Multidetector CT in pre- and post-operative evaluation of living-related liver transplantation

ObjectiveTo assess the role of multi-detector CT (MDCT) in the pre and post operative evaluation of both potential donors and recipients for living related liver transplantation (LRLT).Material and MethodsThis prospective study included 26 patients for LRLT and their corresponding donors. For preoperative assessment, all subjects were evaluated by triphasic CT abdomen. CT angiography (CTA) with 3D reconstruction and CT volumetry was additionally done for donors. CT findings were compared to surgical results as gold standard reference. In post-operative evaluation, CT abdomen was performed at least once after transplantation for all recipients and for indicated donors. CTA was done for indicated recipients when US findings were inconclusive.ResultsNo statistically significant difference was found between CT volumetry and intraoperative findings. Compared to surgical findings, MDCT identified hepatic arterial and portal venous anatomy with 100% sensitivity and specificity, while for hepatic venous anatomy; it showed sensitivity and specificity of 85.7% and 84.2%. Biliary complications and fluid collections were the commonest in recipients and donors respectively.ConclusionMDCT is a single comprehensive non-invasive and accurate imaging modality for preoperative evaluation of liver parenchyma, hepatic vascular anatomy and graft volume and postoperative complications in donors and recipients of LRLT.