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Date of Award
Spring 2024
Degree Name
Master of Medical Science (Physician Assistant)
Department
Physician Assistant; College of Health Sciences
First Advisor
Sophie Farley, MMS, PA-C
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic has unique features, including a specific affinity for epithelial cells of pulmonary vasculature. Damage to vessels occurs by hypoxia, inflammation, and complement activation. In addition to these microvascular changes, pulmonary, cardiac, and systemic consequences increase the risk of developing pulmonary hypertension following an acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. Nonspecific signs and symptoms, multifaceted etiologies, and various diagnostic modalities for pulmonary hypertension make diagnosing the disease difficult. A mean pulmonary arterial pressure >20 mmHg measured by right heart catheterization remains the gold standard for definitive diagnosis. Further research is needed to develop appropriate screening criteria and guided diagnostic approaches to identify post-COVID-19 infection pulmonary hypertension.
Recommended Citation
Bash, Claire, "Post-Acute COVID-19 Sequela: Pulmonary Hypertension" (2024). Capstone Showcase. 35.
https://scholarworks.arcadia.edu/showcase/2024/pa/35
Post-Acute COVID-19 Sequela: Pulmonary Hypertension
The SARS-CoV-2 virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic has unique features, including a specific affinity for epithelial cells of pulmonary vasculature. Damage to vessels occurs by hypoxia, inflammation, and complement activation. In addition to these microvascular changes, pulmonary, cardiac, and systemic consequences increase the risk of developing pulmonary hypertension following an acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. Nonspecific signs and symptoms, multifaceted etiologies, and various diagnostic modalities for pulmonary hypertension make diagnosing the disease difficult. A mean pulmonary arterial pressure >20 mmHg measured by right heart catheterization remains the gold standard for definitive diagnosis. Further research is needed to develop appropriate screening criteria and guided diagnostic approaches to identify post-COVID-19 infection pulmonary hypertension.