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

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.