CMR Imaging Similarities Between Pulmonary Hypertension Subtypes

Patients with either pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) or chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) who underwent cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging showed similar right ventricular and PA features, according to study results published in the journal Pulmonology.

CMR imaging was taken following right heart catheterization in age and gender-matched patients with either PAH or CTEPH. Both ventricle volumes and areas as well as PA measurements were taken and compared between disease classifications.

Of the 46 patients enrolled in the study, 23 had PAH and 23 had CTEPH. Overall, both patient groups had similar anthropometric and functional characteristics, including body surface area, functional class, and 6-minute walk test distance. Hemodynamic severity was also similar in both groups. After imaging, ventricular morphology and function did not differ between groups.

“Our study tested the hypothesis that cardiac magnetic resonance data could differ from [idiopathic] PAH or CTEPH since the pathophysiology and outcome of these two forms of PH are different,” the researchers wrote.  “Nevertheless, comparing two groups with similar functional and hemodynamic features, we found no differences regarding [right ventricle] remodeling or PA at CMR, despite the clear distinctions in vascular involvement in PAH or CTEPH.”

Reference

Hoette S, Creuzé N, Rochitte CE, et al. Chronic thromboembolic and pulmonary arterial hypertension share right ventricular and pulmonary artery CMR features [published online May 10, 2019]. Pulmonology. doi:10.1016/j.pulmoe.2019.03.002