The use of magnetic resonance imaging in pulmonary hypertension: why are we still waiting?

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a complex disease requiring a detailed assessment of haemodynamics, functional analysis and identification of the underlying cause. A typical patient with a suspicion of PH will undergo several noninvasive and invasive tests including right heart catheterisation before a definitive diagnosis can be made. Some of these tests, such as 6-min walking distance or N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide can provide information on treatment response and prognosis. However, the extent of right ventricular (RV) adaptation to the increased afterload is the main determinant of outcome [1]. Because of this, there is a clear need for a test which provides us with detailed information on RV function at baseline and during follow-up. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the gold standard for functional and morphological assessment of the right ventricle [2]. It not only allows accurate quantification of RV volumes and mass, it also provides information on the other cardiac chambers (atria and left ventricle) and the pulmonary artery dimensions.
Source: European Respiratory Review - Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Tags: Lung imaging, Pulmonary vascular disease Editorials Source Type: research