Objective To introduce the imaging modalities used for the evaluation of postoperative complications of orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) and to present the imaging findings of these complications.
Methods The literatures related to the imaging methods and imaging manifestations of OLT complications were reviewed.
Results Ultrasound was the initial imaging technique used for the detection of complications in the early postoperative period. Spiral CT and MRI yielded more accurate and comprehensive evaluation of postoperative complications in later stage. So far, there had been no specific imaging findings to suggest rejection reaction. The spectrum of imaging manifestations of OLT complications, such as vascular complications, biliary complications, liver parenchymal complications, and so on, were summarized and illustrated.
Conclusion Imaging examination (especially ultrasound, spiral CT and MRI ) plays an important role in the evaluation of postoperative complications of OLT.
Citation: LI Wentao,SONG Bin. Imaging Evaluation of Complications of Orthotopic Liver Transplantation. CHINESE JOURNAL OF BASES AND CLINICS IN GENERAL SURGERY, 2004, 11(1): 76-81. doi: Copy