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Study links large spontaneous portosystemic shunts to moderate, severe portopulmonary hypertension
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Large spontaneous portosystemic shunts are associated with moderate and severe portopulmonary hypertension, according to a study. There is also an association with a lack of response to treatment.
In a retrospective examination of portopulmonary hypertension (POPH) cases, large shunts that were more than 10 mm in diameter were associated with severe POPH (14 of 16 subjects) and moderate POPH (32 of 45 subjects), compared with mild POPH (six of 18 subjects) and controls (30 of 122 subjects) (P<.01).
A lack of response to treatment was observed in 90% of subjects and a partial response was observed in 50% of subjects with severe POPH and large shunts, according to the investigators.
No response to treatment was observed in 68% of subjects and a partial response was observed in 33% of subjects with moderate POPH and large shunts.
“These data may support the hypothesis that vasoactive factors from the splanchnic circulation are pathogenic in the development of POPH,” the study authors said.
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.