Radiographics : a review publication of the Radiological Society of North America, Inc
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Patients with chronic liver disease exhibit various cardiovascular and pulmonary complications. Hepatopulmonary syndrome results in dyspnea due to intrapulmonary arteriovenous shunting and ventilation-perfusion mismatch. Portopulmonary hypertension occurs in patients with portal hypertension. ⋯ Hepatocellular carcinoma may produce hematogenous lung metastases, intrathoracic lymph node metastases, direct intracardiac extension, and pulmonary embolism. Interferon therapy for treatment of chronic active hepatitis C may disturb cellular immune activation in some patients and contribute to the onset and progression of sarcoidosis. Awareness of the various thoracic manifestations in chronic liver disease can be helpful for making a differential diagnosis and planning proper management.