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

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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 . . .