Hepatopulmonary syndrome

Hepatopulmonary syndrome is a syndrome characterized by chronic liver disease with pulmonary vascular dilatations and reduced arterial oxygenation. It is seen in patients with advanced liver disease, such as cirrhosis or portal hypertension.

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Patients can present with platypnea (difficulty breathing in an upright position and relieved by laying down) due to opening of pulmonary vascular shunts, and similarly have orthodeoxia (reduction of blood oxygen levels when sitting upright).