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CTEPH

Diagnosis

CTEPH is caused by blood clots that do not entirely dissolve following pulmonary embolism, leading to the formation of scars within the pulmonary arteries that impede blood flow into the lungs.

After pulmonary embolism, up to 4% of patients may develop CTEPH within two years. 
Back to CTEPH

How Does a Specialist Know for Sure Whether or Not I Have CTEPH? 

At a CTEPH clinic, you will do more medical tests. These tests may include:
  • Echocardiogram (ECHO) - an ultrasound of your heart
  • Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) - a recording of the electrical activity of your heart
  • CT scan of the chest - a special type of x-ray that looks at your lungs and blood vessels
  • Pulmonary angiogram - an intravenous (IV) dye is injected into your vein and travels to the vessels of your lungs. The dye helps us see blood flow and check for any blockages.
  • Right and left heart catheterization - a flexible catheter (tube) is put into your body through a vein or artery in your groin area to measure the pressures of the right side of your heart. Dye is injected through an IV to see if there is narrowing of your coronary (heart) arteries.
  • Femoral and carotid Doppler - an ultrasound of your leg and neck arteries
  • Pulmonary function test (PFT) - breathing tests 
These tests confirm whether you have CTEPH and help your health care team decide if surgery is the best treatment for you.

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