Novel use of sildenafil in the treatment of portopulmonary hypertension

Abstract

Portopulmonary hypertension is a poorly understood and uncommon complication of advanced chronic liver disease. Current therapy is based largely on treatment options proven in idiopathic pulmonary hypertension. The severity of the portopulmonary hypertension should best be attenuated medically before attempting combined liver and lung transplantation to avoid increased peri-operative mortality. This case report describes the successful use of sildenafil to decrease the pulmonary vascular resistance in a patient with hepatitis-C cirrhosis who was preparing for liver transplantation.