The Role of Lung Ventilation/Perfusion Scan in the Management of Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension
10.1007/s13139-023-00830-5
- Author:
Sejin HA
1
;
Sangwon HAN
Author Information
1. Department of Nuclear Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, 88, Olympic‑ro 43‑gil, Songpa‑gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea 05505
- Publication Type:REVIEW
- From:Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
2024;58(7):449-458
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH), which is classified as a group 4 pulmonary hypertension (PH), is a life-threatening complication of acute pulmonary embolism (PE). With the introduction of multidisciplinary approaches and innovative treatment strategies for CTEPH, it is currently regarded not as a fatal disease, but as a curable form of PH.Ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) scan is the preferred imaging method for screening for CTEPH, with superior sensitivity to CT pulmonary angiography. The findings and interpretations of V/Q scan in CTEPH may differ from those observed in acute PE. The use of V/Q scan in combination with SPECT or SPECT/CT is becoming more popular than planar scan alone.Comprehensive understanding of the role of V/Q scan in CTEPH will assist in providing early diagnosis, proper therapeutic decision making, and improved prognosis. This review outlines the current roles and potential clinical applications of V/Q scan in the diagnosis and evaluation of CTEPH.
