Systematic Review: Does Balloon Pulmonary Angioplasty (BPA) Improve Right Ventricular Function in CTEPH Patients? Evaluation Based on Imaging Findings

AbstractPurpose of reviewChronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a life-threatening disease with many complications, such as right heart failure. Therefore, a direct and efficient therapy is imperative. This review aims to determine the effectiveness of balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) on right ventricular (RV) function among CTEPH patients, using imaging methods.Recent findingsFrom April 2019 to August 2019, PubMed database was searched for randomized control trials and cohort studies conducted until August 2019, evaluating the impact of BPA on RV function as assessed by non-invasive modalities. Data were extracted, and validity was assessed by 2 reviewers and graded using the Cochrane Collaboration tool for assessing a risk of bias. A total of 204 articles were screened for relevance. Only 14 articles were deemed eligible for this review, 4 studies being prospective and 10 retrospective trials. Totally 395 patients with CTEPH who underwent BPA enrolled. The findings indicated improvement in hemodynamic parameters and RV function.SummaryBPA is an effective and appropriate therapy for non-operable CTEPH patients leading to significant improvements in RV function. Two-dimensional and 3D echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI) are reliable non-invasive imaging methods for RV function assessment after BPA.
Source: Current Treatment Options in Cardiovascular Medicine - Category: Cardiology Source Type: research