Published online Jan 28, 2016. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v22.i4.1607
Peer-review started: May 31, 2015
First decision: September 11, 2015
Revised: October 14, 2015
Accepted: November 24, 2015
Article in press: November 24, 2015
Published online: January 28, 2016
Liver transplantation is an effective treatment for patients with end-stage liver disease. Accurate imaging evaluation of the transplanted patient is critical for ensuring that the limited donor liver is functioning appropriately. Ultrasound contrast agents (UCAs), in combination with contrast-specific imaging techniques, are increasingly accepted in clinical use for the assessment of the hepatic vasculature, bile ducts and liver parenchyma in pre-, intra- and post-transplant patients. We describe UCAs, their technical requirements, the recommended clinical indications, image interpretation and the limitations for contrast-enhanced ultrasound applications in liver transplantation.
Core tip: We performed a review of the recent literature on the current status and perspectives of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) for liver transplantation. We emphasize some evidence-based diagnostic algorithms to guide clinicians in the assessment of complications. CEUS reduces the need for invasive procedures. Ultrasound is useful for screening for liver transplantation, and the use of CEUS provides more information to enhance the operator’s diagnostic confidence.