Rupture of hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm after liver transplantation: a report of three patients

Objective To report on 3 patients who presented with rupture of hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm after liver transplantation. Methods From April 2010 to April 2019, 3 patients with hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm rupture after liver transplantation treated at the Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Henan Provincial People's Hospital were studied. The possible causes, clinical manifestations, diagnosis and treatment were retrospectively analyzed. Results Rupture of hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm occurred on the19th, 28th and 63th days after transplantation. The 3 patients all presented with hematochezia and abdominal pain, while 2 patients presented with hematemesis. Two patients had bile leakage and abdominal infection. All the 3 patients presented with fever. Patient 1 who was diagnosed by laparotomy died of liver failure. Patient 2 underwent interventional embolization of hepatic artery and died of liver failure also. Patient 3 underwent surgical resection of the pseudoaneurysm followed by hepatic artery reconstruction, but died of repeat abdominal hemorrhage. Conclusion Hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm after liver transplantation has a long latent period and is difficult to diagnose at an early stage. Early detection of this life-threatening complication is the key to improve survival. Early treatment of biliary leakage, abdominal infection and other complications help to prevent development of pseudoaneurysms. Key words: Liver transplantation; Pseudoaneurysm; Abdominal infection