Nocturnal desaturation in patients with non-operable chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension

Nocturnal desaturation often coexists with CTEPH. VD/VT, a marker of physiologic dead-space fraction, A-aDO2, a marker of ventilation-perfusion mismatch, and lung diffusing capacity were strongly associated. Nocturnal desaturation improved slightly after BPA, which was associated with a decrease in the physiological dead- space fraction. Our study emphasizes the importance of including nocturnal oximetry in routine evaluations and continuation of nocturnal oxygen therapy, if necessary, in patients with CTEPH.