Work

Nontarget embolization of the hepatic falciform artery in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma: Case report and review of the literature

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is a commonly used locoregional therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), with rare complications related to nontarget embolization. We describe a case of hepatic falciform artery (HFA) embolization following drug-eluting bead TACE (DEB-TACE), resulting in transient ischemic injury of the anterior abdominal wall. A 71-year-old man with Child-Pugh A cirrhosis and multifocal HCC developed a livedo-reticularis-like rash over the epigastrium 2 days after DEB-TACE. Retrospective review of angiographic and cross-sectional imaging identified a hepatic falciform artery arising from the hepatic arterial system, consistent with nontarget embolization. The patient was managed conservatively, with complete resolution over several months. The HFA is an anatomically variable vessel that may be difficult to identify on angiography. Awareness of this entity is important to recognize characteristic imaging findings, guide patient counselling, and minimize procedural complications during TACE.

Source: Radiology Case Reports

DOI: 10.1016/j.radcr.2026.01.054

Authors: Mark Lai, Bridgette Andrew, Stephen Bloom, Manfred Spanger, Rohit Sawhney

Institutions: Eastern Health, Monash University

Language: English

Topic: Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treatment and Prognosis

Subfield: Hepatology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $600