Gastroduodenal artery steal syndrome treated with coil embolization after orthotopic liver transplantation

Abstract

Gastroduodenal artery steal syndrome is an uncommon complication occurring after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) that results in hypoperfusion of the hepatic artery increasing the risk for graft dysfunction. Its non-specific clinical and imaging findings often delay diagnosis and increase the chance for re-transplantation or death. The lack of diagnostic criteria and definitive risk factors for developing the syndrome creates a need for angiography to visualize anatomical and perfusion characteristics indicative of the phenomenon. We present a 47-year-old male who underwent OLT and developed gastroduodenal artery steal a week after surgery. The diagnosis was confirmed with angiogram and successfully treated with coil embolization of the gastroduodenal artery. Arterial steal syndromes should be part of the broad differential when encountered with findings suggestive of an arterial complications in post-OLT patients.

Keywords

• embolization
• therapeutic; liver cirrhosis; liver transplantation; radiology
• interventional