Liver transplantation for hepatopulmonary syndrome due to noncirrhotic portal hypertension.

BACKGROUND

Hepatopulmomary syndrome is defined by the triad of chronic liver disease, increased alveolar-arterial gradient, and evidence of intrapulmonary vasodilation. It is commonly seen in association with cirrhosis (90%). Four percent to 8% of the hepatopulmomary syndrome cases are reported in noncirrhotic portal hypertension. The management of patients with hepatopulmomary syndrome due to noncirrhotic portal hypertension is not well described.

METHODS

We report a case of a 26-year-old woman who underwent liver transplantation for hepatopulmomary syndrome due to noncirrhotic portal hypertension. The patient presented with dyspnea and platypnea, requiring home oxygen therapy. She had orthodexia, severe hypoxemia, and positive bubble echocardiography consistent with hepatopulmomary syndrome. Her Model for End-stage Liver Disease score was 10. Liver biopsy revealed diffuse nodular regenerative hyperplasia.

RESULTS

The patient underwent liver transplantation with Model for End-stage Liver Disease exception points. Her oxygen requirements gradually improved during the postoperative period. The patient's symptoms and hypoxemia resolved at 15-month follow-up posttransplantation.

CONCLUSION

We suggest hepatopulmonary syndrome in this setting is an indication for liver transplantation despite the absence of cirrhosis.