Transesophageal Echocardiogram with Contrast in Pulmonary Intravascular Dilation in Hepatosplenic Schistosomiasis
The Hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) is defined as a defect in arterial oxygenation induced by intrapulmonary vascular dilation (IPVD) associated with liver disease. The vascular component includes diffuse or localized capillary dilation and, less commonly, pulmonary arteriovenous malformations.
A sensitive approach for the early detection of altered arterial oxygenation is the calculation of the alveolar-arterial oxygen pressure difference (PA-aO2). This difference can be elevated before arterial oxygen pressure becomes abnormal. At sea level, PA-aO2 ≥ 15 mmHg is considered abnormal (it changes to 20 mmHg in individuals over 64 years).
[…]
Comments are moderated by the editorial team before publication. Discussions should be evidence-based and use scientific language. Conflicts of interest should be declared.