J Korean Soc Radiol.  2010 Aug;63(2):131-135.

Intrahepatic Pseudoaneurysms Complicating Transjugular Liver Biopsy in Liver Transplantation Patients: Three Case Reports

Affiliations
  • 1Department of Radiology and Research Institute of Radiology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. kogy@amc.seoul.kr

Abstract

An intrahepatic pseudoaneurysm is a rare complication following transjugular liver biopsy. Transarterial embolization is considered a safe and effective treatment for treating pseudoaneurysms. Herein we report three cases of intrahepatic pseudoaneurysms following transjugular liver biopsies. The three pseudoaneurysms were managed by the following methods: transarterial embolization, percutaneous transhepatic embolization, and close observation.


MeSH Terms

Aneurysm
Aneurysm, False
Biopsy
Liver
Liver Transplantation

Figure

  • Fig. 1 A, B. Arterial phase axial (A) and delayed phase coronal (B) CT images show a pseudoaneurysm (arrow) in the graft liver. C, D. Arteriogram reveals the pseudoaneurysm (arrow) with an arterioportal shunt (arrowhead) from one peripheral branch of the posterosuperior intrahepatic artery. E. Postembolization arteriogram shows that the pseudoaneurysm has disappeared. F. Enhanced CT obtained 1 week following embolization shows that the pseudoaneurysm has disappeared (arrow), and lipiodol is taken up in the pseudoaneurysm.

  • Fig. 2 A. Arterial phase, coronal reformatting CT shows a well-enhancing intrahepatic pseudoaneurysm (arrow). B, C. Hepatic arteriograms show that the pseudoaneurysm (arrow) arises from a small branch (arrowhead) of the posterosuperior intrahepatic artery. D. Percutaneous puncture of the pseudoaneurysm (arrow) was performed. E. The final angiogram shows disappearance of the pseudoaneurysm. Note the relatively well-preserved intrahepatic arterial branches. F. Coronal reformatting CT obtained 1 week after embolization shows that the pseudoaneurysm has disappeared.

  • Fig. 3 A. Contrast-enhanced CT shows a pseudoaneurysm (arrow) in the graft liver. B, C. Four- (B) and 18-day (C) follow-up CT images show gradual thrombosis of the pseudoaneurysm (arrow


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