National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Hepatopulmonary syndrome


Hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) is a lung disease characterized by widening of arteries and veins (dilatation) in the lungs in people who have chronic liver disease. Because of the dilated vases, the workload of the heart increases and the blood pumped to the body does not have enough oxygen, leading to a decreased level of oxygen in the blood (hypoxemia). The normal diameter of the lung vessels ranges between 8 and 15 μm whereas when in HPS rises to between 15 and 500 μm.[1][2] While many people with HPS don’t have any obvious problems, the main reported symptom is shortness of breath (dyspnea) that is worse when standing or sitting up, and is relieved when lying down (platypnea). Symptoms related to chronic liver disease (generally cirrhosis) include small red spots on the skin (spider angiomas) and abnormal vascular dilatations.  Some other symptoms that have been described are infections in the brain (brain abscesses), brain bleeding and an increased number of red blood cells in the blood (polycythemia).[1][2][3] There is currently no effective medication for HPS. Oxygen therapy may improve the breathing in some cases. Liver transplant is an efficient treatment which improves the symptoms, even in severe cases.[1][2]
Last updated: 10/14/2017

Support and advocacy groups can help you connect with other patients and families, and they can provide valuable services. Many develop patient-centered information and are the driving force behind research for better treatments and possible cures. They can direct you to research, resources, and services. Many organizations also have experts who serve as medical advisors or provide lists of doctors/clinics. Visit the group’s website or contact them to learn about the services they offer. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement by GARD.

Organizations Supporting this Disease

  • Canadian Hepatopulmonary Syndrome (HPS) Program
    6th Floor Donnelly Wing 30 Bond Street Toronto, ON M5B 1W8
    2nd Floor, Marie-Morin Pavillion 3840, rue Saint-Urbain Montréal, QC H2W 1T8
    Canada
    Telephone: 416-864-6060 ext. 2252 (Toronto) and 514-890-8000 ext. 15672 (Montreal)
    Website: http://hpscare.com/
    The Canadian Hepatopulmonary Syndrome (HPS) Program is a specialized Canadian clinical and research program for patients with hepatopulmonary syndrome. The program is part of the Rare Lung Diseases program. The Program's clinics are located at Toronto and Montreal.

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  1. Grilo-Bensusan I & Pascasio-Acevedo JM. Hepatopulmonary syndrome: What we know and what we would like to know. World Journal of Gastroenterology. 2016; 22(25):5728-5741. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4932208/.
  2. Gladwin MT & Myers JD. Hepatopulmonary Syndrome. Consumer version Merck Manual. https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/lung-and-airway-disorders/pulmonary-hypertension/hepatopulmonary-syndrome.
  3. Lange PA & Stoller JK. Hepatopulmonary syndrome in adults: Prevalence, causes, clinical manifestations, and diagnosis. UpToDate. December 21, 2016; https://www.uptodate.com/contents/hepatopulmonary-syndrome-in-adults-prevalence-causes-clinical-manifestations-and-diagnosis.