Evaluation of Liver Transplant using Ultrasonography

Abstract

Ultrasonography is the initial imaging modality of choice for detection and follow-up of early and delayed complications in liver transplantation (vascular complications, biliary complications, parenchymal abnormality, collections and ascites). In this study the main objective to show that the ultrasonography has big role in evaluation of liver transplantation because it is safe for patient without radiation hazard as CT or arteriograms and it has ability to detect the blood flow in real time by color Doppler scan. This study was conducted in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, in the ultrasound department of King Fahad Specialist Hospital. This is cross sectional study carried out during the period from September 2019 to November 2019.The study was classified and analyzed by statistical package social science. The analysis of the results showed from 100 patients with clinical history of post transplantation of liver, adult patients their age above 16 years and pediatric patients below 16 years. The study evaluate the success of operation by using Doppler and gray scale sonography, mainly measure portal vein velocities and hepatic artery resistive index. Also evaluate the complications such as collections and vascular and biliary obstruction. The study results showed most of patients done liver transplant were males and old ages (more than 50 years).The blood vessels were patent in most of cases (97% of hepatic artery, 83% of portal vein, and 100% of hepatic veins). The velocities of portal vein showed normal velocities(less than 50 cm/s) in most times of evaluation. The resistive index of hepatic artery was normal (RI 0.66 – 0.76) in most times of evaluation. The study concluded that ultrasound has a great value in increasing accuracy of evaluation the liver transplant and prevent failed operation or deterioration of patients because of complications. The study recommended that the service of the ultrasound department in hospitals must be available 24 hours because intra operative transplant ultrasound an urgent case and flow up scans should be within adequate times, adequate and good sonographic technique with advance Doppler machines should be available for scanning.