. The aim of this study was to identify outcomes and prognostic factors in a large cohort of consecutive patients with CTEPH.Data were collected for consecutive, treatment-naive CTEPH patients at the Pulmonary Vascular Disease Unit of the Royal Hallamshire Hospital (Sheffield, UK) between 2001 and 2014.Of 550 CTEPH patients (mean±sd age 63±15 years, follow-up 4±3 years), 49% underwent surgery, 32% had technically operable disease and did not undergo surgery (including patient choice n=72 and unfit for surgery n=63), and 19% had inoperable disease due to disease distribution. The 5-year survival was superior in patients undergoing PEA (83%) versus technically operable disease who did not undergo surgery (53%) and inoperable due to disease distribution (59%) (p<0.001). Survival was superior in patients following PEA compared with those offered but declining surgery (55%) (p<0.001). In patients offered PEA, independent prognostic factors included mixed venous oxygen saturation, gas transfer and patient decision to proceed to surgery.Outcomes in CTEPH following PEA are excellent and superior to patients declining surgery, and strongly favour consideration of a surgical intervention in eligible patients.

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH): Updated Recommendations from the Cologne Consensus Conference 2018

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a subgroup of pulmonary hypertension that differs from all other forms of PH in terms of its pathophysiology, patient characteristics and treatment. For implementation of the European Guidelines on Diagnosis and Treatment of Pulmonary Hypertension in Germany, the Cologne Consensus Conference 2016 was held and last updated in spring of 2018. One of the working groups was dedicated to CTEPH, practical and controversial issues were commented and updated. In every patient with suspected PH, CTEPH or chronic thromboembolic disease (CTED, i.e. symptomatic residual vasculopathy without pulmonary hypertension) should be excluded. Primary treatment is surgical pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) in a multidisciplinary CTEPH centre. Inoperable patients or patients with persistent or recurrent CTEPH after PEA are candidates for targeted drug therapy. There is increasing experience with balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) for inoperable patients; this option, like PEA, is reserved for specialised centres with expertise in this treatment method.

Sequential Hybrid Therapy With Pulmonary Endarterectomy and Additional Balloon Pulmonary Angioplasty for Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension

Background

Residual symptoms after pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) remain as the clinical issues to be solved. Additional balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) after PEA showed its efficacy with symptoms in a case series, although long‐term spontaneous recovery of exercise ability after PEA was also reported. However, no studies have validated the clinical efficacy of additional BPA by directly comparing PEA with and without BPA. The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the efficacy of additional BPA as a sequential hybrid therapy for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension after PEA.

Methods and Results

Among 44 patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, 20 patients had residual symptoms after PEA. Of those, 10 patients underwent additional BPA (hybrid group) and were compared with the other 10 patients, who were followed up without BPA (PEA group). The period from PEA to additional BPA was 7.3±2.3 months. In hybrid group, mean pulmonary arterial pressure was significantly improved by PEA (40.6±1.8 to 26.9±3.1 mm Hg, P=0.001) and improved further (to 16.7±1.8 mm Hg, P=0.002) with additional BPA, which resulted in remarkable improvement in World Health Organization (WHO) functional class (pre‐ to post‐BPA: class I/II/III/IV, 0/5/4/1 to 7/3/0/0; P<0.001). Compared with the PEA group at follow‐up, the hybrid group achieved better mean pulmonary arterial pressure (18.7±1.7 versus 30.2±3.2 mm Hg, P=0.008), WHO functional class (class I/II/III/IV, 7/3/0/0 versus 0/8/2/0; P=0.001), and 6‐minute walking distance (429±38 versus 319±22 m, P=0.028).

Conclusions

A sequential hybrid strategy improved residual symptoms and exercise capacity compared with single‐PEA therapy.

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension and Endothelial Dysfunction Is Linked to NADPH Oxidase-Derived Superoxide Formation in Venous Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism in Mice

Pulmonary embolism (PE) results from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and can lead to chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) involving vascular dysfunction. Mechanisms are incompletely understood, in part due to lack of mouse models. We induced PE in C57BL/6 mice by intravenous injection of thrombin (166 U/kg BW), confirmed by a sudden bradycardia, bradypnea, and an increase in pulmonary artery (PA) pressure observed by high-frequency ultrasound. While symptoms resolved rapidly after single thrombin application, repeated PEs resulted in sustained PA-pressure increase, increased PA superoxide formation assessed by oxidative fluorescent microtopography, increased PA gp91^phox expression, and endothelial dysfunction assessed by isometric tension studies of isolated PA segments after 24 hours. DVT was modeled in C57BL/6 mice by ligation of the inferior vena cava (IVC). Importantly, small pulmonary emboli could be detected along with a mild phenotype of PA endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress in the absence of PA-pressure elevation. mRNA expression of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 was increased in PAs of mice with recurrent PE after repetitive thrombin injections and to a lesser extent in DVT mice. In summary, our data suggest that PA endothelial dysfunction, induced by gp91^phox-derived ROS, is an early event upon repetitive PE. This phenomenon might help to elucidate the mechanisms of PA dysfunction in the pathogenesis of CTEPH.

Life-Threatening Acute on Chronic Pulmonary Thromboembolism Requiring Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

A 71-year-old female patient was admitted to the emergency department with sudden aggravation of chest pain and severe dyspnea. Computed tomography showed extensive pulmonary thromboembolism. Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) was instituted due to sudden bradycardia and hypotension. An emergency operation was performed. However, chronic pulmonary thromboembolism combined with an acute pulmonary embolism was detected in the operating room. Embolectomy and endarterectomy were performed. ECMO was then discontinued. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 13 with warfarin for anticoagulation. The patient was followed up for 46 months as an outpatient without further thromboembolic events.

Chronic pulmonary embolism: diagnosis

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a complication of venous thromboembolic disease. Differently from other causes of pulmonary hypertension, CTEPH is potentially curable with surgery (thromboendarterectomy) or balloon pulmonary angioplasty. Imaging plays a central role in CTEPH diagnosis. The combination of techniques such as lung scintigraphy, computed tomography and magnetic resonance angiography provides non-invasive anatomic and functional information. Conventional pulmonary angiography (CPA) with right heart catheterization (RHC) is considered the gold standard method for diagnosing CTEPH. In this review, we discuss the utility of these imaging techniques in the diagnosis of CTEPH.

Poor Subpleural Perfusion Predicts Failure After Balloon Pulmonary Angioplasty for Nonoperable Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension

BACKGROUND

Poor subpleural perfusion (PSP) in the capillary phase of pulmonary angiography predicts worse outcomes following pulmonary endarterectomy in operable chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). Balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) has emerged as a treatment for nonoperable CTEPH. The goal of the present article was to assess the association between PSP and BPA failure.

METHODS

Subpleural perfusion was classified as poor (defined as subpleural spaces either not perfused or minimally perfused in all segments) or normal. We retrospectively reviewed PSP and hemodynamic variables of 101 consecutive patients who underwent BPA from February 2014 to August 2016. The total cross-sectional area of bronchial arteries was also measured by using CT scanning. Patients were categorized according to hemodynamic results after the last BPA: a failure group (defined as mean pulmonary arterial pressure > 30 mm Hg and a decrease in pulmonary vascular resistance < 30% [n = 15]) or a success group (n = 86).

RESULTS

Although baseline hemodynamic variables were similar between the two groups, PSP was observed in 46.7% of patients in the failure group vs 13.9% in the success group (P = .003). Multivariate analysis revealed that PSP was the only predictor of BPA failure (OR, 4.02 [95% CI, 1.17-13.89]; P = .028). Patients with PSP exhibited poorly developed bronchial arteries compared with patients with normal perfusion (7.0 [5.8-9.6] mm² vs 8.7 [6.9-11.3] mm²; P = .032).

CONCLUSIONS

PSP in the capillary phase, suggesting the presence of small vessel disease with diffuse distal thrombosis, is a predictor of BPA failure. PSP was also associated with less developed bronchial arteries, which suggests a key role of bronchial-pulmonary anastomoses in maintaining the pulmonary capillary bed open downstream of the pulmonary arterial obstruction. PSP affected approximately 15% of patients with nonoperable CTEPH who underwent BPA.

Neuropsychological outcomes after pulmonary endarterectomy using moderate hypothermia and periodic circulatory arrest

BACKGROUND

In this prospective, single-center, observational study, we investigated the association between repeated short periods of circulatory arrest with moderate hypothermia during pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) and different neuropsychological dimensions.

METHODS

We examined 70 patients with CTEPH, >18 to 80 years of age, who had been treated with PEA. Neuropsychological testing was performed.

RESULTS

Learning ability and delayed memory remained well within the normal range for patients' age. We found a statistically significant post-surgical improvement in motor speed, which was accompanied by a better quality of life and reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety.

CONCLUSION

PEA with repeated short periods of circulatory arrest in CTEPH did not result in any neuropsychological complications and may even lead to post-surgical psychological improvements.

Prevention and treatment of the chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is an uncommon and late complication of pulmonary embolism resulting from misguided remodelling of residual pulmonary thromboembolic material and small-vessel arteriopathy. CTEPH is the only form of pulmonary hypertension (PH) potentially curable by pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA). Unfortunately, several patients have either an unacceptable risk-benefit ratio for undergoing the surgical intervention or develop persistent PH after PEA. Novel medical and endovascular therapies can be considered for them. The soluble guanylate cyclase stimulator riociguat is recommended for the treatment of patients with inoperable disease or with recurrent/persistent PH after PEA. Other drugs developed for the treatment of other forms of PH, as prostanoids, phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors and endothelin receptor antagonists have been used in the treatment of CTEPH, with limited benefit. Balloon pulmonary angioplasty is a novel and promising technique and is progressively emerging from the pioneering phase. Highly specialized training level and complex protocols of postoperative care are mandatory to consolidate the technical success of the surgical and endovascular intervention.

Approach to Pulmonary Hypertension: From CT to Clinical Diagnosis

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a condition characterized by increased pressure in the pulmonary circulation. It may be idiopathic or arise in the setting of other clinical conditions. Patients with PH tend to present with nonspecific cardiovascular or respiratory symptoms. The clinical classification of PH was recently revised at the World Health Organization symposium in Nice, France, in 2013. That consensus statement provided an updated classification based on the shared hemodynamic characteristics and management of the different categories of PH. Some features seen at computed tomography (CT) can suggest a subtype or probable cause of PH that may facilitate placing the patient in the correct category. These features include findings in the pulmonary arteries (peripheral calcification, peripheral dilatation, eccentric filling defects, intra-arterial soft tissue), lung parenchyma (centrilobular nodules, mosaic attenuation, interlobular septal thickening, bronchiectasis, subpleural peripheral opacities, ground-glass opacities, diffuse nodules), heart (congenital lesions, left heart disease, valvular disease), and mediastinum (hypertrophied bronchial arteries). An approach based on identification of these CT features in patients with PH will allow the radiologist to play an important role in diagnosis and help guide the clinician in management of PH. ^©RSNA, 2018.

Sex-specific cardiopulmonary exercise testing indices to estimate the severity of inoperable chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension

Background

Sex differences in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) have been revealed in few studies. Although right heart catheterization (RHC) is the gold standard for clinical diagnosis and assessment of prognosis in pulmonary hypertension (PH), cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) has been a more widely used assessment of functional capacity, disease severity, prognosis, and treatment response in PH. We hypothesized that the “sex-specific” CPET indices could estimate the severity of inoperable CTEPH.

Methods

Data were retrieved for 33 male (age, mean ± standard deviation [SD] =62.5±13.4 years) and 40 female (age, mean ± SD =56.3±11.8 years) patients with stable CTEPH who underwent both RHC and CPET at Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital from February 2010 to February 2016. Univariate and forward/backward multiple stepwise regression analysis was performed to assess the predictive value of CPET indices to hemodynamic parameters. Event-free survival was estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method and analyzed with the log-rank test. Cox proportional hazards models were performed to determine the independent event-free survival predictors.

Results

Numerous CPET parameters were different between male and female patients with CTEPH and the control group. There were no significant differences in both clinical variables and RHC parameters between male and female patients with CTEPH. O₂ pulse, workload, minute ventilation (VE), and end-tidal partial pressure of O₂ (P_ETO₂) at anaerobic threshold, as well as peak O₂ pulse, workload, VE, and nadir VE/CO₂ were significantly higher in male patients than in female patients (P<0.05). Only oxygen uptake efficiency plateau (OUEP) showed a significantly higher difference in female than male patients (P<0.05). In addition, several CPET indices correlated with hemodynamic parameters, especially pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), which was distinctly different between the sexes. Nadir VE/CO₂ was an independent predictor of PVR in male patients with CTEPH, whereas OUEP was an independent predictor of PVR in female patients with CTEPH.

Conclusion

Even after confounding for age and body mass index, different CPET measurements of gas exchange efficiency correlated with PVR differently between male and female patients. This potentially could be used to estimate the severity of CTEPH.

Diagnostic Evaluation of Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension

Pulmonary hypertension is defined by a mean pulmonary artery pressure greater than 25 mm Hg. Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is defined as pulmonary hypertension in the presence of an organized thrombus within the pulmonary vascular bed that persists at least 3 months after the onset of anticoagulant therapy. Because CTEPH is potentially curable by surgical endarterectomy, correct identification of patients with this form of pulmonary hypertension and an accurate assessment of surgical candidacy are essential to provide optimal care. Patients most commonly present with symptoms of exertional dyspnea and otherwise unexplained decline in exercise capacity. Atypical chest pain, a nonproductive cough, and episodic hemoptysis are observed less frequently. With more advanced disease, patients often develop symptoms suggestive of right ventricular compromise. Physical examination findings are minimal early in the course of this disease, but as pulmonary hypertension progresses, may include nonspecific finding of right ventricular failure, such as a tricuspid regurgitation murmur, pedal edema, and jugular venous distention. Chest radiographs may suggest pulmonary hypertension, but are neither sensitive nor specific for the diagnosis. Radioisotopic ventilation-perfusion scanning is sensitive for detecting CTEPH, making it a valuable screening study. Conventional catheter-based pulmonary angiography retains an important role in establishing the presence and extent of chronic thromboembolic disease. However, computed tomographic and magnetic resonance imaging are playing a growing diagnostic role. Innovative technologies such as dual-energy computed tomography, dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging, and optical coherence tomography show promise for contributing diagnostic information and assisting in the preoperative characterization of patients with CTEPH.

Exercise facilitates early recognition of cardiac and vascular remodeling in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension in swine

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) develops in 4% of patients after pulmonary embolism and is accompanied by an impaired exercise tolerance, which is ascribed to the increased right ventricular (RV) afterload in combination with a ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) mismatch in the lungs. The present study aimed to investigate changes in arterial Po₂ and hemodynamics in response to graded treadmill exercise during development and progression of CTEPH in a novel swine model. Swine were chronically instrumented and received multiple pulmonary embolisms by 1) microsphere infusion (Spheres) over 5 wk, 2) endothelial dysfunction by administration of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase inhibitor N^ω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) for 7 wk, 3) combined pulmonary embolisms and endothelial dysfunction (L-NAME + Spheres), or 4) served as sham-operated controls (sham). After a 9 wk followup, embolization combined with endothelial dysfunction resulted in CTEPH, as evidenced by mean pulmonary artery pressures of 39.5 ± 5.1 vs. 19.1 ± 1.5 mmHg (Spheres, P < 0.001), 22.7 ± 2.0 mmHg (L-NAME, P < 0.001), and 20.1 ± 1.5 mmHg (sham, P < 0.001), and a decrease in arterial Po₂ that was exacerbated during exercise, indicating V/Q mismatch. RV dysfunction was present after 5 wk of embolization, both at rest (trend toward increased RV end-systolic lumen area, P = 0.085, and decreased stroke volume index, P = 0.042) and during exercise (decreased stroke volume index vs. control, P = 0.040). With sustained pulmonary hypertension, RV hypertrophy (Fulton index P = 0.022) improved RV function at rest and during exercise, but this improvement was insufficient in CTEPH swine to result in an exercise-induced increase in cardiac index. In conclusion, embolization in combination with endothelial dysfunction results in CTEPH in swine. Exercise increased RV afterload, exacerbated the V/Q mismatch, and unmasked RV dysfunction. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Here, we present the first double-hit chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension swine model. We show that embolization as well as endothelial dysfunction is required to induce sustained pulmonary hypertension, which is accompanied by altered exercise hemodynamics and an exacerbated ventilation/perfusion mismatch during exercise.

Thromboembolic resolution assessed by CT pulmonary angiography after treatment for acute pulmonary embolism

The systematic assessment of residual thromboembolic obstruction after treatment for acute pulmonary embolism (PE) has been under-studied. This assessment is of potential clinical importance, should clinically suspected recurrent PE occur, or as tool for risk stratification of cardiopulmonary complications or recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE). This study aimed to assess the rate of PE resolution and its implications for clinical outcome. In this prospective, multi-center cohort study, 157 patients with acute PE diagnosed by CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) underwent follow-up CTPA-imaging after six months of anticoagulant treatment. Two expert thoracic radiologists independently assessed the presence of residual thromboembolic obstruction. The degree of obstruction at baseline and follow-up was calculated using the Qanadli obstruction index. All patients were followed-up for 2.5 years. At baseline, the median obstruction index was 27.5 %. After six months of treatment, complete PE resolution had occurred in 84.1 % of the patients (95 % confidence interval (CI): 77.4–89.4 %). The median obstruction index of the 25 patients with residual thrombotic obstruction was 5.0 %. During follow-up, 16 (10.2 %) patients experienced recurrent VTE. The presence of residual thromboembolic obstruction was not associated with recurrent VTE (adjusted hazard ratio: 0.92; 95 % CI: 0.2–4.1). This study indicates that the incidence of residual thrombotic obstruction following treatment for PE is considerably lower than currently anticipated. These findings, combined with the absence of a correlation between residual thrombotic obstruction and recurrent VTE, do not support the routine use of follow-up CTPA-imaging in patients treated for acute PE.

Prevalence of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension after acute pulmonary embolism

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) has been estimated to occur in 0.1–0.5% of patients who survive a pulmonary embolism (PE), but more recent prospective studies suggest that its incidence may be much higher. The absence of initial haemodynamic evaluation at the time of PE should explain this discrepancy. We performed a prospective multicentre study including patients with PE in order to assess the prevalence and to describe risk factors of CTEPH. Follow-up every year included an evaluation of dyspnea and echocardiography using a predefined algorithm. In case of suspected CTEPH, the diagnosis was confirmed using right heart catheterisation (RHC). Signs of CTEPH were searched on the multidetector computed tomography (CT) and echocardiography performed at the time of PE. Of the 146 patients analysed, eight patients (5.4%) had suspected CTEPH during a median follow-up of 26 months. CTEPH was confirmed using RHC in seven cases (4.8%; 95%CI, 2.3 – 9.6) and ruled-out in one. Patients with CTEPH were older, had more frequently previous venous thromboembolic events and more proximal PE than those without CTEPH. At the time of PE diagnosis, patients with CTEPH had a higher systolic pulmonary artery pressure and at least two signs of CTEPH on the initial CT. After acute PE, the prevalence of CTEPH appears high. However, initial echocardiography and CT data at the time of the index PE suggest that a majority of patients with CTEPH had previously unknown pulmonary hypertension, indicating that a first clinical presentation of CTEPH may mimic acute PE.

Wave Intensity Analysis Provides Novel Insights Into Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension and Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension

Background

In contrast to systemic hypertension, the significance of arterial waves in pulmonary hypertension (PH) is not well understood. We hypothesized that arterial wave energy and wave reflection are augmented in PH and that wave behavior differs between patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH).

Methods and Results

Right heart catheterization was performed using a pressure and Doppler flow sensor–tipped catheter to obtain simultaneous pressure and flow velocity measurements in the pulmonary artery. Wave intensity analysis was subsequently applied to the acquired data. Ten control participants, 11 patients with PAH, and 10 patients with CTEPH were studied. Wave speed and wave power were significantly greater in PH patients compared with controls, indicating increased arterial stiffness and right ventricular work, respectively. The ratio of wave power to mean right ventricular power was lower in PAH patients than CTEPH patients and controls. Wave reflection index in PH patients (PAH: ≈25%; CTEPH: ≈30%) was significantly greater compared with controls (≈4%), indicating downstream vascular impedance mismatch. Although wave speed was significantly correlated to disease severity, wave reflection indexes of patients with mildly and severely elevated pulmonary pressures were similar.

Conclusions

Wave reflection in the pulmonary artery increased in PH and was unrelated to severity, suggesting that vascular impedance mismatch occurs early in the development of pulmonary vascular disease. The lower wave power fraction in PAH compared with CTEPH indicates differences in the intrinsic and/or extrinsic ventricular load between the 2 diseases.

Modern diagnosis of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) should be suspected in patients presenting persistent dyspnea three months after a pulmonary embolism or in patients presenting with acute pulmonary embolism and suggestive images on the CT-scan. For these patients, a specific diagnostic work-up should be performed. First step consists of the ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) scan which is a good screening test due to its high sensitivity and high negative predictive value. Pulmonary angiography remains the gold standard approach for the confirmation of the diagnosis and pre-surgical evaluation of CTEPH. New emerging technologies such as Dual-Energy Computed Tomography angiography (DECT) and Computed Tomography angiography (CTA) are developing and broadly available. These non invasive methods provide diagnostic information similar to conventional pulmonary angiography and surgical operability information. They are to be considered as an alternative in the diagnostic approach of patients with CTEPH as presented in the ESC/ERS guidelines. Haemodynamic measurement whiles exercising during right heart catheterization may improve diagnostic sensitivity of CTEPH and could therefore be used as a diagnostic test in patient with normal haemodynamic at rest.

ANTIBIOGRAM STUDY AND ANTIBIOTIC USE EVALUATION USING GYSSEN METHOD IN PATIENTS WITH DIABETIC FOOT

Foot infection is a common and serious problem in people with diabetes, which require proper management (diagnostic and therapeutic approaches) that can be cured. Empiric antibiotic regimen should be based on clinical data and bacteria pattern that are available, but definitive therapy should be based on the results of the infected tissue culture. The selection of initial antibiotic therapy was difficult and unwise use can lead to antibiotic-resistant. Evaluation is needed for using antibiotics to benefit wisely. The aim of this research is to analyzed the pattern of bacteria in diabetic foot and to its sensitivity test to antibiotics, analyze empiric antibiotics that can be recommended, and analyzed the use of antibiotics by Gyssen method. Data was analyzed with observational studies (descriptive non-experimental), retrospectively and prospectively in patients diabetic foot infection that met inclusion criteria. Retrospective data are used to analyzed bacteria pattern and its sensitivity test, while prospective data are used to evaluated the use of antibiotics based on bacteria pattern, during the period of late March-early August 2015 at Mardi Waluyo Hospital. Evaluation was conducted by Gyssen method. The results, retrospective data samples obtained 30 infection bacteria during August 2014-March 2015. The prevalence of gram-negative bacteria as 53.33% with most types of bacteria E.coli and Klebsiella oxytoca (13.33%), and gram-positive bacteria as 46.67% with the highest bacteria are Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. From the prospective data in inclusion criteria, 13 patients with the highest prevalence of gram-negative bacteria are Klebsiella oxytoca (28.57%), and most gram-positive Staphylococcus auerus (35.71%). While the qualitative analysis of antibiotic use was conducted on 50 types of antibiotics. The results of the qualitative analysis using Gyssens method obtained category as 62%, 2%, 14%, 2B category as 26%, 3A category as 10%, 4A category 52%, 4B category as 6%, 4C category as 8% and there are no use of antibiotics in the category V and VI. Conclusions, Gyessen method can show that the use of antibiotics in diabetic foot patients in Mardi Waluyo hospital is dominated by inaccuracy in choice of antibiotic, and inaccuracies in the interval antibiotics.

Chronic complications of venous thromboembolism

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common disease (~700 per 100 000) that is associated with significant risk of recurrence, chronic complications, and substantial mortality, with reported death rates of up to 40% at 10 years. The development of novel anticoagulants has revolutionized the treatment of acute VTE, while strategies for prevention and treatment of chronic complications still seek for such a landmark change. Impaired thrombus resolution is the common denominator behind VTE complications, which are postthrombotic syndrome (PTS) and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). PTS and CTEPH are associated with substantial morbidity and high healthcare expenses. While PTS occurs in up to 50% of patients after symptomatic deep vein thrombosis, only a small and poorly defined number of patients are diagnosed with CTEPH after pulmonary embolism. This review is a comprehensive summary of VTE-related chronic complications, their epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment.

A Pulmonary Embolism Response Team: initial experiences and future directions

INTRODUCTION

Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is a common cardiovascular condition resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. Consensus recommendations suggest risk stratification of patients into three main categories: high-risk or 'massive' PE, intermediate-risk or 'submassive' PE, and low-risk PE. Given the relative dearth of prospective, randomized clinical trials delineating optimal selection of the diverse medical, interventional, and surgical treatment approaches, clinical care requires a multidisciplinary expert approach to patients with PE. Areas covered: The Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Pulmonary Embolism Response Team (PERT) was the first of its kind to create a multidisciplinary, rapid response team for acute PE, integrated within a research and educational framework. The MGH PERT has treated more than 700 patients with PE, the majority of which are in the 'massive' or 'submassive' categories. The PERT Consortium™ was founded in 2015 as a collaborative network between the growing number of PERT programs internationally, with greater than 80 institutions participating within one year of establishment. Expert commentary: Since its advent, the PERT model has expanded throughout the United States and internationally through a collaborative institutional and research network. PERT may represent a new standard for the care of patients with acute PE.

Recurrent pulmonary emboli with characteristic histopathology

We report a unique case of recurrent thromboembolism and its histological findings that were revealed in an autopsy. Although it is well known that repeating thrombosis presents organization and recanalization, we also observed rare findings of thickening of the bronchial artery and fixation of the valve of the lower extremity vein in this case.