Use of imaging for living donor liver transplantation

Living donor liver transplantation is emerging as an alternative to cadaver ic liver transplantation. The authors present multimodality images obtained in 44 cases of living donor liver transplantation. The images in this arti cle were derived from the pre-, intra-, and postoperative imaging protocol for their institutional transplantation program. Preoperative magnetic reso nance (MR) imaging in the donor allows detection of focal liver lesions and accurate determination of liver volume. The latter is crucial to ensure ad equate postoperative liver function for donors and recipients. MR cholangio graphy depicts donor biliary anatomy. MR angiography and digital subtractio n arteriography are performed to assess vascular anatomy. Intraoperative ul trasonography (US) helps determine the resection plane during donor hepatec tomy. Postoperative MR imaging documents liver regrowth. MR imaging, US, an d computed tomography help assess complications in donors and recipients.