DIAGNOSING PH-ILD
If either routine tests or echo indicate PH, confirm with right heart catheterization (RHC)2*
“In patients [with CLD] with moderate or high clinical suspicion for PH, right heart catheterization can be considered irrespective of the transthoracic echocardiography findings.”3
— Shlobin et al 2024
*United Therapeutics does not provide medical advice.
RHC is a routine procedure that is the gold standard for diagnosing PH-ILD4,5
Transplant candidates are required to undergo RHC4,6
There are few contraindications for RHC7‡
It can be used to diagnose several other conditions7§
Low prevalence of serious AEs/complications (1.1%)8
RHC is the gold standard that gives you clear answers on PH.4,5,7,8
RHC Referral Guide
Review this guide to access best practices, clinical guidance, and essential information for referring an RHC.
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†Clinical suspicion of PH triggers: 1) Signs and symptoms: syncope, jugular venous distension, peripheral edema, ascites, altered heart sounds (especially loud P2 or S2), hepatomegaly, history of pulmonary embolism, dizziness, and palpitations; 2) Standard tests and procedures: abnormalities on chest CT scan, poor oxygen saturation, elevated BNP or NT-proBNP, PFTs, and a reduced 6-min walk distance (6MWD).2
‡Absolute contraindications for RHC include right-sided endocarditis, tumor, or thrombus; relative contraindications include severe coagulopathy or bleeding diathesis.7
§In patients with dyspnea, RHC can also be used to diagnose or exclude constrictive pericardial disease, restrictive cardiomyopathy, and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.7
AE=adverse event; BNP=B-type natriuretic peptide; CLD=chronic lung disease; CT=computed tomography; ILD=interstitial lung disease; NT-proBNP=N-terminal pro−B-type natriuretic peptide; PFT=pulmonary function test; PH=pulmonary hypertension.
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