Pulmonary Embolism and Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension (CTEPH)
- Healthcare Diplomacy
- Apr 18
- 2 min read
Introduction
Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a life-threatening condition caused by a blockage in the pulmonary arteries, usually due to blood clots that travel from the legs or other parts of the body. If left untreated, PE can result in severe respiratory distress, heart strain, and even sudden death.
Acute vs. Chronic Pulmonary Embolism
1. Acute Pulmonary EmbolismOccurs suddenly and requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, and coughing—sometimes with blood. Early diagnosis and proper treatment can be lifesaving.
2. Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension (CTEPH)In some cases, blood clots do not completely resolve after PE. This leads to permanent obstruction in the pulmonary arteries, gradually increasing blood pressure in the lungs. CTEPH is the only form of pulmonary hypertension that can be treated surgically.
What Is CTEPH?
CTEPH is a rare but severe condition where unresolved blood clots cause high pressure in the pulmonary arteries. Over time, this pressure overloads the right side of the heart and leads to symptoms like:
Fatigue
Persistent shortness of breath
Fainting episodes
Exercise intolerance
Diagnosis Methods
CTEPH diagnosis involves a combination of advanced imaging and testing:
Ventilation/Perfusion (V/Q) Scan
Pulmonary Angiography
Echocardiography
Right Heart Catheterization
Cardiac MRI
Treatment Options
1. Medical Therapy:Anticoagulants and pulmonary hypertension medications may be prescribed initially, but they often provide limited long-term relief.
2. Pulmonary Endarterectomy (PEA):The gold standard for CTEPH. This highly specialized surgery removes obstructive clots and restores normal blood flow in suitable patients.
3. Balloon Pulmonary Angioplasty (BPA):A minimally invasive procedure for those who are not surgical candidates. It uses a catheter to open narrowed arteries.
Why Early Detection Matters
Many patients do not realize they have CTEPH until it becomes severe. Individuals who have experienced PE should undergo follow-up evaluation 3–6 months later. Persistent symptoms like breathlessness or fatigue may signal chronic complications.
Conclusion
CTEPH is a serious but treatable condition when diagnosed early. At Healthcare Diplomacy, we connect patients to expert care and advanced treatment centers like Acıbadem Hospitals, where technologies such as PEA and BPA offer renewed hope and improved outcomes.
📩 Contact us to receive a free second medical opinion: 📧 info@healthcarediplomacy.com🌐 www.healthcarediplomacy.com
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