Hepatopulmonary Syndrome in a Patient With Autoimmune Hepatitis and Chronic Hepatitis C: A Case Report Highlighting Typical Echo Findings

Hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) is a rare complication of liver disease characterized by intrapulmonary vascular dilatations leading to arterial hypoxemia. We present the case of a 59-year-old female with a past medical history of bilateral breast cancer status post mastectomy who presented with progressive dyspnea on exertion and fatigue. A comprehensive diagnostic workup was conducted to exclude other cardiac, pulmonary, and systemic etiologies. She was diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis along with chronic hepatitis C. Echocardiography revealed characteristic findings of intrapulmonary shunting characteristic of HPS. The patient showed improvement in pulmonary symptoms and oxygenation status following the initiation of steroid therapy. Although corticosteroids are not the definitive treatment for HPS, they were considered a supportive measure in this case. However, it is important to note that liver transplantation remains the definitive treatment for HPS. This case underscores the importance of echocardiography and the potential role of supportive measures, like corticosteroids, in managing HPS-related symptoms, particularly in patients with autoimmune hepatitis, as a bridging therapy while awaiting liver transplantation.