Cumulative Radiation Exposure in Liver Transplant Candidates and Patients Transplanted with Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Cumulative Radiation Exposure in Liver Transplant Candidates and Patients Transplanted with Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Liver transplant candidates and recipients undergo regular imaging for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) screening and surveillance. Excessive radiation exposure is associated with risks of malignancy and infection. Longitudinal studies on the amount and impact of radiation exposure in patients with liver disease are lackiing.Using baseline values, the mean radiation exposure for non-transplant patients being screened for HCC using ultrasounds every 6 months, alternating between ultrasound and CT every 6 months, or CT every 6 months was 10, 27 and 35 mSv, respectively. For transplant candidates undergoing surveillance for recurrent HCC, the mean radiation exposure was 36 mSv and 15 mSv from abdominal and chest CT scans, respectively. In recipients transplanted for HCC, the mean cumulative radiation exposure 5 years after liver transplantation was 144 mSv. Conclusion: Longitudinal studies are needed to assess the safety and long term impact of radiation exposure. Patients transplanted with HCC represent a particularly high risk group for potential complications.