Iveta Šimková, Anna Remková, Marcela Boháčeková, Tatiana Valkovičová, Monika Kaldarárová
Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) results from the arrangement of embolised thrombi and progressive
remodelling of pulmonary arteries in non-embolised areas. With the respect to the high morbidity and mortality
and limited treatment possibilities the need for early identification of the development of this potentially fatal
disease in risk individuals arises. Despite that the embolic hypothesis is generally accepted, traditional risk factors of venous
thromboembolism do not apply in CTEPH. Reccurent idiopathic pulmonary embolus with large perfusion defects
in a young patient belongs to the risk profile. There is a frequent association with malignancy, splenectomy, hormonally
substituted hypothyroidism, infected intravenous approaches or cardiostimulation electrode, chronic osteomyelitis
and inflammatory intestinal diseases. All blood groups besides O, antiphospholipid antibodies, higher levels of factor
VIII, lipoprotein (a), and inhibitor of tissue plasminogen activator are considered to be other risk factors. The authors
are presenting the current CTEPH management with emphasis on the need to identify risk individuals, and so the possibility
of early and better diagnosis and effective treatment of this potentially fatal disease.