Relation between the reperfusion of pulmonary arteries after an acute pulmonary embolism to the development of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension.

Relation between the reperfusion of pulmonary arteries after acute pulmonary embolism to the development of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension Incomplete resolution of thromboemboli following acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is a key factor in development of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). In our study, we evaluated the incidence, risk factors and clinical impact of incomplete reperfusion after acute PE. Study population and methods: 85 patients after the first acute PE were assessed clinically and by pulmonary scintigraphy and echocardiography at month 6, 12 and 24 after an acute PE. Results: Incomplete reperfusion was detected in 23.5 % of patients after 6 months, in 24.9 % of patients after 12 months and in 18.6 % of patients after 24 months. At month 6, patients with incomplete reperfusion were more obese when compared with patients with normal reperfusion BMI 30.8 vs 28.3 kg/m2 ; p=0.012) and their initial hemoglobin levels were higher (143.0 vs 136.0 g/l; p=0.012). Similar results were observed at month 12 - patients with residual perfusion defects were more obese (BMI 31.1 vs 28.5; p=0.016) with higher initial hemoglobin levels (144.0 vs 136.0; p=0.007). Patients with incomplete reperfusion at month 24 were significantly older (67.7 vs 55.0 years; p=0.02), their..