Chronic hypoxemia in a child: thinking outside the box.

BACKGROUND

Chronic hypoxemia is generally attributed to primary cardiac or pulmonary entities.

METHODS

A 9-year-old boy presenting with cyanosis, clubbing and hypoxemia, without icterus or hepatosplenomegaly. Cardiovascular and respiratory system examinations were normal.

RESULTS

He was diagnosed as type IB Abernethy malformation, a rare cause of hepatopulmonary syndrome.

CONCLUSIONS

Pediatricians should consider hepatopulmonary syndrome in the differential diagnosis of chronic hypoxemia, even in the absence of jaundice or hepatosplenomegaly.