Portopulmonary hypertension (PPH) is a rare condition worldwide, although epidemiological data are unknown in Mexico. However, chronic liver diseases are very prevalent in Mexico. PPH is the 4th subtype in frequency in the group of pulmonary arterial hypertension. Its diagnosis is made within 2 scenarios: patients with suspected pulmonary hypertension and candidates for orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). Both echocardiogram and a right cardiac catheterisation are crucial for diagnosis in both cases. PPH is a challenge for OLT, since it can significantly increase perioperative mortality. The use of specific therapy is the cornerstone of this disease, as a measure to improve the outcome of those who become candidates for OLT with moderate to severe PPH. It is important to recognise that PPH can be a contraindication to OLT. The role of lung-liver transplantation or heart-lung-liver transplantation as a measure to heal pulmonary vascular disease in patients with PPH is still uncertain.
Portopulmonary hypertension (POPH) is a rare and life-threatening complication in patients with portal hypertension, with a prevalence of 3 -8%. It is characterized by pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and results from obstruction to arterial flow in the pulmonary arterial bed, leading to the progressive deterioration of both the pulmonary circulation due to arterial remodeling and of the heart, as a result of right ventricular failure. Its diagnosis is based on hemodynamic findings based on a mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) ≥ 25mmHg, an increase in pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) > 3 Wood Units or > 240 dynes/s/cm -5 , a pulmonary artery occlusion pressure (PAOP) ≤ 15mmHg or an elevated transpulmonary gradient (mPAP -PAOP: > 12 mmHg). Right heart catheterization (RHC) should be appropriately interpreted since management and MELD exception criteria depend on it. Although most therapeutic modalities have been inferred from patients with PAH, currently, new treatments are available and also various POPH clinical trials are ongoing, so further research data will soon be available. LT is a pivotal therapeutic option, but LT candidates require careful monitoring before, during and after the procedure.
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