Radiology in liver transplantation

• Published in: Seminars in ultrasound, CT, and MRI CT, and MRI, 2002-02, Vol.23 (1), p.114-129
• Main Authors: García-Criado, Angeles, Gilabert, Rosa, Bargalló, Xavier, Brú, Concepció
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biliary Tract - diagnostic imaging; Biological and medical sciences; Diagnostic Imaging; Digestive system; Graft Rejection - diagnosis; Hepatic Artery - diagnostic imaging; Hepatic Artery - pathology; Hepatic Veins - diagnostic imaging; Hepatic Veins - pathology; Humans; Investigative techniques, diagnostic techniques (general aspects); Liver - diagnostic imaging; Liver - pathology; Liver Transplantation - adverse effects; Liver, biliary tract, pancreas, portal circulation, spleen; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Medical sciences; Patient Selection; Portal Vein - diagnostic imaging; Portal Vein - pathology; Postoperative Complications - diagnosis; Radiodiagnosis. Nmr imagery. Nmr spectrometry; Surgery (general aspects). Transplantations, organ and tissue grafts. Graft diseases; Surgery of the digestive system; Tissue Donors; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color; Vena Cava, Inferior - diagnostic imaging; Vena Cava, Inferior - pathology
• ISSN: 0887-2171; 1558-5034
• DOI: 10.1016/S0887-2171(02)90032-6

Imaging studies are becoming essential in the management of orthotopic liver transplantation (LT). They have a very important role in the preoperative evaluation and selection of suitable candidates. At the same time, they are essential in the early detection of postoperative complications, the recognition of which allows the prompt institution of appropriate therapeutic measures. Timely recognition of complications improves the success of LT; furthermore, some complications can be treated with interventional radiologic procedures, avoiding additional surgery. This article reviews the current application of diagnostic and interventional imaging in liver transplantation, both for cadaveric and living donor transplants.