Role of echocardiography in detecting portopulmonary hypertension in liver transplant candidates

Portopulmonary Hypertension in the Early Phase Following Liver Transplantation

BACKGROUND

Portopulmonary hypertension (PPH) is a severe complication of liver cirrhosis, which poses a high risk for postliver transplantation (LT) mortality. In most liver transplant centers, severe PPH is viewed as an absolute contraindication for LT, but recent reports challenge this. The purpose of our study was to determine the incidence of PPH, its influence on the 30-day mortality rate following LT and to determine the sensitivity and specificity of Doppler echocardiography and electrocardiography as noninvasive tools to determine PPH.

METHODS

We studied 74 consecutive patients that underwent LT between February 2004 and November 2005. Pulmonary arterial pressure and cardiac index were repeatedly determined during surgery and postoperatively. PPH was defined as mild (mean pulmonary arterial pressure (MPAP) 25-35 mm Hg), moderate (MPAP of 35-45 mm Hg) and as severe (MPAP >45 mm Hg).

RESULTS

The total incidence of PPH was 31% (16 mild, 5 moderate, and 2 severe). There was a tendency towards increased 30-day mortality rate in patients with PPH compared to controls (22% vs. 12%, P=0.1). However, the two patients with the most severe PPH survived. The duration of ventilation and total stay at the intensive care unit did not differ significantly between groups. The positive predictive value of Doppler echocardiography for PPH was 39% and the negative predictive value 90%.

CONCLUSIONS

Mild pulmonary hypertension is common in patients with liver failure, whereas moderate and severe hypertension is not. Severe PPH should not be considered as absolute contraindication for LT.

Hepatopulmonary Syndrome and Portopulmonary Hypertension: Implications for Liver Transplantation

Hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) and portopulmonary hypertension (POPH) are uncommon pulmonary vascular consequences of advanced liver disease. HPS, characterized by arterial hypoxemia caused by pulmonary vascular dilatation, may resolve completely after liver transplantation. POPH, caused by vasoproliferation/constriction and obstruction of pulmonary arterial blood flow, is associated with higher risk for liver transplantation and increased post-transplantation mortality. With or without transplantation, survival in patients who have these syndromes is associated with specific oxygenation and hemodynamic variables.

Portopulmonary hypertension in pediatric patients

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the clinical presentation, manifestations, and response to therapy of portopulmonary hypertension (PPHTN) in pediatric patients.

STUDY DESIGN

This study was a retrospective chart review describing the evaluation and course of 7 patients with PPHTN.

RESULTS

Causes of portal hypertension (HTN) included biliary atresia (3 cases), cavernous transformation of the portal vein (2 cases), and primary sclerosing cholangitis and cryptogenic cirrhosis (1 case each). The median interval from the diagnosis of portal HTN to PPHTN was 12.1 years. Four patients presented with a new heart murmur, 4 presented with syncope, and 3 presented with dyspnea. Although electrocardiograms (ECGs) and chest x-rays were normal in 3 and 2 patients, respectively, echocardiograms diagnosed pulmonary HTN in all 7 patients. Five patients had cardiac catheterizations; the average mean pulmonary artery pressure was 65 +/- 20 mm Hg. Response to therapy was variable, and 4 patients died. Postmortem lung tissue examination revealed plexiform lesions and pulmonary arteriopathy.

CONCLUSIONS

Because symptoms are subtle and may be overlooked, pediatric patients with portal HTN who develop a new heart murmur, dyspnea, syncope, or who are being evaluated for liver transplantation require evaluation for PPHTN. ECG and chest x-ray are insensitive screens for PPHTN. An echocardiogram and cardiology evaluation is essential for the diagnosis.

Anesthesia for liver transplant surgery

Liver transplantation offers patients with liver disease an optimal chance for long-term survival. Current indications, preoperative assessment, patient selection, intraoperative anesthetic management and outcomes are described. The management of special situations, including retransplantation, pediatric transplantation, and fulminant hepatic failure are also reviewed. The success of liver transplantation has led to increased demand. This demand, coupled with a nonexpanding supply of deceased donor organs, has resulted in a shortage of grafts and prolonged waiting times. Novel solutions using segmental liver grafts from living donors, and the challenges associated with this approach, are discussed.

Diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension

The diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension requires a high index of suspicion and careful attention to assessing the severity and classification of disease. Proper evaluation and understanding of determinants of severity in pulmonary arterial hypertension are necessary to guide appropriate therapy. This article discusses the diagnosis and treatment of this complex and multifactorial disease.

Hepatopulmonary syndrome and portopulmonary hypertension in the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) era

1. How do physicians decide which patients with pulmonary vascular disease will benefit from liver transplantation? 2. Studies on patients with pulmonary vascular disease are limited and the findings and recommendations may not apply to all practice sites. 3. All patients with hypoxemia, liver disease, and pulmonary vasodilation do not have hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS). 4. Not all patients with hepatopulmonary syndrome will benefit from liver transplantation. 5. The mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) may not be an accurate predictor of mortality in patients with portopulmonary hypertension. 6. The effects of pulmonary vasodilators on the outcome of patients with portopulmonary hypertension (PPHTN) is still unconfirmed but promising.