Differentiation of the Causes of Pulmonary Hypertension in Rheumatic Heart Disease by Simultaneous Right and Left Heart Catheterization

Pulmonary vascular disease, mitral valve block, left heart failure, or any combination of these factors may cause pulmonary hypertension. Right heart catheterization alone, in rheumatic heart disease, cannot differentiate among these possibilities. Right and left heart catheterization is of great aid, however, in resolution of the problem. Five cases are discussed to illustrate the value of combined heart catheterization.