Surgical Techniques and Imaging Complications of Liver Transplant

Radiol Clin North Am. 2016 Mar;54(2):199-215. doi: 10.1016/j.rcl.2015.09.004. Epub 2015 Dec 22.

Abstract

Liver transplant is the treatment of choice for end-stage liver disease. Management of transplant patients requires a multidisciplinary approach, with radiologists playing a key role in identifying complications in both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. Ultrasonography remains the investigation of choice for the initial evaluation of symptomatic patients. Depending on the clinical situation, further evaluation with CT, MRI, or biopsy may be performed or clinical and imaging surveillance may be continued. This article discusses the various normal and abnormal imaging presentations of liver transplant patients, including various acute and chronic complications, and their management.

Keywords: CT; Complications; Imaging; Liver transplant; MR imaging; US.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • End Stage Liver Disease / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Liver / diagnostic imaging
  • Liver / pathology
  • Liver Transplantation / methods*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Postoperative Complications / diagnosis*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Ultrasonography