Dr. Nicole Scouras et al. Published in Liver Transplantation
Congratulations to Dr. Nicole E. Scouras (Class of 2010) and co-authors, whose original manuscript “Portopulmonary Hypertension as an Indication for Combined Heart, Lung, and Liver or Lung and Liver Transplantation: Literature Review and Case Presentation” has been published in the February 2011 issue of Liver Transplantation. Dr. Scouras’ paper is based on her work presented at 2009 Pennsylvania Anesthesia Resident Research Competition and the 2009 Western Pennsylvania Society of Anesthesiologists Resident Research Competition (first place, case report category). Drs. Takashi Matsusaki, Charles D. Boucek, Cynthia Wells, Erik A. Cooper, Raymond M. Planinsic, Erin A. Sullivan, and Tetsuro Sakai from the Department of Anesthesiology are co-authors on the manuscript, as well as Drs. Christian Bermudez and Yoshiya Toyoda from the Department of Surgery.
Patients with moderate to severe portopulmonary hypertension (PPHTN) can have a high mortality risk for isolated liver transplantation. Combined lung and liver transplantation (CLLT) or combined heart, lung, and liver transplantation (CHLLT) are rarely performed procedures that may be the only option for survival for these patients. Dr. Scouras’ paper reports on a patient with PPHTN who underwent successful CLLT and provides a comprehensive review of literature on other cases of CLLT and CHLLT. Her findings indicate the importance of the preoperative assessment of PPHTN patients’ cardiac function and that CHLLT rather than CLLT should be performed if significant right or left ventricle dysfunction is found.