Die pulmonale Hypertonie (PH) ist ein häufiges und komplexes Krankheitsbild. Unabhängig von ihrer Ätiologie geht sie mit einer hohen Morbidität und Mortalität einher. Im multidisziplinären diagnostischen Algorithmus und Management der PH kommt dem Radiologen bei der frühzeitigen Diagnosestellung, der Subklassifikation und der Prognoseabschätzung eine wegweisende Rolle zu.
Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a disease with considerable morbidity and, depending on its severity, can be associated with a significantly increased mortality. Therefore, timely diagnostic confirmation and definitive clarification of the etiology are crucial to prevent disease progression as early as possible and to initiate targeted therapy. Defined by an increase in mean pulmonary arterial pressure, the final diagnosis can only be confirmed invasively via right heart catheterization. However, a broad series of typical non-invasive imaging findings can already provide clues to the presence of PH. Thus, the radiologist plays an important role in raising early suspicion of PH and, if necessary, to initiate further clarification. Basic knowledge of the typical image findings of the disease are therefore important for every radiologist.
Imaging also plays an important role in clarifying the underlying pathogenesis of PH. For a reliable subclassification, prognosis assessment and initiation of an adequate therapy, the examination and image findings of the different modalities used must be combined and ideally interpreted in an interdisciplinary manner. This should be done at a designated PH expert center.
Schlüsselwörter
pulmonale Hypertonie
Key words
Pulmonary hypertension
