Original Research

Correlation between CT volumetry and actual graft weight in living donor liver transplants in South Africa

Katherine D. Calver, Owen Terreblanche, Ilonka Warnich, Francisca van der Schyff
South African Journal of Radiology | Vol 28, No 1 | a2917 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/sajr.v28i1.2917 | © 2024 Katherine D. Calver, Owen Terreblanche, Ilonka Warnich, Francisca van der Schyff | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 13 April 2024 | Published: 05 September 2024

About the author(s)

Katherine D. Calver, Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
Owen Terreblanche, Department of Radiology, Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
Ilonka Warnich, Department of Diagnostic Radiology, School of Clinical Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
Francisca van der Schyff, Department of Surgery, Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa

Abstract

Background: Liver transplantation is the definitive management for patients with end-stage liver disease. Preoperative computed tomography (CT) is used in living donor liver transplant (LDLT) for donor and graft selection as well as predicting graft weight.

Objectives: The aim of this study is to establish the relationship between estimated graft volume (EGV) and actual graft weight (AGW) and ascertain a correlation coefficient that will improve the accuracy of EGV in a South African population.

Method: The study included 117 LDLT between March 2013 and August 2022. Of these, 86 were left lateral (LL), 15 right lobe (R), 10 left lobe with caudate (LC), five left lobe (L) and one segment two (monosegment) grafts. Estimated graft volume and actual graft weight were compared using the Pearson coefficient and the relationship was illustrated with scatter plots.

Results: Estimated graft volume and AGW had a strong positive correlation with a Pearson correlation (R) of 0.95 (p < 0.001). The relationship was significantly linear with a correlation coefficient of 0.71. The mean EGV was significantly higher than that of AGW (388 mL ± 249 mL vs. 353 g ± 184 g) with overestimation in 61% of cases. Left lateral and R grafts were the most prevalent LDLT graft type, both having a strong linear correlation between EGV and AGW.

Conclusion: Applying a correlation coefficient of 0.71 will improve the accuracy of CT volumetry graft weight predictions.

Contribution: A unique correlation coefficient will improve EGV accuracy, aiding in preoperative planning and mitigating post-operative complications in both donors and recipients.


Keywords

living donor liver transplant; liver transplantation; end-stage liver disease; CT volumetry; graft weight

Sustainable Development Goal

Goal 3: Good health and well-being

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