Concealed left hepatic artery injury with liver trauma

Abstract

Injury to the liver accounts for 3%–10% of blunt abdominal trauma injuries. Majority of these injuries are currently managed nonoperatively. Hepatic artery or portal triad injuries are less frequent. However, the mortality rates with portal triad injuries and with combined injuries are high. Hence, identifying these injuries are important to the trauma team to proceed with optimal management. We present the case of a patient with concealed hepatic artery injury with liver trauma who was managed by laparotomy and vessel repair. We highlight the importance of recognising the clinical and radiological signs that indicate the possibility of hepatic artery injuries. This case report aims at improving awareness of hepatic artery injuries that may occur alone or in association with liver injuries and their management.

Keywords

• concealed hepatic artery injury
• isolated hepatic artery injury
• liver trauma