A review of the imaging and intervention of liver transplant complications

Liver transplantation has become a successful surgical solution to a variety of medical and oncological parenchymal liver diseases. As a result, these patients are being encountered more frequently within diagnostic imaging departments which may be remote from the transplant centre. Radiologists must therefore be proficient in identifying normal post-transplant anatomy which involves the anastomosis of four structures between the donor and recipient, namely the hepatic artery, the main portal vein, the retro-hepatic inferior vena cava and the extra-hepatic bile ducts. A number of potential complications can arise involving any or all of these structures, which can be potentially devastating and lead to graft failure. Radiologists must familiarise themselves with the normal post-operative appearances of liver transplantation and become competent in diagnosing post-transplant complications. Where possible, complications should be treated using interventional radiological techniques, thus avoiding the need for repeat surgical intervention or retransplantation.