Exercise right heart catheterization before and after balloon pulmonary angioplasty in inoperable patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension.

Background: *These authors contributed equally as last authors.Balloon pulmonary angioplasty is an evolving, interventional treatment option for inoperable patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). Pulmonary hypertension at rest as well as exercise capacity is considered to be relevant outcome parameters.

Pregnancy-associated plasma protein A - a new indicator of pulmonary vascular remodeling in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension?

Background: In chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) impaired pulmonary hemodynamics lead to right heart failure. Natriuretic peptides reflect hemodynamic disease severity. Pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) might address another aspect of CTEPH - chronic tissue injury and inflammation.