经前臂静脉径路行右心导管检查和肺动脉造影的可行性研究

目的 探讨经前臂静脉径路进行右心导管检查及肺动脉造影的可行性和安全性.方法 本研究为多中心横断面临床研究,连续观察68例符合人选标准的疑诊肺血管病患者,采用前臂静脉径路进行右心导管检查及肺动脉造影.结果 经前臂静脉径路穿刺置入鞘管成功率为97.1%,成功完成右心导管检查和肺动脉造影成功率为91.2%.本组病例中有6例患者经前臂静脉径路未能完成右心导管检查,其中2例前臂静脉细小,3例患者存在左侧锁骨下静脉纤细,1例有前臂注射毒品史导致浅表静脉充盈差.仅有1例患者发生腋静脉分支出血和局部血肿的并发症.结论 经前臂静脉径路进行右心导管检查操作简便,并发症发生率低,术后患者舒适度高,建议作为右心导管和肺动脉造影可选的检查径路.     

Chronic thromboembolic and pulmonary arterial hypertension share acute vasoreactivity properties

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) are the major classes of pulmonary hypertensive disorders according to the World Health Organization; both lead to right heart failure and death. A better understanding of disease mechanisms has led to the suggestion that the thromboembolic and nonthromboembolic types of pulmonary hypertension may share pathophysiologic features. We therefore compared acute vasoreactivity and proximal pulmonary artery compliance in patients with PAH and CTEPH during the initial diagnostic heart catheterization. METHODS: Right heart catheterization using a flow-directed Swan-Ganz catheter was performed in patients with CTEPH (n = 22) and PAH (n = 35). Pulmonary hemodynamics were assessed at baseline, during the inhalation of 40 ppm of nitric oxide, and 30 min after the inhalation of 10 mug of iloprost. To assess the proximal pulmonary artery compliance, the pulse pressure (PP) [systolic-diastolic pressure] and the fractional PP (PPf) [divided by the mean pressure] were calculated. RESULTS: Both vasodilators produced similar hemodynamic improvement, and the difference between CTEPH and PAH was not significant. The baseline PP and PPf did not vary between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Patients with PAH and CTEPH show similar acute vasoreactivity to inhaled nitric oxide and iloprost, and have similar pulmonary artery compliance. These findings support the presence of some shared pathophysiologic pathways in both disorders and may lead to therapeutic implications in patients with inoperable CTEPH.     

Perfiles hemodinámicos de una serie de pacientes llevados a cateterismo cardíaco derecho. Experiencia de un centro de la ciudad de Medellín,Colombia

Objective:

To characterize the hemodynamic classification of pulmonary hypertension in a series of patients undergoing to right cardiac catheterization.

Methods:

This is a retrospective study, we analyze the records of all right heart catheterizations performed between January 2017 and December 2018, all patient older than 18 years were included and those with incomplete or inconclusive data were excluded. We identify three hemodynamic profiles according to the result of right heart catheterization.

Results:

92 subjects were included and pulmonary hypertension was ruled out in 4 of them; 26.1% were classified as precapillary, 31.8% postcapillary and 42% as combined pulmonary hypertesion. There were no differences between the 3 groups in age or sex, pulmonary pressures were higher in the precapillary pulmonary hypertension group, right catheterization reclassified 35% of the patients in a hemodynamic group in a different from that expected. Precapillary PH was suspected in most of these cases, but the hemodynamic profiles found in cardiac catheterization corresponded to post-capillary or combined pulmonay hypertension.

Conclusion:

Right heart catheterization is necessary for the hemodynamic classification of pulmonary hypertension, which is important not only for diagnosis but also for evaluating the etiology of the disease.Key words: Cardiac catheterization, Classification, Hemodynamics, Pulmonary hypertension, Pulmonary wedge pressure     

Findings on routine right heart catheterization in patients with suspected coronary artery disease

Whether catheterization of the right heart should be performed routinely in all patients undergoing coronary angiography for assessment of coronary artery disease is controversial. To objectively assess the utility of routine right heart catheterization, hemodynamic data from 2,178 patients studied for angina having no signs, symptoms, or history of congestive heart failure were analyzed retrospectively. The salient results are as follows: 0.9% patients had unsuspected mitral valve gradients greater than or equal to 5 mm Hg; 0.4% had occult left-to-right shunts; 1% had pulmonary hypertension (pulmonary artery systolic pressure greater than or equal to 40 mm Hg) not attributable to an elevated mean pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP); 4.8% had PCWP greater than or equal to 18 mm Hg; 6% had cardiac indexes less than or equal to 2.0 L/min/m2, suggesting subclinical left ventricular failure. Overall, 14.5% of patients had at least one abnormal right-sided hemodynamic variable revealed by right heart catheterization. The frequency of abnormalities increased with increasing Canadian Cardiovascular Society grade of angina. Ten percent of grade 1, 14% of grade 2, 15% of grade 3, and 19% of patient 4 patients had at least one abnormality (phi 2 test, p less than or equal to 0.005). It is concluded that the right heart catheterization adds an important dimension to the diagnosis and treatment of patients undergoing coronary angiography for assessment of coronary artery disease and might significantly influence subsequent patient management.     

A new catheter for percutaneous transfemoral right heart catheterization.

A new catheter for percutaneous transfemoral right heart catheterization is described. The catheter can also be used for pulmonary angiography and pulmonary wedgepressure recording. Because of the speed and efficiency with which this catheter may be used, we suggested a trial by physicians involved in right heart catheterization pulmonary angiography.     

Pulmonary hypertension secondary to left ventricular systolic dysfunction: Contemporary diagnosis and management

Pulmonary hypertension secondary to left ventricular systolic dysfunction is often a poor prognostic marker in chronic heart failure. In this article, we review evidence supporting modern strategies addressing pulmonary hypertension in patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction, including right-sided heart catheterization with vasoreactivity testing and subsequent parenteral, oral, and inhaled therapy. We delineate a diagnostic approach to secondary pulmonary hypertension and outline evidence-based therapeutic strategies for management in acute and chronic heart failure.     

Nocturnal periodic breathing in primary pulmonary hypertension.

Cheyne-Stokes respiration is frequently observed in congestive heart failure. Among other factors, prolongation of circulation time, hypocapnia and hypoxia are thought to underlie this sleep-related breathing disorder. Primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH) is also characterized by reduced cardiac output and blood gas alterations. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to determine whether a nocturnal periodic breathing (PB) occurs in PPH. A total of 20 consecutive patients with PPH who had been admitted for pharmacological investigation of pulmonary vasoreactivity were investigated by lung function testing, right heart catheterization and full-night attended polysomnography. PB was detected in six patients (30%) (mean +/- SEM: apnoea/hypopnoea index 37 +/- 5 h(-1); arterial oxygen saturation was <90% during 56 +/- 6.5% of total sleep time). The patients with PB had more severe haemodynamic impairment than those without. They also had a more marked reduction in the pulmonary diffusion capacity and greater arterial hypoxia. PB was markedly improved or even eradicated by nasal oxygen during the night. Periodic breathing occurs in patients with advanced primary pulmonary hypertension and can be reversed by nocturnal nasal oxygen. The clinical and prognostic significance of periodic breathing in primary pulmonary hypertension needs to be determined by further studies.     

Pulmonary thromboembolism angiographically confirmed: clinical and prognostic aspects]

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical profile and prognosis of patients with an angiographically proven thromboembolism. METHODS: Data from 22 consecutive patients (13 males, 9 females; mean age 57.3 +/- 16.8 years) with pulmonary embolism confirmed by pulmonary angiography were reviewed. All our patients were previously submitted to non-invasive diagnostic procedures (blood examinations, EKG, chest x-ray, echocardiography). A V/Q scan was also performed in 5 patients. Fourteen patients were traditionally treated with heparin alone and the rest received thrombolytic therapy and heparin. Two patients had a thromboembolectomy. At discharge, all our patients were submitted to an oral anticoagulant therapy. The mean duration of the follow-up period was 26 +/- 12 months. RESULTS: The majority of the patients were in the 6th decade of life and it was possible to identify a hypercoagulable state in 82%. The most common symptom at the time of presentation was sudden chest pain (64%). The most specific sign in non-invasive procedures were right side cardiac dilatation seen echocardiographically (73%) and the mismatch in the V/Q scan (80%). The most common haemodynamic parameter (91%) observed in the right heart catheterization of these patients was the finding of a gradient between diastolic pulmonary artery and pulmonary capillary wedge pressures. Uneventful angiography was performed in all patients who showed massive pulmonary embolism (86%). Three patients (13.6%) died during the acute phase. At the end of the follow-up period, 10 patients were asymptomatic and 5 had heart failure. Four died, which corresponds to an overall mortality of 31.8% in 2.2 years of follow-up. None of the clinical or haemodynamic parameters analyzed (age, gender, arterial blood gases at presentation, hypercoagulable states, thrombolysis, pulmonary hypertension and extension of the embolism) were related to mortality. CONCLUSION: Angiographically confirmed pulmonary thromboembolism is still a poor outcome situation, even when a lot of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures are available.     

Occult atrial septal defect in adults.

Two patients are described who presented with congestive heart failure and were found to have an atrial septal defect with a pulmonary blood flow approximately twice the systemic blood flow. Most of the usual clinical signs of atrial septal defect were absent, and the diagnosis was established by right heart catheterization and radioisotopic angiography. Both patients had hypertension and coronary artery disease. Atrial septal defect in the adult patient may not be recognized because of associated cardiac disease, including coronary artery disease and hypertension, or pulmonary disease which may obscure the usual clinical signs of a septal defect. Radioisotopic angiography and right heart catheterization should be considered in any patients with heart disease or congestive failure of obscure cause even if the usual diagnostic signs of atrial septal defect are absent.     

Right Heart Catheterization (RHC): A Comprehensive Review of Provocation Tests and Hepatic Hemodynamics in Patients With Pulmonary Hypertension (PH)

The classic definition of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) of 20 mmHg. The gold standard for assessing pulmonary hemodynamics is right heart catheterization (RHC), which is necessary to confirm the diagnosis of PH. In some instances, RHC evaluates the degree of hemodynamic dysfunction and performs vasoreactivity tests. Measurement of the hepatic venous pressure gradient remains the gold standard diagnostic for identifying portal hypertension. This review aims to describe the procedure of RHC and the hemodynamic measurement in patients with PAH and Portopulmonary hypertension (PoPH). The RHC remains the gold standard for diagnosing PAH and PoPH.     

Diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic value of Doppler echocardiography in pulmonary embolism. Apropos of 41 cases

In 41 patients with acute or recent pulmonary embolus (PE), a prospective study was conducted with cardiac Doppler sonography (CDS). The test is performed first in all patients, then immediately following a treatment fibrinolytics in 10 of them. The PE is confirmed by pulmonary angiography in 39 patients and embolectomy for the 2 patients who presented a mobile thrombus in the right atrium. A tricuspid insufficiency (TI) is almost always recorded by continuous Doppler: the systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP) is calculated from the maximum velocity of the regurgitating tricuspid flow, using Bernouilli's equation. The correlation between Doppler sPAP and sPAP obtained by catheterization is: r = 0.95 (n = 34; p less than 0.001). A severe pulmonary hypertension, corresponding to a TI exceeding 3.5 m/s is related to a pulmonary migration occurring on a pathological heart. There is a satisfactory relationship between the elevation of the Doppler sPAP and the degree of pulmonary obstruction in the "Pe on healthy heart" population: r = 0.6 (n = 29; p less than 0.001). The dilated right ventricle observed on the sonogram (RV) is proportional to the severity of the angiographic image: correlation between the RV/LV ratio and the percentage of vascular obstruction is r = 0.73 (n = 27; p less than 0.001). The drop in the sPAP and the regression of the symptoms of pulmonary heart noted on CDS after fibrinolysis, correspond to a significant improvement of the pulmonary perfusion. The CDS seems to be absolutely necessary in PE because of the major and reliable informations it provides.     

Inhaled nitric oxide selectively dilates pulmonary vasculature in adult patients with pulmonary hypertension, irrespective of etiology

OBJECTIVES

We sought to compare the responses of patients with pulmonary hypertension from primary and secondary causes (PPH and SPH, respectively) to inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) in the cardiac catheterization laboratory.

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary hypertension can lead to right ventricular pressure overload and failure. Although vasodilators are effective as therapy in patients with PPH, less is known about their role in adults with SPH. Inhaled nitric oxide can accurately predict the response to other vasodilators in PPH and could be similarly utilized in SPH.

METHODS

Forty-two patients (26 to 77 years old) with pulmonary hypertension during cardiac catheterization received iNO. Demographic and hemodynamic data were collected. Their response to iNO was defined by a decrease of ≥20% in mean pulmonary artery (PA) pressure or pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR).

RESULTS

Mean PA pressures and PVR were lower during nitric oxide (NO) inhalation in all patients with pulmonary hypertension. Seventy-eight percent of patients with PPH and 83% of patients with SPH were responders to iNO. A trend was seen toward a greater response with larger doses of NO in patients with SPH. Nitric oxide was a more sensitive predictor of response (79%), compared with inhaled oxygen (64%), and was well tolerated, with no evidence of systemic effects. Elevation in right ventricular end-diastolic pressure appeared to predict poor vasodilatory response to iNO.

CONCLUSIONS

Nitric oxide is a safe and effective screening agent for pulmonary vasoreactivity. Regardless of etiology of pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary vasoreactivity is frequently demonstrated with the use of NO. Right ventricular diastolic dysfunction may predict a poor vasodilator response.     

超声心动图诊断肺动脉高压157例分析

目的探讨超声心动图诊断肺动脉高压(PH)的临床价值。方法对157例确诊为PH患者给予超声心动图及CT、X线、肺动脉造影等检查,部分给予右心导管测量肺动脉收缩压(PASP),并与超声心动图测量肺动脉压值进行对比分析。结果本组157例患者中,经超声心动图确诊患者148例,确诊率94.3%。结合其他检查全部确诊。超声心动图误诊的9例中,6例为右肺动脉狭窄,3例为左肺动脉狭窄。肺动脉高压患者超声心动图检查主要表现为右心室肥厚增大,右心房扩大,肺动脉增宽,收缩期三尖瓣可见反流,反流频谱呈高速。30例患者右心导管测量PASP与超声心动图测量比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论超声心动图诊断PH具有准确率高、方便快捷、无创性、可重复性高等特点,且对病因的明确具有重要意义。     

Acute complications in the current era of therapeutic cardiac catheterization for congenital heart disease.

The acute complications of therapeutic cardiac catheterization for congenital heart disease as performed currently in a small unit were reviewed. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of lesions thought amenable to catheter therapy. Only a few reports, however, have addressed the overall incidence of acute complications of therapeutic cardiac catheterization, all representing the experience of centres performing moderate-to-large numbers of procedures. A retrospective review was performed of 425 therapeutic catheter procedures performed at our institution between May 1993 and November 1997. Acute complications were retrieved from the database. This included all adverse events that were clinically recognized at the time of or within 2 weeks after the procedure and which, to the best of the authors' clinical judgement, were related to the catheterization and not part of the natural history of the child's illness. All patients were observed overnight following the procedure, and stayed in hospital if a complication developed. There were 49 acute complications (11.5%), of which 43 (10.1%) were deemed minor and 6 (1.4%) were considered major. The rate was low in patients with valvar pulmonary stenosis, including three neonates (3/45, 6.7%), for those undergoing angioplasty of native co-arctation (1/15, 6.7%) and pulmonary arteries (2/27, 7.4%); and for coil embolization of systemic to pulmonary collateral arteries (1/16, 6.3%). The rate was high in patients with valvar aortic stenosis, including 12 neonates (9/37, 24.3%), and for angioplasty of re-coarctation (4/23, 21.7%). There were more overall complications in neonates (25.6%) than in older patients (10.1%) (p < 0.01). Two patients died (0.5%), but no patient required emergency surgical intervention. In spite of the introduction of many new therapeutic modalities with greater intrinsic risk, and the fact that patients with more complex lesions and who are more acutely ill are being treated, the overall rate of complications remains relatively low. This probably reflects improvements in pericatheterization medical management, in selection of patients, in procedural techniques, and in the experience of operators.     

The problem of arteria lusoria in right transradial coronary angiography and angioplasty.

The retroesophageal right subclavian artery (arteria lusoria) is one of the anatomical abnormalities encountered by interventional cardiologists who perform right transradial procedures. We report on 11 patients with arteria lusoria in whom 14 right transradial coronary angiography or angioplasty procedures were attempted among a series of 3,730 consecutive right transradial attempts. This abnormality can be easily detected by angiographic visualization, in the anteroposterior projection, of the angle of the catheter when it engages the ascending aorta, and by manual angiography at the ostium of the right subclavian artery. In such a case, catheterization of the ascending aorta may be difficult or even impossible (7.1%). Selective catheterization of both coronary arteries is more difficult, takes longer, and requires more catheters. The Judkins catheters are recommended, although they are seldom used for the left coronary artery via the right radial approach, for both arteries. All catheter exchanges should be performed on long guidewires.     

Variation among cardiologists in the utilization of right heart catheterization at time of coronary angiography

To describe how often a right heart catheterization was performed at the time of coronary angiography, the patient characteristics that predicted the use of this procedure, and the variation among cardiologists in the use of this test, we reviewed all cases of coronary angiography (n = 1,282) during the first 2 mo of 1993 at two large community hospitals. Fifty-two percent of the cases received a right heart catheterization at the time of their coronary angiography. The following characteristics were associated with the receipt of a right heart catheterization in a logistic regression analysis: cardiomyopathy (odds ratio = 2.59, 95% Cl = 1.01, 6.62), congestive heart failure (odds ratio = 2.07, 95% Cl = 1.42, 3.01), valvular heart disease (odds ratio = 2.54, 95% Cl = 1.44, 4.49), no coronary angioplasty performed at the procedure (odds ratio = 2.71, 95% Cl = 2.12, 3.45), and increased age (odds ratio = 1.13 per decade, 95% Cl = 1.03, 1.25). Of 37 cardiologists who performed >10 coronary angiography procedures, the use of right heart catheterization varied from 10–90%. The cardiologists' practice variation persisted after adjustment for patient clinical characteristics. Because of the high utilization of right heart catheterization at the time of coronary angiography and the variation in use among cardiologists, even when controlling for patient characteristics, the issue of appropriate indications for this procedure needs to be addressed in a rigorous fashion. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Prevalence and outcome in systemic sclerosis associated pulmonary arterial hypertension: application of a registry approach

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of systemic sclerosis associated pulmonary arterial hypertension (SScPAH), evaluate outcome, and identify predictors of mortality in a large patient cohort. METHODS: A prospective four year follow up study of 794 patients (722 from our own unit and 72 referrals). All patients screened for PAH using a combination of echocardiography, lung function testing, and clinical assessment. Patients with suspected raised pulmonary artery systolic pressures of >35 mm Hg, carbon monoxide transfer factor (TLCO) <50% predicted, or a precipitous fall in TLCO >20% over a one year period with no pulmonary fibrosis, and patients with SSc with breathlessness with no pulmonary fibrosis found were investigated with right heart catheterisation. All patients with SScPAH were treated in accordance with current best practice. RESULTS: The prevalence of PAH was 12% (89/722) by right heart catheter. The survival was 81%, 63%, and 56% at 1, 2, and 3 years from the diagnosis (in 89 patients from our own cohort and 59/72 referrals). Haemodynamic indices of right ventricular failure--raised mRAP (hazard ratio 21), raised mPAP (hazard ratio 20), and low CI (hazard ratio 11) predicted an adverse outcome There was no significant difference in survival between patients with SScPAH with (n=40) and without (n=108) pulmonary fibrosis (p=0.3). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of SScPAH in this cohort was similar to that of other catheter based studies and lower than that of previous echo based studies. The 148 patients with SScPAH actively treated had comparable outcomes to those of the cohorts with primary pulmonary hypertension. A high mRAP was the strongest haemodynamic predictor of mortality. To improve prognosis, future treatments need to be implemented at an earlier disease stage to prevent right ventricular decompensation.     

Primary pulmonary hypertension and thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension--similarities and differences

In a retrospective study of 36 patients with primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH) and 16 patients with chronic large vessel thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (TPH) the diagnostic value of clinical features, chest radiographs, electrocardiographs, radionuclide lung scanning and cardiac catheterization was assessed. PPH patients were younger, had higher prevalence of Raynaud's phenomenon, right axis deviation, right ventricular hypertrophy on electrocardiograph and higher pulmonary artery pressures than TPH patients, but these features were not diagnostic. Although pulmonary angiography is considered by some to be necessary in distinguishing these two conditions, radionuclide lung scanning proved a safe and effective noninvasive method for this purpose.     

Transseptal Left Heart Catheterization for Cardiac Ablation Procedures

Transseptal left heart catheterization has been performed as an alternative to the retrograde approach since 1958. However, this procedure can result in life-threatening complications, some of which may occur because of insufficient anatomical landmarks. Accordingly, we sought to assess the safety and efficacy of a new transseptal left heart catheterization technique designed for ablation procedures. Specifically, we examined whether electrode catheters could be used as anatomical landmarks, permitting identification of the aortic root and other critical structures. Results: One hundred and eight consecutive patients underwent transseptal left heart catheterization under biplane fluoroscopy during catheter ablation. Electrode catheters positioned in the right atrial appendage, His bundle region, and coronary sinus were used as anatomical landmarks to guide the transseptal unit to the fossa ovalis. The angles of the right anterior and left anterior oblique projections were selected in each patient based on the orientation of the His bundle and coronary sinus catheters. Transseptal left heart catheterization was successfully performed in all patients without complications. In contrast to previous reports, the direction of the needle at the successful puncture site in the last 96 patients varied substantially: 2 o'clock in 13 patients (13 %); 3 o'clock in 43 patients (45 %); and 4 o'clock in 40 patients (42 %). Conclusion: The use of electrode catheters as anatomical landmarks and biplane fluoroscopy facilitates transseptal catheterization. This approach can be used safely during catheter ablation procedures.     

Isolated unilateral absence of a pulmonary artery: a case report and review of the literature

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study was to determine the symptomatology, diagnostic procedures, and therapeutic strategies of patients with an isolated unilateral absence of a pulmonary artery (UAPA). BACKGROUND: Isolated UAPA is a rare anomaly. Some case reports exist, but the best diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to these patients remain unclear. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was made of 108 cases reported between 1978 and 2000. The database of the National Library of Medicine (MEDLINE) was used to identify cases that were published in any language from 1978 onward. RESULTS: Of the 108 patients identified, 14 were asymptomatic. The median age was 14 years (range, 0.1 to 58 years). Most patients had symptoms such as frequent pulmonary infections (37%), dyspnea or limited exercise tolerance (40%), or hemoptysis (20%). Pulmonary hypertension was present in 44% of the patients. Surgical procedures were performed in 17% of patients, and the overall mortality rate was 7%. CONCLUSION: Only a few patients with isolated UAPA remain asymptomatic during follow-up. The diagnosis can be made by chest radiograph, echocardiography, CT scan, and MRI. Hilar arteries can be shown by cardiac catheterization and pulmonary venous wedge angiography. This is important since revascularization may improve pulmonary hypertension. The avoidance of high altitudes and pregnancy may further improve outcomes.