Unique scintigraphic findings of bile extravasation in the presence of ascites: a complication of hepatic transplantation.

Abstract

A 99mTc-HIDA scan was performed on a 4-mo-old female, six days after hepatic transplantation. Gradually, a diffuse increase in activity was seen over the peritoneal region, consistent with a slow bile leak into ascitic fluid. Although the scintigraphic appearance of a bile leak has been previously described, it is usually seen as a focal area of extrabiliary activity. In this case, we report a pattern identified when the leak occurs in conjunction with ascites.