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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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