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

Jacques Pirenne, Geert Verleden, Frederik Nevens, Marion Delcroix, Dirk Van Raemdonck, Bart Meyns, Paul Herijgers, Willem Daenen, Paul De Leyn, Raymond Aerts, Willy Coosemans, Herbert Decaluwe, Gerrit Koek, Johan Vanhaecke, Marie Schetz, Marleen Verhaegen, Luca Cicalese, Enrico Benedetti

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

42 Scopus citations

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 (US)
Pages (from-to)140-142
Number of pages3
JournalTransplantation
Volume73
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 15 2002
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Transplantation

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