Combined liver and (heart-)lung transplantation in liver transplant candidates with refractory portopulmonary hypertension

J. Pirenne*, G. Verleden, F. Nevens, M. Delcroix, D. van Raemdonck, B. Meyns, P. Herijgers, W. Daenen, P. de Leyn, R. Aerts, W. Coosemans, H. Decaluwe, G.H. Koek, J. Vanhaecke, M. Schetz, M. Verhaegen, L. Cicalese, E. Benedetti

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Portopulmonary hypertension (PPHT) has a prevalence of 5-10% in liver transplantation (LiTx) candidates. Mild PPHT is reversible with LiTx, but more severe PPHT is a contraindication to LiTx given the high intraoperative mortality due to heart failure. Prostacyclin can reduce PPHT to a level at which LiTx can be performed. In patients refractory to that treatment, combined (heart-)lung-LiTx is the only life-saving option. METHODS: We report two cases of (heart-)lung-LiTx in patients with refractory severe PPHT. RESULTS: Patient 1, a 52-year-old female with viral cirrhosis and severe refractory PPHT, received a double-lung Tx followed by LiTx. After liver reperfusion, fatal heart failure occurred. Patient 2, a 42-year-old male with viral hepatitis and congenital liver fibrosis, also suffered from severe refractory PPHT. He successfully received an en bloc heart-lung Tx followed by LiTx. The rationale to replace the heart was an anticipated risk of intraoperative right heart failure after liver reperfusion and the technical ease of heart-lung versus double-lung Tx. CONCLUSION: Severe refractory PPHT is a fatal condition seen as a contraindication to LiTx. This condition can be treated by replacing thoracal organs in addition to the liver. Additional evidence via development of a registry is required to further support application of liver-(heart-)lung Tx in patients with severe refractory PPHT.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)140-2
JournalTransplantation
Volume73
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2002

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