title: Autoimmune hepatitis in a child presenting with hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS).
abstract: HPS has been described in 9-20% of children with end-stage liver disease. We present a case of a previously, asymptomatic nine-yr-old incidentally found to have low oxygen saturation. Physical exam was remarkable for digital clubbing, splenomegaly and orthodeoxia. Laboratory evaluation revealed a low platelet count, hyperammonemia, and prolonged coagulation studies. Sonography showed evidence of splenomegaly and portal venous hypertension. High resolution CT thorax and CTA were normal. HPS was confirmed by agitated saline contrast enhanced echocardiography and Tc-99m MAA scan with evidence of intrapulmonary vascular dilatations. Liver biopsy was performed and consistent with autoimmune hepatitis. A high clinical index of suspicion should be maintained for HPS in pediatric patients who have unexplained hypoxemia as typical signs and symptoms of severe liver disease are often absent. In this report, we discuss a case of HPS complicated AIH in a pediatric patient and review the relevant literature.
authors.affiliation: SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA.
authors.forename: Zoe
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Grabinski
authors.affiliation: Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, Golisano Children's Hospital, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA.
authors.forename: Mirza
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Beg
authors.affiliation: Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, Golisano Children's Hospital, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA.
authors.forename: Prateek
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Wali
mesh_terms: D001706:Biopsy; D001777:Blood Coagulation; D002648:Child; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000737:chemistry; D004452:Echocardiography; D058625:End Stage Liver Disease / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery*; D019693:Hepatitis, Autoimmune / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D020065:Hepatopulmonary Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D006975:Hypertension, Portal / Q000150:complications; D000860:Hypoxia / Q000150:complications; D008099:Liver / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D010100:Oxygen / Q000737:chemistry; D011169:Portal Vein / Q000503:physiopathology; D013163:Splenomegaly / Q000150:complications; D013438:Sulfhydryl Compounds / Q000737:chemistry; D013668:Technetium Tc 99m Aggregated Albumin / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media; D013438:Sulfhydryl Compounds; D013668:Technetium Tc 99m Aggregated Albumin; C082426:technetium Tc99m-mercaptoacetyl albumin; D010100:Oxygen
keywords: end-stage liver disease; hepatopulmonary syndrome; pediatric liver; transplantation