Print OverviewHepatopulmonary (hep-uh-toe-POOL-moe-nar-e) syndrome is an uncommon condition that affects the lungs of people with advanced liver disease. Hepatopulmonary syndrome is caused by blood vessels in the lungs expanding (dilating) and increasing in number, making it hard for red blood cells to properly absorb oxygen. This leaves the lungs unable to deliver adequate amounts of oxygen to the body, which leads to low oxygen levels (hypoxemia). Exactly how the liver disease is linked to the lung condition isn't yet known. A liver transplant is the only cure for hepatopulmonary syndrome.Products & ServicesBook: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th EditionNewsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital EditionShow more products from Mayo Clinic SymptomsMost people with hepatopulmonary syndrome have no symptoms. If symptoms occur, they may include: Shortness of breath, especially when sitting or standing Clubbing of the fingers, in which the fingertips spread out and become rounder than normal Broken blood vessels under the skin (spider angioma) Bluish tinge of the lips and skin (cyanosis) CausesHepatopulmonary syndrome is caused when blood vessels in and around the lungs widen (dilate), which affects the amount of oxygen that moves from the lungs into the bloodstream. What causes this abnormality remains unclear, and it's unknown why some people with liver disease develop hepatopulmonary syndrome while others do not. By Mayo Clinic Staff Hepatopulmonary syndrome care at Mayo Clinic Request an appointment Diagnosis & treatment Jan. 06, 2022 Print Share on: FacebookTwitter Show references Kellerman RD, et al. Cirrhosis. In: Conn's Current Therapy 2019. Elsevier; 2019. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Dec. 9, 2019. Ferri FF. Hepatopulmonary syndrome. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2020. Elsevier; 2020. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Dec. 9, 2019. Hepatopulmonary syndrome. National Organization for Rare Disorders. https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/hepatopulmonary-syndrome/. Accessed Dec. 9, 2019. Hepatopulmonary syndrome. Merck Manual Professional Version. https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/pulmonary-disorders/pulmonary-hypertension/hepatopulmonary-syndrome#. Accessed Dec. 9, 2019. Brown AY. Allscripts EPSi. Mayo Clinic. Nov. 14, 2019. Related Products & Services Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital Edition Show more products and services from Mayo Clinic Hepatopulmonary syndromeSymptoms & causesDiagnosis & treatmentDoctors & departmentsCare at Mayo Clinic Advertisement Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Advertising & Sponsorship Policy Opportunities Ad Choices Mayo Clinic Press Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on IncontinenceNEW – Future Care - Mayo Clinic PressNEW – Future CareMayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on Hearing and BalanceFREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic PressFREE Mayo Clinic Diet AssessmentMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book CON-20373340 Patient Care & Health Information Diseases & Conditions Hepatopulmonary syndrome