Publication

Two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography at rest for the diagnosis, screening and management of pulmonary hypertension

Journal Paper/Review - Jun 7, 2021

Units
PubMed
Doi

Citation
Brugger N, Lichtblau M, Maeder M, Müller H, Pellaton C, Yerly P, Swiss Society For Pulmonary Hypertension Ssph. Two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography at rest for the diagnosis, screening and management of pulmonary hypertension. Swiss Med Wkly 2021; 151:w20486.
Type
Journal Paper/Review (English)
Journal
Swiss Med Wkly 2021; 151
Publication Date
Jun 7, 2021
Issn Electronic
1424-3997
Pages
w20486
Brief description/objective

Doppler echocardiography is widely used in everyday clinical practice for the detection of pulmonary hypertension (PH) in symptomatic patients and in populations particularly at risk of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). It allows accurate estimation of systolic pulmonary arterial pressure but may lack precision in particular situations. In addition, echocardiography can help to distinguish between pre- and post-capillary PH and is a very good tool to evaluate right ventricular systolic function, which is of great prognostic interest in PAH. This article reviews the current knowledge about methodologic aspects of assessing pulmonary pressure and PH origin by echo, including a discussion about abnormal thresholds. It also details advanced techniques like right ventricular strain imaging and new concepts like right ventricle – pulmonary artery coupling evaluation that have become “matured” enough to be definitely brought to routine evaluation.