Hepatopulmonary syndrome: Clinical perspectives

Hepatopulmonary syndrome consists of a triad of chronic liver disease, pulm onary gas exchange abnormalities and pulmonary vascular dilatation in the a bsence of detectable cardiopulmonary disease. Patients usually present with symptoms of liver disease and the clinical recognition of this condition i s a challenge. Newer non-invasive tests facilitate the diagnosis. Therapeut ic strategies for this condition are still dismal. Liver transplantation is a possible curative option for a subgroup of patients with hepatopulmonary syndrome.