The role of ultrasound scanning in management after liver transplantation.
A total of 368 ultrasound scans in 72 patients following liver transplantation have been reviewed. Thirty-seven intra-abdominal fluid collections were identified. Twenty-four resolved spontaneously and 13 required aspiration under ultrasound control. Dilated bile ducts were seen in 22 patients, 11 of whom required further intervention. The main indications for intervention post-transplantation were increasing or late onset (after 3 months) duct dilatation. Recurrent or persistent fluid collections particularly in the right subhepatic space also indicate further investigation. Twelve ultrasound-guided liver biopsies were performed to detect rejection or tumour recurrence. Eight cases of portal vein anastomotic narrowing and three abnormalities of the inferior vena cava were also detected.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001652:Bile Ducts / Q000473:pathology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008099:Liver / Q000473:pathology; D016031:Liver Transplantation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011169:Portal Vein / Q000473:pathology; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D014463:Ultrasonography