Medical science monitor : international medical journal of experimental and clinical research
-
Pulmonary hypertension occurs commonly in patients with interstitial lung disease but is frequently not diagnosed or, if diagnosed, not further evaluated. In this study, we wanted to determine the accuracy of right ventricular systolic pressure measured by transthoracic Doppler echocardiography compared with hemodynamic measurements taken at right heart catheterization in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis who had suspected pulmonary hypertension. ⋯ Pulmonary hypertension occurs commonly in IPF. Accurate classification of pulmonary hemodynamics and degree of pulmonary hypertension severity require right heart catheterization. Prospective screening Doppler echocardiography and pulmonary hypertension therapeutic interventions warrant further prospective study in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.