Hepatopulmonary syndrome

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Diagnosis

These tests can help find if you have hepatopulmonary syndrome:

  • Arterial blood gas. For this test, blood is taken from an artery to measure levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide and the pH balance.
  • Chest imaging. X-rays, CT scanning or echocardiogram imaging with a salt solution given through a vein, called a saline contrast study, can help rule out other heart or lung conditions.
  • Pulse oximetry. In pulse oximetry, a sensor attached to the finger or ear uses light to see how much oxygen is in the blood.

Care at Mayo Clinic

Our caring team of Mayo Clinic experts can help you with your hepatopulmonary syndrome-related health concerns Start Here

Treatment

Being given oxygen, called supplemental oxygen therapy, is the main treatment for shortness of breath caused by low oxygen levels in the blood. A liver transplant is the only cure for hepatopulmonary syndrome.

By Mayo Clinic Staff

Hepatopulmonary syndrome care at Mayo Clinic

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Symptoms & causesDoctors & departments
Jan. 19, 2024
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  1. Ferri FF. Hepatopulmonary syndrome. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2024. Elsevier; 2024. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Oct. 23, 2024.
  2. Lange PA, et al. Hepatopulmonary syndrome in adults: Prevalence, causes, clinical manifestations, and diagnosis. https//www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Oct. 13, 2023.
  3. Hepatopulmonary syndrome. National Organization for Rare Disorders. https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/hepatopulmonary-syndrome/. Accessed Oct. 13, 2023
  4. Raevens S, et al. Hepatopulmonary syndrome. JHEP Reports. 2022; doi:10.1016/j.jhepr.2022.100527.
  5. Ami TR. Allscripts EPSi. Mayo Clinic. Dec. 6, 2023.
  6. Baquir M (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. Nov. 6, 2023.

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