Concurrent Inferior Vena Cava and Hepatic Vein Stenoses After Orthotopic Liver Transplantation: A Case Report

Immediate postoperative inferior vena cava stenting to improve hepatic venous outflow following orthotopic liver transplantation

Orthotopic liver transplantation can be a surgically complex undertaking, with hepatic venous outflow obstruction occurring at a rate of 1%-6% due to inferior vena cava (IVC) torsion, compression, or anastomotic stenosis. In this report, we present 2 cases of immediate postoperative hepatic venous outflow obstruction in the setting of Budd-Chiari syndrome successfully treated with immediate IVC stenting. Although IVC stenting has been reported for management of long-term IVC anastomotic stenosis after orthotopic liver transplantation, use of stenting to address immediate postoperative caval outflow obstruction is less commonly described. We describe the potential utility of immediate stenting to improve outflow from the transplanted liver and highlight the value of this approach in addressing early postsurgical IVC pathology

Total IVC Occlusion as an Unusual Cause of Acute Renal Failure After Orthotopic Liver Transplantation

Renal dysfunction before and after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) has significant implications for morbidity and mortality of these patients. We describe the management of a 72-year-old male patient with history of alcoholic liver cirrhosis (MELD 38) undergoing OLT. The patient presented with declining renal function prior to OLT (baseline GFR <25 mL/min) due to diuretic therapy for refractory ascites, hypovolemia postgastrointestinal bleed, and possible hepatorenal syndrome. The intraoperative management was complicated by preexisting anemia (hematocrit, 22%), unusual RBC antibody (anti-JKa) and significant surgical blood loss. To achieve surgical hemostasis, temporary clamping of the inferior vena cava (IVC) caudal to the transplanted liver was necessary. Postoperatively, the patient remained anuric despite appropriate fluid resuscitation. Renal replacement therapy was initiated to balance volume and acid-base status. A venogram on postoperative day (POD) 5 indicated a complete IVC occlusion and caval thrombectomy was performed on POD 6. After restoration of venous renal drainage, renal function improved and renal replacement therapy was weaned. Renal function indicators normalized in 8 weeks, and remained unimpaired up to 3 months post-OLT. Unintended complete obstruction of the suprarenal IVC may occur during OLT to control surgical bleeding, and should be considered as a cause for acute renal failure after liver transplant. Despite the preexisting renal dysfunction, renal function quickly improved after restoration of blood flow drainage and normalized in less than 8 weeks post obstruction.

Ultrasound-accelerated, catheter-directed thrombolysis for inferior vena cava thrombosis after an orthotopic liver transplant

Inferior vena cava thrombosis is a rare occurrence after an orthotopic liver transplant that is associated with a high rate of retransplant and mortality. There is no consensus regarding the optimal therapeutic strategy. Surgical management, including thrombectomy with revision of the cavocaval anastomosis, has been described. With the use of endovascular therapies, several minimally invasive approaches are available that are effective and avoid the high morbidity associated with reoperative surgery. We describe our successful experience using an approach after a liver transplant in which the inferior vena cava thrombosis in a patient presenting with acute renal failure, anorexia, weight loss, and fatigue using an ultrasound-accelerated, catheter-directed thrombolysis platform in conjunction with systemic anticoagulation.

Inferior Vena Cava Torsion and Stenosis Complicated by Compressive Pericaval Regional Ascites following Orthotopic Liver Transplantation

Inferior vena cava (IVC) stenosis and torsion are well-described rare complications following orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). We present a case of inferior vena cava intermittent torsion and stenosis complicated by compressive regional ascites. To the best of our knowledge, this is the second case of post-OLT regional ascites related compressive IVC stenosis reported and the first reported case of torsion complicated by regional ascites compression.

Vascular complications in hepatic transplantation: single-center experience in 14 years

PURPOSE

To evaluate the spectrum of liver transplantation-related vascular complications that occurred in a single center over the past 14 years.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Vascular complications and their clinical outcomes were reviewed among 744 liver transplant recipients. All patients underwent Doppler ultrasound with findings correlated with conventional or computed tomography angiography (CTA) in 111 patients.

RESULTS

Among 70 recipients with vascular complications (%0.9), 14/26 patients with hepatic artery thrombosis underwent thrombectomy and arterial reanastomosis; six were retransplanted and six died. Among hepatic artery stenoses, three of nine were treated with balloon angioplasty and six underwent reanastomosis. Among 20 portal vein thromboses, 16 underwent thrombectomy, two patients retransplantation and two died. Seven patients with portal vein stenosis were followed. Two of six hepatic vein stenosis were restored with balloon angioplasty and three patients with metallic stent placement; the one other died. One patient with hepatic vein thrombosis died while the other patient was retransplanted.

CONCLUSION

Transplantation related hepatic vascular complications diagnosed and managed in timely fashion showed a low mortality rate in our series.