CHEST Guidelines-Correlation-of-Pulmonary-Artery-Dimensions-Between

Correlation-of-Pulmonary-Artery-Dimensions-Between

Pdf Summary

A study featured in <em>CHEST</em> journal explores the correlation between pulmonary artery (PA) dimensions measured by endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) and CT scan. Given that the PA's size and its ratio to the ascending aorta (AA) are indicators of pulmonary hypertension severity, understanding measurement methods is crucial. EBUS, using a convex probe, has been a tool for evaluating mediastinal vessels due to its ability to penetrate tissues up to 5 cm without interference from aerated lung. This study sought to find if EBUS measurements correspond with those from CT scans.

Conducted over two months, the prospective study involved patients who met criteria, excluding those with extrinsic compression on a CT scan or who did not consent. The study measured the left PA (LPA) and AA's dimensions in patients undergoing EBUS. Measurements from both EBUS and CT scans were compared, revealing a significant correlation between the two methods. However, findings indicated a wide limit of agreement, suggesting that these measurements aren't interchangeable. This implies EBUS might not have a significant impact on managing pulmonary hypertension but continuously evolves in diagnostic applications, including thromboembolisms.

With an average age of 49.8, the 30 participants included cases diagnosed with sarcoidosis, malignancy, TB, and other conditions. The study found limitations in EBUS's scope due to its inability to encompass the main PA diameter. Future studies with larger sample sizes are suggested to refine these insights.

Authors from the Pulmonary Medicine Department at PGIMER in Chandigarh, India, reported no conflicts of interest. They highlight that while EBUS shows promise, its role in PA measurement needs further exploration to verify clinical applicability fully.

Keywords

pulmonary artery

endobronchial ultrasound

CT scan

pulmonary hypertension

measurement methods

mediastinal vessels

diagnostic applications

sarcoidosis

thromboembolisms

PGIMER Chandigarh