Methamphetamine-Associated Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in a Japanese Pulmonary Hypertension Referral Center

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Abstract
Background: Methamphetamine-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension (Meth-PAH) is increasingly recognized in Western countries, but Japanese data remain limited.Methods and Results: Of 363 patients with PAH, we identified 5 patients with Meth-PAH (1.4%); 4 were women, with a mean age of 37.6±7.2 years. Patients receiving PAH-specific therapy showed favorable hemodynamic responses, although 40% of patients experienced treatment discontinuation and methamphetamine reuse.Conclusions: In this case series of 5 Japanese patients with Meth-PAH, there was a high rate of treatment discontinuation and methamphetamine reuse, which suggests possible underdiagnosis of Meth-PAH and barriers to sustained care in Japan.