Liver remnant regeneration in donors after living donor liver transplantation: long-term follow-up using CT and MR imaging.

PURPOSE

To assess liver remnant volume regeneration and maintenance, and complications in the long-time follow-up of donors after living donor liver transplantation using CT and MRI.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

47 donors with a mean age of 33.5 years who donated liver tissue for transplantation and who were available for follow-up imaging were included in this retrospective study. Contrast-enhanced CT and MR studies were acquired for routine follow-up. Two observers evaluated pre- and postoperative images regarding anatomy and pathological findings. Volumes were manually measured on contrast-enhanced images in the portal venous phase, and potential postoperative complications were documented. Pre- and postoperative liver volumes were compared for evaluating liver remnant regeneration.

RESULTS

47 preoperative and 89 follow-up studies covered a period of 22.4 months (range: 1 - 84). After right liver lobe (RLL) donation, the mean liver remnant volume was 522.0 ml (± 144.0; 36.1 %; n = 18), after left lateral section (LLS) donation 1,121.7 ml (± 212.8; 79.9 %; n = 24), and after left liver lobe (LLL) donation 1,181.5 ml (± 279.5; 72.0 %; n = 5). Twelve months after donation, the liver remnant volume were 87.3 % (RLL; ± 11.8; n = 11), 95.0 % (LS; ± 11.6; n = 18), and 80.1 % (LLL; ± 2.0; n = 2 LLL) of the preoperative total liver volume. Rapid initial regeneration and maintenance at 80 % of the preoperative liver volume were observed over the total follow-up period.  Minor postoperative complications were found early in 4 patients. No severe or late complications or mortality occurred.

CONCLUSION

Rapid regeneration of liver remnant volumes in all donors and volume maintenance over the long-term follow-up period of up to 84 months without severe or late complications are important observations for assessing the safety of LDLT donors.

KEY POINTS

Liver remnant volumes of LDLT donors rapidly regenerated after donation and volumes were maintained over the long-term follow-up period of up to 84 months without severe or late complications.