Hepatopulmonary syndrome unveiled: Exploring pathogenesis, diagnostic approaches, and therapeutic strategies

Hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) is a pulmonary complication of liver cirrhosis that causes an oxygenation defect. Many patients are asymptomatic at diagnosis or may have non-specific symptoms such as dyspnea. Since the diagnostic criteria for HPS have been established, its prevalence has been better estimated. HPS is an important prognostic indicator for patients undergoing evaluation for liver transplant. The implementation of the Model for End-stage Liver Disease exception policy has improved the outcomes of HPS; however, the mortality remains high. Here, we discuss the pathophysiology, diagnostic criteria, and recent experimental studies in HPS.