Journal Article

Incidence of Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension after Pulmonary Embolism

Marchiori, Antonio, Biasiolo, Alessandra, Tiozzo, Francesca, Pegoraro, Cinzia, Prins, Martin H, Pengo, Vittorio, Prandoni, Paolo, Albanese, Paolo, Iliceto, Sabino, Lensing, Anthonie W.A, Davidson, Bruce L

2004

Overview

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension is believed to be rare after an episode of acute pulmonary embolism. This study showed that the incidence of this serious complication was nearly 4 percent — substantially higher than previously reported — and was associated with previous pulmonary embolism, large perfusion defects, and an idiopathic presentation. Possible approaches to prevention are discussed. The incidence of this serious complication was nearly 4 percent. Chronic pulmonary hypertension is considered a relatively rare complication of pulmonary embolism but is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. 1 – 3 It is commonly believed that symptoms become manifest only several years after the initial episode of pulmonary embolism. However, the true frequency (estimated at 0.1 percent among patients who survive a pulmonary embolism) and timing are not well established, and there is limited documentation concerning predisposing factors that could be addressed in an effort to prevent this feared complication. It has been hypothesized that in situ thrombosis and pulmonary arteriopathy are common causes of vascular occlusion leading to chronic . . .

• Publisher: Massachusetts Medical Society
• Subject: Adolescent / Adult / Age Factors / Aged / Biological and medical sciences / Blood and lymphatic vessels / Blood clots / Cardiology. Vascular system / Chronic Disease / Diseases of the peripheral vessels. Diseases of the vena cava. Miscellaneous / Female / Follow-Up Studies / General aspects / Health risk assessment / Humans / Hypertension / Hypertension, Pulmonary - epidemiology / Hypertension, Pulmonary - etiology / Incidence / Logistic Models / Male / Medical sciences / Medical treatment / Middle Aged / Pneumology / Pulmonary arteries / Pulmonary Embolism - complications / Pulmonary hypertension. Acute cor pulmonale. Pulmonary embolism. Pulmonary vascular diseases / Recurrence / Risk Factors / Thromboembolism - complications