High values of intrathoracic blood volume in hepatopulmonary syndrome.

Advanced haemodynamic monitoring via transpulmonary thermodilution (TPTD) devices has gained popularity in recent years. The intrathoracic blood volume index (ITBVI) and the global end-diastolic blood volume index (GEDVI) calculated by single indicator TPTD devices have been shown to reliably estimate cardiac preload. The normal range of values for ITBVI is provided by the manufacturers. Evidence is now emerging that certain clinical scenarios can lead to increased ITBVI values. We report two cases of persistently high ITBVI in patients with hepatic cirrhosis complicated by hepatopulmonary syndrome.