CTEPH
Medical abbreviation · Respiratory
| Stands for | Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
CTEPH stands for Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, a respiratory abbreviation.
Pulmonary hypertension caused by old blood clots that have organized into scar tissue inside the pulmonary arteries, usually after one or more pulmonary embolisms. Persistent breathlessness months after a PE should prompt screening.
Example: V/Q scan with multiple mismatched defects 6 months after PE; RHC and pulmonary angiography confirm CTEPH.
Usage notes
A V/Q scan is the preferred screening test because it is more sensitive than CT angiography for chronic clot. CTEPH is the only form of pulmonary hypertension that can be cured, by pulmonary endarterectomy surgery, a technique largely developed at the University of California, San Diego. Balloon pulmonary angioplasty and the drug riociguat treat inoperable disease. Lifelong anticoagulation is recommended.
Related abbreviations
More respiratory abbreviations
- COPD – Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- CPAP – Continuous positive airway pressure
- CPET – Cardiopulmonary exercise test
- CPT – Chest physiotherapy
- CSA – Central sleep apnea
- CSR – Cheyne-Stokes respiration
- DIB – Difficulty in breathing
- DLCO – Diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide
- EBUS – Endobronchial ultrasound
- EIB – Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction
- ESS – Epworth Sleepiness Scale
- FeNO – Fractional exhaled nitric oxide
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This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.