Persistent Pulmonary Artery Hypertension After Valve Replacement
Persistent Pulmonary Artery Hypertension After Valve Replacement
Background: Persistent severe pulmonary hypertension (PH) after mechanical valve replacement
 is a frequent finding in patients with severe valve-diseases. The reasons to develop PH are
 multifactorial and the prevalence of severe PH significantly worsens the patients´ outcome.

 Aims: (i) To define the prevalence of PH in patients after valve replacement and (ii) to
 identify factors predicting persistent PH.

 Methods: All patients which underwent valve replacement at our institution between the years
 2008 -2010 will be screened retrospectively. Those patients with pre- procedural proven PH by
 means of right-heart catheterization will receive prospective follow-up with
 echocardiography. Diagnosis of persistent PH will be confirmed with right heart
 catheterization.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Proven pulmonary hypertension before valve replacement and informed consent for data
 acquisition

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  patients do not meet inclusion criteria