Complications following pancreatic transplantations: imaging features

• Published in: Abdominal imaging Vol. 36; no. 2; pp. 206 - 214
• Main Authors: Liong, S. Y., Dixon, R. E., Chalmers, N., Tavakoli, A., Augustine, T., O’Shea, S.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Springer-Verlag 01.04.2011; Springer; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Anastomotic Leak - diagnosis; Biological and medical sciences; Diagnostic Imaging; Gastroenterology; Gastroenterology. Liver. Pancreas. Abdomen; Graft Rejection - diagnosis; Hemorrhage - diagnosis; Hepatology; Humans; Imaging; Medical sciences; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Pancreas - anatomy & histology; Pancreas Transplantation - methods; Postoperative Complications - diagnosis; Radiology; Thrombosis - diagnosis; Computed tomography; Pancreas; Complications; Ultrasound; Magnetic resonance; Transplant; Nuclear medicine; Radiodiagnosis; Transplantation; Treatment; Surgery; Gastroenterology; Graft; Medical imagery; Complication; Computerized axial tomography
• ISSN: 0942-8925; 2366-004X; 1432-0509; 2366-0058
• DOI: 10.1007/s00261-010-9632-6

Whole organ vascularized pancreatic transplant is a recognized treatment for diabetes and is increasingly being performed worldwide. The procedure itself is complex and is associated with significant mortality and morbidity. Despite improvements in surgical techniques, postoperative complications of pancreatic transplantation are still common and include graft rejection, pancreatitis, peripancreatic fluid collections, exocrine leaks, vascular thrombosis, and hemorrhage. In this pictorial essay, we review clinical presentation and imaging features of these complications. We also briefly discuss technique and complications of islet cell transplants.