Roberto Miraglia MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Luigi Maruzzelli MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Angelo Luca MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Aim of this study is to evaluate feasibility, safety and accuracy of transjugular liver biopsy (TJLB), using an 18-gauge automated core biopsy needle, in pediatric patients underwent partial liver transplantation using a left lateral segments graft.

8 consecutively TJLB were performed in 7 patients with contraindication to standard percutaneous biopsy due to severe coagulopathy and/or severe ascites. All procedures were performed under general anesthesia using an 18-gauge automated core needle biopsy. One patient had situs viscerum inversus. Mean age of the patients was 71 months (range 11 – 198). Mean patients’ weight was 18 kg (range 8 – 45). TJLB was performed within two weeks after transplantation in 7 out of 8 procedures.

Hepatic vein angioplasty was performed successfully in the same procedure before TJLB in 3 patients. Technical success was achieved in all cases without complications. Single passage was performed in 4 out of 8 TJLB, two passages were performed in the remaining 4 TJLB. Mean number of fragments was 2.2 (range 1 - 5). Mean total length of the specimens was 1.6 cm (range 1.2 – 2.5). The specimen was adequate for diagnosis in all cases.

TJLB is a feasible procedure in pediatric patients with left lateral segments grafts and an accurate diagnosis can be obtained avoiding laparotomy for open biopsy. This is associated with a low risk of complications.

TJLB is a challenging but feasible procedure in pediatric recipients of left lateral liver segment graft.

Miraglia, R, Maruzzelli, L, Luca, A, Transjugular Liver Biopsy in Pediatric Patients with Left Lateral Split Liver Transplantation.  Radiological Society of North America 2011 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 26 - December 2, 2011 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2011/11002447.html