Imaging of the post –transplant liver: an overview

Abstract

Liver transplant is the ultimate treatment available for end-stage chronic liver disease, secondary to the high prevalence of chronic hepatitis. The liver donated for transplant may either be obtained from a living or deceased donor. Although the surgical anastomotic points for both are different owing to the necessary differences of tissues taken from the deceased and the living, the general complications remain the same with broad categorisation into parenchymal, vascular and biliary complications apart from the general surgical complications inherent to any surgery. This makes it relatively easier to screen the sites for focussed post- transplant imaging. As hepatic imaging plays a crucial role in the evaluation of hepatic parenchyma and its vascular and biliary connections, the current overview was planned to summarise the key imaging features to be looked for in the evaluation of a transplanted liver. Ultrasound, including Doppler scan, remains the main investigation with additional information from contrast- enhanced computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging or angiography for detailed hepatic arterial, vena cava and/or portal vein complications.

Key Words: Liver transplant, Living donor, Deceased donor, Anastomoses, Post-transplant imaging.