Im Rahmen eines symptom-orientierten Interviews fand sich eine große Anzahl an noch subjektiv belastungsintoleranten Patienten nach einer akuten Lungenembolie. Ein Hauptaugenmerk der Arbeit lag auf der weiteren Differenzierung des funktionellen Outcomes dieser Patienten anhand der objektivierbaren Leistungseinschränkung in der Spiroergometrie und den differentialdiagnostischen Ursachen dieser anhaltenden Beschwerden. So gaben im Follow-Up nach akuter Lungenembolie nach drei Monaten 40% der Patienten, nach sechs, zwölf und 24 Monaten jeweils über 20% der Patienten subjektive Belastungsintoleranz an. Neben einer chronisch-thromboembolischen pulmonalen Hypertonie und einer chronisch- thromboembolischen Erkrankung leiden diese Patienten bedingt durch entsprechende Komorbiditäten auch an anderen präkapillären und postkapillären Non-CTEPH-PH-Entitäten sowie kardialer und ventilatorischer Limitierung, was Ausdruck anderer kardiopulmonaler Begleiterkrankungen sein kann. Danach sollte ebenso im Rahmen einer Lungenembolienachsorge gefahndet werden, um nach Diagnosestellung schnellstmöglich eine adäquate, zielgerichtete Therapie einzuleiten. Ein symptom-basiertes Follow-Up Programm basierend auf einem Telefonmonitoring mit Fragebogen gefolgt von weiterführender klinischer Diagnostik kann helfen Patienten mit einer chronisch-thromboembolischen pulmonalen Hypertonie zu detektieren. Diese Studie hat die Spiroergometrie als wichtige komplementäre diagnostische Methode für eine frühzeitige CTEPH-Diagnose weiter etabliert. Sowohl das Telefonmonitoring als auch die Spiroergometrie zeigten sich effektiv und führten so zu einer CTEPH-Inzidenz von 5,4%. Ein solches Follow-Up Programm nach einer Lungenembolie sollte umgesetzt werden, um eine CTEPH frühzeitig zu diagnostizieren. Neben der oben genannten Auswertung des funktionellen Outcomes der noch symptomatischen Patienten liegen weitere Schwerpunkte dieser Arbeit auf der Analyse des zwölf- und 24 Monats-Follow-Up, auf der Risikostratifizierung anhand der Baseline- Parameter aus Echokardiografie und Spiroergometrie sowie dem Mortalitäts-Outcome. So konnten Prädiktoren für eine CTEPH aus den Baseline-Untersuchungen zum Zeitpunkt der akuten Lungenembolie ermittelt werden und die Erhebung der Komorbiditäten bei Einschluss die Risikostratifizierung von CTEPH-Patienten verdeutlichen. Eine Auswertung der oralen Antikoagulationstherapie konnte Hinweise auf das Blutungs- bzw. Rezidivrisiko geben sowie einen Vergleich der herkömmlichen Vitamin-K-Antagonisten mit den neuen oralen Antikoagulantien leisten. Über eine inkomplette Thrombusresolution nach akuter Lungenembolie ohne Symptome zu verursachen wurde berichtet. Natürlich wäre es interessant anhand von quantitativen und qualitativen Daten zu sehen wie viele solch asymptomatischer Patienten mit pathologischem Lungenperfusionsscan eine CTEPH entwickeln. Jedoch ist solch eine umfassende Follow-Up Untersuchung inklusive aller technischer Modalitäten wie Echokardiografie, CT und Ventilations-/Perfusionsscans von allen Patienten mit akuter Lungenembolie zu kostenintensiv und aus strahlenhygienischer Sicht nicht vertretbar. Daher stellt ein auf symptomatische Patienten fokussiertes strukturiertes Nachsorgeprogramm eine ethisch vertretbare und effektive Herangehensweise dar und ein wirksames Konzept um relevante CTEPH-Erkrankungen zu detektieren. / Based on a symptom-oriented interview, a large number of patients with subjective stress intolerance after acute pulmonary embolism were found. A main focus of this work was the further differentiation of the functional outcome of these patients on the basis of the objectifiable performance limitation in cardiopulmonal exercise testing and the differential diagnostic causes of these persistent complaints. In the follow-up after acute pulmonary embolism, 40% of patients reported subjective exercise intolerance after three months, and after six, twelve, and 24 months, over 20% each. Besides chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension and chronic thromboembolic disease, these patients also suffer from other precapillary and postcapillary non-CTEPH-PH entities as well as cardiac and ventilatory limitations, which may be an expression of other cardiopulmonary comorbidities. These cormobidities should also be a relevant part of a pulmonary embolism aftercare to initiate an adequate, targeted therapy as soon as possible after diagnosis. A symptom-based follow-up program based on a questionnaire telephone monitoring followed by advanced clinical diagnostics may help to detect patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. This study has further established the cardiopulmonary exercise testing as an important complementary diagnostic tool for early CTEPH diagnosis. Both telephone monitoring and cardiopulmonary exercise testing were effective and resulted in a CTEPH incidence of 5.4%. Such a pulmonary embolism follow-up program should be implemented to diagnose CTEPH early. In addition to the above-mentioned evaluation of the functional outcome of the persistent symptomatic patients, this work is focused on the analysis of the 12- and 24-month follow-up as well as the possible risk stratification based on baseline parameters. For example, possible predictors for a future CTEPH-diagnosis from echocardiography and cardiopulmonary exercise testing at the time of acute pulmonary embolism were identified. An evaluation of the oral anticoagulation therapy could provide information on the risk of bleeding or recurrence as well as a comparison of the conventional vitamin-K-antagonists with the „new oral anticoagulants“. An incomplete thrombus resolution after acute pulmonary embolism without symptoms was reported. Of course, it would be interesting to investigate from quantitative and qualitative data how many asymptomatic patients with pathological lung perfusion scan develop CTEPH. However, such a comprehensive follow-up examination including all technical modalities such as echocardiography, CT and ventilation/perfusion-scans of all patients with acute pulmonary embolism seems to be too cost-intensive and also not acceptable from a radiation exposure point of view. Therefore, a structured follow-up program focused on symptomatic patients represents an ethical and effective approach detecting patients with relevant CTEPH.

Zugl.: Giessen, Univ., Diss., 2009

No description available.

Background: Even though specific agents for the treatment of patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) are available, in PH patients, physical capacity and quality of life (QoL) are often restricted and survival is reduced. Objectives: This study prospectively investigated the long-term effects of respiratory and exercise training in patients with severe chronic PH regarding safety, time to clinical worsening and survival. Methods: Fifty-eight consecutive patients with severe PH on stable disease-targeted medication received exercise and respiratory training in hospital for 3 weeks and continued at home. They were prospectively followed for 24 ± 12 months. Primary endpoints were time to clinical worsening and survival. Adverse events and changes in the 6-min walking test, QoL, WHO functional class and gas exchange were secondary endpoints and were evaluated at baseline and at weeks 3 and 15. Results: All patients tolerated the exercise training well without severe adverse events. In week 15, 6-min walking test results were significantly improved compared to baseline (by 84 ± 49 m, p < 0.001), as well as QoL scores, WHO functional class (from 2.9 ± 0.5 to 2.6 ± 0.6, p < 0.01), peak oxygen consumption (from 12.5 ± 3.0 to 14.6 ± 3.9 ml/min/kg, p < 0.001), heart rate at rest (from 75 ± 12 to 61 ± 18 beats/min, p < 0.001) and maximal workload (from 65 ± 21 to 80 ± 25 W, p < 0.001). Survival at 1 and 2 years was 100 and 95%, respectively. Fifteen events occurred during the follow-up. Conclusion: This study indicates that exercise and respiratory training as add-on to medical treatment may improve exercise capacity and QoL, and that they have a good long-term safety in the described setting. / Dieser Beitrag ist mit Zustimmung des Rechteinhabers aufgrund einer (DFG-geförderten) Allianz- bzw. Nationallizenz frei zugänglich.

Background: Chronic myeloproliferative disorders (CMPD) seem to be associated with an increased risk for pulmonary hypertension (PH). Case Report: A patient with history of chronic idiopathic myelofibrosis (CIMF) presented with progressive dyspnea (New York Heart Association class III). Until this time he had not received specific treatment for CIMF. Echocardiography and rightheart catheterization confirmed PH. Further diagnostic procedures excluded a specific cause of PH. Therefore, primary PH was assumed. 2 years later he presented again with progressive dyspnea due to a progress of PH. A few days later the patient died from acute posterior myocardial infarction. Pathologic examination of the lung showed an obstruction of the small vessels by conglomerates of megakaryocytes. Discussion: We conclude that PH developed secondarily due to CMPD. PH should be suspected in patients with CMPD and should influence the decision for treatment of CMPD. / Hintergrund: Chronische myeloproliferative Erkrankungen (CMPD) scheinen mit einem erhöhten Risiko für pulmonale Hypertonie (PH) assoziiert zu sein. Kasuistik: Ein Patient mit chronisch idiopathischer Myelofibrose (CIMF) wurde aufgrund einer progressiven Belastungsdyspnoe (New York Heart Association Stadium III) überwiesen. Bis zu diesem Zeitpunkt erhielt er keine spezifische Behandlung seiner CIMF. Echokardiographie und Rechtsherzkatheter ergaben das Vorliegen einer PH. Eine spezifische Ursache der PH konnte zunächst ausgeschlossen werden. Somit wurde das Vorliegen einer primären PH vermutet. 2 Jahre später wurde der Patient mit erneut verschlechterter Belastungsdyspnoe vorgestellt, wobei ein Progress der PH feststellbar war. Einige Tage später verstarb der Patient an einem Hinterwandinfarkt. Die Autopsie des Lungengewebes zeigte einen Verschluss der kleinen Lungengefäße durch Konglomerate von Megakaryozyten. Diskussion: Die Entwicklung der PH ist bei diesem Patienten als Folge der CMPD einzuschätzen. Das Vorliegen einer PH bei Patienten mit CMPD sollte die Entscheidung zu spezifischen therapeutischen Maßnahmen hinsichtlich der CMPD beeinflussen. / Dieser Beitrag ist mit Zustimmung des Rechteinhabers aufgrund einer (DFG-geförderten) Allianz- bzw. Nationallizenz frei zugänglich.

Background: Fingolimod is the first oral immunomodulatory therapy approved for highly active relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis. Based on the distribution pattern of fingolimod interacting sphingosine-1-phosphat receptors in organism including immune system and cardiovascular system clinical monitoring of patients and evaluation of adverse events are recommended. Despite extensive data on cardiovascular safety, experience with fingolimod in patients with concomitant cardiological disease, especially within the pulmonary circulation, is rare. Case presentation: We report the case of a 46-year-old woman presented with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis and severe idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension. Fingolimod was initiated because of disease activity of multiple sclerosis with two relapses and gadolinium-enhancing lesions in MRI. The patient demonstrated stable disease course of idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension when fingolimod was started. Fingolimod therapy did not alter or even worsen the pulmonary or cardiovascular conditions during first dose application as well as follow up of nine months. Conclusion: In this report, we present the first case of fingolimod treatment in a patient with highly active multiple sclerosis and severe idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension. We suggest an interdisciplinary approach with detailed cardiopulmonary monitoring for safety in such patients.

Background: N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is secreted by cardiac ventricular myocytes upon pressure and volume overload and is a prognostic marker to monitor the severity of precapillary pulmonary hypertension and the extent of right heart failure. Objectives: The impact of physical exercise on NT-proBNP levels in patients with left heart disease was demonstrated previously. No data regarding patients with isolated right heart failure and the influence of acute exercise on NT-proBNP serum levels exist. Methods: Twenty patients with precapillary pulmonary hypertension were examined. Hemodynamic parameters were measured during right heart catheterization. Serum NT-proBNP of patients was measured at rest, after a 6-min walking test, during ergospirometry and during recovery, all within 7 h. Significant differences in sequential NT-proBNP values, relative changes compared to values at rest and the correlation between NT-proBNP and obtained parameters were assessed. Results: At rest, the mean serum level of NT-proBNP was 1,278 ± 998 pg/ml. The mean level of NT-proBNP at maximal exercise was increased (1,592 ± 1,219 pg/ml), whereas serum levels decreased slightly during recovery (1,518 ± 1,170 pg/ml). The relative increase of serum NT-proBNP during exercise correlated with pulmonary vascular resistance (r = 0.45; p = 0.026) and cardiac output (r = –0.5; p = 0.015). Conclusions: In this study, we demonstrated acute changes in NT-proBNP levels due to physical exercise in a small group of patients with precapillary pulmonary hypertension. Our results also confirm the predominant usefulness of NT-proBNP as an intraindividual parameter of right heart load. / Dieser Beitrag ist mit Zustimmung des Rechteinhabers aufgrund einer (DFG-geförderten) Allianz- bzw. Nationallizenz frei zugänglich.

Background: Fingolimod is the first oral immunomodulatory therapy approved for highly active relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis. Based on the distribution pattern of fingolimod interacting sphingosine-1-phosphat receptors in organism including immune system and cardiovascular system clinical monitoring of patients and evaluation of adverse events are recommended. Despite extensive data on cardiovascular safety, experience with fingolimod in patients with concomitant cardiological disease, especially within the pulmonary circulation, is rare. Case presentation: We report the case of a 46-year-old woman presented with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis and severe idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension. Fingolimod was initiated because of disease activity of multiple sclerosis with two relapses and gadolinium-enhancing lesions in MRI. The patient demonstrated stable disease course of idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension when fingolimod was started. Fingolimod therapy did not alter or even worsen the pulmonary or cardiovascular conditions during first dose application as well as follow up of nine months. Conclusion: In this report, we present the first case of fingolimod treatment in a patient with highly active multiple sclerosis and severe idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension. We suggest an interdisciplinary approach with detailed cardiopulmonary monitoring for safety in such patients.

Background: Chronic myeloproliferative disorders (CMPD) seem to be associated with an increased risk for pulmonary hypertension (PH). Case Report: A patient with history of chronic idiopathic myelofibrosis (CIMF) presented with progressive dyspnea (New York Heart Association class III). Until this time he had not received specific treatment for CIMF. Echocardiography and rightheart catheterization confirmed PH. Further diagnostic procedures excluded a specific cause of PH. Therefore, primary PH was assumed. 2 years later he presented again with progressive dyspnea due to a progress of PH. A few days later the patient died from acute posterior myocardial infarction. Pathologic examination of the lung showed an obstruction of the small vessels by conglomerates of megakaryocytes. Discussion: We conclude that PH developed secondarily due to CMPD. PH should be suspected in patients with CMPD and should influence the decision for treatment of CMPD. / Hintergrund: Chronische myeloproliferative Erkrankungen (CMPD) scheinen mit einem erhöhten Risiko für pulmonale Hypertonie (PH) assoziiert zu sein. Kasuistik: Ein Patient mit chronisch idiopathischer Myelofibrose (CIMF) wurde aufgrund einer progressiven Belastungsdyspnoe (New York Heart Association Stadium III) überwiesen. Bis zu diesem Zeitpunkt erhielt er keine spezifische Behandlung seiner CIMF. Echokardiographie und Rechtsherzkatheter ergaben das Vorliegen einer PH. Eine spezifische Ursache der PH konnte zunächst ausgeschlossen werden. Somit wurde das Vorliegen einer primären PH vermutet. 2 Jahre später wurde der Patient mit erneut verschlechterter Belastungsdyspnoe vorgestellt, wobei ein Progress der PH feststellbar war. Einige Tage später verstarb der Patient an einem Hinterwandinfarkt. Die Autopsie des Lungengewebes zeigte einen Verschluss der kleinen Lungengefäße durch Konglomerate von Megakaryozyten. Diskussion: Die Entwicklung der PH ist bei diesem Patienten als Folge der CMPD einzuschätzen. Das Vorliegen einer PH bei Patienten mit CMPD sollte die Entscheidung zu spezifischen therapeutischen Maßnahmen hinsichtlich der CMPD beeinflussen. / Dieser Beitrag ist mit Zustimmung des Rechteinhabers aufgrund einer (DFG-geförderten) Allianz- bzw. Nationallizenz frei zugänglich.

Background: N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is secreted by cardiac ventricular myocytes upon pressure and volume overload and is a prognostic marker to monitor the severity of precapillary pulmonary hypertension and the extent of right heart failure. Objectives: The impact of physical exercise on NT-proBNP levels in patients with left heart disease was demonstrated previously. No data regarding patients with isolated right heart failure and the influence of acute exercise on NT-proBNP serum levels exist. Methods: Twenty patients with precapillary pulmonary hypertension were examined. Hemodynamic parameters were measured during right heart catheterization. Serum NT-proBNP of patients was measured at rest, after a 6-min walking test, during ergospirometry and during recovery, all within 7 h. Significant differences in sequential NT-proBNP values, relative changes compared to values at rest and the correlation between NT-proBNP and obtained parameters were assessed. Results: At rest, the mean serum level of NT-proBNP was 1,278 ± 998 pg/ml. The mean level of NT-proBNP at maximal exercise was increased (1,592 ± 1,219 pg/ml), whereas serum levels decreased slightly during recovery (1,518 ± 1,170 pg/ml). The relative increase of serum NT-proBNP during exercise correlated with pulmonary vascular resistance (r = 0.45; p = 0.026) and cardiac output (r = –0.5; p = 0.015). Conclusions: In this study, we demonstrated acute changes in NT-proBNP levels due to physical exercise in a small group of patients with precapillary pulmonary hypertension. Our results also confirm the predominant usefulness of NT-proBNP as an intraindividual parameter of right heart load. / Dieser Beitrag ist mit Zustimmung des Rechteinhabers aufgrund einer (DFG-geförderten) Allianz- bzw. Nationallizenz frei zugänglich.