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World J Transplant. Jun 18, 2025; 15(2): 100373
Published online Jun 18, 2025. doi: 10.5500/wjt.v15.i2.100373
Diagnostic value of ultrasonography for post-liver transplant hepatic vein complications
Dong Zhao, Yi-Jun Li, Yu Zhang, Rui Xia, Ying Li, Zi Luo, Ning-Bo Zhao
Ning-Bo Zhao, Zi Luo, Ying Li, Yu Zhang, Yi-Jun Li, Department of Ultrasound, National Clinical Research Centre for Infectious Disease, Shenzhen Third People’s Hospital, The Second Hospital Affiliated With The Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518112, Guangdong Province, China
Rui Xia, Department of Thyroid and Hernia Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510000, Guangdong Province, China
Dong Zhao, Department of Liver Surgery and Organ Transplantation Center, Shenzhen Third People’s Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518112, Guangdong Province, China
Author contributions: Zhao NB and Zhao D were responsible for provision of study materials or patients, data analysis and interpretation; Zhao NB, Luo Z, Li Y, Xia R, Zhang Y, Li YJ were responsible for collection and assembly of data; Zhao D was responsible for conception, design, and administrative support; Zhao NB, Luo Z, Li Y, Xia R, Zhang Y, Li YJ, and Zhao D were responsible for manuscript writing; all of the authors read and approved the final version of the manuscript to be published.
Supported by The Shenzhen Science and Technology Research and Development Fund, No. JCYJ20220530163011026 and No. JCYJ20210324131809027; and The Shenzhen Medical Key Discipline Project, No. G2021008 and No. G2022008.
Conflict-of-interest statement: The authors have no conflict-of-interest to report.
Corresponding author: Dong Zhao, MD, Doctor, Chief Doctor, Professor, Department of Liver Surgery and Organ Transplantation Center, Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, No. 29 Bulan Road, Longgang District, Shenzhen 518112, Guangdong Province, China. zdong1233@126.com
Received: August 14, 2024
Revised: January 9, 2025
Accepted: January 18, 2025
Published online: June 18, 2025
Processing time: 190 Days and 21.6 Hours
Core Tip

Core Tip: Clinical manifestations of hepatic vein complications are often subtle and nonspecific. Signs may initially present as mild abnormalities in liver function, delayed recovery of liver function, unexplained ascites, and perineal edema. Prolonged duration of these complications can lead to hepatic sinusoidal dilatation and eventual liver failure due to prolonged hepatic congestion. Ultrasonography has become the preferred imaging modality for post-liver transplant evaluation. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound that visualizes the filling of contrast agent in the hepatic veins and dynamically displays blood flow perfusion information in the drainage area can, however, significantly improve diagnostic confidence and provide additional information beyond routine ultrasound examination.