SIGNIFICANCE OF THE COMPUTED-TOMOGRAPHY FINDING OF SUBCAPSULAR HEPATIC-NECROSIS IN LIVER-TRANSPLANTATION

Background: To evaluate the clinical significance of the computed tomo graphic finding of subcapsular hepatic necrosis following liver transp lantation. Methods: 105 computed tomography scans performed in 50 allo grafts, 6 days to 4 years following transplantation, were retrospectiv ely reviewed and divided into two groups: those with and those without the computed tomographic finding of subcapsular hepatic necrosis. Ext rahepatic fluid, biliary dilatation, circumcaval rings, periportal col lar, biochemistry, and random biopsies were correlated with the comput ed tomographic finding of subcapsular hepatic necrosis. Results: Compu ted tomographic finding of subcapsular hepatic necrosis was demonstrat ed at some point in 21 (42%) patients and was never demonstrated in 29 (58%) patients. The association of periportal collar with the compute d tomographic finding of subcapsular hepatic necrosis was significant; there was no significant association with other computed tomographic findings. There was no significant difference in serum transaminases b etween the two groups. There was no significant difference in necrosis on biopsy between the two groups; however, the association of acute c ellular rejection with the computed tomographic finding of subcapsular hepatic necrosis was significant. Conclusions: Computed tomographic f inding of subcapsular hepatic necrosis is a common finding following l iver transplantation, which has little clinical prognostic significanc e.