Use of continuous-wave Doppler ultrasound to evaluate and manage primary pulmonary hypertension.

Doppler ultrasound was used to assess the response to serial drug testing in a patient with primary pulmonary hypertension. There was a close correlation between the pressure estimated by Doppler and the pulmonary arterial systolic pressure measured invasively (r = 0.98). Continuous-wave Doppler ultrasound, although not a substitute for initial Swan-Ganz catheterization, may obviate the need for repeat invasive procedures and permit closer monitoring of patients during treatment.