Large Hepatic Artery Pseudoaneurysm Resection After Orthotopic Liver Transplantation

Am J Case Rep. 2019 Oct 30:20:1592-1595. doi: 10.12659/AJCR.917728.

Abstract

BACKGROUND Hepatic artery (HA) pseudoaneurysm (PSA) after liver transplantation (OLTx) is rare but often fatal complication requiring quick repair. Its prevalence in patients after OLTx is around 0.94%. CASE REPORT A 41-year-old female patient underwent a full-graft orthotopic liver transplantation (OLTx) for alcoholic liver cirrhosis in 2017. During regular postoperative Doppler ultrasonography (DU) check-ups, a large 3-cm pseudoaneurysm (PSA) was detected on the hepatic artery. The patient underwent a computed angiography (CTA) to verify the PSA anatomical localization and relationship with the transplanted liver graft. Selective celiac arteriography showed HA PSA and 90% stenosis of the hepatic artery after PSA. The stent graft placement was unsuccessful as the guiding wire was unable to pass through the post-PSA HA stenosis. The patient was scheduled for an open repair under general anesthesia. Through a right subcostal incision, the HA PSA was resected and the HA was mobilized and re-anastomosed using an end-to-end technique. Three months after the procedure, the patient has a good liver graft perfusion through the HA with no sign of PSA reoccurrence or stenosis. CONCLUSIONS Early detection of the HA PSA after OLTx is a life-threatening complication requiring prompt treatment. If endovascular treatment options fail, open surgical repair, despite its challenges, is the only possible treatment option.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anastomosis, Surgical
  • Aneurysm, False / etiology*
  • Constriction, Pathologic / complications
  • Female
  • Graft Survival
  • Hepatic Artery / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Liver Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Stents / adverse effects
  • Treatment Outcome