Imaging of Pulmonary Hypertension

Abstract

Multimodality, noninvasive imaging is increasingly used in the identification and management of pulmonary hypertension (PH). Chest radiography, ventilation-perfusion scintigraphy, and Doppler echocardiography are frequently the initial studies used to evaluate patients suspected of having PH. However, their ability to evaluate the right ventricle (RV) and pulmonary vasculature is limited. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging are increasingly used to identify causes of PH and assess the effect of PH on RV function. This article describes the noninvasive imaging techniques and findings, particularly CT and MR imaging, used in the diagnosis and management of suspected or known PH.

Keywords: Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension; Computed tomography; Cor pulmonale; Magnetic resonance imaging; Pulmonary arterial hypertension; Pulmonary hypertension; Systemic sclerosis.