Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 14, 2026
08:08
Increasing Pulmonary Artery Pulsatile Flow Improves Hypoxic Pulmonary Hypertension in Piglets
Published on: May 11, 2015
Portopulmonary hypertension
1King Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia. sasaleemi@hotmail.com
Annals of Thoracic Medicine
|March 31, 2010
Summary
Portopulmonary hypertension (POPH) is a recognized cause of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Vasodilator therapy can improve outcomes and potentially enable liver transplantation for patients with POPH.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Hepatology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Portopulmonary hypertension (POPH) is pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) linked to portal hypertension, often with chronic liver disease.
- POPH is increasingly identified as a primary cause of PAH, with poorly understood pathophysiology.
- Advanced POPH in liver disease patients carries a poor prognosis and can prevent liver transplantation due to high pulmonary artery pressure (PAP).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of portopulmonary hypertension (POPH).
- To discuss the impact of POPH on liver transplant eligibility.
- To highlight the role of vasodilator therapy in managing POPH.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on portopulmonary hypertension (POPH).
- Analysis of retrospective studies and case series on vasodilator therapy in POPH.
- Examination of the effects of pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) on liver transplant candidacy.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests POPH is a leading cause of PAH.
- Vasodilator therapy has shown promise in improving hemodynamics and clinical outcomes in POPH.
- Reducing PAP to below 35 mmHg may make patients eligible for liver transplantation.
Conclusions:
- Portopulmonary hypertension (POPH) is a significant condition impacting patients with liver disease.
- Medical management, particularly with vasodilators, can improve outcomes and transplant eligibility.
- Further research into POPH pathophysiology and treatment is warranted.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Pulmonary Hypertension: Classification and Pathogenesis
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a severe health condition in which the mean pulmonary arterial pressure increases to 25 mmHg or more, even when the body is at rest. This high pressure in the blood vessels that transport blood from the heart to the lungs can cause various symptoms, including shortness of breath, can lead to right heart failure, and significantly affect the overall quality of life.
There are various classifications for PH, each relating to different underlying causes and also...
There are various classifications for PH, each relating to different underlying causes and also...
01:22Portal Hypertension
Portal hypertension is an increase in blood pressure within the portal venous system. Normally, this pressure is less than 5 mmHg. It is considered clinically significant when it rises above 10 mmHg. At this threshold, complications from altered blood flow and venous congestion emerge.EtiologyPortal hypertension arises from conditions that impede blood flow through the liver. The most common cause is cirrhosis, in which chronic liver injury leads to fibrotic scarring. This fibrosis narrows or...
01:23Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Prostacyclin Receptor Agonists
Prostacyclin receptor agonists are a class of therapeutic agents integral to managing pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). These drugs operate by mimicking the action of prostaglandin I2, or PGI2, a naturally occurring compound in the body.
These agonists bind to the IPR receptor situated on the plasma membrane of the pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells. This binding triggers a cascade of reactions known as the GS-AC-cAMP-PKA pathway. This pathway results in the relaxation of smooth muscle...
These agonists bind to the IPR receptor situated on the plasma membrane of the pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells. This binding triggers a cascade of reactions known as the GS-AC-cAMP-PKA pathway. This pathway results in the relaxation of smooth muscle...
01:16Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Oxygen Therapy for Respiratory Failure
Oxygen therapy has emerged as a significant tool in enhancing the quality of life for patients suffering from pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). While this therapy has principally been studied on patients with significant hypoxemia, this therapeutic approach helps prevent potential organ damage and can be administered in the comfort of one's home.
Oxygen therapy is vital in increasing and maintaining blood oxygen levels in PAH patients. As a result, it aids in reducing fatigue, improving...
Oxygen therapy is vital in increasing and maintaining blood oxygen levels in PAH patients. As a result, it aids in reducing fatigue, improving...
01:29Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction
Pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs when a thrombus, fat or air embolus, amniotic fluid, or tumor tissue blocks one or more pulmonary arteries. These blockages originate in the venous system or the right side of the heart.EtiologyPE primarily arises from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and other hypercoagulable states, such as inherited thrombophilias. Additional etiological factors include venous stasis, commonly seen in obesity, and endothelial injury from surgery and trauma. Less common causes include...
01:19Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction
A blood clot, or thrombus, is a semi-solid mass composed of fibrin, platelets, and red blood cells. When it forms within a vessel, it can obstruct blood flow, known as thrombosis. If part of the clot detaches, it becomes an embolus that can travel and block distant vessels. When this occurs in the pulmonary arteries, it causes a condition known as pulmonary embolism (PE).Origin and ImpactMost often, the embolus originates from a thrombus in the deep veins of the lower limbs, a condition called...