In systemic sclerosis, the TAPSE/sPAP ratio can be used in addition to the DETECT algorithm for pulmonary arterial hypertension diagnosis.

OBJECTIVE

Early detection of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is crucial for improving patient outcomes. The aim of this study was to compare the positive predictive value (PPV) of the echocardiography-derived tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion/systolic pulmonary artery pressure (TAPSE/sPAP) ratio with that of the DETECT algorithm for PAH screening in a cohort of SSc patients.

METHODS

Fifty-one SSc patients were screened for PAH using the DETECT algorithm and echocardiography.

RESULTS

Echocardiography was recommended by the DETECT algorithm step 1 in 34 patients (66.7%). Right heart catheterization (RHC) was recommended by the DETECT algorithm step 2 in 16 patients (31.4%). PAH was confirmed by RHC in 5 patients. The DETECT algorithm PPV was 31.3%. The TAPSE/sPAP ratio was higher in SSc patients not referred for RHC than in SSc patients referred for RHC according to the DETECT algorithm step 2 [0.83 (0.35-1.40) mm/mmHg vs 0.74 (0.12-1.09)  mm/mmHg, P < 0.05]. Using a cut-off of 0.60 mm/mmHg, 8 (15.7%) SSc patients had a TAPSE/sPAP ratio of ≤0.60 mm/mmHg. PAH was confirmed by RHC in 5 patients. The PPV of TAPSE/sPAP was 62.5%. In multiple regression analysis, TAPSE/sPAP was associated with age [β coefficient = -0.348 (95% CI: -0.011, -0.003); P < 0.01], DETECT algorithm step 1 [β coefficient = 1.023 (95% CI: 0.006, 0.024); P < 0.01] and DETECT algorithm step 2 (β coefficient = -1.758 [95% CI: -0.059, -0.021]; P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

In SSc patients with a DETECT algorithm step 2 total score of >35, the TAPSE/sPAP ratio can be used to further select patients requiring RHC to confirm PAH diagnosis.