Echocardiography in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Abstract

Purpose of Review: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a devastating disease which can result in right heart (RH) failure and death. Herein, we discuss the current clinical applications of echocardiography in PAH. Recent Findings: Advanced echocardiographic techniques (strain, strain rate, 2D-speckle tracking strain, and three-dimensional echocardiography) may reveal in the near future additional important insights into RH structure and function. Summary: Although right-heart catheterization is mandatory for a definitive diagnosis, echocardiography (resting and exercise) represents a key noninvasive imaging test on the diagnostic-prognostic-therapeutic PAH algorithm.