Liver transplantation for sclerosing cholangitis in a polytraumatized patient

In this Case Study, Schnitzbauer et al . describe the case of a 30-year-old male who suffered multiple fractures and extensive internal injuries, including liver rupture with formation of a hematoma, because of a motorcycle accident. While in intensive care, the hepatic hematoma became infected with antibiotic-resistant bacteria and serum levels of cholestatic parameters started to increase, until retrograde cholangiography supported a diagnosis of cholangitis in a critically ill patient. Acute liver failure ensued, and liver transplantation carried out. In spite of a number of intervening complications, 50 months after transplantation the patient was in good health; therefore, the authors conclude that post-traumatic sclerosing cholangitis should probably become an indication for liver transplantation.