Evaluation of contrast echocardiography and lung perfusion scan in detecting intrapulmonary vascular dilatation in normoxemic patients with early liver cirrhosis.

Abstract

In normoxemic cirrhotic patients, subclinical pulmonary vasodilatation and gas-exchange abnormalities can occur. Contrast-enhanced echocardiography is the most valuable screening test in detecting IPVD in the early stages of hepatic insufficiency.