Hepatopulmonary syndrome: What we know and what we would like to know

Core Tip

Core tip: Hepatopulmonary syndrome is a frequent complication which influences the quality of life and ultimately the survival of patients with cirrhosis. Knowledge about the condition is still limited and this complicates clinical decision making. The most widely used methods for establishing a diagnosis are an arterial blood gas analysis and a contrast echocardiography. There is currently no effective medical treatment and other means of supporting patients have barely been evaluated. Liver transplantation has been demonstrated to reverse it and improve survival levels, although there are controversies in the policies of prioritization in terms of the waiting lists for transplantation. This review examines current knowledge about the syndrome from a practical and analytical approach.