Pregnancy exacerbating hepatopulmonary syndrome

Abstract

Background: Hepatopulmonary syndrome is an uncommon complication of liver cirrhosis. The natural history of this condition and its optimal management during pregnancy are not yet known.

Case: We present the case of a 35-year-old woman with liver cirrhosis who developed severe dyspnea in the 25th week of gestation and was diagnosed as suffering from hepatopulmonary syndrome. She was managed conservatively until 35 weeks of gestation, when she was delivered by cesarean.

Conclusion: The natural history, in this case, indicates that pregnancy may induce hepatopulmonary syndrome in an otherwise asymptomatic cirrhotic patient. Oxygen supplementation was the cornerstone of treatment and resulted in a favorable outcome.