Non-Invasive Estimation of Mean Pulmonary Artery Pressure Using Pulsed Doppler Echocardiography (P.D.E)

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:
Traditionally cardiac catheterisation has been the mainstay in the accurate assessment of the severity of valve disease and pulmonary hyperten. sion. Mmode and 2—D echocardiography was then used as an adjunct in the evaluation of the valve disease, but it has not replaced cardiac catheterisation. In Pakistan, where there is a high incidence of Rheumatic Heart Disease, there is a great need for a reliable non-invasive proced ure to replace cardiac catheterisation.

DISCUSSION:

Pulmonary artery pressure has been estimated using Doppler Ultrasonography in a variety of clinical settings, including tricuspid regurgitation & ventricular septal defects, with or without pulmonary valve stenosis(4. However, these techniques may utilise the newer technique of continuous wave Doppler, which is not available in all the centres. In conclusion, P.D.E is a reliable non-invasive method of estimating the mean P.A pressure. Further more, when combined with the ability of P .D .E to assess the severity of valvar stenosis or regurgitation, this technique should further reduce the need for cardiac catheterisation in patients with valvar disease of any aetiology.