Imaging of hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence after liver transplantation.

Liver transplantation (LT) provides the highest survival benefit to patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The Milan criteria have been developed for the selection of LT candidates with the goal of improving survival and maintaining an acceptable risk of HCC recurrence. Despite this, recurrence of HCC after LT occurs in up to 20% of cases and represents a major concern due to the poor prognosis of these patients. Furthermore, several extended criteria for the selection of LT candidates have been proposed to account for the growing demand for organs and the resultant increase in the risk of HCC recurrence. Radiologists should be aware that HCC can recur after LT with multiple organ involvement. Knowledge of the location and radiologic appearance of recurrent HCC is necessary to ensure the choice of the most appropriate therapy. This paper aims to comprehensively summarize the spectrum of HCC recurrence after LT and to examine and discuss the imaging features of these lesions. CRITICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: This paper aims to share a review of imaging findings of HCC recurrence after LT and to make radiologists familiar with the spectrum of this disease.

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) complications: what diagnostic radiologists should know.

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is an effective therapy for portal hypertension complications and can successfully treat variceal bleeding and refractory ascites. Although TIPS is relatively safe, procedural- or shunt-related morbidity can reach 20%, and procedural complications have a fatality rate of 2%. Delayed recognition and treatment of TIPS complications can lead to life-threatening clinical scenarios. Complications can vary from stent migration or malpositioning to nontarget organ injury, TIPS dysfunction, encephalopathy, or liver failure. This review aims to outline the role of diagnostic radiology in assessing post-TIPS complications.

Case 306: Ectopic Thyroid Goiter in the Porta Hepatis.

HISTORY: A 61-year-old woman was admitted to our institution to characterize an incidentally found mass in the porta hepatis. An episode of pulmonary embolism (18 months ago) and a pulmonary abscess (15 months ago) were reported. The patient had no history of known liver disease, previous cancer diagnosis, or trauma. She underwent total thyroidectomy for goiter several years ago, with initial iatrogenic hypothyroidism treated with levo-thyroxine hormone replacement therapy. During follow-up, this therapy was adjusted (50 µg per day) to induce euthyroidism and to achieve a target serum thyroid-stimulating hormone concentration of 1-2 mIU/L. Physical examination findings were unremarkable. Admission laboratory data were entirely normal, including tumor markers, such as carcinoembryonic antigen and carbohydrate antigen 19-9. Unenhanced and multiphasic contrast-enhanced CT imaging was performed in arterial, portal venous, and delayed (3 minutes after injection) phases. Axial and coronal maximum intensity projection reconstructed CT images were obtained in the arterial and portal venous phases. Because of the imaging findings of the mass in the porta hepatis and concerns about malignancy, the patient underwent endoscopy. Therefore, endoscopic US-guided fine-needle biopsy was performed in the same session. The patient also underwent whole-body iodine 131 (131I) scintigraphy.

Case 306.

HISTORY: A 61-year-old woman was admitted to our institution to characterize an incidentally found mass in the porta hepatis. An episode of pulmonary embolism (18 months ago) and a pulmonary abscess (15 months ago) were reported. The patient had no history of known liver disease, previous cancer diagnosis, or trauma. She underwent total thyroidectomy for goiter several years ago, with initial iatrogenic hypothyroidism treated with levo-thyroxine hormone replacement therapy. During follow-up, this therapy was adjusted (50 µg per day) to induce euthyroidism and to achieve a target serum thyroid-stimulating hormone concentration of 1-2 mIU/L. Physical examination findings were unremarkable. Admission laboratory data were entirely normal, including tumor markers, such as carcinoembryonic antigen and carbohydrate antigen 19-9. Unenhanced (Fig 1) and multiphasic contrast-enhanced CT imaging was performed in arterial (Fig 2A), portal venous (Fig 2B), and delayed (3 minutes after injection) (Fig 2C) phases. Axial and coronal maximum intensity projection reconstructed CT images were obtained in the arterial (Fig 3) and portal venous (Fig 4) phases. Because of the imaging findings of the mass in the porta hepatis and concerns about malignancy, the patient underwent endoscopy. Therefore, endoscopic US-guided fine-needle biopsy was performed in the same session. The patient also underwent whole-body iodine 131 scintigraphy (Fig 5).

Imaging of calcified hepatic lesions: spectrum of diseases.

Hepatic calcifications have been increasingly identified over the past decade due to the widespread use of high-resolution Computed Tomography (CT) imaging. Calcifications can be seen in a vast spectrum of common and uncommon diseases, from benign to malignant, including cystic lesions, solid neoplastic masses, and inflammatory focal lesions. The purpose of this paper is to present an updated review of CT imaging findings of a wide range of calcified hepatic focal lesions, which can help radiologists to narrow the differential diagnosis.

Multimodality imaging of the Meso-Rex bypass.

Extrahepatic portal vein obstruction (EHPVO) is the most common cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in children. It is defined as thrombosis of the extrahepatic portal vein with or without extension to the intrahepatic portal veins. The Meso-Rex shunt is the gold standard treatment in children with favorable anatomy since it restores physiological portal liver reperfusion. This is achieved by rerouting the splanchnic venous blood through an autologous graft from the superior mesenteric vein (SMV) into the Rex recess of the left portal vein, curing portal hypertension by doing so. General and hepatobiliary radiologists must be familiar with multimodality imaging appearances of EHPVO and with the role of imaging in identifying suitable candidates for Meso-Rex bypass surgery. Imaging might also detect complications of this procedure, some of which might be treated via interventional radiology.

Guillain-Barré syndrome after orthotopic liver transplantation: A clinical manifestation of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome?

Guillain-Barrè Syndrome, as part of the spectrum of dysimmune neuropathies, is unexpected to occur in immunocompromised hosts. We describe a clinical case of Guillain-Barrè syndrome, occurred a few weeks after a liver transplant, and we postulate that our case would satisfy all requirements to explain this peripheral nervous system complication as a clinical manifestation of an Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome. In this setting of liver transplantation, complicated by potentially multiple infective triggers, reduction of immunosuppression and reversal of pathogen-induced immunosuppression, through antimicrobial therapy, may have led to pro-inflammatory response. The pro-inflammatory pattern would have sustained the pathophysiologic mechanism of this immune neuropathy.

Intrahepatic mass-forming cholangiocarcinoma: enhancement pattern on Gd-BOPTA-MRI with emphasis of hepatobiliary phase.

PURPOSE: To describe the Gd-BOPTA MRI findings of intrahepatic mass-forming type cholangiocarcinomas (IMCs), with emphasis on the hepatobiliary phase (HBP). METHODS: We reviewed retrospectively 29 IMC patients who underwent Gd-BOPTA-MRI between June, 2004 and June, 2014. Images were acquired prior to, and after, administration of 15-20 mL of Gd-BOPTA in the dynamic phase (arterial phase, portal venous phase, and 3-5 min phase), 10-15-min late phase, and 2-3 h HBP phase. RESULTS: In the dynamic phase, 27 (93%) lesions showed a peripheral rim-like enhancement in the arterial and portal venous phases, followed by progressive filling-in on the delayed images. In 14 (56%) cases, a hypointense peripheral rim was identified in the 10-15-min late phase, delineating a target pattern. In the HBP, the cholangiocarcinoma showed a diffuse, mainly central and inhomogeneous enhancement (cloud of enhancement) in 28 (96%) patients; in 23 (79%) cases, there was an association between cloud appearance and a hypointense peripheral rim, showing a target pattern. CONCLUSIONS: Gd-BOPTA MRI pattern of IMC on dynamic study is similar to that of conventional extracellular agents, that is peripheral enhancement with progressive and concentric filling of contrast material on delayed phases. At 10-15 min delayed phases, IMC shows often a peripheral hypointense rim consistent with a target appearance. In the HBP, due to progressive central enhancement (cloud) and peripheral hypointense rim, an higher number of tumors show a target appearance; this pattern is not specific and would also be expected to be seen in metastases from adenocarcinoma.

Natural course of extrahepatic nonmalignant partial portal vein thrombosis in patients with cirrhosis.

PURPOSE: To define the natural course of extrahepatic nonmalignant partial portal vein thrombosis (PVT), including the progression from partial to complete PVT, in patients with cirrhosis who had undergone multidetector computed tomography (CT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was institutional review board and ethics committee approved. Written informed consent was obtained for each procedure. Forty-two consecutive patients with cirrhosis and untreated extrahepatic, nonmalignant partial PVT were followed up until the final clinical evaluation, liver transplantation, or death. Multidetector CT was used to evaluate the thrombus lumen occlusion, patent lumen area, thrombus area, total lumen area, and diameter of main portal vein, superior mesenteric vein, and splenic vein. Statistical analysis was performed with the Wilcoxon Mann-Whitney U test, χ2 test, Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank test, life-table analysis, Kaplan-Meier method, and log-rank test, as appropriate. RESULTS: After a mean follow-up period of 27 months, partial PVT worsened in 20 (48%) patients, improved in 19 (45%), and was stable in three (7%). The Kaplan-Meier probability of episodes of hepatic decompensation at 1 and 2 years was 41% and 57%; probability of hospital admission for hepatic decompensation, 37% and 54%; and survival rates, 77% and 57%, respectively. There was no clear association between progression or regression of partial PVT and clinical outcome. Multivariate analysis showed that the Child-Pugh score at diagnosis was the only independent predictor of survival (hazard ratio, 1.97; 95% confidence interval: 1.19, 3.23; P=.007) and hepatic decompensation (hazard ratio, 1.51; 95% confidence interval: 1.18, 1.19; P=.001). CONCLUSION: Extrahepatic nonmalignant partial PVT improved spontaneously in 45% of patients with cirrhosis, and the progression of partial PVT was not associated with clinical outcome, which appeared to be dependent on the severity of cirrhosis.

Multidisciplinary imaging of liver hydatidosis.

Liver hydatidosis is a parasitic endemic disease affecting extensive areas in our planet, a significant stigma within medicine to manage because of its incidence, possible complications, and diagnostic involvements. The diagnosis of liver hydatidosis should be as fast as possible because of the relevant complications that may arise with disease progression, involving multiple organs and neighboring structures causing disruption, migration, contamination. The aim of this essay is to illustrate the role of imaging as ultrasonography (US), multi detector row computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the evaluation of liver hydatidosis: the diagnosis, the assessment of extension, the identification of possible complications and the monitoring the response to therapy. US is the screening method of choice. Computed tomography (CT) is indicated in cases in which US is inadequate and has high sensitivity and specificity for calcified hydatid cysts. Magnetic resonance is the best imaging procedure to demonstrate a cystic component and to show a biliary tree involvement. Diagnostic tests such as CT and MRI are mandatory in liver hydatidosis because they allow thorough knowledge regarding lesion size, location, and relations to intrahepatic vascular and biliary structures, providing useful information for effective treatment and decrease in post-operative morbidity. Hydatid disease is classified into four types on the basis of their radiologic appearance.

Thoracic complications following lung transplantation: 64-MDCT findings.

The aim of this review is to present the wide spectrum of common and uncommon thoracic complications that can affect the lung after transplantation. These complications were analyzed using 64 multi-detector row helical CT (MDCT). Sixty-four MDCT techniques and parameters are illustrated. Correlations of imaging findings and pathologic and histologic specimens obtained by transbronchial biopsy and broncoalveolar lavage are illustrated in representative cases.

Short- and long-term effects of the transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt on portal vein thrombosis in patients with cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) negatively impacts the prognosis in patients with cirrhosis. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effects of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) placement in patients with cirrhosis complicated by PVT. METHODS: Seventy consecutive cirrhotic patients with non-tumoural PVT treated with TIPS for portal hypertension complications from January 2003 to February 2010 in a tertiary-care centre were followed until last clinical evaluation, liver transplantation, or death. RESULTS: TIPS was successfully placed without major procedure-related complications. After TIPS, the portal venous system was completely recanalised in 57% of patients, a marked decrease in thrombosis was observed in 30%, and no improvement was seen in 13%. 95% of patients with complete recanalisation after TIPS maintained a patent portal vein. Predictors of complete recanalisation were a less severe and extensive PVT, de novo diagnosis of PVT, and absence of gastro-oesophageal varices. At follow-up, 1 patient had recurrence of bleeding, and 2 had spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. The rate of TIPS dysfunction at 12 and 24 months was 38% and 85% for bare stent and 21% and 29% for covered stent (p = 0.001), respectively. Occurrence of encephalopathy at 12 and 24 months was 27% and 32%, respectively. Fifteen patients underwent liver transplantation. Survival at 1, 12 and 24 months was 99%, 89% and 81%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Long-term outcome of non-tumoural PVT in patients with cirrhosis treated with TIPS placement is excellent. Prospective randomised studies should investigate whether TIPS placement is the best therapeutic option in patients with cirrhosis who develops non-tumoural PVT.

Percutaneous endovascular treatment of hepatic artery stenosis in adult and pediatric patients after liver transplantation.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of percutaneous endovascular techniques for the treatment of hepatic artery stenosis (HAS) occurring after liver transplantation (LT) in adult and pediatrics patients. From February 2003 to March 2009, 25 patients (15 adults and 10 children) whose developed HAS after LT were referred to our interventional radiology unit. Technical success was achieved in 96% (24 of 25) of patients. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) was performed in 13 patients (7 children), and stenting was performed in 11 patients (2 children). After the procedure, all patients were followed-up with liver function tests, Doppler ultrasound, and/or computed tomography. Mean follow-up was 15.8 months (range 5 days to 58 months). Acute hepatic artery thrombosis occurred immediately after stent deployment in 2 patients and was successfully treated with local thrombolysis. One patient developed severe HA spasm, which reverted after 24 h. After the procedure, mean trans-stenotic pressure gradient decreased from 30.5 to 6.2 mmHg. Kaplan-Meyer curve of HA primary patency was 77% at 1 and 2 years. During the follow-up period, 5 patients (20%) had recurrent stenosis, and 2 patients (8.3%) had late thrombosis. Two of 7 patients with stenosis/thrombosis underwent surgical revascularization (n = 1) and liver retransplantation (n = 1). Six (25%) patients died during follow-up, but overall mortality was not significantly different when comparing patients having patent hepatic arteries with those having recurrent stenosis/thrombosis. There were no significant differences in recurrent stenosis/thrombosis and mortality comparing patients treated by PTA versus stenting and comparing adult versus pediatric status. Percutaneous interventional treatment of HAS in LT recipients is safe and effective and decreases the need for surgical revascularization and liver retransplantation. However, the beneficial effects for survival are not clear, probably because the clinical complexity of many of these cases.

Gastric duplication associated with pancreas divisum diagnosed by a multidisciplinary approach before surgery.

We report a unique case of communicating gastric duplication associated with pancreas divisum, diagnosed with a multidisciplinary approach, including X-rays, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, esophagogastroduodenoscopy, ultrasound endoscopy and histology. We believe that this approach constitutes a fuller diagnostic evaluation, resulting in better and safer surgery.

Focal liver diseases in neonatal and pediatric liver transplant candidates: a pictorial essay.

The aim of this review is to present the wide spectrum of common and uncommon focal liver diseases affecting neonatal and pediatric liver transplant candidates, analyzed using ultrasonography (US), 16- or 64-multidetector row helical CT (MDCT) and 1.5-T magnetic resonance (MR) fast imaging. Correlation of imaging findings and explanted liver or histology is illustrated in representative cases. Associated uncommon congenital anomalies are shown.

Multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) for the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma in cirrhotic candidates for liver transplantation: prevalence of radiological vascular patterns and histological correlation with liver explants.

AIM: To define the prevalence of different multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) vascular patterns and their histopathological correlation with liver explants, and to evaluate the accuracy of MDCT for the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 125 cirrhotic patients imaged by MDCT before liver transplantation. Three main vascular patterns were identified: hypervascular lesion with washout (Hyper-L-Wo), hypervascular lesion without washout (Hyper-L) and non-hypervascular lesion (Hypo-L). Radiological findings were matched with histopathology of explants. RESULTS: Positive predictive value (PPV) and likelihood ratio (LR) were 95% and 18.66, respectively, for Hyper-L-Wo; 45% and 0.82 for Hyper-L; and 75% and 3 for Hypo-L of 20 mm or larger. Overall accuracy of MDCT for detection and characterisation of HCC was 89% and 43%, respectively. Sensitivity of MDCT for detection and characterisation was related to the lesion size, ranging from 78% (lesion smaller than 10 mm) to 98% (larger than 20 mm) and from 9% to 64%, respectively. MDCT established the accurate stage of disease in 46% of the patients, underestimated in 52% and overestimated in 2%. CONCLUSION: In cirrhotic patients, any Hyper-L-Wo detected by MDCT can be confidently considered to be HCC. Hyper-L larger than 10 mm and Hypo-L of 20 mm or larger are at high risk of HCC. However, even using MDCT and the newest imaging protocols, imaging underestimated the diagnosis of small HCC.

Diffuse liver diseases in neonatal and pediatric liver transplant candidates: a pictorial essay.

A wide spectrum of common and uncommon diffuse liver diseases affecting neonatal and pediatric liver transplant candidates is presented and analyzed using 16 and 64 multi-detector row helical CT (MDCT) and 1.5 T MRI fast imaging. Correlation of imaging findings and explanted liver or histology is illustrated in representative cases. Associated uncommon congenital anomalies are shown. In conclusion, in pediatric liver transplant candidates, 16-MDCT and 1.5 T fast MRI are useful for diagnosis and staging of liver disease, as well as for the evaluation of associated congenital anomalies.

Air around the pulmonary vein: an unusual finding in a patient with blunt thoracic trauma.

Traumatic thoracic injuries and related complications have a mortality of 15.5-25%. We present a case of a 30-year-old with blunt thoracic trauma, massive edema of the lung, and laceration of the middle lobe, associated with air around the pulmonary vein, evaluated with multidetector computed tomography. To the best of our knowledge, air around the pulmonary vein has not been previously described in the literature.

Multidetector computed tomography hepatic findings in children with end-stage biliary atresia.

OBJECTIVES: To illustrate the multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) findings in patients with end-stage biliary atresia (BA). METHODS: The study group consists of 45 consecutive patients with BA who underwent MDCT before liver transplantation from February 2005 to February 2008. Mean age was 36 months, 24 patients were female, and 22 had undergone a previous Kasai procedure. RESULTS: MDCT detected a total of 15 hepatocellular nodules in 7 patients. Intrahepatic biliary cysts were detected in 14 patients and were significantly associated with a Kasai procedure. Intrahepatic porto-systemic shunts were found in 14 patients (31%), intrahepatic communicating vessels between hepatic veins were found in 24 patients (53%). Anatomical variants of hepatic artery were detected in 21 patients. Seven patients (15%) had portal vein thrombosis; in 12 cases (26%) portal vein diameter was 3 mm or less. CONCLUSION: MDCT can provide accurate morphological and vascular assessment of patients with end-stage biliary atresia and should be used for precise surgical planning. To the best of our knowledge this is one of the first studies to show the presence of numerous veno-venous communications in BA.