Reversal of severe hepatopulmonary syndrome in chronic hepatic cirrhosis by living donor liver transplantation: Report of two cases

Severe hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) is a rare complication of decompensated liver cirrhosis and a relative contraindication for liver transplantation. This report describes the treatment of two cases with severe HPS resulting from chronic liver failure by living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). The clinical data of the two cases were reviewed. The parameters included the intrapulmonary shunt ratio as measured by 99mTc pulmonary scintigraphy, perioperative treatment and examination results, and the duration of post-transplant hypoxemia. Liver dysfunction was reversed in both patients 2–3 weeks after LDLT. Both patients experienced slightly increased intrapulmonary shunt ratios in the first postoperative month, followed by substantial decreases at postoperative days 90 and 361. These findings suggest severe HPS can be resolved by LDLT. Pulmonary infection requires proper treatment and may be anticipated during the early postoperative course. The differences in the intrapulmonary shunt ratio between these patients may contribute to the differences in the time required for rehabilitation.