Premium
Autoimmune hepatitis in a child presenting with hepatopulmonary syndrome ( HPS )
Author(s) -
Grabinski Zoe,
Beg Mirza,
Wali Prateek
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
pediatric transplantation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.457
H-Index - 69
eISSN - 1399-3046
pISSN - 1397-3142
DOI - 10.1111/petr.12701
Subject(s) - medicine , hepatopulmonary syndrome , asymptomatic , autoimmune hepatitis , hypoxemia , liver disease , liver biopsy , gastroenterology , jaundice , hepatitis , portal hypertension , radiology , cirrhosis , biopsy
HPS has been described in 9–20% of children with end‐stage liver disease. We present a case of a previously, asymptomatic nine‐yr‐old incidentally found to have low oxygen saturation. Physical exam was remarkable for digital clubbing, splenomegaly and orthodeoxia. Laboratory evaluation revealed a low platelet count, hyperammonemia, and prolonged coagulation studies. Sonography showed evidence of splenomegaly and portal venous hypertension. High resolution CT thorax and CTA were normal. HPS was confirmed by agitated saline contrast enhanced echocardiography and Tc‐99m MAA scan with evidence of intrapulmonary vascular dilatations. Liver biopsy was performed and consistent with autoimmune hepatitis. A high clinical index of suspicion should be maintained for HPS in pediatric patients who have unexplained hypoxemia as typical signs and symptoms of severe liver disease are often absent. In this report, we discuss a case of HPS complicated AIH in a pediatric patient and review the relevant literature.