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Lung perfusion scanning in hepatic cirrhosis
British Medical Journal
|December 16, 1972
Summary
Abnormal lung perfusion scans were common in hepatic cirrhosis patients with low blood oxygen. These scan defects suggest a pulmonary microvasculature disorder, not pulmonary embolism.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Radiology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Hepatic cirrhosis can lead to hypoxemia.
- Pulmonary complications in cirrhosis are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate lung perfusion abnormalities in patients with hepatic cirrhosis and arterial hypoxemia.
- To differentiate these abnormalities from pulmonary embolism.
Main Methods:
- Lung perfusion scans using radioactive particles were performed.
- Patients with hepatic cirrhosis and arterial hypoxemia were assessed.
- Arteriography was used to rule out pulmonary embolism.
Main Results:
- Five out of six patients with hepatic cirrhosis and hypoxemia showed abnormal lung perfusion scans.
- No patients had clinical signs of cardiopulmonary disease or pulmonary embolism on arteriography.
- Scan defects indicated a disorder of the pulmonary microvasculature.
Conclusions:
- Abnormal lung perfusion scans are frequent in hepatic cirrhosis with hypoxemia.
- These findings suggest a primary pulmonary microvascular disorder.
- The severity of microvascular changes may vary regionally.