Arterio-biliary fistula caused by a hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm in a recently performed liver transplant: successful resolution and long-term liver implant preservation using a covered coronary stent

Abstract

Background: The formation of a hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm in a liver implant is a rare but potentially fatal complication. Fistulization of such pseudoaneurysms into the bile duct is sporadic. The most common causes of hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm are infection at the anastomosis site, inadequate surgical technique, and an iatrogenic origin due to minimally invasive procedures. Currently, there is no standardized treatment in neither of these complications, with surgery and various endovascular procedures among the alternatives available. None of these therapeutic approaches has demonstrated a significant increase in long-term liver implant preservation. Case presentation: A 56-year-old man with a two-month liver transplant presented with massive upper gastrointestinal bleeding and hemobilia shortly after the performance of an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography due to the presence of a hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm with fistulization into the bile duct. This case report describes the successful treatment of both complications, the hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm and the arterio-biliary fistula, using a covered coronary stent placed in the hepatic artery. A year and a half after treatment, the patient maintains a preserved liver implant and a patent hepatic artery. Conclusions: Treatment of a hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm with fistulization into bile duct using a covered coronary stent allowed the correct repair of the defect, adequate hemorrhage control, and long-term liver implant preservation.