Arterial Oxygen Unsaturation and the Ventilation-Perfusion Defect of Laënnec's Cirrhosis

Abstract

THE association of Laënnec's cirrhosis with arterial oxygen unsaturation has been recognized but not satisfactorily explained. We have previously reported observations on a patient with Laënnec's cirrhosis who had intense cyanosis, clubbed fingers and marked arterial oxygen unsaturation.¹ The present study was designed to determine the incidence and the pathophysiologic basis of this phenomenon in patients with cirrhosis.Material and MethodsFifty-seven patients were studied. Fifty-six had far advanced Laënnec cirrhosis associated in most cases with a background of excessive alcoholic intake. In the patients in whom the clinical and laboratory findings were equivocal, the diagnosis was confirmed by microscopical . . .