Technical Challenges in Studying Infectious Disease-Associated Pulmonary Hypertension in Low- and Middle-Income Countries with Limited Resources

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) disproportionately affects those residing in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Given that these countries also have a high prevalence of infectious diseases, many cases of PH are either directly or indirectly related to infectious etiologies. Despite this correlation, the precise burden of infectious disease-associated PH is largely underappreciated due to a lack of diagnostic resources, a shortage of clinical expertise to carry out right heart catheterization and poor access to healthcare facilities in many low- and middle-income settings. METHODS: In this narrative review, we highlight the significant burden of infectious disease-associated PH in LMICs, outline the technical challenges faced by LMICs when diagnosing PH, and propose possible solutions for diagnosing PH in resource-constrained settings. CONCLUSIONS: Low-cost and sustainable solutions for infectious disease-associated PH in LMICs should be prioritized. Meaningful solutions require collaborative efforts and capacity building in LMICs.