Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension (CTEPH)
What is CTEPH?
Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension (CTEPH) is a type of pulmonary hypertension caused by old or chronic blood clots in the lung. Blood clots that lead to CTEPH can start in other places in the body (such as a deep vein) and break loose to travel through the veins to the lungs.
How does CTEPH affect the heart?
Although most blood clots completely resolve with blood thinners over time, approximately 5% of patients will develop a chronic blood clot that causes narrowing of the blood vessels to the lungs. The chronic clot makes it harder for the heart to pump blood.
Is there a cure for CTEPH?
CTEPH can be treated and potentially cured.
What are common symptoms of CTEPH?
- Heart failure
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain or tightness
- Swelling in the legs or ankles
- Lightheadedness or fainting
How is CTEPH diagnosed?
At the University of Chicago Medicine, a comprehensive evaluation will be done by experts to determine the exact diagnosis and extent of the problem. One or more of the following tests may be necessary:
- Transthoracic echocardiography
- Dual-energy computed tomography (CT) pulmonary angiography
- Ventilation-Perfusion scanning
- Right heart catheterization and catheter based pulmonary angiography
How is CTEPH treated?
The UChicago Medicine CTEPH team consists of experts across multiple specialties including advanced heart failure cardiology, interventional cardiology, cardiac surgery, and radiology. Together, our team will recommend the best treatment strategy for each individual patient.
- Medical Management: Blood thinners and other specialized medications are available as treatment for restoring blood flow to the lungs.
- Balloon Pulmonary Angioplasty: A minimally invasive procedure designed to restore blood flow to the lungs. This procedure involves the insertion of a small catheter in a vein in the groin and advanced to the area of affected lung blood vessels. A small balloon is then inflated to break up the scar tissue and move the clot out of the way to improve blood flow.
- Pulmonary Thromboendarterectomy: A surgery called pulmonary thromboendarterectomy (PTE) can be a cure for CTEPH. The operation removes the blood clot and scar tissue from the lung’s major blood vessels.
Balloon pulmonary angioplasty relieves symptoms of CTEPH
For years, James Jackson struggled to catch his breath because of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). A groundbreaking balloon pulmonary angioplasty at UChicago Medicine helped him reclaim his energy and quality of life.
Ready the full storyOur CTEPH Team
Our CTEPH Nursing Team
Tara Wenn, APN (Pulmonary Embolism)
Lira Palen, APN, MSN (Pulmonary Hypertension)
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If you have symptoms of an urgent nature, please call your doctor or go to the emergency room immediately.
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