[Low dose contrast-enhanced 4D DSA with the 320-detector row computed tomography scanner for post-operative evaluation of the hepatic artery complications after liver transplantation].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the value of low-dose contrast-enhanced 4D DSA acquired from 320-detector row CT on the diagnosis of the hepatic artery complications after liver transplantation.


METHODS
320-detector row CT were performed in fifth patients with liver dynamic enhanced using volume CT body-perfusion protocol, hepatic artery phase images obtained after intravenous injection of 50 ml of contrast at a rate of 6 ml/s were acquired based on 4D DSA. The time-density curve (TDC) of the hepatic artery was delineated. The time to peak, peak contrast enhancement were recorded. The data of artery phase were sent to workstation to reconstruct the hepatic artery with VR, MIP and MPR.


RESULTS
The delay mean time and the peak CT value of hepatic artery was 20 (10.0 - 24.2) s and 373 (310 - 440) HU; 4D DSA revealed hepatic artery pseudo-aneurysm (n = 2), and hepatic artery mild stenosis (n = 3), moderate stenosis (n = 4), severe stenosis (n = 1) and occlusion (n = 1). Compensatory circulation was seen in 2 cases. 4 patients were appeared segmental stenosis and hepatoportal arteriovenous fistulas (HPAVF). Hepatic arterial branch are decreased and opened in 9 cases and 4 cases. 4D DSA also displayed other signs including hepatic hemangioma and the splenic artery aneurysms (SAA) and ectasi (n = 1), donor-recipient hepatic artery mismatch (n = 3).


CONCLUSIONS
4D DSA provided a safe, noninvasive and accurate method for guiding the diagnosis of hepatic artery complication and play an effective role after liver transplantation.
Wang
Jin
J
Department of Radiology, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China.
Xie
Si-dong
SD
Luo
Lin
L
Zhang
Jian-sheng
JS
Liu
Ling-yun
LY
Xu
Chuan
C
Jiang
Zai-bo
ZB
Yang
Yang
Y
Zhang
Ya-qin
YQ
Kuang
Si-chi
SC
Hu
Bing
B
Shan
Hong
H
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003287:Contrast Media; D005260:Female; D006499:Hepatic Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D016031:Liver Transplantation / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*; D055815:Young Adult
D003287:Contrast Media