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Minatsuki S, Hatano M, Hirose K, Saito A, Yagi H, Takeda N, Komuro I. Differential effects of balloon pulmonary angioplasty on chronic thromboembolic pulmonary disease. Heart 2024; 110:1133-1138. [PMID: 39084709 DOI: 10.1136/heartjnl-2024-323883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Decreased diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (DLco) is associated with microvascular damage in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). Balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) is an effective treatment for CTEPH, but the efficacy of BPA in patients with CTEPH with low DLco remains unclear because BPA does not directly address microvascular damage. This study investigates the influence of microvasculopathy on BPA in CTEPH according to DLco. METHODS We retrospectively analysed data from patients with inoperable CTEPH who underwent BPA at the University of Tokyo Hospital from July 2011 to August 2023. The patients were classified into two groups based on their preprocedural DLco (normal DLco (ND) and low DLco (LD) groups), with a DLco cut-off value of 80%. We compared the patient characteristics and effectiveness of BPA between the groups. RESULTS Among the 75 patients, 36 were in the LD group. The LD group had a shorter 6-minute walking distance (324±91 vs 427±114 m) than the ND group but the mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) was similar (38.9±7.3 vs 41.1±9.2 mm Hg) before BPA. BPA improved the haemodynamic status and exercise tolerance in both groups. The LD group exhibited a higher mPAP (25.1±7.4 vs 21.5±5.6 mm Hg) and required more sessions of BPA (median 6 vs 4). Based on the analysis of covariance adjusted for baseline values, low DLco significantly correlated with mPAP (sβ=-0.304, 95% CI -7.015 to -1.132, p=0.007) and pulmonary vascular resistance (sβ=-0.324, 95% CI -141.0 to -29.81, p=0.003). CONCLUSIONS BPA was associated with an improvement in the haemodynamic status and exercise tolerance in patients with CTEPH even with low DLco. However, low DLco may attenuate the effect of BPA on mPAP and pulmonary vascular resistance and require more treatment sessions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shun Minatsuki
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masaru Hatano
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazutoshi Hirose
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akihito Saito
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroki Yagi
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Norifumi Takeda
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Issei Komuro
- International University of Health and Welfare, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Frontier Cardiovascular Science, Graduate School of Medicine, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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Gagné A, Padera RF, Putman RK, Sholl LM. Reporting of Incidental Thrombotic Arteriopathy in Lung Resection Specimens: Examination of Clinical Impact. Am J Surg Pathol 2024:00000478-990000000-00395. [PMID: 39016310 DOI: 10.1097/pas.0000000000002292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
Pulmonary thrombotic arteriopathy (PTA) can be an incidental finding in lung resections performed for various indications. Historic studies largely examined PTA in autopsies. Thus, the prevalence in surgical samples, particularly in the modern era of lung cancer screening, is poorly defined. Detection of PTA in surgical samples may provide an opportunity for therapeutic intervention, but the impact of this finding on clinical management is unknown. We retrospectively examined consecutive lung surgical resections containing a report of incidental PTA between 2019 and 2022 in our institution. A retrospective chart review was performed to determine the history of systemic thromboembolism and clinical and radiographic follow-up. All slides were reviewed to morphologically characterize the vascular changes. Among 2930 pulmonary resections, 66 (2.3%) reportedly contained PTA. Twenty-four (36.4%) patients had a clinically recognized thromboembolic event either before or after surgical resection. Patients with clinically recognized thromboembolic disease were significantly more likely to have both acute and organized thrombi affecting large arteries. The presence of infarct, chronic hypertensive vasculopathy, or number of vessels with thrombi were not significantly associated with a clinically detected event. Reporting of incidental PTA led to clinical intervention in six patients and confirmed systemic thromboembolic disease in 2. Moreover, 2 patients with no further workup based on the incidental pathology findings subsequently developed pulmonary embolism. PTA is incidentally detected in 2.3% of surgical lung resections, and in two-thirds of cases, there is no clinical suspicion of thromboembolic disease. Pathologic reporting of PTA rarely led to clinical intervention, suggesting a need for improved communication of incidental pathology findings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rachel K Putman
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH), Boston, MA
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3
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Gonzalez-Garcia M, Conde-Camacho R, Díaz K, Rodríguez-Cortes C, Rincon-Alvarez E. Differences in Exercise Capacity, Ventilatory Efficiency, and Gas Exchange between Patients with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension and Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension Residing at High Altitude. Rev Cardiovasc Med 2024; 25:247. [PMID: 39139420 PMCID: PMC11317340 DOI: 10.31083/j.rcm2507247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) assesses exercise capacity and causes of exercise limitation in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH). At altitude, changes occur in the ventilatory pattern and a decrease in arterial oxygen pressure in healthy; these changes are increased in patients with cardiopulmonary disease. Our objective was to compare the response to exercise and gas exchange between patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) residing at the altitude of Bogotá (2640 m). Methods All patients performed an incremental CPET with measurement of oxygen consumption ( VO 2 ), dead space (VD/VT), ventilatory equivalents (VE/ VCO 2 ), and alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient ( PA-aO 2 ). X 2 test and one-way analysis of variance were used for comparisons between PAH and CTEPH. Results We included 53 patients, 29 with PAH, 24 with CTEPH, and 102 controls as a reference of the normal response to exercise at altitude. CTEPH patients had a higher New York Health Association (NYHA) functional class than PAH (p = 0.037). There were no differences between patients with PAH and CTEPH in hemodynamics and VO 2 % of predicted (67.8 ± 18.7 vs. 66.0 ± 19.8, p < 0.05), but those with CTEPH had higher dyspnea, VD/VT (0.36 ± 0.09 vs. 0.23 ± 0.9, p < 0.001), VE/ VCO 2 (45.8 ± 7.1 vs. 39.3 ± 5.6, p < 0.001), and PA-aO 2 (19.9 ± 7.6 vs. 13.5 ± 7.6, p < 0.001) than PAH patients. Conclusions At altitude, patients with PH present severe alterations in gas exchange during exercise. There were no differences in exercise capacity between PAH and CTEPH, but patients with CTEPH had more dyspnea and greater alterations in gas exchange during exercise. CPET made it possible to identify alterations related to the pathophysiology of CTEPH that could explain the functional class and dyspnea in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauricio Gonzalez-Garcia
- Fundación Neumológica Colombiana, 110131 Bogotá, Colombia
- Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de la Sabana, 250001 Chía, Colombia
- Postgraduate Program in Sports Medicine, Universidad El Bosque, 110121 Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Rafael Conde-Camacho
- Fundación Neumológica Colombiana, 110131 Bogotá, Colombia
- Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de la Sabana, 250001 Chía, Colombia
| | - Katherine Díaz
- Fundación Neumológica Colombiana, 110131 Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Camilo Rodríguez-Cortes
- Fundación Neumológica Colombiana, 110131 Bogotá, Colombia
- Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de la Sabana, 250001 Chía, Colombia
| | - Emily Rincon-Alvarez
- Fundación Neumológica Colombiana, 110131 Bogotá, Colombia
- Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de la Sabana, 250001 Chía, Colombia
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Inácio Cazeiro D, Azaredo Raposo M, Guimarães T, Lousada N, Jenkins D, R Inácio J, Moreira S, Mineiro A, Freitas C, Martins S, Ferreira R, Luís R, Cardim N, Pinto FJ, Plácido R. Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension: A comprehensive review of pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment strategies. Rev Port Cardiol 2024:S0870-2551(24)00187-2. [PMID: 38945473 DOI: 10.1016/j.repc.2024.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is part of group 4 of the pulmonary hypertension (PH) classification and generally affects more than a third of patients referred to PH centers. It is a three-compartment disease involving proximal (lobar-to-segmental) and distal (subsegmental) pulmonary arteries that are obstructed by persistent fibrothrombotic material, and precapillary pulmonary arteries that can be affected as in pulmonary arterial hypertension. It is a rare complication of pulmonary embolism (PE), with an incidence of around 3% in PE survivors. The observed incidence of CTEPH in the general population is around six cases per million but could be three times higher than this, as estimated from PE incidence. However, a previous venous thromboembolic episode is not always documented. With advances in multimodality imaging and therapeutic management, survival for CTEPH has improved for both operable and inoperable patients. Advanced imaging with pulmonary angiography helps distinguish proximal from distal obstructive disease. However, right heart catheterization is of utmost importance to establish the diagnosis and hemodynamic severity of PH. The therapeutic strategy relies on a stepwise approach, starting with an operability assessment. Pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA), also known as pulmonary thromboendarterectomy, is the first-line treatment for operable patients. Growing experience and advances in surgical technique have enabled expansion of the distal limits of PEA and significant improvements in perioperative and mid- to long-term mortality. In patients who are inoperable or who have persistent/recurrent PH after PEA, medical therapy and/or balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) are effective treatment options with favorable outcomes that are increasingly used. All treatment decisions should be made with a multidisciplinary team that includes a PEA surgeon, a BPA expert, and a chest radiologist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Inácio Cazeiro
- Cardiology Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, CAML, CCUL, Faculty of Medicine, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Miguel Azaredo Raposo
- Cardiology Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, CAML, CCUL, Faculty of Medicine, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Tatiana Guimarães
- Cardiology Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, CAML, CCUL, Faculty of Medicine, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Nuno Lousada
- Cardiology Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, CAML, CCUL, Faculty of Medicine, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - David Jenkins
- Cardiothoracic Surgery Department, Royal Papworth Hospital, Cambridge, UK
| | - João R Inácio
- Radiology Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Susana Moreira
- Pulmonology Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana Mineiro
- Pulmonology Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Céline Freitas
- Association for Research and Development of Faculty of Medicine (AIDFM), Cardiovascular Research Support Unit (GAIC), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Susana Martins
- Cardiology Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, CAML, CCUL, Faculty of Medicine, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Ferreira
- Cardiothoracic Surgery Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, CAML, CCUL, Faculty of Medicine, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Rita Luís
- Pathology Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Central, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Nuno Cardim
- Cardiology Department, CUF Descobertas Hospital, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Fausto J Pinto
- Cardiology Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, CAML, CCUL, Faculty of Medicine, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Rui Plácido
- Cardiology Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, CAML, CCUL, Faculty of Medicine, Lisbon, Portugal; Cardiology Department, CUF Descobertas Hospital, Lisbon, Portugal.
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Kayali SM, Dietz BE, Siddiq BS, Ghaly M, Owens TS, Khouzam RN. Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension and balloon pulmonary angioplasty - Where are we in 2024? Curr Probl Cardiol 2024; 49:102481. [PMID: 38401824 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpcardiol.2024.102481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
Pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) is the first-line treatment for patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). However, some patients with CTEPH are considered inoperable, and in the last decade, balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) has emerged as a viable therapeutic option for these patients with prohibitive surgical risk or recurrent pulmonary hypertension following PEA. Numerous international centers have increased their procedural volume of BPA and have reported improvements in pulmonary hemodynamics, patient functional class and right ventricular function. Randomized controlled trials have also demonstrated similar findings. Recent refinements in procedural technique, increased operator experience and advancements in procedural technology have facilitated marked reduction in the risk of complications following BPA. Current guidelines recommend BPA for patients with inoperable CTEPH and persistent pulmonary hypertension following PEA. The pulmonary arterial endothelium plays a vital role in the pathophysiologic development and progression of CTEPH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharif M Kayali
- University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Memphis, TN.
| | - Bernhard E Dietz
- University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Memphis, TN
| | - Bilal S Siddiq
- University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, College of Medicine, Memphis, TN
| | - Michael Ghaly
- Baptist Memorial Hospital - North Mississippi, Department of Internal Medicine, Oxford, MS
| | - Timothy S Owens
- University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, College of Medicine, Memphis, TN
| | - Rami N Khouzam
- Interventional Cardiologist at the Grand Strand Medical Center, Myrtle Beach, SC; Professor, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia SC; Professor, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Blacksburg, VA; Professor, at the Mercer School of Medicine, Savannah, GA; Professor, University of Tennessee College of Medicine, Memphis, TN
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6
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Loosen G, Taboada D, Ortmann E, Martinez G. How Would I Treat My Own Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension in the Perioperative Period? J Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth 2024; 38:884-894. [PMID: 37716891 DOI: 10.1053/j.jvca.2023.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023]
Abstract
Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) results from an incomplete resolution of acute pulmonary embolism, leading to occlusive organized thrombi, vascular remodeling, and associated microvasculopathy with pulmonary hypertension (PH). A definitive CTEPH diagnosis requires PH confirmation by right-heart catheterization and evidence of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary disease on imaging studies. Surgical removal of the organized fibrotic material by pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) under deep hypothermic circulatory arrest represents the treatment of choice. One-third of patients with CTEPH are not deemed suitable for surgical treatment, and medical therapy or interventional balloon pulmonary angioplasty presents alternative treatment options. Pulmonary endarterectomy in patients with technically operable disease significantly improves symptoms, functional capacity, hemodynamics, and quality of life. Perioperative mortality is <2.5% in expert centers where a CTEPH multidisciplinary team optimizes patient selection and ensures the best preoperative optimization according to individualized risk assessment. Despite adequate pulmonary artery clearance, patients might be prone to perioperative complications, such as right ventricular maladaptation, airway bleeding, or pulmonary reperfusion injury. These complications can be treated conventionally, but extracorporeal membrane oxygenation has been included in their management recently. Patients with residual PH post-PEA should be considered for medical or percutaneous interventional therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregor Loosen
- Intensive Care Unit, Department of Acute Medicine, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Dolores Taboada
- Pulmonary Vascular Diseases Unit, Cambridge National Pulmonary Hypertension Service, Royal Papworth Hospital NHS, Department of Cardiothoracic Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Royal Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Erik Ortmann
- Department of Anesthesiology, Schuechtermann-Heart-Centre, Bad Rothenfelde, Germany
| | - Guillermo Martinez
- Pulmonary Vascular Diseases Unit, Cambridge National Pulmonary Hypertension Service, Royal Papworth Hospital NHS, Department of Cardiothoracic Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Royal Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
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7
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Zhan S, Wang L, Wang W, Li R. Analysis of genes characterizing chronic thrombosis and associated pathways in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0299912. [PMID: 38451963 PMCID: PMC10919650 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE In chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH), fibrosis of thrombi in the lumen of blood vessels and obstruction of blood vessels are important factors in the progression of the disease. Therefore, it is important to explore the key genes that lead to chronic thrombosis in order to understand the development of CTEPH, and at the same time, it is beneficial to provide new directions for early identification, disease prevention, clinical diagnosis and treatment, and development of novel therapeutic agents. METHODS The GSE130391 dataset was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) public database, which includes the full gene expression profiles of patients with CTEPH and Idiopathic Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (IPAH). Differentially Expressed Genes (DEGs) of CTEPH and IPAH were screened, and then Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO) functional enrichment analyses were performed on the DEGs; Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) to screen the key gene modules and take the intersection genes of DEGs and the key module genes in WGCNA; STRING database was used to construct the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network; and cytoHubba analysis was performed to identify the hub genes. RESULTS A total of 924 DEGs were screened, and the MEturquoise module with the strongest correlation was selected to take the intersection with DEGs A total of 757 intersecting genes were screened. The top ten hub genes were analyzed by cytoHubba: IL-1B, CXCL8, CCL22, CCL5, CCL20, TNF, IL-12B, JUN, EP300, and CCL4. CONCLUSION IL-1B, CXCL8, CCL22, CCL5, CCL20, TNF, IL-12B, JUN, EP300, and CCL4 have diagnostic and therapeutic value in CTEPH disease, especially playing a role in chronic thrombosis. The discovery of NF-κB, AP-1 transcription factors, and TNF signaling pathway through pivotal genes may be involved in the disease progression process.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Liu Wang
- Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, China
| | | | - Ruoran Li
- Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
- Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, China
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8
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Verbelen T, Godinas L, Dorfmüller P, Gopalan D, Condliffe R, Delcroix M. Clinical-radiological-pathological correlation in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. Eur Respir Rev 2023; 32:230149. [PMID: 38123236 PMCID: PMC10731457 DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0149-2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a rare and potentially life-threatening complication of acute pulmonary embolism. It is characterised by persistent fibro-thrombotic pulmonary vascular obstructions and elevated pulmonary artery pressure leading to right heart failure. The diagnosis is based on two steps, as follows: 1) suspicion based on symptoms, echocardiography and ventilation/perfusion scan and 2) confirmation with right heart catheterisation, computed tomography pulmonary angiography and, in most cases, digital subtraction angiography. The management of CTEPH requires a multimodal approach, involving medical therapy, interventional procedures and surgical intervention. This clinical-radiological-pathological correlation paper illustrates the diagnostic and therapeutic management of two patients. The first had chronic thromboembolic pulmonary disease without pulmonary hypertension at rest but with significant physical limitation and was successfully treated with pulmonary endarterectomy. The second patient had CTEPH associated with splenectomy and was considered unsuitable for surgery because of exclusive subsegmental lesions combined with severe pulmonary hypertension. The patient benefited from multimodal treatment involving medical therapy followed by multiple sessions of balloon pulmonary angioplasty. Both patients had normalised functional capacity and pulmonary haemodynamics 3-6 months after the interventional treatment. These two examples show that chronic thromboembolic pulmonary diseases are curable if diagnosed promptly and referred to CTEPH centres for specialist treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Verbelen
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Laurent Godinas
- Clinical Department of Respiratory Diseases, University Hospitals of Leuven and Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery (BREATHE), Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism (CHROMETA), KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Peter Dorfmüller
- Institut für Pathologie, Universitätsklinikum Giessen/Marburg and Deutsches Zentrum für Lungenforschung (DZL), Giessen, Germany
| | - Deepa Gopalan
- Department of Radiology, Imperial College Hospital NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Robin Condliffe
- Sheffield Pulmonary Vascular Disease Unit, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield, UK
| | - Marion Delcroix
- Clinical Department of Respiratory Diseases, University Hospitals of Leuven and Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery (BREATHE), Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism (CHROMETA), KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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9
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Ghani H, Pepke-Zaba J. Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension: A Review of the Multifaceted Pathobiology. Biomedicines 2023; 12:46. [PMID: 38255153 PMCID: PMC10813488 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12010046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary disease results from the incomplete resolution of thrombi, leading to fibrotic obstructions. These vascular obstructions and additional microvasculopathy may lead to chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) with increased pulmonary arterial pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance, which, if left untreated, can lead to right heart failure and death. The pathobiology of CTEPH has been challenging to unravel due to its rarity, possible interference of results with anticoagulation, difficulty in selecting the most relevant study time point in relation to presentation with acute pulmonary embolism (PE), and lack of animal models. In this article, we review the most relevant multifaceted cross-talking pathogenic mechanisms and advances in understanding the pathobiology in CTEPH, as well as its challenges and future direction. There appears to be a genetic background affecting the relevant pathological pathways. This includes genetic associations with dysfibrinogenemia resulting in fibrinolysis resistance, defective angiogenesis affecting thrombus resolution, and inflammatory mediators driving chronic inflammation in CTEPH. However, these are not necessarily specific to CTEPH and some of the pathways are also described in acute PE or deep vein thrombosis. In addition, there is a complex interplay between angiogenic and inflammatory mediators driving thrombus non-resolution, endothelial dysfunction, and vascular remodeling. Furthermore, there are data to suggest that infection, the microbiome, circulating microparticles, and the plasma metabolome are contributing to the pathobiology of CTEPH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hakim Ghani
- Pulmonary Vascular Disease Unit, Royal Papworth Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0AY, UK;
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10
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Abel P, Bülow R, Stubbe B, Heine A, Ewert R. [Fatal course of pulmonary embolism after successful pulmonary endarterectomy: a rare case]. Pneumologie 2023; 77:1009-1012. [PMID: 37857318 DOI: 10.1055/a-2161-5962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
We report a case of a 43-year-old woman who suffered from recurrent pulmonary embolism leading to chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. Pulmonary endarterectomy was performed with good result. However, two years later, after a SARS-CoV2 infection and despite oral anticoagulation therapy, the patient presented with clinical symptoms of pulmonary embolism, which was confirmed by computed tomography as an extensive pulmonary embolism. Despite fibrinolysis therapy and the attempt of interventional thrombus aspiration, the patient died due to non-manageable embolism load.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Abel
- Internal Medicine B, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Deutschland
| | - Robin Bülow
- Radiology, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Deutschland
| | - Beate Stubbe
- Internal Medicine B, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Deutschland
| | - Alexander Heine
- Internal Medicine B, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Deutschland
| | - Ralf Ewert
- Internal Medicine B, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Deutschland
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11
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Adameit MSD, Wiedenroth CB, Omlor A, Schäfers HJ, Guth S, Wilkens H. [Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension]. Dtsch Med Wochenschr 2023; 148:1514-1523. [PMID: 37949080 DOI: 10.1055/a-2012-0899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a rare disease, but an important late sequela after acute pulmonary embolism. Therefore, follow-up after at least three months of sufficient anticoagulation is recommended. Patients with suspected CTEPH should be referred to specialized CTEPH centers for further evaluation and treatment.Three treatment modalities are available: pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA), balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) and pulmonary hypertension-targeted drugs. The indication for surgery depends mainly on the localization of the pulmonary arterial obstructions. Severe comorbidities as well as advanced age need individual evaluation, but do not present strict exclusion criteria. Multimodal treatments are common practice in inoperable CTEPH. However, treatment decision making in an experienced multidisciplinary team is mandatory.
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12
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Delcroix M, de Perrot M, Jaïs X, Jenkins DP, Lang IM, Matsubara H, Meijboom LJ, Quarck R, Simonneau G, Wiedenroth CB, Kim NH. Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension: realising the potential of multimodal management. THE LANCET. RESPIRATORY MEDICINE 2023; 11:836-850. [PMID: 37591299 DOI: 10.1016/s2213-2600(23)00292-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a rare complication of acute pulmonary embolism. Important advances have enabled better understanding, characterisation, and treatment of this condition. Guidelines recommending systematic follow-up after acute pulmonary embolism, and the insight that CTEPH can mimic acute pulmonary embolism on initial presentation, have led to the definition of CTEPH imaging characteristics, the introduction of artificial intelligence diagnosis pathways, and thus the prospect of easier and earlier CTEPH diagnosis. In this Series paper, we show how the understanding of CTEPH as a sequela of inflammatory thrombosis has driven successful multidisciplinary management that integrates surgical, interventional, and medical treatments. We provide imaging examples of classical major vessel targets, describe microvascular targets, define available tools, and depict an algorithm facilitating the initial treatment strategy in people with newly diagnosed CTEPH based on a multidisciplinary team discussion at a CTEPH centre. Further work is needed to optimise the use and combination of multimodal therapeutic options in CTEPH to improve long-term outcomes for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Delcroix
- Clinical Department of Respiratory Diseases, University Hospitals of Leuven and Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery (BREATHE), Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism (CHROMETA), KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Marc de Perrot
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Xavier Jaïs
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Service de Pneumologie, Hôpital Bicêtre, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - David P Jenkins
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Royal Papworth Hospital, Cambridge, UK
| | - Irene M Lang
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine II, Vienna General Hospital, Centre for CardioVascular Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Hiromi Matsubara
- National Hospital Organization Okayama Medical Center, Okayama, Japan
| | - Lilian J Meijboom
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Rozenn Quarck
- Clinical Department of Respiratory Diseases, University Hospitals of Leuven and Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery (BREATHE), Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism (CHROMETA), KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Gérald Simonneau
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Service de Pneumologie, Hôpital Bicêtre, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | | | - Nick H Kim
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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Surgical and Device Interventions in the Treatment of Chronic Thromboembolic Disease. Pulm Ther 2023; 9:207-221. [PMID: 36800165 DOI: 10.1007/s41030-023-00217-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary disease (CTEPD) is characterized by unresolved clot burden in large pulmonary arteries, obstructive disease in smaller arteries, and increased downstream clot burden. This occurs in the setting of abnormal fibrinolysis or hematological disorders. Up to 50% of patients in some studies are unaware of a self-history of a deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. Ultimately, they present with symptoms of pulmonary hypertension (PH), which can result in right heart failure (RHF). Pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) is curative, though many patients have prohibitive surgical risk or surgically inaccessible disease, warranting other interventions such as balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) and medical therapy. Rarely, other treatment options may be implemented. We focus this review on PEA and BPA, with an overview of the history of CTEPD and the evolution of these procedures. We will briefly discuss other treatment modalities.
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14
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Marchetta S, Verbelen T, Claessen G, Quarck R, Delcroix M, Godinas L. A Comprehensive Assessment of Right Ventricular Function in Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension. J Clin Med 2022; 12:jcm12010047. [PMID: 36614845 PMCID: PMC9821031 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12010047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
While chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) results from macroscopic and microscopic obstruction of the pulmonary vascular bed, the function of the right ventricle (RV) and increased RV afterload are the main determinants of its symptoms and prognosis. In this review, we assess RV function in patients diagnosed with CTEPH with a focus on the contributions of RV afterload and dysfunction to the pathogenesis of this disease. We will also discuss changes in RV function and geometry in response to treatment, including medical therapy, pulmonary endarterectomy, and balloon pulmonary angioplasty.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tom Verbelen
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Guido Claessen
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Rozenn Quarck
- Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery (BREATHE), Department of Chonic Diseases and Metabolism (CHROMETA), KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marion Delcroix
- Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery (BREATHE), Department of Chonic Diseases and Metabolism (CHROMETA), KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Pneumology, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Laurent Godinas
- Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery (BREATHE), Department of Chonic Diseases and Metabolism (CHROMETA), KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Pneumology, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Correspondence:
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15
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Sun S, Li JF, Liu L, Miao R, Yang SQ, Kuang TG, Gong JN, Gu S, Liu Y, Yang YH. Long-term Outcomes and Predictors of Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension After Pulmonary Endarterectomy. Clin Appl Thromb Hemost 2022; 28:10760296221140882. [PMID: 36464656 PMCID: PMC9726834 DOI: 10.1177/10760296221140882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) is the preferred treatment for CTEPH patients which can significantly improve symptoms and pulmonary hemodynamics. Therefore, this retrospective study evaluated the long-term outcomes after pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) and analyze the predictors of long-term outcomes for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). METHODS From 2002-2020, 76 CTEPH patients successfully discharged after PEA in Beijing Chaoyang Hospital were followed-up by scheduled clinical visits or telephone interviews. The follow-up time lasted for 18 years and median time was 7.29 years. RESULTS The survival rate at 1,3,5,10,15 years postoperatively was 100.00%, 97.10%, 95.40%, 89.80% and 82.90%, respectively. Multivariate logistics regression analysis showed that postoperative mPAP (hazard ratio: 1.144; 95%confidence interval: 1.018-1.285; P = 0.023) was associated with a higher risk of late death, right atrium right and left diameters (hazard ratio: 1.113; 95%confidence interval, 1.006-1.231; P = 0.038) were associated with a higher risk of major adverse events. CONCLUSION Pulmonary endarterectomy is an effective way to treat CTEPH. Long-term outcome is excellent for patients who undergoing pulmonary endarterectomy who survived from peri-operation time. Postoperative mPAP is a significant prognostic factor for long-term death and right atrium right and left diameters is a significant prognostic factor for major adverse events. That shows patients with high postoperative mPAP and right atrium right and left diameter should be followed up closely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Sun
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine and Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China,Medical Research Center, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine and Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China,Department of Cardiac Surgery, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China, 100020,Department of Respiratory Disease, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China, 100069
| | - Ji-Feng Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine and Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China,Medical Research Center, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine and Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China,Department of Cardiac Surgery, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China, 100020,Department of Respiratory Disease, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China, 100069
| | - Lin Liu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine and Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China,Medical Research Center, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine and Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China,Department of Cardiac Surgery, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China, 100020,Department of Respiratory Disease, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China, 100069
| | - Ran Miao
- Medical Research Center, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine and Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China,Department of Cardiac Surgery, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China, 100020,Department of Respiratory Disease, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China, 100069
| | - Su-Qiao Yang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine and Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China,Medical Research Center, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine and Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China,Department of Cardiac Surgery, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China, 100020,Department of Respiratory Disease, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China, 100069
| | - Tu-Guang Kuang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine and Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China,Medical Research Center, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine and Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China,Department of Cardiac Surgery, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China, 100020,Department of Respiratory Disease, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China, 100069
| | - Juan-Ni Gong
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine and Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China,Medical Research Center, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine and Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China,Department of Cardiac Surgery, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China, 100020,Department of Respiratory Disease, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China, 100069
| | - Song Gu
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China, 100020
| | - Yan Liu
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China, 100020
| | - Yuan-Hua Yang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine and Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China,Medical Research Center, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine and Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China,Department of Cardiac Surgery, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China, 100020,Department of Respiratory Disease, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China, 100069,Yuan-Hua Yang, MD, PhD, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, 8 GongrenTiyuchangNanlu, Chaoyang District, Beijing, P.R. China. 100020.
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16
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Muacevic A, Adler JR, Makhoul K, Noff N. A Case of Chronic Pulmonary Embolism Resulting in Pulmonary Hypertension and Decompensated Right Heart Failure. Cureus 2022; 14:e32771. [PMID: 36686131 PMCID: PMC9853921 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.32771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension is a deadly condition that results from thrombus organization and formation of fibrous tissue in the large and/or middle-sized pulmonary artery; as a result, pulmonary vascular resistance increases resulting in pulmonary hypertension and right heart failure. Untreated chronic pulmonary embolism causes decompensated right heart failure. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial for improving survival. Pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) is the treatment of choice as it reduces pulmonary vascular resistance. For patients who are not a candidate for PEA, alternative treatment options improve quality of life.
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17
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Central versus Peripheral CTEPH-Clinical and Hemodynamic Specifications. Medicina (B Aires) 2022; 58:medicina58111538. [PMID: 36363494 PMCID: PMC9696046 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58111538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a chronic progressive disease, resulting from persistent arterial obstruction combined with small-vessel remodeling. Central and peripheral CTEPH are distinguished, according to the dominant lesion's location. This is important for surgical or percutaneous interventional assessment or for medical treatment. Material and Methods: Eighty-one patients (51 male/30 female) with confirmed CTEPH were analyzed, while the CENTRAL type included 51 patients (63%) and the PERIPHERAL type 30 patients (37%). Results: A significant difference in CENTRAL type vs. PERIPHERAL type was determined in gender (male 72.5% vs. 46.7%; p = 0.0198). No difference was found in age, functional status, or echocardiographic parameters. Invasive hemodynamic parameters showed a significant difference in mean pulmonary arterial pressure (46 vs. 58 mmHg; p = 0.0002), transpulmonary gradient (34 vs. 47 mmHg; p = 0.0005), and cardiac index (2.04 vs. 2.5 L.min.m2; p = 0.02) but not in pulmonary vascular resistance. Risk factors showed a significant difference only in acute pulmonary embolism (93.8% vs. 60%; p = 0.0002) and malignancy (2% vs. 13.3%; p = 0.0426). Conclusions: Our study showed hemodynamic differences between CENTRAL type vs. PERIPHERAL type CTEPH with a worse hemodynamic picture in CENTRAL form. This may indicate a different pathophysiological response and/or possible additional influences contributing especially to the peripheral pulmonary bed affection.
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18
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Vrigkou E, Tsantes A, Konstantonis D, Rapti E, Maratou E, Pappas A, Halvatsiotis P, Tsangaris I. Platelet, Fibrinolytic and Other Coagulation Abnormalities in Newly-Diagnosed Patients with Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12051238. [PMID: 35626393 PMCID: PMC9141147 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12051238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathophysiological background of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) has not been fully elucidated. Evidence suggests that abnormal platelet function and ineffective fibrinolysis may play a key role in the development of the disease. The purpose of this study was to evaluate platelet and coagulation function in CTEPH, using non-conventional global coagulation assays, and platelet activation and endothelial dysfunction laboratory markers. A total of 40 newly-diagnosed CTEPH patients were studied, along with 35 healthy controls. Blood samples from CTEPH patients were taken directly from the pulmonary artery. All subjects were assessed with platelet function analyzer-100, light transmission aggregometry, thromboelastometry, endogenous thrombin potential. von Willebrand antigen and activity, p-selectin, thromboxane A2 and serotonin levels were also assessed. The results showed that CTEPH patients present diminished platelet aggregation, presence of disaggregation, decreased rate of fibrinolysis, defective thrombin generation and increased levels of thromboxane A2, p-selectin, von Willebrand antigen and activity. Serotonin levels did not present any differences between the two groups. The results of this study suggest that CTEPH patients present platelet function, fibrinolytic, thrombin generation and other clot formation abnormalities. Well-designed clinical studies are needed to further evaluate the complex hemostatic abnormalities in the CTEPH setting and assess their potential clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Vrigkou
- Second Department of Critical Care Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece; (E.V.); (D.K.); (A.P.)
| | - Argirios Tsantes
- Laboratory of Hematology and Blood Bank Unit, Attikon University Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece; (A.T.); (E.R.)
| | - Dimitrios Konstantonis
- Second Department of Critical Care Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece; (E.V.); (D.K.); (A.P.)
| | - Evdoxia Rapti
- Laboratory of Hematology and Blood Bank Unit, Attikon University Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece; (A.T.); (E.R.)
| | - Eirini Maratou
- Laboratory of Clinical Biochemistry, Attikon University Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece;
| | - Athanasios Pappas
- Second Department of Critical Care Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece; (E.V.); (D.K.); (A.P.)
| | - Panagiotis Halvatsiotis
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece;
| | - Iraklis Tsangaris
- Second Department of Critical Care Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece; (E.V.); (D.K.); (A.P.)
- Correspondence:
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