Sonographic Diagnosis and Outcome of Hepatic Artery Thrombosis After Orthotopic Liver Transplantation in Adults

Abstract

Hepatic artery thrombosis is uncommon after liver transplantation in adults. Sonography is extremely sensitive for the detection of hepatic artery thrombosis in symptomatic patients during the immediate postoperative period. Sonography becomes less sensitive as the interval between transplantation and diagnosis of hepatic artery thrombosis increases due to collateral arterial flow. Patients with irreversible hepatic artery thrombosis typically develop interval arterial collaterals that can be seen on sonography. Biliary and septic complications are common but usually are self-limited.