Reversed arterial flow in the paramedian segments of the liver after pancreaticoduodenectomy

J Clin Ultrasound. 2011 Feb;39(2):99-103. doi: 10.1002/jcu.20710.

Abstract

Variation of splanchnic arterial anatomy is frequent and may complicate pancreatic surgery, leading to life-threatening postoperative complications. We report a case of severe hepatic dysfunction after pancreaticoduodenectomy due to accidental section of the right hepatic artery. Bedside ultrasound examination showed a reversed arterial flow in the paramedian segments of the liver. Based on intraoperative and ultrasound findings, a retrograde arterial supply of the right liver from the left hepatic artery through spontaneous anastomosis between the arteries of segment 4 and the right paramedian segments was assumed and confirmed by postoperative CT examination.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Hepatic Artery / diagnostic imaging
  • Hepatic Artery / physiopathology*
  • Humans
  • Kidney Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Kidney Neoplasms / surgery
  • Liver / blood supply*
  • Liver / physiopathology
  • Male
  • Neoplasms, Multiple Primary / diagnostic imaging*
  • Neoplasms, Multiple Primary / surgery
  • Nephrectomy
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / surgery
  • Pancreaticoduodenectomy*
  • Postoperative Complications / diagnostic imaging*
  • Postoperative Complications / surgery
  • Radiography
  • Splanchnic Circulation*
  • Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color