Portopulmonary Hypertension and Liver Transplantation: What Does it Mean for Your Patient?

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a condition that is becoming more recognized. It remains a devastating disease and is not just seen in the offices of pulmonologists. Patients with liver disease may be referred for liver transplant. Of the many patients referred for liver transplant, approximately 4% to 15% will have PH. PH in this population is called portopulmonary hypertension (POPH). As the number of liver transplants continues to grow, the importance of recognizing POPH increases. This article focuses on pathophysiology, recognition, and treatment of patients with this condition.