Preoperative cardiac assessment in liver transplant candidates

Abstract

New and extended indications, older age, higher cardiovascular risk, and the long-standing cirrhosis-associated complications mandate specific skills for an appropriate preoperative assessment of the liver transplant (LT) candidate. The incidence of cardiac diseases (dysrhythmias, cardiomyopathies, coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease) are increasing among LT recipients: however, no consensus exists among clinical practice guidelines for cardiovascular screening and risk stratification. In spite of different "transplant center-centered protocols", basic "pillars" are common (electrocardiography, baseline echocardiography, functional assessment). Owing to intrinsic limitations, yields and relevance of noninvasive stress tests, under constant scrutiny even if used, are discussed, focusing the definition of the "high risk" candidate and exploring noninvasive imaging and new forms of stress imaging. The aim is to find an appropriate and rational stepwise algorithm. The final commitment is to select the right candidate for a finite resource, the graft, able to save (and change) lives.

Keywords: cirrhotic cardiomyopathy; coronary artery disease; hepatopulmonary syndrome; liver transplantation; portopulmonary syndrome; preoperative cardiac assessment.