Original Article
Rupture of hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm after liver transplantation: a report of three patients
Xie Zhantao, Zhao Huibo, Wang Weiwei, Yuan Zhenhua, Chen Yongfeng, Sun Jianjun, Wei Sidong, Chen Guoyong
Published 2020-03-28
Cite as Chin J Hepatobiliary Surg, 2020,26(03): 180-182. DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.issn.1007-8118.2020.03.006
Abstract
ObjectiveTo report on 3 patients who presented with rupture of hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm after liver transplantation.
MethodsFrom April 2010 to April 2019, 3 patients with hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm rupture after liver transplantation treated at the Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Henan Provincial People's Hospital were studied. The possible causes, clinical manifestations, diagnosis and treatment were retrospectively analyzed.
ResultsRupture of hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm occurred on the19th, 28th and 63th days after transplantation. The 3 patients all presented with hematochezia and abdominal pain, while 2 patients presented with hematemesis. Two patients had bile leakage and abdominal infection. All the 3 patients presented with fever. Patient 1 who was diagnosed by laparotomy died of liver failure. Patient 2 underwent interventional embolization of hepatic artery and died of liver failure also. Patient 3 underwent surgical resection of the pseudoaneurysm followed by hepatic artery reconstruction, but died of repeat abdominal hemorrhage.
ConclusionHepatic artery pseudoaneurysm after liver transplantation has a long latent period and is difficult to diagnose at an early stage. Early detection of this life-threatening complication is the key to improve survival. Early treatment of biliary leakage, abdominal infection and other complications help to prevent development of pseudoaneurysms.
Key words:
Liver transplantation; Pseudoaneurysm; Abdominal infection
Contributor Information
Xie Zhantao
Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou 450003, China
Zhao Huibo
Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou 450003, China
Wang Weiwei
Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou 450003, China
Yuan Zhenhua
Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou 450003, China
Chen Yongfeng
Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou 450003, China
Sun Jianjun
Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou 450003, China
Wei Sidong
Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou 450003, China
Chen Guoyong
Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou 450003, China