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Abdominal CT following liver transplantation
1Department of Radiology, University of California-UCSF Medical Center, San Francisco 94143-0628.
Gastrointestinal Radiology
|January 1, 1992
Summary
Computed tomography (CT) aids in detecting complications after liver transplants, primarily identifying fluid collections like bile leaks, hemorrhage, or abscesses to guide drainage.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Transplant Surgery
- Abdominal Imaging
Background:
- Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) requires vigilant post-operative monitoring for complications.
- Computed tomography (CT) is a key imaging tool in assessing OLT recipients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the indications and findings of abdominal CT scans in liver transplant patients.
- To determine the incidence of various CT findings post-OLT.
- To illustrate the spectrum of CT features associated with OLT complications.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of abdominal CT scans from 92 (48%) of the first 190 OLT patients.
- Analysis of CT findings and their correlation with clinical indications.
Main Results:
- The primary indication for CT (70%) was the detection of abnormal fluid collections.
- Common findings included bile leakage, hemorrhage, and abscess formation.
- CT effectively identified these collections and guided percutaneous drainage procedures.
Conclusions:
- Abdominal CT is crucial for diagnosing complications following orthotopic liver transplantation.
- CT plays a vital role in identifying and managing post-transplant fluid collections.
- Understanding CT features is essential for effective patient management after liver transplantation.