Transcatheter arterial embolization for subcapsular hematoma of the liver

This study aimed to evaluate the technical and clinical success rates of transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) for subcapsular hematoma of the liver.

Between January 2010 and March 2022, 34 patients underwent TAE for subcapsular hematomas of the liver. The causes of subcapsular hematoma were liver tumor rupture (n = 12), trauma (n = 12), iatrogenic complications (n = 9), and spontaneous bleeding (n = 1). The technical and clinical success rates of TAE, blood test results after TAE and additional treatments were evaluated. The patients were divided into either with or without retrograde segmental or lobar portal venous flow on angiography. Technical and clinical success rates and blood test results after TAE were compared between the two groups.

Technical and clinical success rates were 94.1% and 73.5%, respectively. Six patients died within one month of TAE. A repeat TAE was performed in three patients. Surgical removal and hemostasis for subcapsular hematoma were done in four patients. One patient had liver failure. The retrograde portal venous flow was observed in 18 patients. The difference in technical and clinical success rates and blood test results after TAE between the two groups was statistically insignificant.

TAE is an effective and safe treatment for subcapsular hematomas of the liver. The success rates of TAE and liver damage due to TAE did not differ between patients with and without retrograde portal venous flow.