Transplant Hepatic Artery Stenosis: Endovascular Treatment and Complications

Christopher Molvar1, Ross Ogilvie1, Deep Aggarwal1

  • 1Section of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Department of Radiology, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, Illinois.

Insights

Hepatic artery stenosis (HAS) after liver transplant is serious but treatable. Balloon angioplasty can cause major complications, sometimes needing surgery, impacting graft survival.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Transplant Surgery
  • Vascular Interventions

Background:

  • Hepatic artery stenosis (HAS) is a rare but serious liver transplant complication.
  • Untreated HAS can lead to hepatic artery thrombosis, biliary necrosis, and graft loss.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To present two cases of hepatic artery stenosis treated with balloon angioplasty.
  • To highlight major complications arising from this endovascular treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Diagnosis of HAS using Doppler ultrasound, CT angiography, and MR angiography.
  • Endovascular treatment involving balloon angioplasty +/- stent placement.

Main Results:

  • Balloon angioplasty led to major complications in both presented cases.
  • These complications necessitated further operative intervention.

Conclusions:

  • While endovascular treatment for HAS is generally safe and effective, major complications can occur.
  • Such complications can significantly jeopardize long-term liver graft survival, requiring surgical management.

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