Magnetic resonance venography and liver transplant complications.

Abstract

Hepatic vein stenosis is a rare but serious complication following liver transplantation. Multiple modalities can be utilized to image the hepatic vasculature. Magnetic resonance venography (MRV) provides certain advantages over ultrasound, computed tomography angiography and digital subtraction venography. MRV utilizes the same imaging principles of magnetic resonance angiography in order to image the venous system. Blood pool contrast agents, specifically gadofosveset trisodium, allow for steady state imaging up to 1 h following injection, with improved visualisation of vital venous structures by utilising delayed steady state imaging. Additionally, the inherent physics properties of magnetic resonance imaging also provide excellent soft tissue detail and thus help define the extent of complications that often plague the post-liver transplant patient. This case report describes the use of gadofosveset trisodium in a patient with hepatic venous stenosis following liver transplantation. Initial venography failed to outline the stenoses and thus MRV using a blood pool contrast agent was utilised in order to delineate the anatomy and plan a therapeutic endovascular procedure.

• Authors: Evgeny Strovski, Dave Liu, Charles Scudamore, Stephen Ho, Eric Yoshida, Darren Klass
• Journal: World journal of gastroenterology (World J Gastroenterol) Vol. 19 Issue 36 Pg. 6110-3 (Sep 28 2013) ISSN: 2219-2840 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 24106414 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Contrast Media
• Organometallic Compounds
• Gadolinium
• gadofosveset trisodium

Topics

• Angiography, Digital Subtraction
• Angioplasty, Balloon
• Constriction, Pathologic
• Contrast Media
• Female
• Gadolinium
• Hepatic Veins (diagnostic imaging, pathology)
• Humans
• Liver Transplantation (adverse effects)
• Magnetic Resonance Angiography
• Middle Aged
• Organometallic Compounds
• Phlebography (methods)
• Predictive Value of Tests
• Treatment Outcome
• Vascular Diseases (diagnosis, diagnostic imaging, etiology, pathology, therapy)
• Vena Cava, Inferior (diagnostic imaging, pathology)