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Current Cardiology Reports
Published in: Current Cardiology Reports 8/2015

01-08-2015 | Peripheral Vascular Disease (MR Jaff, Section Editor)

Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension: the End Result of Pulmonary Embolism

Authors: Alison S. Witkin, Richard N. Channick

Published in: Current Cardiology Reports | Issue 8/2015

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Abstract

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) occurs when a pulmonary embolism fails to undergo complete thrombolysis leading to vascular occlusion and pulmonary hypertension. Despite the fact that CTEPH is a potential consequence of pulmonary embolism, diagnosis requires a high degree of vigilance as many patients will not have a history of thromboembolic disease. The ventilation perfusion scan is used to evaluate for the possibility of CTEPH although right heart catheterization and pulmonary artery angiogram are needed to confirm the diagnosis. Pulmonary thromboendarterectomy is the first-line treatment for patients who are surgical candidates. Recently, riociguat has been approved for patients with nonsurgical disease or residual pulmonary hypertension despite surgical intervention. This review describes the pathophysiology, risk factors, diagnosis, and management of CTEPH.
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Metadata
Title
Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension: the End Result of Pulmonary Embolism
Authors
Alison S. Witkin
Richard N. Channick
Publication date
01-08-2015
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Cardiology Reports / Issue 8/2015
Print ISSN: 1523-3782
Electronic ISSN: 1534-3170
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11886-015-0621-9

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