Stress Echocardiography in the Detection of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in Systemic Sclerosis Patients

Stress Echocardiography in the Detection of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in Systemic Sclerosis Patients With Indirect Signs of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

The purpose of this study is to assess the value in terms of sensitivity, specificity and likelihood ratio of the stress echocardiography in the screening of pulmonary arterial hypertension in patients with systemic sclerosis and indirect signs of pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Pulmonary artery catheterization (rest and exertion) and treadmill stress echocardiography will be done to all patients of the study.

Inclusion Criteria:

• At least one of the prespecified indirect sign of pulmonary arterial hypertension
• Able to exercise on treadmill

Exclusion Criteria:

• left ventricular dysfunction at rest
• Absence of pulmonary regurgitant flow
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Smoking with > 60 pack-year