Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension: a review.
- Author:
Cheryl Zhiya CHONG
1
;
Edgar Lik Wui TAY
1
;
Ching Hui SIA
1
;
Kian Keong POH
1
Author Information
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords: chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension; pulmonary embolism; pulmonary endarterectomy; pulmonary hypertension; thromboemboli
- From:Singapore medical journal 2021;62(7):318-325
- CountrySingapore
- Language:English
- Abstract: Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a unique form of pulmonary hypertension resulting from obstruction of the pulmonary artery by fibrotic thromboembolic material, usually initiated by recurrent or incomplete resolution of pulmonary embolism. This distinct form of pulmonary hypertension is classified under Group 4 of the World Health Organization classification. Further investigations are usually initiated, with transthoracic echocardiography followed by right heart catheterisation and pulmonary angiography as the gold standard. Definitive treatment is usually in the form of surgical pulmonary endarterectomy. Inoperable CTEPH is medically treated with pharmacological agents such as phosphodiesterase Type 5 inhibitors, endothelin receptor antagonists, soluble guanylate cyclase stimulators and prostacyclin. Recent developments have made balloon pulmonary angioplasty a viable option as well.
