The Mechanisms of Hypoxemia in Hepatopulmonary Syndrome

There are a few different mechanisms by which hepatopulmonary syndrome causes hypoxemia. The ventilation perfusion mismatch is because of the increased blood flow through the dilation of blood vessels inside the pulmonary system. When the patient stands and more blood is directed in that direction, they end up having worsening of their symptoms or worsening the oxygenation. And they're seeing these findings are very specific or almost entirely specific.