Hepatopulmonary syndrome: a rare complication of chronic liver disease in children

Ann Acad Med Singap. 1999 Mar;28(2):290-3.

Abstract

An 11-year-old boy with congenital hepatic fibrosis presented with cyanosis at the National University Hospital. Echocardiogram revealed a structurally normal heart with good ventricular function. A pulmonary cause of his cyanosis was suggested on macroaggregated albumin scan and selective pulmonary artery angiogram. Arterial hypoxaemia secondary to intrapulmonary arteriovenous shunting in chronic liver cirrhosis can lead to permanent cyanosis. The potential for a complete reversal of this condition after liver transplantation indicates that arterial hypoxaemia, rather than being a contraindication, should be a reason for early liver transplantation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Angiography
  • Arteriovenous Fistula / complications
  • Child
  • Cyanosis / etiology
  • Echocardiography
  • Hepatopulmonary Syndrome / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Hypoxia / etiology
  • Liver Cirrhosis / congenital*
  • Lung / blood supply
  • Male
  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Technetium Tc 99m Aggregated Albumin
  • Ventricular Function

Substances

  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Technetium Tc 99m Aggregated Albumin