Imaging for Liver Transplant

Overview

Imaging evaluates donor liver anatomy and recipient vascular and biliary structures before transplant. Post transplant imaging monitors vascular patency biliary complications and rejection. Modalities include ultrasound CT and MRI.

Preoperative Planning

CT angiography maps hepatic arterial and portal venous anatomy for surgical planning. MRI assesses parenchymal disease and lesion characterization. Accurate imaging reduces intraoperative surprises and complications.

Postoperative Surveillance

Doppler ultrasound monitors hepatic artery portal vein and hepatic vein flow after transplant. CT and MRI evaluate suspected complications such as thrombosis or biliary leak. Timely imaging supports interventional or surgical management.

Long Term Follow Up

Imaging monitors for recurrence of primary disease and post transplant complications. Protocols balance surveillance benefit with radiation exposure considerations. Multidisciplinary transplant teams integrate imaging into long term care.

Imaging for Peripheral Arterial Disease

Overview

Imaging evaluates arterial stenosis occlusion and collateral circulation in peripheral arterial disease. Modalities include duplex ultrasound CT angiography and MR angiography. Imaging guides revascularization planning and surveillance.

Duplex Ultrasound

Duplex assesses flow velocity and plaque morphology in peripheral arteries. It is widely available and useful for initial evaluation. Operator expertise and standardized protocols improve diagnostic accuracy.

CT and MR Angiography

CT angiography provides high resolution vascular maps for procedural planning. MR angiography offers alternatives without ionizing radiation in selected patients. Contrast timing and artifact management are important for image quality.

Invasive Angiography

Digital subtraction angiography remains the gold standard for intervention and detailed vascular mapping. It enables simultaneous diagnostic assessment and endovascular therapy. Imaging guides selection of stents balloons and adjunctive devices.

Coronary Arteries

Overview

Coronary arteries supply oxygenated blood to the myocardium and include left main left anterior descending circumflex and right coronary arteries. Coronary perfusion occurs primarily during diastole and depends on vessel patency and microvascular function. Coronary disease impairs myocardial oxygen delivery and causes ischemia.

Anatomic Variants

Coronary anatomy varies with dominance patterns and branching that influence perfusion territories. Anomalous origins and courses can have clinical significance and risk for ischemia. Coronary CT angiography maps anatomy non invasively for planning.

Atherosclerosis and Plaque

Atherosclerotic plaque narrows coronary lumens and can rupture causing thrombosis and myocardial infarction. Plaque composition and burden predict risk and guide therapy. Invasive angiography and CT assess stenosis and plaque characteristics.

Clinical Relevance

Coronary artery disease is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Revascularization with PCI or CABG and medical therapy reduce ischemic events. Imaging and functional testing guide diagnosis and treatment selection.

Computed Tomography CT

Overview

CT acquires multiple x ray projections around the patient to reconstruct cross sectional images. It provides rapid high resolution anatomic detail across the body.

Technique

Modern CT uses helical acquisition multidetector arrays and iterative or AI reconstruction to optimize image quality and dose.

Clinical Uses

Indications include trauma vascular imaging oncologic staging pulmonary embolism evaluation and CT guided interventions.

Limitations and Safety

CT involves ionizing radiation and iodinated contrast risks. Dose optimization and contrast screening are essential.