Key result
VEST identifies predictive PAH scores in ~93% of patients prior to delayed expert evaluation.
Why the study?
Because of nonspecific symptoms and limited awareness, patients with PAH are often diagnosed late, worsening survival. The study evaluated whether the virtual echocardiography screening tool (VEST) could capture earlier diagnoses before clinical recognition and referral.
Does the virtual echocardiography screening tool (VEST) identify pulmonary arterial hypertension earlier than standard clinical diagnosis in patients with PAH?
Observational (n=132)
Yes
Does the virtual echocardiography screening tool (VEST) identify pulmonary arterial hypertension earlier than standard clinical diagnosis in patients with PAH?
The VEST scoring system can identify high-risk PAH patients significantly earlier than standard clinical recognition, potentially reducing the median 206-day delay to expert referral.
May support earlier PAH flagging via VEST but should not yet change practice; leaves open prospective validation.
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Vedage et al. (2023) conducted an observational in Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) (n=132). Virtual echocardiography screening tool (VEST) vs. Clinical recognition and referral was evaluated on Abnormal VEST scores predictive of PAH before evaluation at a PH referral center. The virtual echocardiography screening tool (VEST) identified abnormal scores predictive of PAH in 93% of patients prior to referral, with a median delay to expert evaluation of 206 days.
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