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Chen W, Li J, Fan X, Zhang Y, Wang L, Liu Y, Cui A, Wang L. Application of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in the diagnosis of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: A case report. Medicine (Baltimore) 2021; 100:e24047. [PMID: 33466157 PMCID: PMC7808548 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000024047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD) is a series of proliferative diseases of the lymphatic system. Among patients receiving hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), PTLD is a prevalent complication that severely affects rates of survival. Ultrasound plays an essential role in the early diagnosis of PTLD. Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) and CEUS-guided biopsy are critical procedures for tumor diagnosis. PATIENT CONCERNS Herein, we report the case of a 40-year-old male patient with acute lymphoblastic leukemia who received HSCT more than 1 year ago. Sonography revealed a small hypoechoic nodule in the liver four months after HSCT. Eight months after HSCT, larger and more nodules were observed via ultrasound; CT was used to identify the lesions. DIAGNOSES CEUS and CEUS-guided biopsy were performed, and the pathological diagnosis was PTLD. INTERVENTIONS The final clinical diagnosis was PTLD, and cyclophosphamide, epirubicin, and dexamethasone were administered as chemotherapy. OUTCOMES The patient was discharged after his condition improved. CONCLUSION Ultrasound can be used to effectively detect lesions of PTLD early after HSCT. Furthermore, CEUS and CEUS-guided biopsy were effective for early confirmatory diagnoses of PTLD after HSCT.
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Lee IS, Park SH, Choi SJ, Shim Y, Ahn SJ, Kim KW, Kim KK, Jeong YM, Choe YH. Diagnostic Performance of Multidetector Computerized Tomography in the Detection of Abdominal Complications Early and Late After Liver Transplantation: A 10-Year Experience. Transplant Proc 2018; 50:3673-3680. [PMID: 30577254 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2018.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2018] [Revised: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 09/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multidetector computerized tomography (MDCT) is considered to be a fast noninvasive diagnostic technique for the evaluation of postoperative complications in patients with liver transplantation (LT). However, its role has not been fully established in the diagnosis for detecting complications after liver transplantation. The aim of this work was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of MDCT for detecting abdominal complications in the early and late periods after LT. METHODS We retrospectively enrolled 75 patients who had undergone LT from March 2006 to January 2010, followed by MDCT from March 2006 to November 2017. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the timing after LT: within the first 3 months (early period) or ≥3 months after LT (late period). We evaluated vascular, biliary, and other complications on MDCT. Angiography, endoscopic retrograde cholangiography, and percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography were used as reference standards. RESULTS We initially found 77 complications in 45 patients (60.0%) with the use of MDCT. After comparison with the reference standards, 83 complications were diagnosed in 49 patients (65.3%). Forty-seven complications (34 vascular, 10 biliary, 3 other complications) were diagnosed in 33 patients (44.0%) during the early period, and 36 complications (6 vascular, 20 biliary, 10 other complications) were detected in 27 patients (36.0%) in the late period. The sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of MDCT for diagnosing overall complications were, respectively, 93.6%, 90.2%, and 92.0% in the early period (for vascular complications: 97.1%, 92.6%, and 94.3%,; for biliary complications: 80.0%, 100%, and 97.7%) and 77.8%, 98.1%, and 89.8% in the late period (for vascular complications: 83.3%, 100%, and 98.9%; for biliary complications: 65.0%, 98.6%, and 90.9%). CONCLUSIONS Although MDCT in the late period should be interpreted with caution in patients with suspected biliary complication, MDCT is a reliable diagnostic technique for the identification of early and late abdominal complications after LT.
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Affiliation(s)
- I S Lee
- Department of Radiology, Gil Medical Center, Gachon University, Incheon, Korea
| | - S H Park
- Department of Radiology, Gil Medical Center, Gachon University, Incheon, Korea.
| | - S J Choi
- Department of Radiology, Gil Medical Center, Gachon University, Incheon, Korea
| | - Y Shim
- Department of Radiology, Gil Medical Center, Gachon University, Incheon, Korea
| | - S-J Ahn
- Department of Radiology, Gil Medical Center, Gachon University, Incheon, Korea
| | - K W Kim
- Department of Radiology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - K K Kim
- Department of Surgery, Gil Medical Center, Gachon University, Incheon, Korea
| | - Y M Jeong
- Department of Radiology, Gil Medical Center, Gachon University, Incheon, Korea
| | - Y H Choe
- Department of Radiology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Meng XC, Huang WS, Xie PY, Chen XZ, Cai MY, Shan H, Zhu KS. Role of multi-detector computed tomography for biliary complications after liver transplantation. World J Gastroenterol 2014; 20:11856-11864. [PMID: 25206292 PMCID: PMC4155378 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i33.11856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2014] [Revised: 04/29/2014] [Accepted: 05/26/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To investigate the diagnostic performance of multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) in detecting biliary complications after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT).
METHODS: Eighty-three consecutive OLT recipients, who presented with clinical or biochemical signs of biliary complications, underwent MDCT examination. Two experienced radiologists assessed MDCT images in consensus to determine biliary complications. Final confirmation was based on percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography or endoscopic retrograde cholangiography in 58 patients, surgery in four patients, liver biopsy in 10, and clinical and sonography follow-up in 11 patients.
RESULTS: Biliary complications were eventually confirmed in 62 of 83 patients (74.7%), including anastomotic biliary strictures in 32, nonanastomotic biliary strictures in 21, biliary stones in nine (5 with biliary strictures), anastomotic bile leak in five, and biloma in six (all with nonanastomotic strictures, and 2 with biligenic hepatic abscess). Twenty-one patients had no detection of biliary complications. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of MDCT for detecting biliary strictures were 90.6%, 86.7%, 89.2%, 92.3% and 83.9%, respectively. For detecting biliary stones, anastomotic bile leak and biloma, the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of MDCT were all 100%.
CONCLUSION: MDCT is a useful screening tool for detecting biliary complications after OLT.
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Claudon M, Dietrich CF, Choi BI, Cosgrove DO, Kudo M, Nolsøe CP, Piscaglia F, Wilson SR, Barr RG, Chammas MC, Chaubal NG, Chen MH, Clevert DA, Correas JM, Ding H, Forsberg F, Fowlkes JB, Gibson RN, Goldberg BB, Lassau N, Leen ELS, Mattrey RF, Moriyasu F, Solbiati L, Weskott HP, Xu HX. Guidelines and good clinical practice recommendations for Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS) in the liver - update 2012: A WFUMB-EFSUMB initiative in cooperation with representatives of AFSUMB, AIUM, ASUM, FLAUS and ICUS. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2013; 39:187-210. [PMID: 23137926 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2012.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 500] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Initially, a set of guidelines for the use of ultrasound contrast agents was published in 2004 dealing only with liver applications. A second edition of the guidelines in 2008 reflected changes in the available contrast agents and updated the guidelines for the liver, as well as implementing some non-liver applications. Time has moved on, and the need for international guidelines on the use of CEUS in the liver has become apparent. The present document describes the third iteration of recommendations for the hepatic use of contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) using contrast specific imaging techniques. This joint WFUMB-EFSUMB initiative has implicated experts from major leading ultrasound societies worldwide. These liver CEUS guidelines are simultaneously published in the official journals of both organizing federations (i.e., Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology for WFUMB and Ultraschall in der Medizin/European Journal of Ultrasound for EFSUMB). These guidelines and recommendations provide general advice on the use of all currently clinically available ultrasound contrast agents (UCA). They are intended to create standard protocols for the use and administration of UCA in liver applications on an international basis and improve the management of patients worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michel Claudon
- Department of Pediatric Radiology, INSERM U947, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nancy and Université de Lorraine, Vandoeuvre, France
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Degree of bile-duct dilatation in liver-transplanted patients with biliary stricture: a magnetic resonance cholangiography-based study. Radiol Med 2012; 117:1097-111. [PMID: 22438111 DOI: 10.1007/s11547-012-0805-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2011] [Accepted: 04/27/2011] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study assessed whether the degree of bile-duct dilatation in liver-transplanted patients is correlated with the time from intervention and the type of underlying biliary stricture. METHODS AND MATERIALS Fifty-seven 3D magnetic resonance cholangiograms (MRCs) performed on 42 liver-transplanted patients were retrospectively evaluated. Diameter was measured at the level of the extrahepatic bile duct (EBD), right hepatic duct (RHD), left hepatic duct (LHD), anterior and posterior right hepatic ducts (aRHD, pRHD) and left lateral and medial ducts (LLD, LMD). Data were stratified according to the type of biliary stricture (all types, anastomotic, ischaemic-like, mixed) and compared, on a per-examination basis: (a) between two groups based on time from transplantation using a 1-year threshold (nonlongitudinal analysis); (b) among 26 repeated examinations on 11 patients (longitudinal analysis); (c) among different stricture groups. RESULTS The biliary tree was slightly dilated within 1 year from transplantation (2.9±1.3 to 6.1±3.2 mm). In general, nonlongitudinal analysis showed minimally larger duct size after 1 year (mean +1.4±0.5 mm) despite significant differences at most sites of measurement considering all types of strictures (p<0.01; Mann-Whitney U test). Longitudinal analysis showed diameter increase over time, although without statistically significant differences (p>0.01; Kruskal-Wallis test). No significant difference in bile-duct size was observed when comparing types of stricture (p>0.01; Kruskal-Wallis test). CONCLUSIONS Biliary dilatation after liver transplantation is mild and develops slowly regardless of the underlying type of stricture, possibly in relation to graft properties. MRC has a potential role as first-line imaging modality for a reliable assessment of biliary dilatation and the presence of a stricture.
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Giampalma E, Renzulli M, Mosconi C, Ercolani G, Pinna AD, Golfieri R. Outcome of post-liver transplant ischemic and nonischemic biliary stenoses treated with percutaneous interventions: the Bologna experience. Liver Transpl 2012; 18:177-87. [PMID: 22006838 DOI: 10.1002/lt.22450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In liver transplantation (LT), biliary strictures (BSs) are among the most common complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of percutaneous treatments in the management of post-LT BSs. Between 1999 and 2007, 48 patients underwent percutaneous treatments for posttransplant BSs. We divided the population into 2 groups according to the cause [ischemic (n = 14) or nonischemic (n = 34)] and into further subgroups according to the site [anastomotic (n = 34) or nonanastomotic (n = 14)]. All patients were treated with bilioplasty; in 9 patients who were refractory to bilioplasty, metallic stents were implanted. A technical success rate of 90% was achieved without differences between the ischemic and nonischemic groups or between the anastomotic and nonanastomotic subgroups (P = 0.10). The major complication rate was 4%. The overall 1- and 3-year primary patency rates were 94% and 45%, respectively, and better results were found for patients with nonischemic stenoses versus patients with ischemic stenoses (P = 0.032). The overall secondary patency rates were 94% and 83% at 1 and 3 years, respectively, and there were no statistical differences between the ischemic and nonischemic groups or between the anastomotic and nonanastomotic groups. In the stent subgroup, the overall primary 1- and 2-year patency rates were 100% and 71%, respectively, and the secondary patency rates were 100% and 100%, respectively. In conclusion, a percutaneous approach is highly effective for the treatment of post-LT BSs, and the best results are obtained for patients with simple, nonischemic BSs (technical success rate = 94%, 3-year primary patency rate = 81%, 3-year secondary patency rate = 75%). For patients with ischemic BSs, closer follow-up and retreatment are more frequently needed to achieve secondary patency rates comparable to (or even better than) those for patients with nonischemic stenoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Giampalma
- Radiology Unit, Department of Digestive Diseases and Internal Medicine,University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
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Other emergencies. Emerg Radiol 2009. [DOI: 10.1017/cbo9780511691935.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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O'Brien J, Buckley AR, Browne R. Comprehensive ultrasound assessment of complications post-liver transplantation. Eur J Radiol 2009; 74:206-13. [PMID: 19349136 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2009.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2008] [Revised: 03/02/2009] [Accepted: 03/03/2009] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Human liver transplantation for end-stage liver disease was first performed in 1963. Refinements in surgical technique and new immunosuppressive regimens have improved outcomes. Today, transplant patients have a 5-year survival rate of approximately 75%. Nevertheless, significant complications still occur. Ultrasonography (US), is the initial imaging modality of choice allowing bedside assessment for detection and follow-up of early and delayed graft complications, and facilitating interventional procedures. This review outlines the role of ultrasound in post-transplantation assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- J O'Brien
- Department of Radiology, Adelaide and Meath Incorporating the National Children's Hospital, Tallaght, Dublin 24, Ireland.
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Shastri YM, Hoepffner NM, Akoglu B, Zapletal C, Bechstein WO, Caspary WF, Faust D. Liver biochemistry profile, significance and endoscopic management of biliary tract complications post orthotopic liver transplantation. World J Gastroenterol 2007; 13:2819-25. [PMID: 17569117 PMCID: PMC4395633 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v13.i20.2819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To correlate the significance of liver biochemical tests in diagnosing post orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) biliary complications and to study their profile before and after endoscopic therapy.
METHODS: Patients who developed biliary complications were analysed in detail for the clinical information, laboratory tests, treatment offered, response to it, follow up and outcomes. The profile of liver enzymes was determined. The safety, efficacy and outcomes of endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) were also analysed.
RESULTS: 40 patients required ERC for 70 biliary complications. GGT was found to be > 3 times (388.1 ± 70.9 U/mL vs 168.5 ± 34.2 U/L, P = 0.007) and SAP > 2 times (345.1 ± 59.1 U/L vs 152.7 ± 21.4 U/L, P = 0.003) the immediate post OLT values. Most frequent complication was isolated anastomotic strictures in 28 (40%). Sustained success was achieved in 26 (81%) patients.
CONCLUSION: Biliary complications still remain an important problem post OLT. SAP and GGT can be used as early, non-invasive markers for diagnosis and also to assess the adequacy of therapy. Endoscopic management is usually effective in treating the majority of these biliary complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yogesh M Shastri
- Department of Medicine I, Goethe-University Hospital, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, D-60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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Hom BK, Shrestha R, Palmer SL, Katz MD, Selby RR, Asatryan Z, Wells JK, Grant EG. Prospective evaluation of vascular complications after liver transplantation: comparison of conventional and microbubble contrast-enhanced US. Radiology 2006; 241:267-74. [PMID: 16990679 DOI: 10.1148/radiol.2411050597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To prospectively compare diagnostic performance of conventional Doppler ultrasonography (US) and microbubble contrast material-enhanced US for assessment of vascular complications after liver transplantation, with clinical follow-up or angiography as reference standard. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study was approved by institutional review board and was HIPAA compliant. Written informed consent was obtained. Seventy-two patients (49 men, 23 women; average age, 52.3 years) were included in this study. Patients who had undergone liver transplantation underwent conventional color Doppler and contrast-enhanced US of the liver. Quality of hepatic artery (HA) and portal vein (PV) visualization, contrast material arrival time, and time for complete evaluation of vasculature were compared for both techniques. McNemar test was used to compare vascular flow visualization scores; Student t test was used to compare mean study times with both techniques. Patients without HA flow at Doppler US underwent angiography; those with flow were followed up clinically. McNemar test was used to compare sensitivity of both techniques. RESULTS Contrast-enhanced US helped significantly improve flow visualization in hepatic vessels (P < .001). Mean contrast material arrival time was 13.7 seconds +/- 3.8 (standard deviation) in proper HA and 20.7 seconds +/- 6.3 in PV. Mean study time decreased from 27.4 minutes +/- 13.9 to 9.3 minutes +/- 4.5 (P < .01). Doppler US failed to depict HA flow in eight patients; contrast-enhanced US showed flow in six and no flow in two of these patients. Follow-up results confirmed contrast-enhanced US findings. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for Doppler US were 91.3%, 100%, and 91.5%, respectively. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of contrast-enhanced US were all 100%. Sensitivity and accuracy values of the two techniques were significantly different (P < .014); there was no significant difference in specificity (P > .99) CONCLUSION Contrast-enhanced US helped improve flow visualization in the HA and PV, decrease scanning time, and correctly differentiate between thrombosis and a patent artery in patients without HA flow at conventional Doppler US.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin K Hom
- Department of Radiology, University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, USC University Hospital, 1500 San Pablo St, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
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Fernández-Rodríguez OM, Ríos A, Navarro JL, Pons JA, Palenciano CG, Mota R, Berenguer JJ, Mulero F, Contreras J, Conesa C, Ramírez P, Fuente T, Parrilla P. Doppler ultrasonographic and scintigraphic assessment of an auxiliary heterotopic liver transplantation with portal vein arterialization in pigs. Transplant Proc 2006; 38:963-6. [PMID: 16647519 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2006.02.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Our aim was to evaluate liver graft integrity and function using scintigraphy and ultrasonography in a porcine model of auxiliary heterotopic liver transplantation with portal vein arterialization (AHLT-PVA). MATERIALS AND METHODS Using Doppler ultrasonography we evaluated eight AHLT-PVA by parenchymal echogenicity, portal and arterial anatomy, and portal and biliary system flow. Two types of scintigraphy were performed: microaggregated human albumin colloid scintigraphy and diisopropyl iminodiacetic acid (DISIDA) scintigraphy, both labeled with 99mTc. RESULTS The animals were distributed into two groups. The first group consisted of three animals with clinical suspicion of graft dysfunction, in which the ultrasonographic study revealed areas of parenchymal destructuring. In the scintigraphic study, heterogenous uptake was observed; there was no uptake in one animal. Necropsy of these three animals revealed areas of graft necrosis. The second group consisted of five animals with good clinical evolutions, in which the ultrasonographic study showed portal dilation, portal flow with arterial spiculations, and homogenous echogenicity of the hepatic parenchyma. The scintigraphic study revealed homogenous uptake by the graft and an elimination speed of the hepatobiliary agent similar to that of the native liver. CONCLUSIONS An heterogenous echostructure of the graft provided a sign of poor prognosis indicating necrosis in the same way as heterogenous uptake or nonuptake of radioisotope upon scintigraphy. Scintigraphy is a good method to evaluate biliary function and bile elimination. In an AHLT-PVA, the main ultrasound findings derived from arterialization were dilation of the portal system and portal flow with arterial spiculations.
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Affiliation(s)
- O M Fernández-Rodríguez
- Unit of Experimental Surgery, Department of Surgery, Arrixaca University Hospital, Murcia, Spain.
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Ultrasound of living donor liver transplantation. Biomed Imaging Interv J 2006; 2:e17. [PMID: 21614227 PMCID: PMC3097613 DOI: 10.2349/biij.2.2.e17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2005] [Revised: 02/26/2006] [Accepted: 03/09/2006] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver transplantation is the most effective treatment for various end-stage liver diseases. Living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) was first developed in Asia due to the severe lack of cadaveric graft in this region. The Liver Transplant Service at Queen Mary Hospital (QMH), Hong Kong, has pioneered the application of LDLT to patients using both left lobe and right lobe grafts. The QMH liver transplant programme is the largest of its kind in China and Southeast Asia. Ultrasound (US) is often employed in the initial work-up of potential donor and recipient of LDLT. It is the imaging technique of choice to assess the early and late complications of LDLT, with colour Doppler ultrasound being the most useful in the evaluation of post-LDLT vascular complications. The use of ultrasound contrast agents improves the visualisation of the hepatic vasculature, possibly delaying or removing the need for more invasive investigations. Intra-operative ultrasound facilitates the determination of the resection plane during donor hepactectomy. Computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used as the single imaging modality in the evaluation of LDLT candidates. Ultrasound is most useful as the initial screening test in detecting hepatic parenchymal abnormalities, while CT or MRI is the modality of choice in the demonstration of vascular and biliary anatomy of the potential liver donor. Biliary complications are more common in LDLT than in cadaveric liver transplantation. The ductal dilatation, resulting from biliary stricture, is clearly demonstrated by ultrasound. Bilomas can be aspirated under ultrasound guidance to confirm the diagnosis and to promote healing. Perihepatic fluid collections and abscesses are also common after LDLT. Intra-hepatic collections may represent seromas, haematomas or infarction. Ultrasound is a sensitive means of detecting these collections and can be employed to guide drainage in suitable patients. Transplant-related malignancies include recurrent neoplasia and post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD). Ultrasound can be used to screen for recurrent disease and to detect PTLD in the transplanted liver.
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Boozari B, Gebel M, Bahr MJ, Manns MP, Strassburg CP, Bleck JS, Klempnauer J, Nashan B. Changes of duplex parameters and splenic size in liver transplant recipients during a long period of observation. World J Gastroenterol 2005; 11:6787-91. [PMID: 16425385 PMCID: PMC4725023 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v11.i43.6787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To assess the changes of portal and arterial velocities, resistance index, spleen and liver size during a long observation period (13.7 years) after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT).
METHODS: Two hundred and sixty patients were recruited retrospectively for this study and divided into groups with defined time intervals after OLT. The cross-sectional changes of portal and arterial velocities, resistance index, spleen and liver size between the defined time intervals were studied. The complications detected by ultrasound were compared to gold standard methods.
RESULTS: The mean values for liver size were all within the normal range. The splenic size decreased between the time intervals 100 and 1 000 d after OLT (t; P<0.01). While portal and arterial flow velocities decreased up to 5.5 years (t; portal velocity P<0.01, maximal systolic velocity P = 0.05, maximal end diastolic velocity P<0.01), RI increased during this interval (t: P<0.01). Higher RI values were found in older patients (r = 0.24, P<0.001).
CONCLUSION: The arterial and portal velocities show adaptation processes continuing over the course of many years after OLT and are reported for the first time. The vascular complications detected by ultrasound occur mostly up to 100 d after OLT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bita Boozari
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Medical School of Hannover, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany.
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Zoepf T, Maldonado-Lopez EJ, Hilgard P, Dechêne A, Malago M, Broelsch CE, Schlaak J, Gerken G. Diagnosis of biliary strictures after liver transplantation: Which is the best tool? World J Gastroenterol 2005; 11:2945-8. [PMID: 15902733 PMCID: PMC4305664 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v11.i19.2945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To evaluate the diagnostic value of different indirect methods like biochemical parameters, ultrasound (US) analysis, CT-scan and MRI/MRCP in comparison with endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC), for diagnosis of biliary complications after liver transplantation.
METHODS: In 75 patients after liver transplantation, who received ERC due to suspected biliary complications, the result of the cholangiography was compared to the results of indirect imaging methods performed prior to ERC. The cholangiography showed no biliary stenosis (NoST) in 25 patients, AST in 27 and ITBL in 23 patients.
RESULTS: Biliary congestion as a result of AST was detected with a sensitivity of 68.4% in US analysis (specificity 91%), of 71% in MRI (specificity 25%) and of 40% in CT (specificity 57.1%). In ITBL, biliary congestion was detected with a sensitivity of 58.8% in the US, 88.9% in MRI and of 83.3% in CT. However, as anastomotic or ischemic stenoses were the underlying cause of biliary congestion, the sensitivity of detection was very low. In MRI detected the dominant stenosis at a correct localization in 22% and CT in 10%, while US failed completely. The biochemical parameters, showed no significant difference in bilirubin (median 5.7; 4,1; 2.5 mg/dL), alkaline phosp-hatase (median 360; 339; 527 U/L) or gamma glutamyl transferase (median 277; 220; 239 U/L) levels between NoST, AST and ITBL.
CONCLUSION: Our data confirm that indirect imaging methods to date cannot replace direct cholangiography for diagnosis of post transplant biliary stenoses. However MRI may have the potential to complement or precede imaging by cholangiography. Optimized MRCP-processing might further improve the diagnostic impact of this method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Zoepf
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, D-45147 Essen, Germany.
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Miller GA, Yeh BM, Breiman RS, Roberts JP, Qayyum A, Coakley FV. Use of CT cholangiography to evaluate the biliary tract after liver transplantation: initial experience. Liver Transpl 2004; 10:1065-70. [PMID: 15390335 DOI: 10.1002/lt.20152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Evaluation of the biliary tract after liver transplantation, particularly when a Roux-en-Y hepatojejunostomy precludes endoscopic retrograde cholangiography, may be challenging. We present five cases of suspected biliary obstruction after liver transplantation in which multidetector-row computed tomography (CT) cholangiography was used. In conclusion, it was determined that multidetector-row CT cholangiography may be a useful modality for demonstrating patent biliary-enteric anastomoses and excluding flow-limiting biliary anastomotic strictures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregg A Miller
- Department of Radiology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143-0628, USA
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