Imaging the hepatic transplant.
The radiologist plays a critical role in the preoperative assessment of possible hepatic transplant candidates. Any abnormality that would preclude transplantation or in some way alter the usual operative technique must be accurately documented and relayed to the surgeons. Computed tomography, duplex ultrasound, and MR imaging are the primary modalities used preoperatively. In some cases, CT performed during arterial portography is utilized to determine whether a liver transplant is necessary or whether a partial hepatic resection would suffice. Postoperatively, biliary obstruction or leakage, vascular thrombosis or stenosis, hemorrhage, and abscess formation are some of the most common potential complications seen in liver transplant patients. CT, duplex ultrasonography, and cholangiography are the mainstays in detecting post-transplant complications. The goal of the radiologist is to aid the clinician in recognizing these potential complications quickly so that operative or radiologic intervention may avoid irreversible graft dysfunction or even patient demise.
Oliver
J H
JH
Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pennsylvania.
Federle
M P
MP
Campbell
W L
WL
Zajko
A
A
D003952:Diagnostic Imaging; D006801:Humans; D016031:Liver Transplantation / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014463:Ultrasonography