Last update:
03-Jun-2018

Ηeart and liver are closely connected, with a mutual dependency on each other. A variety of acute and chronic medical conditions that affect both organs are recognized, including cardiac surgery, as after surgery 10% of patients manifest hepatic biochemical disorders. Ηepatic impairment ranges from asymptomatic elevation of transaminase or bilirubin levels to life-threatening disease, such as acute hepatic failure. Mechanisms of post-surgical hepatic damage include complications of the operation itself, including ischemic hepatitis and postoperative jaundice, drug toxicity and other pathological conditions that are commonly seen during serious illness. Diagnosis of liver complications is primarily clinical and requires comprehensive knowledge of hepatic pathophysiology, a detailed medical history, particularly with regard to recent changes in medication, and attentive physical examination. Tests for viral infections are often necessary and sometimes establish the diagnosis. Imaging is rarely helpful, especially in the case of alithiasic cholecystitis and congestive hepatopathy. Liver biopsy is seldom indicated. The aim of therapeutic intervention is treatment of the underlying condition. In the case of cardiac or circulatory insufficiency, improvement of the hemodynamic parameters leads to rapid normalization of the liver biochemistry. Prognosis depends on the cause and the severity of liver damage, but hepatic complications following cardiac surgery are associated with increased morbidity and mortality.

Key words: Cardiac surgery, Cirrhosis, Ischemic hepatitis, Liver complications.