Postchemoembolization liver abscess: findings on hepatobiliary scintigraphy

Hepatic and biliary damage after transarterial chemoembolization for malignant hepatic tumors: incidence, diagnosis, treatment, outcome and mechanism

OBJECTIVE

To provide an overview of recent studies on transarterial chemoembolization-related hepatic and biliary damage (TRHBD) in patients with malignant hepatic tumors (MHT) and to explore the reasons for TRHBD.

METHODS

Literature on the treatments for MHT by TACE was sought in PubMed and the related information was summarized.

RESULTS

TRHBD is found to occur in the hepatic parenchymal cells, biliary tree and blood-vascular system. The damage is mainly due to ischemia resulting from embolic materials such as gelatin sponge and lipiodol. In addition, clinicians' skill levels in non-superselective catheterization, the health condition of the patients, and the chemical agents used may also be related to the damage. Most of the deterioration can be reversed if the patients are diagnosed and treated properly and promptly.

CONCLUSIONS

Understanding the mechanisms of TRHBD more comprehensively is helpful in developing effective methods for prevention and treatment.

Demonstration of a perihepatic abscess communicating with a fistula from the small bowel on hepatobiliary imaging

Abscess formation after abdominal surgery is not an uncommon complication. It is much less common for a collection to be the result of a fistulous tract from the bowel. We describe a patient who underwent a Tc-99m hepatobiliary (Choletec) scan for the workup of a perihepatic abscess, which confirmed the presence of a fistulous tract from the small bowel to a perihepatic collection.