The hepatopulmonary syndrome

Moises Ilan Nevah Rubin, Michael B. Fallon

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

Portal hypertension in cirrhosis leads to significant vascular and hemodynamic changes throughout the body. These vascular changes vary by organ system and may include vasoconstriction, vasodilation and vascular remodeling. The hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) is a common vascular complication of cirrhosis that increases mortality and exemplifies the altered vascular responses in cirrhosis. In HPS, vascular dilatation and neovascularization in the alveolar microcirculation leads to progressive dyspnea and hypoxemia in susceptible individuals. Although the pathophysiologic mechanisms for the syndrome are not fully defined, they are characterized by overexpression of vasodilatory and angiogenic mediators. Medical therapies are not well established for HPS and definitive therapy requires liver transplantation.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationCirrhosis
Subtitle of host publicationA Practical Guide to Management
PublisherWiley-Blackwell
Pages189-198
Number of pages10
ISBN (Electronic)9781118412640
ISBN (Print)9781118274828
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 30 2015
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Angiogenesis
  • Contrast echocardiography
  • Hepatopulmonary syndrome
  • Hypoxemia
  • Liver transplantation
  • Portal hypertension
  • Vasodilatation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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