Echocardiographic Evaluation of Pulmonary Hypertension in Children

Abstract

Hypertensive Pulmonary Disease (HPD) can be defined as a set of pathophysiological pulmonary disorders that result in severe, progressive disease with high morbidity and mortality. Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) is an easily accessible and essential imaging method for the evaluation of this disease, especially in children, where there are limitations to frequent and routine right-heart catheterization. In this review, we address the main echocardiographic techniques for the diagnosis and hemodynamic evaluation of pulmonary hypertension in the pediatric population. Early diagnosis and appropriate staging in the follow-up of clinical interventions are fundamental for the assertive choice of therapeutic approach and, consequently, improvement of clinical outcomes.