Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty of hepatic artery stenosis in patients after orthotopic liver transplantation: Mid-term results

摘要

Purpose This study was designed to present our experience with percutaneous treatment of hepatic artery stenosis in orthotopic liver transplant patients and to evaluate the efficacy, technical outcomes, and mid-term clinical results of the procedure. Methods Twenty-two percutaneous transluminal angioplasties (PTAs) were performed in 19 liver transplant recipients at our institution between 1998 and 2010. Stents were placed into the hepatic/celiac artery in 16 PTAs, but balloon dilatation alone was performed in 6 because of the anatomical condition of the vessel. PTA/stenting was indicated in 17 patients because of elevated liver enzymes; 2 patients were asymptomatic. The objective of treating stenosis was prevention of long-term complications, including thrombosis. Results Technical success was achieved in all patients. There was only one complication: dissection of the treated artery without any subsequent adverse effects. In all patients, elevated liver enzyme levels improved after treatment. No restenosis was observed in any patient during a mean follow-up of 2.6 years (1 month to 5.5 years). Conclusions Percutaneous angioplasty/stent placement is a safe method for the treatment of hepatic artery stenosis after orthotopic liver transplantation, with a high technical success rate and promising mid-term results.