Diagnostic Evaluation of Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension

Abstract

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a distinct form of pulmonary hypertension, uniquely characterized by pulmonary artery narrowing and occlusion from clot material. With advances in medical education and therapeutic options, awareness of CTEPH has grown significantly in recent years. The diagnostic evaluation remains complex, warranting an integrated assessment of history, physical exam, echocardiogram, chest imaging including computerized tomography with angiography, ventilation–perfusion scanning, right heart catheterization, catheter-based pulmonary angiography, and assessment for medical and mechanical CTEPH risk factors. The diagnostic evaluation of CTEPH is reviewed here.