Topic-Based, Recent Literature Review on Pulmonary Hypertension

Abstract

Pulmonary hypertension is a complex condition but a relatively common manifestation of severe cardiopulmonary disease. By contrast, pulmonary arterial hypertension is uncommon and is more prevalent in young women. To better categorize patients and to guide clinical decision-making, 5 diagnostic groups and associated subgroups characterize the spectrum of disease. A multidisciplinary approach to evaluation and treatment is recommended by published guidelines and often entails referral to a designated pulmonary hypertension center. Several key publications during the last couple of years merit review. The PubMed database was searched for English-language studies and guidelines relating to pulmonary hypertension. The following terms were searched, alone and in combination: pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary arterial hypertension, portopulmonary hypertension, and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. The focus was on those publications with new information on evaluation and management of pulmonary hypertension between January 1, 2019, and January 31, 2021. Of the subgroups, 2 were of particular interest for this review: portopulmonary hypertension and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. Last, available data on the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic and newer treatment agents in early trials were selectively reviewed. The review is therefore intended to serve as a practical, focused review of important topics germane to those clinicians caring for patients with pulmonary hypertension.

Keywords: pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary arterial hypertension, right ventricular failure.