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Pulmonary hypertension: Difference between revisions

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<section begin="radiology" />'''Pulmonary hypertension''' (PH) is defined as elevated blood pressure beyond 20 mmHg MAP in the pulmonary artery (physiological MAP is 10-20). It most commonly occurs as a consequence of heart disease or lung disease. '''Pulmonary arterial hypertension''' (PAH) is one form of pulmonary hypertension which is not due to the above.  
<section begin="radiology" />'''Pulmonary hypertension''' (PH) is defined as elevated blood pressure beyond 20 mmHg MAP in the pulmonary artery (physiological MAP is 10-20). It most commonly occurs as a consequence of heart disease or lung disease. '''Pulmonary arterial hypertension''' (PAH) is one form of pulmonary hypertension which is not secondary to heart or lung disease.  


Pulmonary hypertension is relatively common, the prevalence being approximately 1%, mostly due to the high prevalence of COPD and heart disease. PH itself can lead to right-sided [[heart failure]].
Pulmonary hypertension is relatively common, the prevalence being approximately 1%, mostly due to the high prevalence of COPD and heart disease. PH itself can lead to right-sided [[heart failure]].
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!Frequency
!Frequency
!Common causes
!Common causes
!Pathomechanism
|-
|-
|Group 1
|Group 1
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[[Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn]]
[[Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn]]
[[Eisenmenger syndrome]]
|Elevated pulmonary vascular resistance
|-
|-
|Group 2
|Group 2
|Pulmonary hypertension secondary to left-sided heart disease
|Pulmonary hypertension secondary to left-sided heart disease
|Very common
|Very common (70% of PH)
|[[Heart failure]]
|[[Heart failure]]
[[Valvular disease]]
[[Valvular disease]]
|
|-
|-
|Group 3
|Group 3
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|[[COPD]]
|[[COPD]]
[[Interstitial lung disease]]
[[Interstitial lung disease]]
|Chronic hypoxia causes pulmonary vasoconstriction and remodelling of the pulmonary vascular bed
|-
|-
|Group 4
|Group 4
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|Rare
|Rare
|Chronic [[pulmonary embolism]]
|Chronic [[pulmonary embolism]]
|Pulmonary embolism increase pulmonary vascular resistance
|-
|-
|Group 5
|Group 5
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|[[Chronic kidney disease]]
|[[Chronic kidney disease]]
[[Sarcoidosis]]
[[Sarcoidosis]]
Haematological disorder
Haematological disorder
|
|}
|}
<section end="radiology" />
<section end="radiology" />
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Neither chest radiography or CT are required in the evaluation, except for evaluation of underlying disorders. On x-ray, the central vessels may be more prominent than normal. On CT, one can see that the pulmonary artery is larger than the ascending aorta, and that there is a so-called centroperipheral caliber discrepancy  or “pruning” of the peripheral vessels, which means that the central pulmonary vessels are larger than normal while the peripheral vessels aren't.
Neither chest radiography or CT are required in the evaluation, except for evaluation of underlying disorders. On x-ray, the central vessels may be more prominent than normal. On CT, one can see that the pulmonary artery is larger than the ascending aorta, and that there is a so-called centroperipheral caliber discrepancy  or “pruning” of the peripheral vessels, which means that the central pulmonary vessels are larger than normal while the peripheral vessels aren't.


[[Echocardiography]] is obligatory for the evaluation, as it can estimate the pulmonary artery pressure. However, right [[heart catheterisation]] is obligatory for the final diagnosis, as it can directly measure the pressure.
[[Echocardiography]] is the main modality for the evaluation, as it can estimate the pulmonary artery pressure. Typical findings include [[tricuspid regurgitation]], [[pulmonary regurgitation]], dilated right atrium and ventricle, and [[right ventricular hypertrophy]]. However, right [[heart catheterisation]] is obligatory for the final diagnosis, as it can directly measure the pressure.
<section end="radiology" />
<section end="radiology" />
== Management ==
== Management ==
Regardless of type and cause, hypoxaemia will worsen the condition and should be avoided.
Regardless of type and cause, hypoxaemia will worsen the condition and should be avoided.


Lung-protective lifestyle changes, including weight loss, smoking cessation, and avoidance of pollutants and microbes, is always indicated. If due to an underlying disease, this should be treated. It's important to reduce
Lung-protective lifestyle changes, including weight loss, smoking cessation, and avoidance of pollutants and microbes, is always indicated. If due to an underlying disease, this should be treated.


For pulmonary arterial hypertension, a calcium channel blocker, phosphodiesterase 5-inhibitor, prostanoid, endothelin receptor antagonist, or guanylate cyclate simulator may be used.
For pulmonary arterial hypertension, a calcium channel blocker, phosphodiesterase 5-inhibitor, prostanoid, endothelin receptor antagonist, or guanylate cyclate simulator may be used. For type 4, [[thrombendarterectomy]] with or without balloon dilatation of the pulmonary arteries may cure the condition. For all other types of PH, there is no specific treatment. <noinclude>
<noinclude>
[[Category:Cardiology]]
[[Category:Cardiology]]
[[Category:Pulmonology]]
[[Category:Pulmonology]]
</noinclude>
</noinclude>