Sildenafil decreased pulmonary arterial pressure but may have exacerbated portal hypertension in a patient with cirrhosis and portopulmonary hypertension

J Gastroenterol. 2006 Jun;41(6):593-7. doi: 10.1007/s00535-006-1809-y.

Abstract

Portopulmonary hypertension is a recognized but uncommon complication of cirrhosis. Liver transplantation may be contraindicated in patients with severe portopulmonary hypertension. In order to decrease the pulmonary arterial pressure, intravenous administration of epoprostenol has been shown to provide substantial beneficial results in these patients. Additionally, a recent case report demonstrated that long-term oral administration of sildenafil decreased pulmonary arterial pressure, but its effects on splanchnic hemodynamics were not measured. We report on a patient with cirrhosis and portopulmonary hypertension and the changes in the hemodynamic status after an oral administration of sildenafil. This case report clearly delineates that sildenafil decreases pulmonary arterial pressure but may exacerbate portal hypertension and hyperdynamic circulation in patients with cirrhosis and portopulmonary hypertension.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Humans
  • Hypertension, Portal / chemically induced*
  • Hypertension, Portal / complications*
  • Hypertension, Pulmonary / complications*
  • Hypertension, Pulmonary / drug therapy*
  • Liver Cirrhosis / complications*
  • Male
  • Piperazines / adverse effects
  • Piperazines / therapeutic use*
  • Purines
  • Sildenafil Citrate
  • Sulfones
  • Vasodilator Agents / adverse effects
  • Vasodilator Agents / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Piperazines
  • Purines
  • Sulfones
  • Vasodilator Agents
  • Sildenafil Citrate