Imaging follow-up after liver transplantation

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Hepatology
• Transplant Surgery

Background:

• Liver transplantation (LT) is the optimal treatment for end-stage liver disease, acute liver failure, and early hepatocellular carcinoma.
• Radiologists play a crucial role in post-LT care by identifying normal anatomy and detecting complications.
• Understanding surgical techniques is essential for accurate interpretation of imaging findings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the main surgical anastomoses performed during liver transplantation.
• To describe the normal imaging appearance of the transplanted liver and its associated structures.
• To highlight common vascular and biliary complications following liver transplantation.

Main Methods:

• Review of surgical techniques in liver transplantation.
• Illustrative examples of imaging findings (ultrasound, CT, MRI) in post-LT patients.
• Discussion of normal post-operative imaging appearance and pathological changes.

Main Results:

• Imaging modalities like ultrasound, CT, and MR are effective in detecting vascular and biliary complications after LT.
• The role of imaging in evaluating graft rejection and primary dysfunction requires further definition.
• Familiarity with surgical anastomoses aids in distinguishing normal from abnormal post-transplant imaging.

Conclusions:

• Radiologists must be knowledgeable about LT surgical techniques to interpret imaging accurately.
• Imaging is vital for detecting vascular and biliary complications, though its role in rejection and dysfunction is less established.
• This review provides a guide to normal post-LT imaging and common complications.