Endovascular management of a ruptured hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm after liver transplantation presenting as hemobilia

Abstract

Vascular and biliary complications can still occur among liver transplants despite advances in surgical technique and immunosuppression. Rupture of a hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm is a rare but lethal complication after liver transplantation and often manifests as acute gastrointestinal bleeding. It occurs in < 3% of cases with an associated mortality as high as 50% especially if diagnosed late. A high index of suspicion may decrease consequent morbidities and potential graft loss. Infection and type of biliary anastomosis are commonly identified risk factors in the development of a pseudoaneurysm. Angiography usually identifies the location which is commonly at the site of anastomosis. Frequent management options include surgical revascularization requiring re-operation or endovascular intervention with the use of coils and stents. No consensus yet as to the standard treatment has been established. We present a case of a 40-year-old male having a ruptured hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm with an arteriobiliary fistula after performing a deceased donor liver transplant managed with endovascular placement of a stent. Patient remains asymptomatic with patent hepatic artery after 6 months of follow-up.