MR imaging in hepatic transplantation

This article reviews the utility of MR imaging in the evaluation of liver transplantation. Issues related to the prospective transplant donor and recipient, such as inclusion and exclusion criteria, indications and contraindications, and imaging of donor anatomy and recipient pathology, are discussed. Post-transplantation complications and their imaging features are reviewed, with emphasis on the use of MR arteriography, venography, and cholangiography. MR is a single, noninvasive examination that allows a comprehensive investigation of anatomic and pathologic features in pre- and postoperative liver transplant patients, and may eventually replace many, if not all, of the numerous diagnostic examinations performed in this patient population.