Answer
B: Echocardiography
Educational Objective
Evaluate suspected pulmonary hypertension.
Critique
The most appropriate diagnostic test to perform is echocardiography (Option B). Approximately 10% of patients with systemic sclerosis develop pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Symptoms of pulmonary hypertension (PH) are nonspecific; thus, the average time from symptom onset to diagnosis can exceed 2 years. Symptoms include exertional dyspnea or lightheadedness, lower extremity edema, chest pain, palpitations, and in some cases, syncope. Findings on physical examination frequently include an accentuated or persistently split S2. A holosystolic tricuspid regurgitant murmur, jugular venous distention, a right ventricular heave, hepatomegaly, ascites, and peripheral edema occur in the face of progressive right ventricular failure. Pulmonary findings reflect underlying lung disease when present. If PAH is suspected, transthoracic echocardiography should be pursued. Echocardiography provides an estimation of mean pulmonary artery systolic pressure and assessment of both right and left heart size and function. If the echocardiogram suggests PH, the patient should be referred for further evaluation, including right heart catheterization. In patients with systemic sclerosis, guidelines suggest annual screening with echocardiography for PH.
CT angiography (Option A) can be used to evaluate for the presence of acute pulmonary embolism. Since the patient's symptoms are progressive over months, the likelihood of acute pulmonary embolism is very low. CT angiography is not the best initial diagnostic test for this patient.
Patients with systemic sclerosis are at increased risk for developing coronary artery disease and interstitial lung disease. In a patient with progressive dyspnea, both diseases should be considered. However, this patient's findings of increased jugular venous distention, persistently split S2, and tricuspid regurgitant murmur suggest PAH. The patient's pulmonary examination and chest radiograph are normal. An exercise stress test (Option C) or pulmonary function testing (Option D) may be indicated if the patient's echocardiogram is unremarkable, but neither is the best initial choice in light of her physical examination findings.
Key Points
Physical examination findings of pulmonary hypertension may include accentuated or persistently split S2, holosystolic tricuspid regurgitant murmur, jugular venous distention, right ventricular heave, hepatomegaly, ascites, and peripheral edema.
Transthoracic echocardiography is indicated in patients with suspected pulmonary hypertension.
Bibliography
Jiang Y, Turk MA, Pope JE. Factors associated with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in systemic sclerosis (SSc). Autoimmun Rev. 2020;19:102602. [PMID: 32659476] doi:10.1016/j.autrev.2020.102602
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