THE PIVOTAL ROLE OF MULTIDETECTOR COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY IN LIVER TRANSPLANTATION
Keywords:
Keywords: Liver Transplantation, Computed Tomography, Living Donor, CT Volumetry, Hepatic Steatosis, Graft-to-Recipient Weight Ratio.Abstract
Abstract: Liver transplantation is often the only lifesaving option for patients with end-stage liver disease. Because deceased donor organs are extremely scarce, living donor liver transplantation has become increasingly common. This requires perfect anatomical precision to keep the donor safe and ensure the recipient's survival. A review of the current literature was conducted to explore how multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) is used throughout the liver transplant process, from screening to post-op care. MDCT is highly accurate across the board. For recipients, it helps predict survival in acute-on-chronic liver failure. For donors, unenhanced CT accurately measures liver fat (steatosis), while multiphasic scans map out complex blood vessel anatomy. MDCT volumetry is the standard for estimating graft weight, though raw data usually overestimates the actual weight, meaning a correction factor is often needed to prevent small-for-size syndrome. Postoperatively, CT is over 90% sensitive in catching dangerous clots and biliary leaks.
