Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 7, 2026

Surgical Procedures for a Rat Model of Partial Orthotopic Liver Transplantation with Hepatic Arterial Reconstruction
18:47

Surgical Procedures for a Rat Model of Partial Orthotopic Liver Transplantation with Hepatic Arterial Reconstruction

Published on: March 7, 2013

37.3K

Hepatic Artery Atherosclerosis Is a Risk Factor for Biliary Strictures After Liver Transplantation

Paloma E Alañón-Martínez1, Marina Orti-Cuerva1, Ana Luque-López1

  • 1Department of Hepatology and Liver Transplantation, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, IMIBIC, Córdoba, Spain.

Liver International : Official Journal of the International Association for the Study of the Liver
|February 6, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Hepatic artery atherosclerosis in liver transplant recipients increases the risk of biliary strictures. Donation after circulatory death grafts also elevate this risk, highlighting key factors in post-transplant complications.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Transplant Surgery
  • Vascular Pathology

Background:

  • Aging donor/recipient populations and metabolic issues increase hepatic artery atherosclerosis risk.
  • Hepatic artery atherosclerosis compromises biliary epithelium blood supply.
  • This may elevate biliary stricture incidence post-liver transplantation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between hepatic artery atherosclerosis and biliary strictures.
  • To identify risk factors for biliary strictures after deceased donor liver transplantation.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort study of adult liver transplant recipients (2012-2023).
  • Blinded pathological evaluation of donor/recipient hepatic arteries for atherosclerosis.
  • Cox regression analysis to determine risk factors for biliary strictures.

Main Results:

  • Biliary complications occurred in 19.6% of patients; 14.3% developed strictures within 24 months.
  • Hepatic artery atherosclerosis (donor or recipient) significantly increased biliary stricture risk (17.6% vs. 9.8%).
  • Donation after circulatory death grafts showed a higher risk (23.6% vs. 12.5%) and were independent predictors of strictures.

Conclusions:

  • Perianastomotic hepatic artery atherosclerosis is common after deceased donor liver transplantation.
  • It is an independent predictor of biliary strictures, regardless of donation type.
  • Donation after circulatory death grafts are also associated with increased biliary stricture risk.
Abstract

Keywords:
atherosclerosishepatic arteryliver transplant

More Related Videos

Heterotopic Auxiliary Rat Liver Transplantation With Flow-regulated Portal Vein Arterialization in Acute Hepatic Failure16:19

Heterotopic Auxiliary Rat Liver Transplantation With Flow-regulated Portal Vein Arterialization in Acute Hepatic Failure

Published on: September 13, 2014

13.2K
Re-Arterialized Rat Partial Liver Transplantation with an in vivo Vessel-Oriented 70% Hepatectomy14:52

Re-Arterialized Rat Partial Liver Transplantation with an in vivo Vessel-Oriented 70% Hepatectomy

Published on: April 8, 2018

12.3K

Related Concept Videos

Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection01:26

Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection

The hosts' susceptibility to infection depends on several factors. The integrity of the skin and mucous membranes helps protect the body against microbial attacks. When the skin is altered, the chance of infection, limb loss, and even death increases.
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...
13.7K
Hepatic Drug Excretion: Influencing Factors01:16

Hepatic Drug Excretion: Influencing Factors

The biliary system of the liver, crucial for bile secretion and drug excretion, comprises intrahepatic bile ducts that merge to form the common hepatic duct. This duct, carrying hepatic bile, combines with the cystic duct, draining the gallbladder and forming the common bile duct, which empties into the duodenum. Bile, produced by hepatic cells lining the bile canaliculi, is composed primarily of water, bile salts, pigments, electrolytes, and lesser amounts of cholesterol and fatty acids. Bile...
592
Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction01:30

Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction

Esophageal strictures involve abnormal narrowing or tightening of the esophagus. They vary in length and severity, ranging from mild constriction to complete obstruction, and are classified as benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Etiology
The primary cause of esophageal strictures is long-standing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), accounting for about 70 to 80% of adult cases. Chronic acid reflux can lead to injury and scarring of the esophageal lining, culminating in...
884
Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Pathophysiologic Assessment and Liver Function Test01:22

Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Pathophysiologic Assessment and Liver Function Test

In clinical practice, the direct measurement of hepatic blood flow to evaluate liver function presents significant challenges due to the intricate and specialized nature of the necessary techniques. Consequently, healthcare professionals often rely on empirical estimates derived from thorough patient examinations and liver function tests to gauge liver health. Among the tools at their disposal, the Child–Pugh and MELD scoring systems stand out for their ability to categorize and assess...
206
Atherosclerosis III: Management01:26

Atherosclerosis III: Management

Management of atherosclerosis involves an integrated strategy encompassing pharmacological treatment, surgical interventions, lifestyle changes, and nutrition therapy to address the multifactorial nature of the disease.Pharmacological TherapyA cornerstone of atherosclerosis management is the use of pharmacological agents. Statins, such as atorvastatin, are pivotal in inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that catalyzes an initial step in cholesterol synthesis in the liver. This reduction in...
430
Atherosclerosis I: Introduction01:30

Atherosclerosis I: Introduction

Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder characterized by the buildup of plaques on the arterial inner wall, causing them to narrow and harden over time. These plaques comprise lipids, calcium, blood components, carbohydrates, and fibrous tissue. The process primarily affects the intima of large and medium-sized arteries, reducing blood flow in any artery.Etiology and risk factorsThe cause of atherosclerosis is multifactorial, involving a complex interplay among endothelial injury, lipid...
1.1K