Pulmonary Hypertension Associated With Sickle Cell Disease and Schistosomiasis

HIV-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension (HIV-PAH) remains one of the most consequential cardiopulmonary complications in people living with HIV (PLWH), persisting despite expanded antiretroviral therapy (ART) coverage.

Schistosomiasis-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension (Sch-PAH) is one of the most frequent etiologies of pulmonary arterial hypertension in Brazil and globally. The disease is a complication of hepatosplenic schistosomiasis characterized by portal hypertension, egg deposition, and granuloma formation in the pulmonary arteries leading to inflammation, vascular remodeling, increased pulmonary vascular resistance, and progressive right heart failure. 

Early identification of pulmonary vascular disease remains a major unmet need in systemic sclerosis. In this context, the study by Kagami and colleagues provides important insights into the role of exercise stress echocardiography in detecting early hemodynamic abnormalities.

Ten patients with post-COVID ILD-PH are described. This complication occurred only in patients after prolonged intensive care (ICU) admission for invasive mechanical ventilation.