Dyspnea and perfusion defects (V/Q scan) are common after an acute pulmonary embolus whereas chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a rare sequele

Abstract Introduction Acute pulmonary embolism (PE), a common disease with substantial morbidity and mortality. Many previous studies have focused on the short-term consequences after an acute PE, but less attention has been directed to long-term effects of PE. The most feared complication is chronic thromboembolic hypertension (CTEPH), reported incidence rates ranging from 0.6 4.8%. Even though CTEPH rare dyspnea functional impairment are complaints, syndrome named PPES (post-PE-syndrome) suggested. aim this study was follow large national-wide cohort post-PE-patients gather information regarding symptoms determine prevalence CTEPH. Patients methods We identified all patients diagnosed PE in 2005 (ICD-10-SE: I26.0 I26.9) that were registered Swedish National Patient Register (NPR), which nearly 100% coverage. In 2007, surviving individuals invited participate by letter. They asked complete questionnaire risk factors for sequele including Individuals who or had known follow-up blood tests (NT-pro-BNP) scintigraphy. If any perfusion defects detected, echocardiography performed. signs hypertension, referral done regional PAH-center. Results 2005, 5793 unique admitted diagnosis Sweden. Of those, 3510 still alive 3226 contacted questionnaire. Altogether 2105 (65%) returned questionnaire, 53% 15% asymptomatic 944 referred further recommendation perform V/Q-scan. 530 V/Q-scans performed 44% showed defects, whereof 85% echocardiography. Twenty-seven % them systolic right ventricular pressure at least 30 mmHg. Referrals resulted 6 cases proved parallel, 10 before 8 outside study.Altogether 24 thus cumulative ranged between 0.7 1.2%. Conclusion Dyspnea over 40% V/Q scan, suggesting presence post PE-syndrome (PPES). however low. More research needed better define PPES. Funding Acknowledgement Type funding sources: Private grant(s) and/or Sponsorship. Main source(s): Actelion PharamceuticalsSwedish Heart Lung Foundation