Imaging of Pulmonary Hypertension: Pictorial Essay

Impact of an expert-derived, quick hands-on tool on classifying pulmonary hypertension in chest computed tomography: a study on inexperienced readers using RAPID-CT-PH

PURPOSE

To test the inter-reader agreement in classifying pulmonary hypertension (PH) on chest contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) between a consensus of two cardio-pulmonary-devoted radiologists (CRc) and inexperienced readers (radiology residents, RRs) when using a CECT-based quick hands-on tool built upon PH imaging literature, i.e., the "Rapid Access and Practical Information Digest on Computed Tomography for PH-RAPID-CT-PH".

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The observational study retrospectively included 60 PH patients who underwent CECT between 2015 and 2022. Four RRs independently reviewed all CECTs and classified each case into one of the five PH groups per the 2022 ESC/ERS guidelines. While RR3 and RR4 (RAPID-CT-PH group) used RAPID-CT-PH, RR1 and RR2 (control group) did not. RAPID-CT-PH and control groups' reports were compared with CRc using unweighted Cohen's Kappa (k) statistics. RRs' report completeness and reporting time were also compared using the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test.

RESULTS

The inter-reader agreement in classifying PH between the RAPID-CT-PH group and CRc was substantial (k = 0.75 for RR3 and k = 0.65 for RR4); while, it was only moderate for the control group (k = 0.57 for RR1 and k = 0.49 for RR2). Using RAPID-CT-PH resulted in significantly higher report completeness (all p < 0.0001) and significantly lower reporting time (p < 0.0001) compared to the control group.

CONCLUSION

RRs using RAPID-CT-PH showed a substantial agreement with CRc on CECT-based PH classification. RAPID-CT-PH improved report completeness and reduced reporting time. A quick hands-on tool for classifying PH on chest CECT may help inexperienced radiologists effectively contribute to the PH multidisciplinary team.

Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension: Clinical and Imaging Evaluation

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a complication of pulmonary embolism and is an important cause of pulmonary hypertension. As a clinical entity, it is frequently underdiagnosed with prolonged diagnostic delays. This study reviews the clinical and radiographic findings associated with CTEPH to improve awareness and recognition. Strengths and limitations of multiple imaging modalities are reviewed. Accompanying images are provided to supplement the text and provide examples of important findings for the reader.

Cardiovascular metrics on CT pulmonary angiography in patients with pulmonary hypertension - re-evaluation under the updated guidelines of pulmonary hypertension

PURPOSE

To re-assess cardiovascular metrics on computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) in predicting pulmonary hypertension (PH) under the 2022 ESC/ERS guidelines.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This observational study retrospectively included 272 patients (female 143, mean age = 54.9 ± 12.5 years old) with suspected PH. 218 patients were grouped to evaluate cardiovascular metrics on CTPA and develop a binary logistic regression model. The other 54 patients were grouped into the validation group to assess the performance of the prediction model under the updated criteria. Based on mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP), patients were divided into three groups: group A consisted of patients with mPAP ≤ 20 mmHg, group B included patients with 20 mmHg < mPAP < 25 mmHg, and group C comprised patients with mPAP ≥ 25 mmHg. Cardiovascular metrics among the three groups were compared, and receiver operating characteristic curves (ROCs) were used to evaluate the performance of cardiovascular metrics in predicting mPAP > 20 mmHg.

RESULTS

The main pulmonary arterial diameter (MPAd), MPAd/ascending aorta diameter ratio (MPAd/AAd ratio), and right ventricular free wall thickness (RVFWT) showed significant differences among the three groups (p < 0.05). The area under curve (AUC) of MPAd was larger than MPAd/AAd ratio and RVFWT. A MPAd cutoff value of 30.0 mm has a sensitivity of 83.1% and a specificity of 90.4%. The AUC of the binary logistic regression model (Z =  - 12.98187 + 0.31053 MPAd + 1.04863 RVFWT) was 0.938 ± 0.018. In the validation group, the AUC, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the prediction model were 0.878, 92.7%, 76.9%, and 88.9%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Under the updated criteria, MPAd with a threshold value of 30.0 mm has better sensitivity and specificity in predicting PH. The binary logistic regression model may improve the diagnostic accuracy.

CRITICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT

Under the updated criteria, the main pulmonary arterial diameter with a threshold value of 30.0 mm has better sensitivity and specificity in predicting pulmonary hypertension. The binary logistic regression model may improve diagnostic accuracy.

KEY POINTS

• According to 2022 ESC/ERS guidelines, a MPAd cutoff value of 30.0 mm has better sensitivity and specificity in predicting mPAP > 20 mmHg • A binary logistic regression model (Z = - 12.98187 + 0.31053 MPAd + 1.04863 RVFWT) was developed and had a sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 92.7%, 76.9%, and 88.9% in predicting mPAP > 20 mmHg. • A binary logistic regression prediction model outperforms MPAd in predicting mPAP > 20 mmHg.

Development and validation of a predictive model for pulmonary hemorrhage in computed tomography-guided percutaneous lung biopsy

PURPOSE

This study aimed to identify risk factors for pulmonary hemorrhage (PH) and higher-grade PH that complicate computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous lung biopsy (CT-PNLB) and establish predictive models to quantify the risk.

METHODS

A total of 2653 cases of CT-PNLB were enrolled. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify independent risk factors to develop a nomogram prediction model. The model was assessed using the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) and calibration curves and validated in the validation group.

RESULTS

PH occurred in 23.52% (624/2653) of cases, and higher-grade PH occurred in 7.09% (188/2653) of cases. The parameters of lesion size, puncture depth, and contact to pleura were identified as risk factors of PH and higher-grade PH in the logistic regression model, besides the position as a risk factor for PH. The AUC of the PH prediction model was 0.776 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.752-0.800], whereas that of the validation group was 0.743 (95% CI: 0.706-0.780). The AUC of the higher-grade PH prediction model was 0.782 (95% CI: 0.742-0.832), whereas that of the validation group was 0.769 (95% CI: 0.716-0.822). The calibration curves of the model showed good agreement between the predicted and actual probability in the development and validation groups.

CONCLUSION

We identified risk factors associated with PH and higher-grade PH after PNLBs. Furthermore, we developed and validated two risk prediction models for PNLB-related PH and higher-grade PH risk prediction and clinical decision support. Key messages What is already known on this topic Pulmonary hemorrhage (PH) and other hemorrhagic complications are the most common complication in CT-guided percutaneous lung biopsy (CT-PNLB), except pneumothorax. However, the risk factors associated with PH remain controversial, and research on models of PH and higher-grade PH is also limited. What this study adds The parameters of lesion size, puncture depth, and contact to pleura were identified as risk factors of PH and higher-grade PH in the logistic regression model, besides the position as a risk factor for PH. In addition, we developed and validated two risk prediction models for PNLB-related PH and higher-grade PH risk prediction and clinical decision support. How this study might affect research, practice, or policy Of all the predictors, the position is the key factor to be considered by the operator. Moreover, two risk prediction models show good discrimination and calibration characteristics to identify patients at high risk of hemorrhage and higher-grade PH after PNLB, so these could assist clinicians in avoiding risk factors in advance.

Lung Imaging in COPD Part 1: Clinical Usefulness

COPD is a condition characterized by chronic airflow obstruction resulting from chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or both. The clinical picture is usually progressive with respiratory symptoms such as exertional dyspnea and chronic cough. For many years, spirometry was used to establish a diagnosis of COPD. Recent advancements in imaging techniques allow quantitative and qualitative analysis of the lung parenchyma as well as related airways and vascular and extrapulmonary manifestations of COPD. These imaging methods may allow prognostication of disease and shed light on the efficacy of pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions. This is the first of a two-part series of articles on the usefulness of imaging methods in COPD, and it highlights useful information that clinicians can obtain from these imaging studies to make more accurate diagnosis and therapeutic decisions.

Pulmonary Hypertension in Chronic Lung Diseases: What Role Do Radiologists Play?

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a pathophysiological disorder, defined by a mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) > 20 mmHg at rest, as assessed by right heart catheterization (RHC). PH is not a specific disease, as it may be observed in multiple clinical conditions and may complicate a variety of thoracic diseases. Conditions associated with the risk of developing PH are categorized into five different groups, according to similar clinical presentations, pathological findings, hemodynamic characteristics, and treatment strategy. Most chronic lung diseases that may be complicated by PH belong to group 3 (interstitial lung diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, combined pulmonary fibrosis, and emphysema) and are associated with the lowest overall survival among all groups. However, some of the chronic pulmonary diseases may develop PH with unclear/multifactorial mechanisms and are included in group 5 PH (sarcoidosis, pulmonary Langerhans' cell histiocytosis, and neurofibromatosis type 1). This paper focuses on PH associated with chronic lung diseases, in which radiological imaging-particularly computed tomography (CT)-plays a crucial role in diagnosis and classification. Radiologists should become familiar with the hemodynamical, physiological, and radiological aspects of PH and chronic lung diseases in patients at risk of developing PH, whose prognosis and treatment depend on the underlying disease.

Pulmonary Hypertension Caused by Fibrosing Mediastinitis

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a progressive and severe disorder in pulmonary hemodynamics. PH can be fatal if not well managed. Fibrosing mediastinitis (FM) is a rare and benign fibroproliferative disease in the mediastinum, which may lead to pulmonary vessel compression and PH. PH caused by FM (PH-FM) is a pathologic condition belonging to group 5 in the World Health Organization PH classification. PH-FM has a poor prognosis because of a lack of effective therapeutic modalities and inappropriate diagnosis. With the development of percutaneous pulmonary vascular interventional therapy, the prognosis of PH-FM has been greatly improved in recent years. This article provides a comprehensive review on the epidemiology, pathophysiologic characteristics, clinical manifestations, diagnostic approaches, and treatment modalities of PH-FM based on data from published reports and our medical center with the goal of facilitating the diagnosis and treatment of this fatal disease.

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PH-FM, as a type of rare condition in group 5 PH, has a poor prognosis because of a lack of effective therapeutic modalities and frequent misdiagnosis and underdiagnosis.

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The most prevalent trigger of FM is H-FM in the United States and TB-FM in China.

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Imaging findings, including mismatched perfusion defects in the V/Q scan, FM dyad, and FM triad are important diagnostic clues, and clinical classification facilitates decision making in diagnosis and therapeutics.

•

Because of the limited efficacy of drug therapy as well as the uncertain effectiveness and high risk of surgical treatment, endovascular interventional modality is currently the preferred therapeutic option, although procedure-related complications and intrastent restenosis after PV intervention need to be addressed.

Pulmonary Artery Vasoconstriction Due to Bronchial Obstruction

Pulmonary artery (PA) vasoconstriction resulting from pulmonary ventilation/perfusion imbalance is infrequently detected with computed tomography (CT). An 85-year-old woman presented to the emergency room with dyspnea and desaturation, despite oxygen supply. A CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) revealed massive central bronchial mucoid impaction in all but the right upper bronchus. Only the right upper pulmonary veins were opacified, which we speculate was linked to the central bronchial obstruction, with identical distributions, through vasoconstriction of the corresponding PAs.

Teaching Point: This case demonstrates the unusual imagery-physiology correlation of pulmonary artery vasoconstriction that cannot normally be detected by CTPA.

Bronchiectasis: Retrospective Analysis of Clinical and Pathological Findings in a Tertiary-Care Hospital

BACKGROUND

Bronchiectasis is still a challenging chronic lung disease in developing countries. Patients with bronchiectasis can also have pulmonary hypertension. There are sparse data on the prevalence of pulmonary hypertension in patients with bronchiectasis. Materials and methods. Archived H&E-stained slides of 141 patients histopathologically diagnosed with bronchiectasis were reevaluated. Cases were categorized into 4 subgroups based on histology: tubular, varicose, follicular, and cystic. In addition, concomitant histopathological changes were also reevaluated. For patients with available CT sections, main, right, and left pulmonary artery (PA) diameters and PA/aorta ratio were measured with regard to pulmonary hypertension.

RESULTS

Of the cases, 70% (n = 89) were female and 30% (n = 52) were male, with a mean age of 36.58 in females and 33.84 in males. Histopathologically, 43% (n = 68) of the cases showed follicular, 37% (n = 59) showed varicose, 35% (n = 56) showed tubular, and 28% (n = 45) showed cystic bronchiectasis morphology. All cases showed chronic inflammation, fibrosis, muscle destruction, and cartilage destruction. Aspergillus were present in 11% of the cases showing cystic morphology. Approximately 17% of the cases (n = 24) were found to have neuroendocrine cell proliferations. In cases with medial hypertrophy, a statistically significant increase in the left pulmonary artery diameter was radiologically determined.

CONCLUSIONS

Medial hypertrophy was found to be significant with regard to indicating a radiological increase in left pulmonary artery diameter. Vascular changes observed in bronchiectasis cases and the presence of neuroendocrine cell proliferations should be specified in pathology reports, and aspergilloma should be carefully investigated in cases with predominant cystic morphology.

Balloon pulmonary angioplasty for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension

ABSTRACT

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) remains significantly underdiagnosed in patients with a history of pulmonary embolism. These patients complain of persistent shortness of breath and present with hypoxemia despite proper anticoagulation. Further investigation reveals evidence of right ventricular dysfunction on echocardiogram, which progresses to right heart failure. CTEPH is associated with a significant increase in patient morbidity and mortality if left untreated. This article offers an approach for the timely recognition of this condition, in addition to suggesting a management protocol with an emphasis on the role of interventional radiology and balloon pulmonary angioplasty.

[Increased pulmonary arterial and venous pressure]

BACKGROUND

Increases in pressure in the pulmonary arteries or pulmonary veins may be the result of a variety of underlying diseases. Noninvasive imaging plays a crucial role not only for identification, but also for differential diagnosis.

OBJECTIVES

This article provides a comparative review of the signs of increased pulmonary arterial and pulmonary venous pressure in chest X‑ray and computed tomography (CT).

RADIOLOGICAL PROCEDURES

Typical signs of a pulmonary arterial or pulmonary venous pressure increase in chest X‑ray and CT facilitate diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension (e.g., enlargement of central pulmonary arteries) and interstitial or alveolar pulmonary edema (e.g., Kerley lines/thickened interlobular septae or butterfly edema). A basic understanding of imaging findings and underlying pathophysiology helps in establishing the differential diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Chest X‑ray and CT are essential for diagnosis of patients with suspected increased pulmonary arterial or pulmonary venous pressure.

Impact of Pulmonary Artery Dilatation on Clinical Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical impact of computed tomography (CT)-derived pulmonary artery dilatation (PAD) in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).

BACKGROUND

Several studies have reported an association between pulmonary hypertension and cardiovascular events, but the prognostic value of PAD in patients undergoing TAVR remains unclear.

METHODS

The preprocedural computed tomographic studies of patients who underwent TAVR at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center between November 2013 and December 2017 were analyzed. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the presence of PAD assessed on CT (pulmonary artery [PA] diameter ≥29 mm). The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality at 2 years.

RESULTS

A total of 895 patients were included (mean age 81.3 ± 8.5 years), with a mean Society of Thoracic Surgeons score of 4.8%. The median PA diameter was 28.0 mm, and PAD was observed in 369 patients (41.2%). Compared with the no-PAD group, the PAD group had higher Society of Thoracic Surgeons scores and higher rates of atrial fibrillation, chronic kidney disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The PAD group had higher 2-year all-cause mortality than the no-PAD group (28.9% vs 12.8%; P < 0.001), and PAD was independently associated with mortality (adjusted HR: 2.21; 95% CI: 1.44-3.39; P < 0.001). Furthermore, PAD had strong prognostic power in the subgroup analysis, stratified according to PA pressure (>36 mm Hg).

CONCLUSIONS

CT-derived PAD is a significant prognostic factor in patients undergoing TAVR.

What's new in pulmonary hypertension clinical research: lessons from the best abstracts at the 2020 American Thoracic Society International Conference

In this conference paper, we review the 2020 American Thoracic Society International Conference session titled, "What's New in Pulmonary Hypertension Clinical Research: Lessons from the Best Abstracts". This virtual mini-symposium took place on 21 October 2020, in lieu of the annual in-person ATS International Conference which was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Seven clinical research abstracts were selected for presentation in the session, which encompassed five major themes: (1) standardizing diagnosis and management of pulmonary hypertension, (2) improving risk assessment in pulmonary arterial hypertension, (3) evaluating biomarkers of disease activity, (4) understanding metabolic dysregulation across the spectrum of pulmonary hypertension, and (5) advancing knowledge in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. Focusing on these five thematic contexts, we review the current state of knowledge, summarize presented research abstracts, appraise their significance and limitations, and then discuss relevant future directions in pulmonary hypertension clinical research.

Pulmonary Functional Imaging: Part 2-State-of-the-Art Clinical Applications and Opportunities for Improved Patient Care

Pulmonary functional imaging may be defined as the regional quantification of lung function by using primarily CT, MRI, and nuclear medicine techniques. The distribution of pulmonary physiologic parameters, including ventilation, perfusion, gas exchange, and biomechanics, can be noninvasively mapped and measured throughout the lungs. This information is not accessible by using conventional pulmonary function tests, which measure total lung function without viewing the regional distribution. The latter is important because of the heterogeneous distribution of virtually all lung disorders. Moreover, techniques such as hyperpolarized xenon 129 and helium 3 MRI can probe lung physiologic structure and microstructure at the level of the alveolar-air and alveolar-red blood cell interface, which is well beyond the spatial resolution of other clinical methods. The opportunities, challenges, and current stage of clinical deployment of pulmonary functional imaging are reviewed, including applications to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, interstitial lung disease, pulmonary embolism, and pulmonary hypertension. Among the challenges to the deployment of pulmonary functional imaging in routine clinical practice are the need for further validation, establishment of normal values, standardization of imaging acquisition and analysis, and evidence of patient outcomes benefit. When these challenges are addressed, it is anticipated that pulmonary functional imaging will have an expanding role in the evaluation and management of patients with lung disease.

Perioperative Management of Pulmonary Hypertension. a Review

Pulmonary hypertension is a rare and progressive pathology defined by abnormally high pulmonary artery pressure mediated by a diverse range of aetiologies. It affects up to twenty-six individuals per one million patients currently living in the United Kingdom (UK), with a median life expectancy of 2.8 years in idiopathic pulmonary hypertension. The diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension is often delayed due to the presentation of non-specific symptoms, leading to a delay in referral to specialists services. The complexity of treatment necessitates a multidisciplinary approach, underpinned by a diverse disease aetiology from managing the underlying disease process to novel specialist treatments. This has led to the formation of dedicated specialist treatment centres within centralised UK cities. The article aimed to provide a concise overview of pulmonary hypertension's clinical perioperative management, including key definitions, epidemiology, pathophysiology, and risk stratification.

[Current Aspects of Definition and Diagnosis of Pulmonary Hypertension]

At the 6th World Symposium on Pulmonary Hypertension (WSPH), which took place from February 27 until March 1, 2018 in Nice, scientific progress over the past 5 years in the field of pulmonary hypertension (PH) was presented by 13 working groups. The results of the discussion were published as proceedings towards the end of 2018. One of the major changes suggested by the WSPH was the lowering of the diagnostic threshold for PH from ≥ 25 to > 20 mmHg mean pulmonary arterial pressure, measured by right heart catheterization at rest. In addition, the pulmonary vascular resistance was introduced into the definition of PH, which underlines the importance of cardiac output determination at the diagnostic right heart catheterization.In this article, we discuss the rationale and possible consequences of a changed PH definition in the context of the current literature. Further, we provide a current overview on non-invasive and invasive methods for diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and prognosis of PH, including exercise tests.

Occult pulmonary arterial hypertension in patients with previous pulmonary tuberculosis

Background

Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) still causes a significant public healthcare burden. Despite successful treatment, TB can lead to permanent lung damage and pulmonary hypertension (PH). PH can also occur in the absence of significant lung damage, leading clinicians to question whether pulmonary TB may cause pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), an entity that has not been otherwise described.

Objectives

To determine the prevalence of PAH in patients previously treated for TB.

Methods

We recruited 20 participants who were previously treated for TB and had no other underlying risk factors for the development of PH. The participants underwent electrocardiography (ECG), chest radiography, lung function tests and echocardiography (ECHO). Data from these non-invasive investigations were evaluated to determine findings that were suggestive of PH.

Results

At a median duration of 30 months from diagnosis of TB, no participant had echocardiography findings that were suggestive of PH (pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) ≥40 mmHg). However, there was a negative correlation between the time from diagnosis and right ventricular dysfunction assessed by measuring a tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (r=–0.5136; p=0.0205). Furthermore, one-third of the participants (n=7) had one or more ECG features supporting PH and 85% of the participants (n=17) demonstrated at least one chest X-ray (CXR) feature of PH.

Conclusion

Although our study did not demonstrate ECHO findings supporting PH, ECG and CXR modalities were suggestive. Therefore, future studies consisting of larger cohorts and including the use of other sensitive modalities such as computed tomography are warranted. Moreover, these studies will need to determine whether the entity of PAH secondary to previously treated pulmonary TB exists.

Risk factors associated with pulmonary hemorrhage and hemoptysis following percutaneous CT-guided transthoracic lung core needle biopsy: a retrospective study of 1,090 cases

Background

Pulmonary hemorrhage and hemoptysis are the second-most common and potentially life-threatening complications after pneumothorax following percutaneous computed tomography-guided transthoracic lung biopsy (PCTLB). Preventing hemorrhagic complications after PCTLB requires an accurate estimation of risk factors. This study investigated the risk factors associated with pulmonary hemorrhage and hemoptysis following PCTLB, and whether the ratio of main pulmonary artery diameter (mPAD) to ascending aorta diameter (mPAD/AAD ratio) is a risk factor.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 1,090 cases of PCTLB obtained from 1,050 patients using a core needle. The risk factors for overall pulmonary hemorrhage, higher-grade pulmonary hemorrhage, and hemoptysis were evaluated by multivariate analysis of patient characteristics, computed tomography (CT) imaging data including pulmonary artery diameter (mPAD) to ascending aorta diameter (mPAD/AAD) ratio, technical variables related to the biopsy, and pathologic findings.

Results

Pulmonary hemorrhage occurred in 31.38% (342/1,090) of PCTLB cases, including lower-grade (24.4%, 266/1,090) and higher-grade hemorrhage (6.97%, 76/1,090). The incidence of hemoptysis was 3.03% (33/1,090). Multivariate analysis revealed significant associations between overall pulmonary hemorrhage and lesion location in the lower lobe, subsolid and smaller lesions, greater lesion depth, and lung metastases. For higher-grade pulmonary hemorrhage, an mPAD/AAD ratio >1, smaller lesions, greater lesion depth, emphysema, and lung metastases were risk factors. Risk factors for hemoptysis were history of hypertension and lower- and higher-grade pulmonary hemorrhage.

Conclusions

Pulmonary artery enlargement detected by CT (mPAD/AAD ratio >1) is independently associated with higher-grade pulmonary hemorrhage following PCTLB.

Imaging of Chronic Thromboembolic Disease

Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is a leading cause of cardiovascular morbidity. The most common long-term complication of acute PE is chronic thromboembolic disease, a heterogenous entity which ranges from asymptomatic imaging sequelae to persistent symptoms. Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a rare disease that can develop in this population and represents the only treatable type of pulmonary hypertension. Recognition of the characteristic findings of chronic pulmonary embolism and CTEPH provides not only diagnostic information, but is also crucial for guiding therapy. The present state-of-the-art review focuses on the multimodality imaging features of chronic pulmonary embolism. Detailed description and illustrations of relevant imaging findings will be demonstrated for ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) scan, CT scan and Dual-Energy CT and MRI and features that distinguish chronic PE from common imaging mimics.

Pulmonary hypertension and chronic lung disease: where are we headed?

Pulmonary hypertension related to chronic lung disease, mainly represented by COPD and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, is associated with a worse outcome when compared with patients only affected by parenchymal lung disease. At present, no therapies are available to reverse or slow down the pathological process of this condition and most of the clinical trials conducted to date have had no clinically significant impact. Nevertheless, the importance of chronic lung diseases is always more widely recognised and, along with its increasing incidence, associated pulmonary hypertension is also expected to be growing in frequency and as a health burden worldwide. Therefore, it is desirable to develop useful and reliable tools to obtain an early diagnosis and to monitor and follow-up this condition, while new insights in the therapeutic approach are explored.