NT-proBNP levels on admission predict pulmonary hypertension persistence in patients with acute pulmonary embolism

Background: Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a rare, but due to its unfavorable prognosis feared complication of thromboembolic disease. We assessed the incidence and risk factors for pulmonary hypertension (PH) in a cohort of consecutive patients admitted with pulmonary embolism to the tertiary University Hospital. Methods: In our cohort of 120 consecutive patients with proved pulmonary embolism (PE) we studied the course of biochemical and echocardiographic parameters with regards to risk factors predicting pulmonary hypertension at the end of hospitalization. Results: Echocardiographic signs of pulmonary hypertension were present at the time of discharge in more than one half (50.8%) of patients admitted with pulmonary embolism. Predictors of persisting pulmonary hypertension were initial pulmonary hypertension, high initial NT-proBNP levels and age.