Resolution of severe hepato-pulmonary syndrome following transjugular portosystemic shunt procedure

The hepato-pulmonary syndrome (HPS) is a relatively common complication of hepatic disease that leads to hypoxaemia and dyspnoea secondary to pulmonary shunting. A number of pharmacological therapies have been trialled, yet liver transplantation remains the only definitive treatment. The use of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) to reduce portal hypertension and improve oxygenation remains controversial in HPS due to the lack of large clinical series or randomised controlled trials. We present a case of HPS successfully treated with TIPS and review the relevant literature.