Left branch of portal vein thrombosis in a liver transplant recipient with donation after cardiac death donor

INTRODUCTION Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is one of the most severe complications after liver transplantation, which usually causes graft loss and recipient mortality. The founding of the embolic branch of portal system and its result are not well described in the literature. CLINICAL FINDINGS AND DIAGNOSES We report here an unusual case of complete right branch thrombosis of portal vein after orthotopic liver transplantation from a donation after cardiac death donor, without obvious malaise. THE INTERVENTIONS AND OUTCOMES The branch thrombosis of portal vein was detected by Doppler ultrasound 11 days after transplantation, followed by angiography for further verification. After treatment with urgent indwelling catheter thrombolysis with urokinase, results improved and the patient showed stable liver function. The patient has been in remission for 22 months with normal graft function. CONCLUSION In this case report, we show that frequent ultrasound inspection should be adopted to detect the unobstructed vessel in the early stage of liver transplantation, and local thrombolytic therapy can be used to prevent liver injury and keep the vessel open.