Title: Isolated exertional dyspnea as the only symptom in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension post-pulmonary embolism
Author: Omar Kasmieh
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v12i11.08
Abstract
Dyspnea, is a common symptom encountered in primary care settings. While it is frequently associated with existing comorbidities, there are rare conditions that may manifest solely as dyspnea during physical activity. One such condition is chronic pulmonary embolism, which can lead to the development of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) (B. Ganatra, R., 2023). Primary care physicians must consider these rare but significant etiologies of exertional dyspnea when there is a lack of clinical improvement following the initial evaluation and management.
Dyspnea is often linked to cardiac and respiratory diseases, but it can also be caused by obesity and deconditioning. Population-based studies have shown a prevalence of 9 to 13% for mild to moderate dyspnea among community-residing adults, and up to 37% of adults aged 70 years and older. (Parshall et al., 2012). In the United States, dyspnea accounts for 3 to 4 million emergency department visits annually (Parshall et al., 2012).
Keywords: chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary embolism, dyspnea, exertion, pulmonary hypertension, echocardiogram.
