[Pulmonary complications of hepatic cirrhosis: portopulmonary hypertension and hepatopulmonary syndrome. The paradox of pulmonary vasoconstriction and vasodilation]

Abstract

Cardiopulmonar complications in chronic liver diseases were described 100 years ago. Altough both hepatopulmonary sindrome and portopulmonary hypertension originates from liver damage, clinical findings and diagnosis are very different. These complications are important due to the highly deleterous impact on disease evolution and prognosis. Currently, there is not an ideal treatment for these diseases and liver transplantation should be adequately evaluated. In this review we analyze the most important issues on hepatopulmonary sindrome and portopulmonary hypertension. These complications,under the cornerstone of portal hypertension are characterized by pulmonary constriction and dilatation, respectively.