Segmental hyperattenuation in the liver as a result of right hepatic vein thrombosis: an unusual complication of central venous catheterization.

Liver perfusion disorder secondary to hepatic vein occlusion is not often reported. This abnormality might be caused by invasion of the hepatic veins by tumour or compression by a large right adrenal mass. We present an unusual cause of hepatic perfusion disturbance due to right hepatic vein thrombosis resulting from inadvertent hepatic venous catheterization. On contrast-enhanced CT, the tip of a central venous catheter extended into the right hepatic vein, which was thrombosed. A sharply marginated wedge-shaped hyperdense region was demonstrated in the right lobe of the liver, thought to represent a compensatory increase in arterial flow to the affected territory.