Resumen

Given the severe shortage of liver donors, a carefully evaluation and selection of patients who are likely to obtain a significant survival benefit fron liver transplantation (LT) is imperative in order to attain successful outcomes. Cardiovascular and respiratory events remain one of the leading causes of non-graft-related death in LT. A variety of pre-existing cardiac and pulmonary disorders are commonly identified in LT recipients, more so than in the general population. Uncertainties regarding the optimal assessment of cardiovascular and respiratory function in potential transplant candidates have produced a wide variation in the clinical care of this population. There is still no consensus on which assessment algorithm confers the best outcomes. Once the diagnosis has been established, the prognosis should be estimated for risk stratification and to confirm the candidacy for LT. Additionally, the challenge remains in knowing how cardiac or respiratory derangements in candidates affect the long-term outcome after LT and which is the magnitude of risk that we as physicians are willing to accept. This article discusses the cardiac and pulmonary aspects of liver disease that may impact recipient selection. Relevant literature focused upon the most common entities in this field is presented in this review.

Palabras clave: Cardiopulmonary coexisting disease preoperative risk assessment liver coronary artery disease dobutamine stress test myocardial perfusion scintigraphy amyloid cardiomyopathy chronic obstructive pulmonary disease hepatopulmonary syndrome.

2011-09-13   |   731 visitas   |   Evalua este artículo 0 valoraciones

Vol. 10 Núm.4. Octubre-Diciembre 2011 Pags. 421-433 Ann Hepatol 2011; 10(4)