[Dying with living donor transplantation]

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Gastroenterology
• Oncology

Background:

• Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic liver disease.
• PSC increases the risk of developing cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer).

Observation:

• A 42-year-old female with PSC developed cholangiocarcinoma, treated with surgery.
• She experienced recurrent bacterial cholangitis and cirrhosis over 15 years.
• A living donor liver transplant was performed, followed by severe complications.

Findings:

• The patient developed significant postoperative complications including biliary leak, sepsis, and abscesses.
• Despite a functioning transplanted liver lobe, the patient's condition deteriorated.
• The patient ultimately passed away due to complications of advanced liver disease and treatment.

Implications:

• This case underscores the aggressive nature of cholangiocarcinoma in PSC patients.
• It highlights the significant risks and potential for severe complications associated with living donor liver transplantation.
• Management of PSC and its complications requires multidisciplinary care and highlights the limitations of current treatments.