CT before and after liver transplantation

In our retrospective study, we evaluated the role of CT in cases of liver transplantation. 118 examinations (37 pre- and 81 post-operative) were carried out in 46 transplant recipients. Pre-operatively CT was used to exclude retro-peritoneal secondary lesions, although ultrasound was superior in the region of the porta hepatis. Patency of the portal vein can be established by means of duplex sonography and CT, portography is indicated only in exceptional circumstances. Post-operative complications (abscesses, hematomas, infarcts) can be demonstrated by CT. CT-guided fine needle biopsies and percutaneous drainage can be carried out post-operatively, even under difficult conditions. Liver cell necrosis, if extensive, represents a serious risk to transplant survival. CT may clarify this, while other problems and differential diagnosis may be solved by angiography. (orig.)