Pulmonary complications of cirrhosis and portal hypertension

There are several pulmonary complications that can arise in the setting of cirrhosis:

• hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS): considered the commonest
• portopulmonary hypertension (POPH)
• hepatic hydrothorax (HH)
• intrathoracic portosystemic collateral vessel formation

The development of portal hypertension is fundamental in the pathogenesis of each of these disorders, and dyspnea and arterial hypoxemia are the most common symptoms. For detailed pathology, refer to specific sub-articles.