Unusual presentations of nonmycotic hepatic artery pseudoaneurysms after liver transplantation

Abstract

The clinical presentation and causes of hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm vary widely in the postoperative liver transplant recipient, although infection is the most common cause. Although uncommon, hepatic artery complications continue to be an important source of morbidity in liver transplant recipients. Thrombosis, stenosis, and pseudoaneurysm formation are the most common posttransplantation arterial complications. Pseudoaneurysms are most commonly mycotic in origin. Prompt recognition of hepatic artery pseudoaneurysms with aggressive intervention (both surgical and angiographic) may decrease the morbidity associated with this rare clinical entity. The records of 263 consecutive patients who underwent orthotopic liver transplantation between 1991 and 1996 were reviewed retrospectively and assessed for hepatic artery complications. Two patients (0.7%) developed hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm, neither associated with infection. Both patients required operative repair and are doing well without vascular complications at a mean follow-up of 22.5 months. The clinical presentation and causes of hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm vary widely in the postoperative liver transplant recipient. Prompt recognition of hepatic artery pseudoaneurysms with aggressive intervention (both surgical and angiographic) may decrease the morbidity associated with this rare clinical entity.