Non-invasive estimation of pulmonary artery systolic pressure with Doppler ultrasound.

Systolic pressure in the pulmonary artery was estimated from the interval between pulmonary valve closure and tricuspid valve opening, and the heart rate using a nomogram previously described. The timing of valve movements was recorded by Doppler ultrasound. The estimated pressure correlated well with that obtained at catheterisation in 45 of 48 patients with pulmonary hypertension. Instantaneous variations in pressure and changes with treatment and during exercise could be measured. The method was easy to apply in all age groups, and was found useful both in detecting pulmonary hypertension and in the follow-up of patients. It may help to determine the optimal time for surgery or the effect of treatment.