The clinical utility of ventilation–perfusion scintigraphy in the classification of pulmonary hypertension

Abstract

Pulmonary hypertension encompasses a diverse set of conditions characterized by increased pressure in the pulmonary arteries. Proper classification is crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment. Ventilation–perfusion scintigraphy plays a vital role in imaging, especially in differentiating chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension from other types of pulmonary hypertension. This article reviews the clinical applications of ventilation–perfusion scintigraphy in the classification of pulmonary hypertension, with particular focus on its relevance to groups 1 (pulmonary arterial hypertension), 3 (pulmonary hypertension associated with lung diseases or hypoxia), and 4 (chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension). In addition, it explores recent technological advances and their impact on clinical practice.