Imaging Techniques in the Diagnosis of Pulmonary Hypertension

OBJECTIVE: Introduction: Pulmonary hypertension is defined as being a haemodynamic state, wherein the mean pulmonary artery pressure measured during right heart catheterization is equal or greater than 25 mmHg. As a result, right ventricular heart failure develops and clinical symptoms such as dyspnea, fatigue, weakness, angina and fainting occur. The aim: To highlight the role of imaging techniques in diagnostic process for pulmonary hypertension. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Review and Disscusion: The diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension is multistage and often requires a number of studies. Currently, imaging techniques play a significant role in the diagnostic algorithm for pulmonary hypertension due to the fact that they are non-invasive and readily available, and many of their parameters are closely related to pulmonary hemodynamics. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: The diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension requires a multistep approach and a number of imaging studies. The suspicion of the disease is based on medical history, clinical symptoms and chest radiogram. Echocardiography plays a crucial role in pulmonary hypertension detection. A computed tomography and cardiac magnetic resonance are valuable methods in determining the cause of suspected or confirmed pulmonary hypertension.