Prevalence and Clinical Implications of Pulmonary Artery Aneurysms in Patients With Pulmonary Hypertension

Abstract

Pulmonary artery aneurysm (PAA) is defined as a main pulmonary artery (PA) diameter greater than 40 mm. Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is one of the conditions most commonly associated with the development of PAA but it is still uncertain which factors contribute to the development of PAA in PAH patients. We sought to identify the prevalence of PAA in PAH patients and to determine prognostic implications of PAA identification. METHODS: Data collection of patients in the Pulmonary Hypertension clinic at Keck Medical Center from January 2010 to January 2020 was conducted. Patient demographics and PAH etiology information was collected. Additional data regarding functional status, as determined by NYHA class and 6 MWD, and hemodynamics per RHC and TTE measurements was collected. Patients were described as having Pulmonary Artery Aneurysms if their CT report noted a main PA size greater than or equal to 40 mm.