[Surgical treatment of thromboembolism-induced pulmonary hypertension].

Non-resolved chronic pulmonary thromboembolism is a frequent cause of pulmonary hypertension. In long-standing disease hypertension is progressive due to intimal and medial changes in the perfused vessels. Non-resolution of thromboemboli is often associated with underlying coagulopathies; the presence of a lupus anticoagulant may pose a significant problem in the peri-operative management of these patients. Pulmonary thrombendarterectomy presents an efficient option of treatment which is feasible in the majority of patients. By means of pulmonary angiography and computed tomography operability is verified by the often difficult recognition of thromboembolic changes in the central pulmonary arteries. Patients with solely peripheral thromboembolic changes or primary pulmonary hypertension must be excluded. In presence of significant exertional dyspnea and/or pulmonary pressure elevation surgery is indicated. Mortality is high and mainly related to unrelieved pulmonary hypertension or pulmonary complications; pulmonary reperfusion edema, respiratory failure or pneumonia and sepsis. In all survivors the reduction of pulmonary hypertension is highly significant and persistent. Thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension may be treated curatively in most patients by thrombendarterectomy. Correct selection of surgical candidates is mandatory, and the patients should preferably be diagnosed and undergo surgery in an early stage of their disease.