Hepatic Arterial Embolization Complicated by Acute Cholecystitis

Abstract

Hepatic arterial embolization (HAE) is a treatment used in the management of primary and some metastatic hepatic tumors. Complications of HAE are similar to those seen in other treatments, particularly transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE), but without the possibility for chemotherapy related side effects. Particle reflux into the cystic artery is generally clinically occult but gallbladder ischemia severe enough to require cholecystostomy tube placement can occur. The authors discuss the case of a patient who underwent HAE and subsequently required a cholecystostomy tube due to development of acute cholecystitis.