Suspecting PH in the Dyspneic Patient: Who, When and How

Pulmonary hypertension (elevated right ventricular systolic pressure) is common, often caused by left heart disease but also associated with various lung diseases or idiopathic in origin. A less common but deadly form, PAH is usually undiagnosed or misdiagnosed until it has progressed to an advanced stage. Designed for primary care clinicians, this case-based lecture identifies clinical clues for the presence of PH in dyspneic patients; presents keys to differentiating PAH from other more common forms of PH; and offers a practical paradigm for collaborative diagnosis and optimal long-term management of PAH.

Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment of PAH: An Overview

This comprehensive overview identifies key epidemiologic and pathophysiologic features of PAH; presents the current diagnostic algorithm, highlighting important tests and techniques; summarizes the clinical trial evidence base for approved therapies targeting four critical disease pathways; and offers state-of-the-art risk assessment and disease management strategies. Developed for front-line cardiovascular, pulmonary, rheumatology, and primary care clinicians.

Current Approaches to PH: Clinical Cases Across Categories

PH is classified into five groups that share some pathological and hemodynamic characteristics, but likely require different therapeutic approaches: PAH, PH due to left heart disease, PH due to lung diseases and/or hypoxia, chronic thromboembolic PH and PH with unclear multifactorial mechanisms. This case-based session explores current practices and clinical pearls in the diagnosis and management of PH across these groups.

PH in Patients with Connective Tissue Disease

This presentation outlines the epidemiology and prognostic significance of PH in common connective tissue diseases, especially systemic sclerosis. It emphasizes the importance of early screening and diagnosis of pulmonary complications in these patients and provides practical strategies for comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of PAH in patients with CTDs. Ideal for clinicians caring for patients with or at risk for connective tissue diseases.

PH Due to Lung Disease: State of the Art Approaches to Diagnosis and Management

Group 3 PH–associated with hypoxia and lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, interstitial lung disease and obstructive sleep apnea among others, is the second most common form of PH. Marked by increased morbidity and mortality, treatment of PH in lung disease is complex. This presentation covers the pathophysiology, diagnosis and evidence-based clinical management of the most common forms of Group 3 PH.

Chronic Thromboembolic PH: An Overview

Occurring as a result of non-resolved acute pulmonary embolism, the diagnosis of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension is often missed or delayed. This lecture reviews the pathophysiology of CTEPH, screening protocols and pre- and postoperative care associated with thromboendarterectomy. It also covers the role of balloon pulmonary angioplasty and strategies to improve long-term outcomes.

New Concepts and Clinical Controversies in PAH

Designed for cardiovascular and pulmonary specialists with extensive PAH experience, this presentation explores newer concepts and clinical controversies in the diagnosis and management of PAH. It identifies strengths and limitations of the latest clinical guidelines; delineates the utility of various biomarkers and imaging techniques; explores the conundrums of when classification group characteristics overlap, zones of uncertainty exist, and comorbidities complicate care; compares risk assessment tools; and describes new and emerging therapeutic pathways and treatment options.

Cases in Cardiac Imaging: Focus on PH

Designed for cardiovascular and pulmonary specialists, this case-based presentation reviews the current diagnostic workup for PAH; assesses the benefits and limitations of standard imaging tools such as echocardiography, as well as newer modalities such as magnetic resonance imaging; demonstrates the core value of right heart catheterization (including vasodilator testing) as the diagnostic gold standard; and summarizes the benefits and limitations of cardiac imaging tools in assessing the effects of PAH treatments acutely and over the long term.

Looking for a specific faculty speaker from PHA’s medical education programs? Use this search to find faculty by first name, last name or location. 

Program Faculty

PHA On Demand offers flexible virtual formats allowing you to choose the best way to engage your team or community in expert-led PH education. All programs are delivered live online by a PHA On Demand faculty member and are designed as one-hour, case-based lectures followed by a question-and-answer session.

• Regional/Community Program: A live virtual meeting tailored to clinicians in your geographic region.
• Group Practice Meeting: A live virtual lecture designed for your group practice.
• Grand Rounds: A guest speaker from the PHA On Demand faculty delivers your selected lecture virtually as part of your institution’s Grand Rounds rotation. A hospital contact must be identified on the application to coordinate logistics.
• Webinar: A live virtual presentation on a selected topic. This format is ideal for larger audiences.

This activity has been designed for pulmonologists, cardiologists, rheumatologists, internists and primary care physicians, and may be of interest to nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and other allied health professionals who care for patients with PAH.

This continuing education activity is provided by AffinityCE and PHA. This activity provides continuing education credit for physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners. A statement of participation is available for other attendees.

This CME program is designed to improve competence, performance and patient care practices by instructing clinicians in the highest quality of care for patients with PAH. At the conclusion of the program, participants should be able to:

• Accurately diagnose patients through comprehensive screening and early recognition of symptoms.
• Evaluate the patient’s condition and prescribe long-term optimal management, including knowing when and how to treat and when to consult with colleagues at an established PAH center.

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of AffinityCE and the PHA. AffinityCE is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Credit

AffinityCE designates this live activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Health professionals should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Mitigation of Relevant Financial Relationships

AffinityCE adheres to the ACCME’s Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education. Any individuals in a position to control the content of a CME activity, including faculty, planners, reviewers, or others, are required to disclose all relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

Relevant financial relationships for faculty are mitigated through the peer review of content by non-conflicted reviewers prior to the commencement of the activity.

AffinityCE staff, PHA staff, planners and reviewers, have no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose. All faculty disclosures are available on the program website and will be stated prior to the start of each presentation.

These programs, administered within ACCME guidelines and according to the specifications outlined, are offered at no cost to requestors or program participants.

• Deborah J. Levine, MD, FCCP, FAST, chair, Stanford University School of Medicine.
• James R. Runo, MD, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.
• Marc Simon, MD, MS, FACC, UCSF School of Medicine.
• K. Akaya Smith, MD, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.
• Vallerie V. McLaughlin, MD, FACC, FAHA, FCCP, committee advisor, University of Michigan.