Long-term echocardiographic follow-up of a patient with primary pulmonary hypertension receiving iloprost inhalations.

Iloprost inhalation has recently emerged as an alternative therapy for severe primary pulmonary hypertension. In the studies documenting the effect of iloprost inhalation therapy, hemodynamic variables have been measured invasively. We have followed a patient with primary pulmonary hypertension receiving iloprost inhalation therapy for 5 years using echocardiography to monitor changes in pulmonary artery pressure and right ventricular function. Echocardiography was also used to evaluate the initial response to iloprost inhalation therapy. This case illustrates the feasibility and utility of echocardiography in the testing and follow-up of iloprost inhalation therapy in patients with pulmonary hypertension.