[Pseudoaneurysm of the hepatic artery--a rare complication after orthotopic liver transplantation].
BACKGROUND
Pseudoaneurysm of the hepatic artery is a rare complication of liver transplantation, the most common cause of which--apart from technical surgical problems--is an infection. The most common symptoms are rupture and hemorrhage.


METHODS
The present case report describes an asymptomatic pseudoaneurysm of the hepatic artery following liver transplantation, and its treatment.


RESULTS
In this patient, an pseudoaneurysm involving an eroded branch of the hepatic artery was found. Surgical treatment consisted in the excision of the aneurysm and oversewing of the branch of the hepatic artery.


CONCLUSIONS
The potential for rupture and hemorrhage makes surgical intervention mandatory even in asympotomatic patients with pseudoaneurysm of the hepatic artery. The surgical procedure depends on the local situation and the time elapsed since transplantation. Preservation or reconstruction of the arterial perfusion is essential.
Chirurgische Klinik mit Poliklinik, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg.
M
M
Bussenius-Kammerer
R
R
Ott
R
R
Wutke
M
M
Grunewald
W
W
Hohenberger
T
T
Reck
D017541:Aneurysm, False / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging; D005260:Female; D006499:Hepatic Artery / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D016031:Liver Transplantation; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D012086:Reoperation; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*