PH-NF1 is a severe complication characterized by poor transplant-free survival despite PAH-approved therapies, highlighting the need for early recognition and potential lung transplantation.
Abstract Rationale Pulmonary hypertension (PH) associated with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a rare and largely unknown complication of NF1. Objectives To describe characteristics and outcomes of PH-NF1. Methods We reported the clinical, functional, radiologic, histologic, and hemodynamic characteristics, response to pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)-approved drugs, and transplant-free survival of patients with PH-NF1 from the French PH registry. Measurements and Main Results We identified 49 PH-NF1 cases, characterized by a female/male ratio of 3.9 and a median (minimum–maximum) age at diagnosis of 62 (18–82) years. At diagnosis, 92% were in New York Heart Association functional class III or IV. The 6-minute-walk distance was 211 (0–460) m. Pulmonary function tests showed low DlCO (30% 12–79%) and severe hypoxemia (PaO2 56 38–99 mm Hg). Right heart catheterization showed severe precapillary PH with a mean pulmonary artery pressure of 45 (10) mm Hg and a pulmonary vascular resistance of 10.7 (4.2) Wood units. High-resolution computed tomography images revealed cysts (76%), ground-glass opacities (73%), emphysema (49%), and reticulations (39%). Forty patients received PAH-approved drugs with a significant improvement in functional class and hemodynamic parameters. Transplant-free survival at 1, 3, and 5 years was 87%, 54%, and 42%, respectively, and four patients were transplanted. Pathologic assessment showed nonspecific interstitial pneumonia and major pulmonary vascular remodeling. Conclusions PH-NF1 is characterized by a female predominance, a low DlCO, and severe functional and hemodynamic impairment. Despite a potential benefit of PAH treatment, prognosis remains poor, and double-lung transplantation is an option for eligible patients.
Jutant et al. (2020) studied this question.