Post-transarterial chemoembolization [TACE] biloma mimicking liver abscess: the role of different imaging modalities

ABSTRACT

Transarterial chemoembolization [TACE] is a recognized mode of treatment for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Complications related to the procedure such as liver failure, liver abscess, bile duct infection or even pulmonary embolism are known to cause morbidity and mortality in these patients. Biloma is a rare complication of TACE. Its incidence has been reported as between 0.9 - 2.1%. It is caused by injury to the arterial supply of bile duct, which then forms a bile-contained cavity either intra-hepatic or extra-hepatic in location. We report the case of a patient with recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma who was treated with TACE. He developed an infected biloma post-procedure. He had different imaging modalities that pointed to the diagnosis of biloma. He underwent appropriate management that led to resolution of the biloma