External validation of a simple non-invasive algorithm to rule out chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension after acute pulmonary embolism.

摘要: Abstract Purpose International guidelines do not provide strong recommendations on the duration and intensity of follow-up after acute pulmonary embolism (PE), nor screening-programs for chronic thromboembolic hypertension (CTEPH). We aimed to address this gab by performing an external validation easy “CTEPH rule-out-criteria” based a normal NT-proBNP level absence 3 ECG characteristics. Methods 134 patients underwent clinical 6 months PE. Predefined transthoracic echocardiographic (TTE) criteria were used categorize as “PH unlikely” or possible/likely”. The latter further (invasive) diagnostic procedures confirm classify diagnosis hypertension. ECGs, both assessed at day echocardiography, evaluated post-hoc. Results Sixty-three (47%) scored none rule-out criteria” positive, whom 61 had TTE (97%). Twenty-five (19%) categorized possible/likely”; those, 6 diagnosed with CTEPH. sensitivity CTEPH was 100% (95%CI 56-100%; 6/6 identified), possible/likely” 92% 74-99%; 23/25 identified): 2 asymptomatic estimated systolic arterial pressure 36 mmHg 38 mmHg, respectively, who remained stable during 2-year follow-up, identified. Inter-observer agreement adjudication characteristics excellent (kappa-statistic 0.97). Conclusions In cohort, we confirmed accuracy reproducibility criteria”. These results solid ground future outcome trials applying algorithm.