In pediatric living-related liver transplantation, preoperative evaluation of the recipient is important for surgical planning, while the accurate diagnosis of postoperative complications is essential for graft salvage. Multiplanar and three-dimensional imaging using multi-slice spiral CT can be used for preoperative vascular imaging, as well as for evaluating postoperative complications. In this essay, we describe the usefulness of multi-slice CT, combined with a variety of different reconstruction techniques, for the preoperative evaluation of transplant recipients. In addition, we demonstrate the multi-slice CT findings of postoperative complications, including vascular stenosis or thrombosis, bile duct leak or stricture, and extrahepatic fluid collection.
Child ; Humans ; Liver/*blood supply/*radiography ; *Liver Transplantation ; *Living Donors ; Postoperative Complications/radiography ; Preoperative Care ; Tomography, Spiral Computed/*methods

Enhanced z-axis coverage with thin overlapping slices in breath-hold acquisitions with multidetector CT (MDCT) has considerably enhanced the quality of multiplanar 3D reconstruction. This pictorial essay describes the improvements in 3D reconstruction and technical aspects of 3D reconstruction and rendering techniques available for abdominal imaging. Clinical applications of 3D imaging in abdomen including liver, pancreaticobiliary system, urinary and gastrointestinal tracts and imaging before and after transplantation are discussed. In addition, this article briefly discusses the disadvantages of thin-slice acquisitions including increasing numbers of transverse images, which must be reviewed by the radiologist.
Adult ; Aged ; Biliary Tract/radiography ; Female ; Gastrointestinal Tract/radiography ; Human ; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted/*methods ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional ; Liver/radiography ; Liver Transplantation/radiography ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pancreas/radiography ; Radiography, Abdominal/*methods ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed/*methods ; Urography/methods

BACKGROUNDFor patients with end-stage hepatic alveolar echinococcosis (AE), in vivo resection of the involved parts of the liver is usually very difficult, therefore, allogenic liver transplantation is indicated. However, we hypothesize that for selected patents, ex vivo liver resection for thorough elimination of the involved tissues and liver autotransplantation may offer a chance for clinical cure.

METHODSWe presented a 24-year-old women with a giant hepatic AE lesion who was treated with hepatectomy, ex vivo resection of the involved tissue and hepatic autotransplantation. The patient had moderate jaundice and advanced hepatic AE lesion which involved segments I, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII and retrohepatic inferior vena cava. The lateral segments (II and III) of the left liver remained normal with over 1000 ml in its volume. No extrahepatic metastases (such as to the lung or brain) could be found. As the first step of treatment, X-ray guided percutaneous transhepatic cholangiodrainage (PTCD) was performed twice for bile drainage in segment III and II separately until her serum total bilirubin decreased gradually from 236 to 88 µmol/L. Total liver resection was then performed, followed by extended right hepatic trisegmentectomy and the entire retrohepatic vena cava was surgically removed en bloc while her hemodynamics parameters were stable. Neither veino-veinous bypass nor temporary intracorporeal cavo-caval or porto-caval shunt was used during the 5.7-hour anhepatic phase. The remained AE-free lateral segments of the left liver were re-implanted in situ. The left hepatic vein was directly anastomosed end-to-end to the suprahepatic inferior vena cava due to the lack of the retrohepatic inferior vena cava with AE total infiltration. Because compensatory retroperitoneal porto-caval collateral circulation developed, we enclosed remained infrahepatic inferior vena cava at renal vein level without any haemodynamics problems.

RESULTSDuring a 60-day following-up after operation, the patient had a good recovery except for a mildly elevated serum total bilirubin.

CONCLUSIONSAs a radical approach, ex vivo liver resection and liver autotransplantation in a case has shown a optimal potential for treatment of the end-stage hepatic AE. Strict compliance with its indications, evaluation of vessels of patients pre-operatively, and precise surgical techniques are the keys to improve the prognosis of patients.

Adult ; Albendazole ; therapeutic use ; Bilirubin ; blood ; Echinococcosis, Hepatic ; blood ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Female ; Hepatectomy ; Humans ; Liver Transplantation ; Radiography ; Young Adult

Hepatic myelopathy is a rare complication of chronic liver disease that is associated with extensive portosystemic shunts. The main clinical feature of hepatic myelopathy is progressive spastic paraparesis in the absence of sensory or sphincter impairment. Early and accurate diagnosis of hepatic myelopathy is important because patients with early stages of the disease can fully recover following liver transplantation. Motor-evoked potential studies may be suitable for the early diagnosis of hepatic myelopathy, even in patients with preclinical stages of the disease. Here we describe two patients who presented with spastic paraparesis associated with a spontaneous splenorenal shunt and without any previous episode of hepatic encephalopathy. One patient experienced improved neurologic symptoms after liver transplantation, whereas the other patient only received medical treatment, which did not prevent the progression of spastic paraparesis.
Adult ; Disease Progression ; Evoked Potentials, Motor/physiology ; Hepatitis B, Chronic/complications/diagnosis ; Hepatitis C, Chronic/complications/diagnosis ; Humans ; Liver Cirrhosis/*complications/diagnosis ; Liver Transplantation ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Paraparesis, Spastic/etiology/pathology ; Renal Veins/*radiography ; Spinal Cord Diseases/*diagnosis/etiology/radiography ; Splenic Vein/*radiography ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Vascular Fistula/*radiography

Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the most prevalent malignancies and frequent causes of death worldwide. Treatment options of hepatocellular carcinoma consist of locoregional therapy, surgical resection, liver transplantation, and systemic therapy. Assessment of tumor response is required in patients receiving locoregional and systemic therapy. The Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) version 1.1 is widely used tumor response evaluation criteria. However, the RECIST does not reflect the extent of tumor necrosis after some locoregional therapies and molecular targeted agents. The Modified RECIST (mRECIST), which has the concept of viable tumor, was introduced in order to overcome this problem. The mRECIST were developed on the basis of RECIST version 1.1 and only tumoral tissue showing contrast uptake in arterial phase of dynamic radiologic imaging techniques was measured to assess tumor response. Recently, immune checkpoint inhibitors have emerged as a promising therapeutic modality for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. To identify tumor response after immunotherapy, immune RECIST (iRECIST) has been proposed as consensusbased criteria. After achieving complete response after curative treatment, optimal surveillance was needed to detect recurrence. Individualized surveillance schedule should be considered, taking into consideration the risk factors of the patient and the risk associated with the treatment modalities.
Appointments and Schedules ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; Cause of Death ; Humans ; Immunotherapy ; Liver Transplantation ; Necrosis ; Prognosis ; Radiography ; Recurrence ; Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors ; Risk Factors

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the causes of arterial bleeding after living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) and to evaluate the efficacy of transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-two sessions of conventional arteriography were performed in 32 of the 195 patients who underwent LDLT during the past 2 years. This was done in search of bleeding foci of arterial origin. TAE was performed with microcoils or gelatin sponge particles. The causes of arterial bleeding, the technical and clinical success rates of TAE and the complications were retrospectively evaluated. RESULTS: Forty-two bleeding foci of arterial origin were identified on 30 sessions of arteriography in 21 patients. The most common cause of bleeding was percutaneous procedures in 40% of the patients (17 of the 42 bleeding foci) followed by surgical procedures in 36% (15/42). The overall technical and clinical success rates of TAE were 21 (70%) and 20 (67%) of the 30 sessions, respectively. The overall technical success rate of TAE for the treatment of bleeding from the hepatic resection margin, hepatic artery anastomotic site and hepaticojejunostomy was only 18% (2/11), whereas for the treatment of bleeding in the other locations the technical and clinical success rates of TAE were 100% and 95%, respectively. No procedure-related major complications occurred. CONCLUSION: In the case of arterial bleeding after LDLT, percutaneous procedure-related hemorrhages were as common as surgery-related hemorrhages. There were technical difficulties in using TAE for the treatment of hepatic arterial bleeding. However, in the other locations, TAE seems to be safe and effective for the control of arterial bleeding in LDLT recipients.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Child ; Embolization, Therapeutic/instrumentation/*methods ; Female ; Humans ; Liver/radiography ; Liver Diseases/etiology/*therapy ; Liver Transplantation/*adverse effects ; *Living Donors ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Postoperative Hemorrhage/etiology/*therapy ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo assess the value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in mid- and long-term complication monitoring after liver transplantation.

METHODSTwenty-one recipients receiving orthotropic liver transplantation between Feb 2003 and May 2005 were enrolled in this study. FLASH T(1)-weighted, T(2)-weighted fast spin echo, T(2)-weighted fat suppression, dynamic gadolinium-enhanced, MR cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) and three-dimensional dynamic gadolinium-enhanced FISP MRA images were obtained.

RESULTSOf the 21 patients, bile duct complications were detected in all cases and liver arterial and venous complications in 8 cases. Liver cancer relapse occurred in 5 cases and allograft failure in 4.

CONCLUSIONMR imaging allows effective monitoring of mid- and long-term complications of liver transplantation, which provides valuable clues for their clinical treatment.

Adult ; Arterial Occlusive Diseases ; diagnosis ; etiology ; Bile Duct Diseases ; diagnosis ; etiology ; Female ; Hepatic Artery ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; Humans ; Liver Cirrhosis ; surgery ; Liver Neoplasms ; surgery ; Liver Transplantation ; adverse effects ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; methods ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Radiography ; Reproducibility of Results ; Sensitivity and Specificity

No abstract available.
Adolescent ; Biopsy, Fine-Needle ; Fluorodeoxyglucose F18/diagnostic use ; Glomerulosclerosis, Focal Segmental/therapy ; Graft Rejection/drug therapy ; Humans ; Immunosuppressive Agents/therapeutic use ; *Kidney Transplantation ; Liver/radiography/ultrasonography ; Lymphoproliferative Disorders/pathology/*radiography/radionuclide imaging ; Male ; Positron-Emission Tomography ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

BACKGROUNDS/AIMS: Pneumatosis intestinalis (PI) is a condition in which multiple gas-filled mural cysts develop in the gastrointestinal tract. Although its exact etiology remains obscure, PI is rarely observed in liver transplant (LT) recipients. METHODS: In 317 cases of adult living donor LT (LDLT) performed during 2011, PI developed in three patients during the 3 year follow-up. RESULTS: Of these three patients, the two who demonstrated PI at 6 weeks and 2 months after LT, respectively, were asymptomatic and showed no signs of secondary complications. Diagnosis was made incidentally using abdominal radiographs and computed tomography (CT) scans. PI was identified in the right ascending colon with concomitant pneumoperitoneum. These two patients received supportive care and maintained a regular diet. Follow-up CT scans demonstrated spontaneous resolution of PI with no complications. The third patient was admitted to the emergency room 30 months after LDLT. His symptoms included poor oral intake and intermittent abdominal pain with no passage of gas. Abdominal radiography and CT scans demonstrated PI in the entire small bowel, with small bowel dilatation, pneumoperitoneum, and pneumoretroperitoneum, but no peritonitis. Physical examination revealed abdominal distension but no tenderness or rebound tenderness. After 1 week of conservative treatment, including bowel rest and antibiotics therapy, PI and pneumoperitoneum resolved spontaneously without complications. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that adult LDLT recipients who develop asymptomatic or symptomatic PI with no signs of secondary complications can be successfully managed with conservative treatment.
Abdominal Pain ; Adult* ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Colon, Ascending ; Diagnosis ; Diet ; Dilatation ; Emergency Service, Hospital ; Follow-Up Studies ; Gastrointestinal Tract ; Humans ; Liver ; Liver Transplantation* ; Living Donors* ; Peritonitis ; Physical Examination ; Pneumoperitoneum ; Radiography, Abdominal ; Retropneumoperitoneum ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

No abstract available.
Bile Ducts/physiopathology ; Biliary Tract Diseases/*diagnosis/radiography/therapy ; Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde ; Constriction, Pathologic/therapy ; Hepatitis B, Chronic/diagnosis ; Humans ; Liver Neoplasms/diagnosis/therapy ; Liver Transplantation ; Male ; Middle Aged ; *Stents