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

46 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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