Demonstration of an occult biliary-arterial fistula using percutaneous contrast-enhanced ultrasound cholangiography in a transplanted liver

J Clin Ultrasound. 2014 Feb;42(2):108-11. doi: 10.1002/jcu.22048. Epub 2013 Apr 8.

Abstract

We present a case of a biliary-arterial communication as a consequence of the placement of an internal-external biliary drainage catheter in a liver transplant patient diagnosed on contrast-enhanced ultrasound using a novel application by injecting microbubble contrast into the catheter tube. We postulate that this method may be sensitive in identifying occult communications between the biliary tree and the vascular compartment when a catheter drain is positioned, and there is hemobilia or unexplained sepsis.

Keywords: arterial fistula; biliary catheter; contrast-enhanced ultrasound; liver transplantation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Biliary Fistula / diagnostic imaging*
  • Biliary Fistula / etiology
  • Contrast Media*
  • Hepatic Artery / diagnostic imaging*
  • Humans
  • Liver Transplantation*
  • Male
  • Microbubbles*
  • Postoperative Complications / diagnostic imaging*
  • Ultrasonography
  • Vascular Fistula / diagnostic imaging*
  • Vascular Fistula / etiology
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Contrast Media