Three-dimensional reconstruction of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography in evaluating hepatic artery of transplanted liver

Objective To evaluate the value of three-dimensional contrast-enhanced ultrasonography(3D-CEUS) in the examination of hepatic artery(HA) of transplanted liver.Methods Thirty-two patients suspected of hepatic artery complications after liver transplantation were examined by two-dimensional contrast-enhanced ultrasonography(2D-CEUS) and 3D-CEUS.The visualization of branching orders and imaging quality were assessed between 2D-CEUS and 3D-CEUS.The diagnostic value of hepatic artery complications after liver transplantation with 3D-CEUS was also evaluated.Results 3D-CEUS showed twenty patients with patent hepatic vessels,and follow-up results confirmed 3D-CEUS findings.The three dimensional hepatic artery tree structures were visualized in all the patent arteries by 3D-CEUS.The HA branch-level and the image quality of HA shown on 3D-CEUS was superior to that on 2D-CEUS(P=0.000).Five patients with hepatic artery complications were diagnosed with 3D-CEUS,including tortuous hepatic artery in 3 patients and hepatic artery stenosis in 2 patients,following CTA or DSA demonstrated the results.Conclusions 3D-CEUS is a useful technique to visualize the hepatic artery and can provide more diagnostic information than 2D-CEUS.