Semin intervent Radiol 2007; 24(3): 320-323
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-985743
Copyright © 2007 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Two Cases of Major Hemorrhage Secondary to Transjugular Liver Biopsy

George E. Lynskey1 , Elliot B. Levy1 , Filip Banovac1
  • 1Department of Radiology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, District of Columbia
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
03 September 2007 (online)

ABSTRACT

Transjugular liver biopsy is an essential procedure in the armamentarium of the interventional radiologist for patients who otherwise are unable to undergo percutaneous liver biopsy. Multiple conditions exist that necessitate the transjugular approach for biopsy, including acquired coagulopathy, congenital blood disorders, or requirement for measurements of hepatic venous and/or wedged hepatic vein pressures. The safety and efficacy of transjugular liver biopsy is well established, with many studies citing extremely low rates of complication with high rates of technical success. Nonetheless, transjugular liver biopsy is not without complications. The most often reported complication is asymptomatic capsular perforation; however occasionally, major hemorrhagic complications and even death have been reported. We describe two major hemorrhagic complications that manifested several days after the procedure and required emergent intervention.

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George E LynskeyM.D. 

Department of Radiology, Georgetown University School of Medicine

3800 Reservoir Road, NW, Washington, DC 20007