Multimodality imaging in congenital heart disease-related pulmonary arterial hypertension
File(s)Multimodality Imaging 24 oct 2015 KDb.docx (28.54 KB)
Accepted version
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in adult patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The present review aims to discuss the clinical applications of invasive and non-invasive diagnostic modalities and to describe the strengths and weaknesses of each technique. Chest radiograph is an inexpensive investigation providing information on pulmonary arterial and hilar dilatation, pruning of peripheral pulmonary arteries and cardiomegaly. Transthoracic two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiography is the most widely used imaging tool. It provides information on cardiac anatomy and an estimate of haemodynamics and biventricular remodelling and function. In addition, echocardiography is valuable in assessing prognosis and monitoring the efficacy of therapy. Structural and functional changes associated with CHD-PAH, mainly affecting the right ventricle and pulmonary circulation, may represent an ideal target for evaluation with cardiac magnetic resonance. This non-invasive imaging modality has a low biological impact. CT plays an important role for patients with limited echocardiographic windows and those who are unable to undergo MRI (claustrophobia, poor compliance, presence of a pacemaker/implantable cardioverter defibrillator). It is the modality of choice for detailed assessment of pulmonary vessel obstruction or thrombosis. Finally, heart catheterisation remains the gold standard for diagnosing and confirming PAH in patients with CHD and for shunt evaluation. The diagnostic assessment of CHD-PAH requires great expertise and a deep knowledge of both CHD and PAH pathophysiology and should take place in a tertiary centre, where multiple data can be appropriately integrated and applied clinically.
Date Issued
2016-03-24
Date Acceptance
2016-02-04
Citation
HEART, 2016, 102 (12), pp.910-918
ISSN
1355-6037
Publisher
BMJ Publishing Group Ltd
Start Page
910
End Page
918
Journal / Book Title
HEART
Volume
102
Issue
12
Copyright Statement
© 2016 The Authors produced by BMJ Publishing Group Ltd (& BCS) under licence.
Identifier
http://gateway.webofknowledge.com/gateway/Gateway.cgi?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000377548100007&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=1ba7043ffcc86c417c072aa74d649202
Subjects
Science & Technology
Life Sciences & Biomedicine
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Cardiovascular System & Cardiology
Late gadolinium enchantment
Inhaled nitric-oxide
Noninvasive estimation
Eisenmenger syndrome
Prognostic value
Adults
Hemodynamics
Association
Dysfunction
Accuracy
Cardiovascular System & Hematology
Cardiovascular Medicine And Haematology
Publication Status
Published