What method is used to confirm the diagnosis of persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPH)?

The echocardiogram is the definitive method used to confirm the diagnosis of persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPH). This non-invasive imaging technique provides critical information about heart structure and function, including the right ventricular function and the presence of any shunting defects. It allows for the assessment of the pressures in the pulmonary artery, which is crucial for diagnosing PPH.

While chest X-rays can show vascular markings and may indicate PPH, they do not provide the detailed hemodynamic information that an echocardiogram does. Blood tests can help determine underlying causes or associated conditions but cannot diagnose PPH directly. A physical examination is important for identifying signs that may suggest PPH, but it lacks the specificity required for a definitive diagnosis. Thus, the echocardiogram stands out as the most reliable method for confirming PPH.