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Hepatopulmonary syndrome associated with autoimmune liver cirrhosis
Author(s) -
Takada Nobukazu,
Abe Tadashi,
Takahashi Yoshinori,
Shibuya Akitaka,
Tomita Tomoyuki
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
respirology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.857
H-Index - 85
eISSN - 1440-1843
pISSN - 1323-7799
DOI - 10.1046/j.1440-1843.2001.00319.x
Subject(s) - medicine , hepatopulmonary syndrome , cirrhosis , spirometry , diffusing capacity , anti nuclear antibody , gastroenterology , cardiology , arterial blood , antibody , lung , portal hypertension , immunology , autoantibody , lung function , asthma
A 46‐year‐old woman presented for evaluation of liver dysfunction and dyspnoea. Laboratory examination showed high levels of γ‐globulin, immunoglobulin (Ig)G, and antinuclear antibodies. Laparoscopy demonstrated hepatic cirrhosis. Despite normal spirometry, hypoxaemia (which was worse in standing position) and a low diffusing capacity were present. The shunt ratio calculated using arterial blood gas was 6.4%, but was 40% when measured using 99m Tc‐macroaggregated albumin scanning. The discrepancy between the ratios indicated that hypoxaemia was caused by intrapulmonary vascular dilatation. The patient was diagnosed with hepatopulmonary syndrome associated with autoimmune liver cirrhosis.