Preoperative vascular imaging in pediatric liver transplantation

A detailed Doppler examination of the hepatic vasculature by an experienced sonographer/radiologist provides sufficient vascular imaging for most children scheduled for cadaveric liver transplantation. Routine MRA is recommended in children with the biliary atresia splenic malformation syndrome and in those with abnormal duplex Doppler US findings. Although there are limited data in this study, MRA is also valuable in children with Budd-Chiari syndrome, liver tumors, or a previous portosystemic shunt.