DOPPLER SONOGRAPHY IN PULMONARY-HYPERTENS ION - DIFFERENTIATION OF VARIOUS PERFUSION CONDITIONS

In primary and secondary pulmonary hypertension (PH) or asymmetric vas cular conditions flow velocity recordings were performed in the proxim al right and left pulmonary artery in addition to Doppler studies of t he right heart. In contrast to Doppler echocardiography the more perip heral registrations proved significant differences between physiologic al conditions, increased arterial resistance or high venous filling pr essure. In the descendent branches of the pulmonary artery, accelerati on is mainly determined by actual pressure level; deceleration, howeve r, is depending on different influences and conditions of elasticity a nd resistance within the arterial bed. The findings of pulmonary vesse ls allow evaluations of flow alterations comparable to those of system ic circulation. Thus, especially the early stages of PH might be detec ted by Doppler sonography to prevent progression to chronic pulmonary heart disease.