Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Six years ago, I was diagnosed with dermatomyositis, which caused ILD with very mild pulmonary fibrosis on the base of the lung. I am currently in remission. What are my chances of getting pulmonary hypertension as a result of this? I recently read on the internet that it could occur. I am currently taking 2 grams per day of Cellcept.
Thank you.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I read your query and can understand your concern.
Pulmonary hypertension(high blood pressure in the lung's vessels, making the heart's right side work harder) usually develops in two situations, especially in interstitial lung disease (ILD, explain) patients.
1. If the patient develops hypoxia(low-level of oxygen in the body).
2. If underlying Fibrosis(formation of fibrous tissue) is worsening.
Could you please provide the following information:
1. Your baseline oxygen saturation?
2. Any respiratory symptoms like breathing difficulty, coughing, or sputum production?
3. When did you undergo the last CT (Computed tomography) thorax?
Kindly respond with the answers to the above-asked questions so that I can guide you better about pulmonary hypertension in your case.
I hope I have answered your question.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thank you for your reply.
My oxygen Saturation is between 97 percent and 100 percent, so fine. I underwent a CT(computed tomography) scan last year and there has been no significant change in the small amount of fibrosis. I have no cough. I had an echocardiogram last year which was fine. I plan to undergo another echocardiogram this year as well.
My biggest fear is about the future. What is the likelihood of getting pulmonary hypertension in the future? Any information you could share, I would be grateful.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq
It is good that you are not having hypoxia or any other respiratory symptoms. Generally, the development of pulmonary hypertension in dermatomyositis is very very rare. You can say less than one percent. So, in your case, it is extremely unlikely that you develop pulmonary hypertension in the future.
Try to be in remission. Consider undergoing annual echocardiography and CT scan in two years (if you stay without respiratory symptoms). The medicine that you are taking, Mycophenolate mofetil is anti-fibrotic. So it will also help in managing fibrosis.
I hope I have answered your question.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards.
Was this conversation helpful?
Answered byDr. Kaushal Bhavsar
Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
Related Questions
I have amyopathic dermatomyositis, and I have two liver lesions. Is an MRI necessary?
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis - Symptoms, Complications, Investigations, and Treatment
Pulmonary Hypertension in Rare Diseases - Overview
Pulmonary Hypertension- An Overview
Cardiac Involvement in Juvenile Dermatomyositis: Beyond Skin and Muscle
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis - Understanding Genetic Link
Ask your health query to a doctor online
*guaranteed answer within 4 hours
Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.