[Radiological diagnosis of pulmonary arterial hypertension in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis].

This study evaluates the usefulness of chest x-ray in the diagnosis of pulmonary arterial hypertension. Twelve patients with severe interstitial fibrosis were studied by respiratory functional tests and right heart catheterization. A quantitative radiologic diagnosis of pulmonary arterial hypertension in pulmonary fibrosis results more difficult than in chronic obstructive airway disease, mitral stenosis or pulmonary thromboembolism. Nevertheless in case of severe interstitial fibrosis pulmonary hypertension was regularly present even if specific radiologic findings were not available. We have found some interesting correlations, i.e. a trend to a relationship between mean pulmonary pressure and right descending pulmonary artery diameter.