Charles D. Burger, M.D.

Charles D. Burger, M.D., studies the clinical presentation, evaluation and treatment of pulmonary hypertension and lymphangioleiomyomatosis. The long-term goal of Dr. Burger's research is to promote earlier diagnosis, more accurate assessment of disease state, and more effective treatment for patients with either pulmonary hypertension or lymphangioleiomyomatosis.

Dr. Burger's team makes extensive use of Mayo Clinic clinical and national multicenter databases that characterize these two diseases. Ongoing treatment trials have been established for both pulmonary hypertension and lymphangioleiomyomatosis.

Dr. Burger's research has been funded by the National Institutes of Health, Mayo Clinic and the Department of Defense, among other organizations.

Focus areas

• What is the most appropriate testing for a patient with pulmonary hypertension? Dr. Burger is working to better understand how clinical presentations and pre-test probability should influence the medical evaluation of patients with pulmonary hypertension — specifically, the utility of screening for co-existing diseases that may influence pulmonary hypertension and the use of echocardiography and cardiac MRI to better prognosticate.
• How does body habitus influence pulmonary hypertension? Dr. Burger is interested in the effects of obesity and metabolic syndrome on the development and disease course of pulmonary hypertension.
• How do we best treat pulmonary hypertension? Dr. Burger's team is examining the impact of different medications and combinations thereof on clinical symptoms and disease state.
• How do we best treat lymphangioleiomyomatosis? Dr. Burger's team is examining the impact of medications approved for other diseases but not studied in patients with lymphangioleiomyomatosis.
• What is the mechanism of lung disease in lymphangioleiomyomatosis? Dr. Burger has been involved in the study of the pathophysiological mechanisms of obstructive lung disease in patients with lymphangioleiomyomatosis.

Significance to patient care

Dr. Burger's research into the areas described above may potentially streamline the evaluation process and identify more effective treatments for patients with either pulmonary hypertension or lymphangioleiomyomatosis.

Professional highlights

• Scientific Leadership Council, Pulmonary Hypertension Association, 2010-present
• Associate Editor, Advances in Pulmonary Hypertension, 2011-present
• Board Member, National Association for Medical Direction of Respiratory Care, 1999-2002
• President, Florida Society of Critical Care Medicine, 1998