RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 A Case of Unexplained Hypoxemia
JF Respiratory Care
FD American Association for Respiratory Care
SP 1963
OP 1966
DO 10.4187/respcare.01612
VO 57
IS 11
A1 Poul Henning Madsen
A1 Søren Hess
A1 Helle Dall Madsen
YR 2012
UL http://rc.rcjournal.com/content/57/11/1963.abstract
AB We present a patient with acute-onset dyspnea and unexplained severe hypoxemia. No signs of severe cardiopulmonary disease, pulmonary arterial hypertension, or pulmonary embolism were present. The patient was diagnosed with hepatopulmonary syndrome, since liver disease of alcoholic origin was present, markedly increased alveolar-arterial oxygen difference existed, and intrapulmonary vascular dilations were demonstrated. The condition of the patient did not improve and he was referred for liver transplantation, which is the only treatment option with documented efficacy. The case highlights the importance of thinking outside the thorax when evaluating patients with dyspnea.