Pulmonary Hypertension

Today we discussed pulmonary hypertension.  Here are some follow up articles

First, see this post (though it is a bit old it touches on key points we discussed today and has some references)
http://internalvalidity.blogspot.ca/2008/12/day-144-pulmonary-hypertension.html

Pleural effusions due to right heart failure and pulmonary hypertension?
 
Pleural effusions without other clear cause are common in PH
http://www-ncbi-nlm-nih-gov.proxy3.library.mcgill.ca/pubmed/21623177

Here is another article stating the same thing, written by Dr. LIGHT (i.e. light's criteria for exudate vs transudate fame)!   The majority are UNILATERAL (60%) and small (63%)
http://www-ncbi-nlm-nih-gov.proxy3.library.mcgill.ca/pubmed/19395582

This is especially true in collagen vascular disease associated PH
http://www-ncbi-nlm-nih-gov.proxy3.library.mcgill.ca/pubmed/21212140

What is the value of CT thorax in these patients?
 
An interesting review of the value of CT thorax in PH in terms of associated findings is here:
http://www-ncbi-nlm-nih-gov.proxy3.library.mcgill.ca/pubmed/25523307

Referral to specialized clinics may be associated with better outcomes

http://www-ncbi-nlm-nih-gov.proxy3.library.mcgill.ca/pubmed/23568223

Associated editorial:
http://www-ncbi-nlm-nih-gov.proxy3.library.mcgill.ca/pubmed/23568571


Finally, should we be more optimistic about the role of calcium channel blockers than I was in 2008?
 
The role of Calcium Channel Blockers in PH therapy is reviewed here
http://www-ncbi-nlm-nih-gov.proxy3.library.mcgill.ca/pubmed/25666253