Interest of TAPSE/sPAP ratio for noninvasive pulmonary arterial hypertension risk assessment

Relevance of the TAS'/PASP Ratio as a Predictor of Outcomes in Patients with Heart Failure with a Reduced Ejection Fraction

BACKGROUND

There is evidence that right ventricular (RV) contractile function, especially its coupling with the pulmonary circulation, has an important prognostic value in patients with left ventricular dysfunction.

AIMS

This study aimed to identify the best echocardiographic parameters of RV function and pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) alone or in the form of the index of right ventricular-pulmonary artery coupling (RV-PA coupling) to determine the best predictor of 1-year major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), which were defined as cardiovascular death and cardiac decompensation in heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).

METHODS AND RESULTS

The study enrolled 191 HFrEF patients (mean age 62.28 ± 12.79 years, 74% males, mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) 25.53 ± 6.87%). All patients underwent clinical, laboratory, and transthoracic echocardiographic (TTE) evaluation, focusing on assessing RV function and non-invasive parameters of RV-PA coupling. RV function was evaluated using fractional area change (FAC), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), and peak tricuspid annular systolic velocity (TAS'). PASP was estimated by peak tricuspid regurgitation velocity (TRVmax) and corrected by assumed right atrial pressure relative to the dimension and collapsibility of the inferior vena cava. The TAPSE/PASP and TAS'/PASP ratios were taken as an index of RV-PA coupling. During the follow-up (mean period of 340 ± 84 days), 58.1% of patients met the composite endpoint. The independent predictors of one-year outcome were shown to be advanced age, atrial fibrillation, indexed left atrial systolic volume (LAVI), LVEF, TAPSE/PASP, and TAS'/PASP. TAS'/PASP emerged as the strongest independent predictor of prognosis, with a hazard ratio (HR) of 0.67 (0.531-0.840), p < 0.001. Reconstructing the ROC curve 0.8 (0.723-0.859), p < 0.001, we obtained a threshold value of TAS'/PASP ≤ 0.19 (cm/s/mm Hg) (sensitivity 74.0, specificity 75.2). Patients with TAS'/RVSP ≤ 0.19 have a worse prognosis (Log Rank p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirmed previously known independent predictors of adverse outcomes in patients with HfrEF-advanced age, atrial fibrillation, LAVI, and LVEF-but non-invasive parameters of RV-PA coupling TAPSE/PASP and TAS'/PASP improved risk stratification in patients with HFrEF. Variable TAS'/PASP has been shown to be the most powerful, independent predictor of one-year outcome.

Initial combination therapy with macitentan and tadalafil in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension, with and without cardiac comorbidities

AIMS

According to current guidelines, initial monotherapy should be considered for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) patients with cardiopulmonary comorbidities. This analysis of combined data from the TRITON and REPAIR clinical trials, assesses efficacy and safety of initial double combination therapy in patients without vs. with 1-2 cardiac comorbidities.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Data were combined for patients from TRITON (NCT02558231) and REPAIR (NCT02310672) on initial macitentan and tadalafil double combination therapy (overall set, n = 148) and two subgroups defined as patients without cardiac comorbidities (n = 62) and those with 1-2 cardiac comorbidities (n = 78). Patients with ≥3 comorbidities were excluded from these studies. For the overall set, the median (Q1-Q3) duration of combined macitentan and tadalafil exposure was 513.0 (364.0-778.0) days, and was similar between subgroups. Change from baseline to Week 26 for pulmonary vascular resistance was -55% and -50% for patients without and with 1-2 cardiac comorbidities, respectively; marked improvements in other hemodynamic and functional parameters were also observed, although functional parameters improved to a lesser extent in patients with comorbidities. At Week 26, the majority of patients had improved PAH risk status, according to the non-invasive four-strata and REVEAL Lite 2.0 methods. The safety profile of initial macitentan plus tadalafil combination therapy was consistent with the known profiles of the two drugs, and similar between the subgroups.

CONCLUSIONS

Initial double combination therapy with macitentan plus tadalafil is efficacious in patients with PAH with 1-2 cardiac comorbidities and those without, with similar safety and tolerability profiles between the two groups.

Prognostic Value of Serial Risk Stratification in Adult and Pediatric Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

In pulmonary arterial hypertension, it is recommended to base therapeutic decisions on risk stratification. This systematic review aims to report the prognostic value of serial risk stratification in adult and pediatric pulmonary arterial hypertension and to explore the usability of serial risk stratification as treatment target.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Electronic databases PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were searched up to January 30, 2023, using terms associated with pulmonary arterial hypertension, pediatric pulmonary hypertension, and risk stratification. Observational studies and clinical trials describing risk stratification at both baseline and follow-up were included. Sixty five studies were eligible for inclusion, including only 2 studies in a pediatric population. C-statistic range at baseline was 0.31 to 0.77 and improved to 0.30 to 0.91 at follow-up. In 53% of patients, risk status changed (42% improved, 12% worsened) over 168 days (interquartile range, 137-327 days; n=22 studies). The average proportion of low-risk patients increased from 18% at baseline to 36% at a median follow-up of 244 days (interquartile range, 140-365 days; n=40 studies). In placebo-controlled drug studies, risk statuses of the intervention groups improved more and worsened less compared with the placebo groups. Furthermore, a low-risk status, but also an improved risk status, at follow-up was associated with a better outcome. Similar results were found in the 2 pediatric studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Follow-up risk stratification has improved prognostic value compared with baseline risk stratification, and change in risk status between baseline and follow-up corresponded to a change in survival. These data support the use of serial risk stratification as treatment target in pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Isoproterenol improves hemodynamics and right ventricle-pulmonary artery coupling after heart transplantation

Right ventricular failure (RVF) is a major cause of early mortality after heart transplantation (HT). Isoproterenol (Iso) has chronotropic, inotropic, and vasodilatory properties, which might improve right ventricle function in this setting. We aimed to investigate the hemodynamic effects of isoproterenol on patients with post-HT RVF. We conducted a 1-yr retrospective observational study including patients receiving isoproterenol (Iso) and dobutamine for early RVF after HT. A comprehensive multiparametric hemodynamic evaluation was performed successively three times: no isoproterenol, low doses: 0.025 µg/kg/min, and high doses: 0.05 µg/kg/min (henceforth, respectively, called no Iso, low Iso, and high Iso). From June 2022 to June 2023, 25 patients, median [interquartile range (IQR) 25-75] age 54 [38-61] yr, were included. Before isoproterenol was introduced, all patients received dobutamine, and 15 (60%) were on venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO). Isoproterenol significantly increased heart rate from 84 [77-99] (no Iso) to 91 [88-106] (low Iso) and 102 [90-122] beats/min (high Iso, P < 0.001). Similarly, cardiac index rose from 2.3 [1.4-3.1] to 2.7 [1.8-3.4] and 3 [1.9-3.7] L/min/m2 (P < 0.001) with a concomitant increase in indexed stroke volume (28 [17-34] to 31 [20-34] and 33 [23-35] mL/m2, P < 0.05). Effective pulmonary arterial elastance and pressures were not modified by isoproterenol. Pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) tended to decrease from 2.9 [1.4-3.6] to 2.3 [1.3-3.5] wood units (WU), P = 0.06. Right ventricular ejection fraction/systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP) evaluating right ventricle-pulmonary artery (RV-PA) coupling increased after isoproterenol from 0.8 to 0.9 and 1%·mmHg-1 (P = 0.001). In conclusion, in post-HT RVF, isoproterenol exhibits chronotropic and inotropic effects, thereby improving RV-PA coupling and resulting in a clinically relevant increase in the cardiac index.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study offers a detailed and comprehensive hemodynamic investigation at the bedside, illustrating the favorable impact of isoproterenol on right ventricular-pulmonary arterial coupling and global hemodynamics. It elucidates the physiological effects of an underused inotropic strategy in a critical clinical scenario. By enhancing cardiac hemodynamics, isoproterenol has the potential to expedite right ventricular recovery and mitigate primary graft dysfunction, thereby reducing the duration of mechanical support and intensive care unit stay posttransplantation.

Right ventricular strain to systolic pulmonary artery pressure ratio in response to treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension

The RVFWLS/PASP ratio, a novel surrogate for ventriculoarterial coupling, showed sensitivity to afterload-lowering treatment and the magnitude of change informed on long-term outcomes in PAH https://bit.ly/4cRtREC.

Tricuspid Annular Plane Systolic Excursion-to-Systolic Pulmonary Artery Pressure Ratio as a Prognostic Factor in Heart Transplant Patients

Background and Objectives: Heart transplant is currently the final step in treating patients with heart failure. The success of this procedure is strongly connected to potential complications such as postoperative heart failure, infections, graft rejection, graft vasculopathy, and kidney failure. Thus, identifying potential prognostic factors for patients' outcome is of utmost importance. We investigated the prognostic role of the postoperative ratio between the tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP) in patients who underwent heart transplantation in our center. Materials and Methods: The study included 46 adult patients from the Emergency Institute for Cardiovascular Diseases and Transplant of Târgu Mureș, who underwent heart transplant between January 2011 and April 2023. By the use of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, we determined an optimal cut-off value for TAPSE/sPAP with regard to survival at 6 months. Differences in central tendencies of baseline characteristics in those who had a value lower than the cut-off value of TAPSE/sPAP and those who presented a value above it were investigated using the corresponding parametric or nonparametric tests. Results: A value for TAPSE/sPAP above 0.47 mm/mmHg was associated with 6-month survival (OR: 59.5, CI: 5.7-616.0). No significant differences in central tendencies for baseline characteristics were found between the patients who had a TAPSE/sPAP ratio below the cut-off and those who had a ratio above it. Conclusions: The TAPSE/sPAP ratio might prove to be valuable in the early identification of at-risk heart transplant patients. Further prospective studies with larger cohorts are required for validation.

Echocardiographic assessment for cardiopulmonary function in patients with congenital heart disease-related pulmonary arterial hypertension

BACKGROUND

For patients with congenital heart disease-related pulmonary arterial hypertension (CHD-PAH), cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) can reflect cardiopulmonary reserve function. However, CPET may not be readily accessible for patients with high-risk conditions or limited mobility due to disability. Echocardiography, on the other hand, serves as a widely available diagnostic tool for all CHD-PAH patients. This study was aimed to identify the parameters of echocardiography that could serve as indicators of cardiopulmonary function and exercise capacity.

METHODS

A cohort of 70 patients contributed a total of 110 paired echocardiogram and CPET results to this study, with 1 year interval for repeated examinations. Echocardiography and exercise testing were conducted following standardized procedures, and the data were collected together with clinically relevant indicators for subsequent statistical analysis. Demographic comparisons were performed using t-tests and chi-square tests. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify potential predictors of peak oxygen uptake (peak VO2) and the carbon dioxide ventilation equivalent slope (VE/VCO2 slope). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to assess the performance of the parameters.

RESULTS

The ratio of tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion to pulmonary artery systolic pressure (TAPSE/PASP) was found to be the only independent indicator significantly associated with both peak VO2 and VE/VCO2 slope (both p < 0.05). Additionally, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and right ventricular fractional area change (FAC) were independently correlated with the VE/VCO2 slope (both p < 0.05). TAPSE/PASP showed the highest area under the ROC curve (AUC) for predicting both a peak VO2 ≤ 15 mL/kg/min and a VE/VCO2 slope ≥ 36 (AUC = 0.91, AUC = 0.90, respectively). The sensitivity and specificity of TAPSE/PASP at the optimal threshold exceeded 0.85 for both parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

TAPSE/PASP may be a feasible echocardiographic indicator for evaluating exercise tolerance.

Right ventricular phenotyping in incident patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension

BACKGROUND

Right ventricular (RV) imaging has not a definite role in risk stratification of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) patients. We tested the hypothesis that echocardiography-derived phenotypes, depicting different degrees of RV remodeling and dysfunction, may provide additional prognostic information to current risk stratification tools.

METHODS

Consecutive incident PAH patients aged ≥18 years, diagnosed between January 2005 and December 2021, underwent clinical assessment, right heart catheterization, standard echocardiography. Simple echocardiographic variables were combined in order to define a priori four phenotypes representing different degrees of RV dilatation and RV-pulmonary arterial (PA) coupling: Phenotype 1 with mildy dilated right ventricle and preserved RV-PA coupling (n = 152 patients); phenotype 2 with mildly dilated right ventricle and poor RV-PA coupling (n = 143 patients); phenotype 3 with severely dilated right ventricle and preserved RV-PA coupling (n = 201 patients); phenotype 4 with severely dilated right ventricle and poor RV-PA coupling, with or without severe tricuspid regurgitation (n = 519 patients). Risk stratification was based on the European Society of Cardiology/European Respiratory Society (ESC/ERS) 3-strata model and Registry to Evaluate Early and Long-Term PAH disease Management (REVEAL) 2.0 score.

RESULTS

These phenotypes were present in all risk groups. Notably, regardless of the ESC/ERS risk stratum assigned to the patient, phenotype 4 was associated with a 2-fold increase of the odds of death (HR 2.1, 95% CI 1.6-2.8, p < 0.001), while phenotype 1 was associated with a 71% reduction in the odds of dying (HR 0.29, 95% CI 0.18-0.47, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Echocardiography-derived phenotypes describing RV remodeling and dysfunction may provide prognostic information which is independent of and additional to the clinically defined risk in incident PAH patients.

Evidence and unresolved questions in pulmonary hypertension: Insights from the 5th French Pulmonary Hypertension Network Meeting

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) continues to present significant challenges to the medical community, both in terms of diagnosis and treatment. The advent of the updated 2022 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and European Respiratory Society (ERS) guidelines has introduced pivotal changes that reflect the rapidly advancing understanding of this complex disease. These changes include a revised definition of PH, updates to the classification system, and treatment algorithm. While these guidelines offer a critical framework for the management of PH, they have also sparked new discussions and questions. The 5th French Pulmonary Hypertension Network Meeting (Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France, 2023), addressed these emergent questions and fostering a deeper understanding of the disease's multifaceted nature. These discussions were not limited to theoretical advancements but extended into the practical realms of patient management, highlighting the challenges and opportunities in applying the latest guidelines to clinical practice.

Right ventricular dysfunction and impaired right ventricular-pulmonary arterial coupling in paradoxical low-flow, low-gradient aortic stenosis

AIMS

Paradoxical low-flow, low-gradient aortic stenosis (pLFLG AS) may represent a diagnostic challenge, and its pathophysiology is complex. While left ventricular (LV) systolic function is preserved, right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) and consecutive LV underfilling may contribute to low-flow and reduced stroke volume index, and to adverse outcomes following transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential role of RVD in pLFLG AS, and to assess the impact of pre-procedural RVD on clinical outcomes after TAVI in patients with pLFLG AS.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Out of 2739 native AS patients, who received TAVI at the University of Cologne Heart Center between March 2013 and June 2021, 114 patients displayed pLFLG AS and were included in this study. Right ventricular (RV) function was assessed by transthoracic echocardiography, and a fractional area change (FAC) ≤35% and/or a tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) <18 mm determined RVD. In addition, the TAPSE/systolic pulmonary artery pressure ratio (TAPSE/sPAP) was monitored as a measure of RV-pulmonary arterial (PA) coupling. An impaired FAC and TAPSE was present in 21.9% and 45.6% of patients, respectively, identifying RVD in 50.0%. RVD (p = 0.016), reduced FAC (p = 0.049), reduced TAPSE (p = 0.035) and impaired RV-PA coupling (TAPSE/sPAP ratio <0.31 mm/mmHg; p = 0.009) were associated with significantly higher all-cause mortality compared to patients with normal RV function. After adjustment for sex, age, body mass index, EuroSCORE II, previous myocardial infarction and mitral regurgitation, independent predictors for all-cause mortality were FAC, sPAP, TAPSE/sPAP ratio, right atrial area, RV diameter and tricuspid regurgitation.

CONCLUSIONS

Adverse RV remodelling, RVD and impaired RV-PA coupling provide an explanation for low-flow and reduced stroke volume index in a subset of patients with pLFLG AS, and are associated with excess mortality after TAVI.

Exercise pulmonary hypertension in patients with systemic sclerosis based on updated guidelines

Recent European guidelines have introduced the concept of exercise pulmonary hypertension (ex-PH). However, the clinical characteristics of ex-PH in systemic sclerosis (SSc) remains unknown. We aimed to investigate the characteristics of exercise pulmonary hypertension (ex-PH) in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc), which are unknown. We retrospectively examined 77 patients with SSc who underwent symptom-limited exercise testing using a cycle ergometer with right heart catheterization at our hospital. Nineteen patients with postcapillary PH were excluded. Fifty-eight patients (median age, 63 years; 55 women) were divided into the overt-PH (n = 18, mean pulmonary arterial pressure [PAP] > 20 mmHg and pulmonary vascular resistance > 2 Wood units at rest), ex-PH (n = 19, mean PAP/cardiac output slope > 3), and non-PH (n = 21) groups. Exercise tolerance and echocardiography results were compared among the groups. Peak oxygen consumption was high in the non-PH group, intermediate in the ex-PH group, and low in the overt-PH group (14.5 vs. 13.0 vs. 12.5 mL/kg/min, p = 0.043), and the minute ventilation/peak carbon dioxide production slope was also intermediate in the ex-PH group (32.2 vs. 32.4 vs. 43.0, p = 0.003). The tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion/systolic PAP ratio decreased from non-PH to ex-PH to overt-PH (0.73 vs. 0.69 vs. 0.55 mm/mmHg, p = 0.018). In patients with SSc, exercise PH may represent an intermediate condition between not having PH and overt PH, according to the new guidelines.

Impact of rapid sequential combination therapy on distinct haemodynamic measures in newly diagnosed pulmonary arterial hypertension

AIMS

In pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), upfront combination therapy with ERA and PDE5i is associated with a reduction in morbidity and mortality events and improves standard haemodynamics, but data remain limited. Aims of this study were (i) to capture detailed haemodynamic effects of rapid sequential dual combination therapy in patients with newly diagnosed PAH; (ii) to monitor the impact of treatment initiation on clinical variables and patients' risk status, and (iii) to compare the treatment effect in patients with 'classical PAH' and 'PAH with co-morbidities'.

METHODS

Fifty patients (median age 57 [42-71] years, 66% female) with newly diagnosed PAH (76% idiopathic) were treated with a PD5i/sGC-S or ERA, followed by addition of the respective other drug class within 4 weeks. All patients underwent repeat right heart catheterization (RHC) during early follow-up.

RESULTS

At early repeat RHC (7 ± 2 months), there were substantial reductions in mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP: 52.2 ± 13.5 to 39.0 ± 10.6 mmHg; -25.3%), and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR: 12.1 ± 5.7 to 5.8 ± 3.1 WU; -52.1%), and an increase in cardiac index (2.1 ± 0.4 to 2.7 ± 0.7 mL/min/m2; +32.2%) (all P < 0.05). Haemodynamic improvements correlated with improved clinical parameters including 6-min walking distance (336 ± 315 to 389 ± 120 m), NTproBNP levels (1.712 ± 2.024 to 506 ± 550 ng/L, both P < 0.05) and WHO-FC at 12 months, resulting in improved risk status, and were found in patients with few (n = 37) or multiple cardiovascular co-morbidities (BMI > 30 kg/m2, hypertension, diabetes, coronary artery disease [≥3]; n = 13), albeit baseline PVR in PAH patients with multiple co-morbidities was lower (9.3 ± 4.4 vs. 13.1 ± 5.9 WU) and PVR reduction less pronounced compared with those with few co-morbidities (-42.7% vs. -54.7%). However, comprehensive haemodynamic assessment considering further variables of prognostic relevance such as stroke volume index and pulmonary artery compliance showed similar improvements among the two groups (SVI: +50.0% vs. +49.2%; PAC: 91.7% vs. 100.0%). Finally, the 4-strata risk assessment approach was better able to capture treatment response as compared with other approaches, particularly in patients with co-morbidities.

CONCLUSIONS

Rapid sequential combination therapy with PDE5i/sGC-S and ERA substantially ameliorates cardiopulmonary haemodynamics at early follow-up in patients without, and to a lesser extent, with cardiovascular co-morbidities. This occurs in line with improvements of clinical parameters and risk status.

Gaps in evidence in the management of patients with intermediate-risk pulmonary arterial hypertension: Considerations following the ESC/ERS 2022 guidelines

A comprehensive evaluation of risk, using multiple indices, is necessary to provide reliable prognostic information and guide therapy in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The current ESC/ERS guidelines suggest using a three-strata model for incident (newly diagnosed) patients and a four-strata model for prevalent patients with PAH. The four-strata model serves as a fundamental risk-stratification tool and relies on a minimal dataset of indicators that must be considered during follow-up. Nevertheless, there are still areas of vagueness and ambiguity when classifying and managing patients in the intermediate-risk category. For these patients, considerations should include right heart imaging, hemodynamics, as well as individual factors such as age, sex, genetic profile, disease type, comorbidities, and kidney function. The aim of this report is to present case studies, with a specific focus on patients ultimately classified as intermediate risk. We aim to emphasize the challenges and complexities encountered in the realms of diagnosis, classification, and treatment for these particular patients.

New risk model by right ventricle - pulmonary arterial coupling and inferior vena cava from echocardiography in patients with conventional low-intermediate risk pulmonary artery hypertension under targeted treatment

BACKGROUND

Accurately stratifying patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is very important, and traditional risk scores still have internal heterogeneity. This study aimed to construct a risk stratification model that can accurately identify clinical worsening (CW) events in conventional low-intermediate risk patients with pulmonary hypertension under targeted drug treatment by using echocardiographic parameters.

METHODS

This study is a single-center, prospective study, including 105 PAH patients who underwent regular follow-up at Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital from October 2021 to April 2023. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of CW, including death, hospitalization due to pulmonary hypertension, escalation of targeted drug therapy, and worsening of PAH. The predictive value of the echocardiography-based three-strata risk model was assessed using Kaplan-Meier curves and COX regression analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 98 PAH patients were ultimately included in this study. The median follow-up duration was 26 months (range 7-28 months). The echocardiography-based three-strata model included the ratio of tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion and pulmonary artery systolic pressure (TAPSE/PASP) and inferior vena cava (IVC). The echocardiography-based three-strata model had higher diagnostic value (C-index = .76) compared to the 2022 ESC/ERS three-strata model and four-strata model (C-index = .66 and C-index = .61, respectively). PAH patients with lower TAPSE/PASP and wider IVC showed a higher CW rate compared to patients with higher TAPSE/PASP and normal IVC (HR = 15.1, 95%CI:4.4-51.9, p < .001).

CONCLUSION

The echocardiography-based three-strata model based on TAPSE/PASP and IVC can effectively improve the stratification of low-intermediate risk PAH patients under targeted treatment.

A roadmap for therapeutic discovery in pulmonary hypertension associated with left heart failure. A scientific statement of the Heart Failure Association (HFA) of the ESC and the ESC Working Group on Pulmonary Circulation & Right Ventricular Function

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) associated with left heart failure (LHF) (PH-LHF) is one of the most common causes of PH. It directly contributes to symptoms and reduced functional capacity and negatively affects right heart function, ultimately leading to a poor prognosis. There are no specific treatments for PH-LHF, despite the high number of drugs tested so far. This scientific document addresses the main knowledge gaps in PH-LHF with emphasis on pathophysiology and clinical trials. Key identified issues include better understanding of the role of pulmonary venous versus arteriolar remodelling, multidimensional phenotyping to recognize patient subgroups positioned to respond to different therapies, and conduct of rigorous pre-clinical studies combining small and large animal models. Advancements in these areas are expected to better inform the design of clinical trials and extend treatment options beyond those effective in pulmonary arterial hypertension. Enrichment strategies, endpoint assessments, and thorough haemodynamic studies, both at rest and during exercise, are proposed to play primary roles to optimize early-stage development of candidate therapies for PH-LHF.

CT-derived lung vessel morphology correlates with prognostic markers in precapillary pulmonary hypertension

BACKGROUND

While computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) is an integral part of the work-up in patients with suspected pulmonary hypertension (PH), there is no established CTPA-derived prognostic marker. We aimed to assess whether quantitative readouts of lung vessel morphology correlate with established prognostic indicators in PH.

METHODS

We applied a fully-automatic in-house developed algorithm for segmentation of arteries and veins to determine lung vessel morphology in patients with precapillary PH who underwent right heart catheterization and CTPA between May 2016 and May 2019. Primary endpoint of this retrospective study was the calculation of receiver operating characteristics for identifying low and high mortality risk according to the 3-strata risk assessment model presented in the current guidelines.

RESULTS

We analyzed 73 patients, median age 65 years (interquartile range (IQR): 54-76), female/male ratio 35/38, median mean pulmonary arterial pressure 37 mm Hg (IQR: 30-46), and found significant correlations with important prognostic factors in pulmonary arterial hypertension. N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide, cardiac index, mixed venous oxygen saturation, and 6-minute walking distance were correlated with the ratio of the number of arteries over veins with vessel diameters of 6-10 mm (Spearman correlation coefficients ρ = 0.64, p < 0.001; ρ = -0.60, p < 0.001; ρ = -0.47, p = 0.005; ρ = -0.45, p = 0.001, respectively). This ratio predicted a low- and high-risk score with an area under the curve of 0.73 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.56-0.90) and 0.86 (95% CI: 0.74-0.97), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The ratio of the number of arteries over veins with diameters between 6 and 10 mm is significantly correlated with prognostic markers in pulmonary hypertension and predicts low and high mortality risk.

Novel Echocardiographic Measurements of Right Ventricular-Pulmonary Artery Coupling in Predicting the Prognosis of Precapillary Pulmonary Hypertension

BACKGROUND

Currently, there are many parameters with proven prognostic significance in pulmonary hypertension (PH). Recently, the parameters defining right ventricular-pulmonary artery coupling (RVPAC) have gained clinical importance. In our study, we investigated the prognostic potential of previously known single echocardiographic parameters and new parameters reflecting RVPAC in patients with precapillary PH.

OBJECTIVE

Our study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of selected echocardiographic parameters and the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in adults with precapillary PH.

METHODS

This study included 39 patients (74% women; average age, 63 years) with precapillary PH: pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and chronic thromboembolic PH (CTEPH). The mean follow-up period was 16.6 ± 13.3 months. Twelve patients (31%) died during the observation time. We measured several echocardiographic parameters, which reflect right ventricular function, pulmonary hemodynamics, and RVPAC. To assess disease progression and the patient's functional capacity, the World Health Organization functional class (WHO FC) was determined. The patient's physical capacity was also evaluated using the 6 min walk test (6MWT). The analysis included values of the N-terminal prohormone brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and NLR.

RESULTS

TAPSE × AcT and TAPSE/sPAP were shown to statistically and significantly correlate with PH predictors, including WHO-FC, 6MWT, and NT-proBNP. Univariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis revealed that AcT, TAPSE, mPAP, TAPSE/sPAP, RAP, TRPG/AcT, TAPSE × AcT, and NLRs are good predictors of mortality in patients with PH. In addition, the ROC curve analysis showed that TAPSE × AcT is a better predictor of PH-related deaths than TAPSE/sPAP and TAPSE alone. In our study, patients with TAPSE × AcT values < 126.36 had shorter survival times (sensitivity = 72.7%; specificity = 80.0%).

CONCLUSIONS

TAPSE × AcT is a novel, promising, and practicable echocardiographic parameter reflecting RVPAC, which is comparable to TAPSE/sPAP. Moreover, TAPSE × AcT can be a useful parameter in assessing the severity and prognosis of patients with precapillary PH.

[Pulmonary hypertension associated with left heart disease (group 2)]

Patients with left heart disease (LHD) often display pulmonary hypertension (PH), which impacts morbidity and mortality. The pathophysiology of PH is complex and entails pulmonary congestion due to elevated left-sided filling pressures, pulmonary vasoconstriction as well as vascular remodeling. The recent ESC/ERS Guidelines on pulmonary hypertension updated the hemodynamic definitions of pulmonary hypertension in general, and the subclassification of post-capillary PH. This review summarizes recent advances in the diagnostic work-up and management strategies of PH associated with LHD. Specifically, we summarize revisited hemodynamic definitions and the characteristics of isolated post-capillary PH (IpcPH) and combined post- and pre-capillary PH (CpcPH). Furthermore, we review the current knowledge on the pathogenesis of PH-LHD, the prognostic relevance of hemodynamic parameters, and the management strategies, differentiating between treatment of the underlying left heart disease and therapies targeting the pulmonary circulation. The article emphasises the need for precise diagnostic work-up and individualized treatment strategies in patients with PH-LHD.

Mechanical thrombectomy in intermediate- and high-risk acute pulmonary embolism: hemodynamic outcomes at three months

BACKGROUND

Mechanical thrombectomy has been shown to reduce thrombus burden and pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) and to improve right ventricular (RV) function in patients with high-risk or intermediate-high-risk pulmonary embolism (PE). As hemodynamic data after mechanical thrombectomy for PE are scarce, we aimed to assess the hemodynamic effects of mechanical thrombectomy in acute PE with right heart overload.

METHODS

In this prospective, open-label study, patients with acute symptomatic, computed tomography-documented PE with signs of right heart overload underwent mechanical thrombectomy using the FlowTriever System. Right heart catheterization was performed immediately before and after thrombectomy and after three months. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed before thrombectomy, discharge, and at three months. This analysis was done after 20 patients completed three months of follow-up.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine patients (34% female) underwent mechanical thrombectomy, of which 20 completed three months follow-up with right heart catheterization. Most patients were at high (17%) or intermediate-high (76%) risk and had bilateral PE (79%). Before thrombectomy, systolic PAP (sPAP) was severely elevated (mean 51.3 ± 11.6 mmHg). Mean sPAP dropped by -15.0 mmHg (95% confidence interval [CI]: -18.9 to -11.0; p < 0.001) immediately after the procedure and continued to decrease from post-thrombectomy to three months (-6.4 mmHg, 95% CI: -10-0 to -2.9; p = 0.002). RV/left ventricular (LV) ratio immediately reduced within two days by -0.37 (95% CI: -0.47 to -0.27; p < 0.001). The proportion of patients with a tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE)/sPAP ratio < 0.31 mm/mmHg decreased from 28% at baseline to 0% before discharge and at three months (p = 0.007). There were no procedure-related major adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

Mechanical thrombectomy for acute PE was safe and immediately reduced PAP and improved right heart function. The reduction in PAP was maintained at three months follow-up.

Tricuspid Regurgitation Velocity/Tricuspid Annular Plane Systolic Excursion (TRV/TAPSE) Ratio as a Novel Indicator of Disease Severity and Prognosis in Patients with Precapillary Pulmonary Hypertension

BACKGROUND

Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and tricuspid regurgitation velocity (TRV) are two echocardiographic parameters with prognostic value in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH). When analyzed concurrently as the TRV/TAPSE ratio, they allow the ventricular-pulmonary artery coupling (RVPAC) to be assessed. This could better predict disease severity in patients with PH.

OBJECTIVE

Our study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of the TRV/TAPSE ratio echocardiographic parameter in adults with precapillary PH.

METHODS

This study included 39 patients (74% women; average age, 63 years) with precapillary PH (pulmonary arterial hypertension and chronic thromboembolic PH) The mean follow-up period was 16.6 ± 13.3 months. Twelve patients (31%) died during the observation time. We measured TAPSE as a surrogate of RV contractility and TRV reflecting RV afterload, while ventricular-arterial coupling was evaluated by the ratio between these two parameters (TRV/TAPSE). To assess disease progression and the patient's functional capacity, the World Health Organization functional class (WHO FC) was determined. Patient physical capacity was also evaluated using the 6 min walk test (6MWT). The analysis included values of N-terminal prohormone brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), which were taken routinely during the follow-up visit.

RESULTS

The mean calculated TRV/TAPSE ratio was 0.26 ± 0.08 m/s/mm. Upon comparison of the TRV/TAPSE ratio to the disease prognostic indicators, we observed a statistically significant correlation between TRV/TAPSE and the results of the WHO FC, 6MWT, and NT-proBNP. The TRV/TAPSE ratio is thus a good predictor of mortality in PH patients (AUC, 0.781). Patients with a TRV/TAPSE ratio > 0.30 m/s/mm had a shorter survival time, with log-rank test p < 0.0001. Additionally, ROC analysis revealed higher AUC for TRV/TAPSE than for TAPSE and TRV alone.

CONCLUSIONS

TRV/TAPSE is a promising practicable echocardiographic parameter reflecting RVPAC. Moreover, TRV/TAPSE could be viable risk stratification parameter and could have prognostic value in patients with PH.

Echocardiographic evaluation of right ventricular diastolic function in pulmonary hypertension

Background

Right ventricular (RV) diastolic dysfunction may be prognostic in pulmonary hypertension (PH). However, its assessment is complex and relies on conductance catheterisation. We aimed to evaluate echocardiography-based parameters as surrogates of RV diastolic function, provide validation against the gold standard, end-diastolic elastance (Eed), and define the prognostic impact of echocardiography-derived RV diastolic dysfunction.

Methods

Patients with suspected PH who underwent right heart catheterisation including conductance catheterisation were prospectively recruited. In this study population, an echocardiography-based RV diastolic function surrogate was derived. Survival analyses were performed in patients with precapillary PH in the Giessen PH Registry, with external validation in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension at Sapienza University (Rome).

Results

In the derivation cohort (n=61), the early/late diastolic tricuspid inflow velocity ratio (E/A) and early tricuspid inflow velocity/early diastolic tricuspid annular velocity ratio (E/e') did not correlate with Eed (p>0.05). Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed a large area under the curve (AUC) for the peak lateral tricuspid annulus systolic velocity/right atrial area index ratio (S'/RAAi) to detect elevated Eed (AUC 0.913, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.839-0.986) and elevated end-diastolic pressure (AUC 0.848, 95% CI 0.699-0.998) with an optimal threshold of 0.81 m2·s-1·cm-1. Subgroup analyses demonstrated a large AUC in patients with preserved RV systolic function (AUC 0.963, 95% CI 0.882-1.000). Survival analyses confirmed the prognostic relevance of S'/RAAi in the Giessen PH Registry (n=225) and the external validation cohort (n=106).

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates the usefulness of echocardiography-derived S'/RAAi for noninvasive assessment of RV diastolic function and prognosis in PH.

Risk Stratification in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension, Update and Perspectives

Risk stratification in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is crucial in assessing patient prognosis. It serves a prominent role in everyday patient care and can be determined using several validated risk assessment scores worldwide. The recently published 2022 European Society of Cardiology (ESC)/European Respiratory Society (ERS) guidelines underline the importance of risk stratification not only at baseline but also during follow-up. Achieving a low-risk status has now become the therapeutic goal, emphasising the importance of personalised therapy. The application of these guidelines is also important in determining the timing for lung transplantation referral. In this review, we summarise the most relevant prognostic factors of PAH as well as the parameters used in PAH risk scores and their evolution in the guidelines over the last decade. Finally, we describe the central role that risk stratification plays in the current guidelines not only in European countries but also in Asian countries.

Predictors of Pulmonary Hypertension and Right Ventricular Dysfunction in Patients with Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis

BACKGROUND

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is an interstitial lung disease (ILD) that occurs in susceptible individuals in response to various inhaled antigens. The fibrotic phenotype of HP is characterized by disease progression and can lead to pulmonary hypertension (PH). The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of PH and to identify predictors of PH in patients with chronic HP.

METHODS

We conducted an observational longitudinal study that included 85 patients with an established diagnosis of HP. Clinical examination, quality of life questionnaires, high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of the chest, arterial blood gases analyses, six-minute walking test (6-MWT), pulmonary function tests, and echocardiography were performed.

RESULTS

Patients were divided into groups with fibrotic (71.8%) and nonfibrotic phenotype (28.2%). PH was detected in 41 (48.2%) patients. Patients with PH had the predominant fibrotic phenotype of HP, were older, more symptomatic, and had a higher FVC/DLco ratio. The most significant predictors of PH were CT signs of fibrosis, finger clubbing, FVC/DLco, decreased distance, and SpO2 at the end of 6-MWT, as well as the presence of cardiovascular diseases.

CONCLUSIONS

PH is a common condition in patients with chronic HP, especially with the fibrotic phenotype. Early detection of the PH predictors is necessary for the timely diagnosis of this complication of HP.

Pulmonary hypertension associated with left heart disease

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a common condition in patients with left heart disease (LHD) that is highly relevant for morbidity and mortality. While post-capillary in nature, the pathophysiology of PH in patients with LHD (heart failure/cardiomyopathy, valvular heart disease; other: congenital/acquired) is complex, and decisions about management strategies are challenging. Recently, the updated European Society of Cardiology/European Respiratory Society guidelines on the diagnosis and treatment of PH revisited hemodynamic definitions and the sub-classification of post-capillary PH, and provided numerous new recommendations on the diagnosis and management of PH associated with various types of LHD. Here, we review several novel aspects that focus on: (a) updated hemodynamic definitions, including the distinction between isolated post-capillary PH (IpcPH) and combined post- and pre-capillary PH (CpcPH); (b) the pathogenesis of PH-LHD, considering various components contributing to PH, such as pulmonary congestion, vasoconstriction, and vascular remodeling; (c) the prognostic relevance of PH and hemodynamic markers; (d) the diagnostic approach to PH-LHD; (e) management strategies in PH-LHD, distinguishing between targeting the underlying left heart condition, the pulmonary circulation, and/or impaired right ventricular function. In conclusion, precise clinical and hemodynamic characterization and detailed phenotyping are essential for prognostication and the management of patients with PH-LHD.

Right Ventricular Energy Failure Predicts Mortality in Patients With Pulmonary Hypertension

Right ventricular (RV) failure has a significant adverse impact on pulmonary hypertension (PH) prognosis. None of the currently used parameters directly assess whether RV fails to provide enough energy output to propel the blood through diseased pulmonary vascular system. Furthermore, most of the current parameters are affected by the volume status of the patient. We aimed to explore whether RV energy failure has a predictive power for mortality on top of the established prognostic risk parameters in patients with PH. We screened 723 cases from our database. A total of 3 sets of binary regression analyses were executed to determine the hazard ratios (HRs) of RV energy failure for 5-year mortality in clinical, echocardiographic, and hemodynamic context, using adjustment variables chosen according to previous studies. The final study population encompassed 549 cases. A total of 77 patients died during the 5-year follow-up (14%). RV energy failure was observed in 146 of 549 patients (26.6%). In the univariate model, RV energy failure strongly associated with increased long-term mortality (HR 4.25, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.58 to 7.00, p <0.001). It also emerged as a significant predictor of long-term mortality in clinical and hemodynamic multivariate models (HR 2.59, 95% CI 1.43 to 4.67, p = 0.002 and HR 2.05, 95% CI 1.15 to 3.63, p = 0.015, respectively). In conclusion, our study indicates that the presence of RV energy failure independently predicts long-term mortality in PH.

The Evolving Management and Treatment Options for Patients with Pulmonary Hypertension: Current Evidence and Challenges

Pulmonary hypertension may develop as a disease process specific to pulmonary arteries with no identifiable cause or may occur in relation to other cardiopulmonary and systemic illnesses. The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies pulmonary hypertensive diseases on the basis of primary mechanisms causing increased pulmonary vascular resistance. Effective management of pulmonary hypertension begins with accurately diagnosing and classifying the disease in order to determine appropriate treatment. Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a particularly challenging form of pulmonary hypertension as it involves a progressive, hyperproliferative arterial process that leads to right heart failure and death if untreated. Over the last two decades, our understanding of the pathobiology and genetics behind PAH has evolved and led to the development of several targeted disease modifiers that ameliorate hemodynamics and quality of life. Effective risk management strategies and more aggressive treatment protocols have also allowed better outcomes for patients with PAH. For those patients who experience progressive PAH with medical therapy, lung transplantation remains a life-saving option. More recent work has been directed at developing effective treatment strategies for other forms of pulmonary hypertension, such as chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) and pulmonary hypertension due to other lung or heart diseases. The discovery of new disease pathways and modifiers affecting the pulmonary circulation is an ongoing area of intense investigation.