P258 Is Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension (CTEPH) under diagnosed in the UK?. (16th November 2010)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sturney, S; Robinson, G; Coghlan, G; Pepke-Zaba, J; Easaw, J; Suntharalingam, J
• Is Part Of: Thorax. Volume 65(2010)Supplement 4
• Page Start: A186
• Page End: A186
• Publication Date: 2010-11-16
• Subjects: Chest -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Thorax; Chest -- Diseases; Periodicals; Periodicals; 617.54
• DOI: 10.1136/thx.2010.151076.9
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0040-6376

Abstract

Abstract : Introduction: Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension (CTEPH) is a rare but treatable condition. In selected cases Pulmonary Endarterectomy (PEA) surgery is potentially curative, with 80–85 procedures performed annually at a single national centre, Papworth Hospital. Previous studies suggest the disease may be under diagnosed. Aim: To identify whether developing a local Pulmonary Hypertension (PH) service improves the number of CTEPH cases diagnosed in a DGH setting. Methods: In 2005, a regional PH satellite service was set up at the Royal United Hospital (RUH), Bath, in conjunction with the Royal Free, London. The service aims to provide local access to PH-specific therapies at national standards of care. New cases of CTEPH are investigated with a number of investigations including right heart catheterisation and pulmonary angiography and then referred to Papworth Hospital's MDT to determine eligibility for surgery. This abstract examines the number of cases diagnosed in RUH's own catchment area following a rolling education programme targeting local physicians and radiologists. Results: Prior to 2007 no RUH patients had undergone PEA surgery. Since 2007, 12 patients have been diagnosed with CTEPH (7 male) with mean age 62.3 years (SD 12.1, range 37–72). Only 5 (41.7%) had a documented history of previous thromboembolic disease. Referrals were received from a variety of sources including respiratory, vascular, rheumatology, gastroenterology, primary care, ENT, stroke physician and cardiology. Four (33.3%) were referred as inpatients. At referral 33.3% were NYHA class II, 41.7% class III and 25.0% class IV. Mean pulmonary haemodynamics were: RA 10.9 mm Hg (6.4), mPAP 46.3 mm Hg (13.1), PCWP 13.2 mm Hg (4.4), CO 4.8 l/min (0.9), PVR 7.8WU (4.1). 8 have undergone or are awaiting surgery, 1 died of unrelated causes and 3 are being treated medically. (Abstract P258 Figure 1 ). Conclusions: Underdiagnosis of CTEPH may be exacerbated by patients presenting to a variety of specialties. The number of CTEPH cases diagnosed at the RUH has increased significantly since 2007, probably as a result of raised local awareness of the condition. It is therefore likely that this potentially curable condition is under diagnosed in areas with more limited access to PH specialist facilities.