[Pulmonary complications of liver cirrhosis: hepatopulmonary syndrome, portopulmonary hypertension and hepatic hydrothorax]

Abstract

Hepatopulmonary syndrome, portopulmonary hypertension and hepatic hydrothorax are typical pulmonary complications in patients with liver cirrhosis. Whereas hepatopulmonary syndrome and portopulmonary hypertension represent pulmonary vascular diseases, the development of hepatic hydrothorax is associated with the presence of ascites and phrenic lesions. For severe hepatopulmonary syndrome and refractory hepatic hydrothorax, liver transplantation is the treatment of choice. In severe portopulmonary hypertension specific medical treatment is indicated. In selected patients, beside intravenous prostanoids, oral endothelin receptor antagonists and phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitors are possible treatment options.