Use of imaging for living donor liver transplantation

Abstract

Living donor liver transplantation is emerging as an alternative to cadaveric liver transplantation. The authors present multimodality images obtained in 44 cases of living donor liver transplantation. The images in this article were derived from the pre-, intra-, and postoperative imaging protocol for their institutional transplantation program. Preoperative magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in the donor allows detection of focal liver lesions and accurate determination of liver volume. The latter is crucial to ensure adequate postoperative liver function for donors and recipients. MR cholangiography depicts donor biliary anatomy. MR angiography and digital subtraction arteriography are performed to assess vascular anatomy. Intraoperative ultrasonography (US) helps determine the resection plane during donor hepatectomy. Postoperative MR imaging documents liver regrowth. MR imaging, US, and computed tomography help assess complications in donors and recipients.