Open AccessEffect of abnormal right heart structures on the diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension
Author(s) -
AbuHalimeh Batool,
Desai Milind Y.,
Tonelli Adriano R.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
pulmonary circulation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.791
H-Index - 40
ISSN - 2045-8940
DOI - 10.1177/2045894018773053
Subject(s) - medicine , pulmonary artery , pulmonary hypertension , ventricle , cardiology , thrombus , right heart catheterization , right heart , right pulmonary artery , cardiac catheterization , catheter , radiology
The diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension (PH) requires a right heart catheterization (RHC) that reveals a mean pulmonary artery pressure ≥ 25 mmHg. The pulmonary artery catheter traverse the right atrium and ventricle on its way to the pulmonary artery. The presence of abnormal right heart structures, i.e. thrombus, vegetation, benign or malignant cardiac lesions, can lead to complications during this procedure. On the other hand, avoidance of RHC delays the diagnosis and treatment of PH, an approach that might be associated with worse outcomes. This paper discusses the impact of right heart lesions on the diagnosis of PH and suggests an approach on how to manage this association.