Resolution of adult respiratory distress syndrome after recovery from fulminant hepatic failure

Abstract

Adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) complicating the course of fulminant hepatic failure is nearly always fatal without orthotopic liver transplantation. We report the case of a 50-year-old woman with fulminant hepatic failure and ARDS that resolved after her recovery from the acute liver failure without liver transplantation. The pathogenesis is discussed, particularly with regard to liver-lung interactions.