Multicenter Quantification of Radiation Exposure and Associated Risks for Prostatic Artery Embolization in 1476 Patients.

Background Prostatic artery embolization (PAE) is a safe, minimally invasive angiographic procedure that effectively treats benign prostatic hyperplasia; however, PAE-related patient radiation exposure and associated risks are not completely understood. Purpose To quantify radiation dose and assess radiation-related adverse events in patients who underwent PAE at multiple centers. Materials and Methods This retrospective study included patients undergoing PAE for any indication performed by experienced operators at 10 high-volume international centers from January 2014 to May 2021. Patient characteristics, procedural and radiation dose data, and radiation-related adverse events were collected. Procedural radiation effective doses were calculated by multiplying kerma-area product values by an established conversion factor for abdominopelvic fluoroscopy-guided procedures. Relationships between cumulative air kerma (CAK) or effective dose and patient body mass index (BMI), fluoroscopy time, or radiation field area were assessed with linear regression. Differences in radiation dose stemming from radiopaque prostheses or fluoroscopy unit type were assessed using two-sample t tests and Wilcoxon rank sum tests. Results A total of 1476 patients (mean age, 69.9 years ± 9.0 [SD]) were included, of whom 1345 (91.1%) and 131 (8.9%) underwent the procedure with fixed interventional or mobile fluoroscopy units, respectively. Median procedure effective dose was 17.8 mSv for fixed interventional units and 12.3 mSv for mobile units. CAK and effective dose both correlated positively with BMI (R2 = 0.15 and 0.17; P < .001) and fluoroscopy time (R2 = 0.16 and 0.08; P < .001). No radiation-related 90-day adverse events were reported. Patients with radiopaque implants versus those without implants had higher median CAK (1452 mGy [range, 900-2685 mGy] vs 1177 mGy [range, 700-1959 mGy], respectively; P = .01). Median effective dose was lower for mobile than for fixed interventional systems (12.3 mSv [range, 8.5-22.0 mSv] vs 20.4 mSv [range, 13.8-30.6 mSv], respectively; P < .001). Conclusion Patients who underwent PAE performed with fixed interventional or mobile fluoroscopy units were exposed to a median effective radiation dose of 17.8 mSv or 12.3 mSv, respectively. No radiation-related adverse events at 90 days were reported. © RSNA, 2024 See also the editorial by Mahesh in this issue.

Contralateral suppression in adrenal venous sampling predicts clinical and biochemical outcome in primary aldosteronism.

CONTEXT: The role for hormone parameters at adrenal venous sampling (AVS) in predicting clinical and biochemical outcome remains controversial. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of hormone parameters at AVS under cosyntropin stimulation on lateralization and on complete biochemical and clinical outcome. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 150 sequential AVS under cosyntropin infusion. Bilateral successful cannulation rate was 83.3% (n = 140), 47.9% bilateral and 52.1% unilateral. The lateralization index (LI), aldosterone/cortisol ratio (A/C) in the dominant adrenal vein (AV), relative aldosterone secretion index (RASI = A/C in AV divided by A/C in inferior vena cava) were assessed. The contralateral suppression (CS) percentage was defined by (1 - nondominant RASI) *100. RESULTS: A nondominant RASI <0.5 (CS >50%) had 86.84% sensitivity and 92.96% specificity to predict contralateral lateralization. An A/C ratio in dominant AV >5.9 (74.67% sensitivity and 80% specificity) and dominant RASI >4.7 (35.21% sensitivity and 88.06% specificity) had a worst performance to predict ipsilateral lateralization. Complete biochemical and clinical cure were significantly more frequent in the patients with CS >50% [98.41% vs. 42.86% (p < 0.001) and 41.94% vs. 0% (p < 0.001)]. CS correlated with high aldosterone at diagnosis (p < 0.001) and low postoperative aldosterone levels at 1 month (p = 0.019). Postoperative biochemical hypoaldosteronism was more frequent in patients with CS >50% (70% vs. 16.67%, p = 0.014). In multivariable analysis, a CS >50% was associated with complete biochemical cure (OR 125, 95%CI 11.904-5,000; p = 0.001) and hypertension remission (OR 12.19, 95%CI 2.074-250; p = 0.023). CONCLUSION: A CS >50% was an independent predictor of complete clinical and biochemical cure. Moreover, it can predict unilateral PA and postoperative biochemical hypoaldosteronism. Our findings underscore the usefulness of CS for clinical decision-making.

Intra-individual Variability of Serum Aldosterone and Implications for Primary Aldosteronism Screening.

CONTEXT: Primary aldosteronism (PA) screening relies on an elevated aldosterone to renin ratio with a minimum aldosterone level, which varies from 10 to 15 ng/dL (277-415.5 pmol/L) using immunoassay. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate intra-individual coefficient of variation (CV) of aldosterone and aldosterone to direct renin concentration ratio (A/DRC) and its impact on PA screening. METHODS: A total of 671 aldosterone and DRC measurements were performed by the same chemiluminescence assays in a large cohort of 216 patients with confirmed PA and at least 2 screenings. RESULTS: The median intra-individual CV of aldosterone and A/DRC was 26.8% and 26.7%. Almost 40% of the patients had at least one aldosterone level <15 ng/dL, 19.9% had at least 2 aldosterone levels <15 ng/dL, and 16.2% had mean aldosterone levels <15 ng/dL. A lower cutoff of 10 ng/dL was associated with false negative rates for PA screening of 14.3% for a single aldosterone measurement, 4.6% for 2 aldosterone measurements, and only 2.3% for mean aldosterone levels. Considering the minimum aldosterone, true positive rate of aldosterone thresholds was 85.7% for 10 ng/dL and 61.6% for 15 ng/dL. An A/DRC >2 ng/dL/µIU/mL had a true positive rate for PA diagnosis of 94.4% and 98.4% when based on 1 or 2 assessments, respectively. CV of aldosterone and A/DRC were not affected by sex, use of interfering antihypertensive medications, PA lateralization, hypokalemia, age, and number of hormone measurements. CONCLUSION: Aldosterone concentrations had a high CV in PA patients, which results in an elevated rate of false negatives in a single screening for PA. Therefore, PA screening should be based on at least 2 screenings with concomitant aldosterone and renin measurements.

Living Donor Liver Transplantation as a Backup Procedure: Treatment Strategy for Hepatocellular Adenomas Requiring Complex Resections.

METHODS: We present a series of three patients with large hepatocellular adenoma lesions showing a central location, for which the living donor liver transplantation strategy was used as a backup procedure. RESULTS: Hepatocellular adenoma was confirmed by biopsy in all patients. Surgical resection was indicated because of the patients' symptoms and lesion size and growth. All patients had a lesion that was central or in close contact with major vessels. The final decision to proceed with the resection was made intraoperatively. A live donor was prepared for all three patients. Two patients underwent portal vein embolization associated with extended hepatectomy, and a total hepatectomy plus liver transplantation with a living donor was performed in one patient. All patients had good postoperative outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: In the treatment of hepatocellular adenomas for which complex resections are necessary and resectability can only be confirmed intraoperatively, surgical safety can be improved through the use of a living donor backup. Center expertise with living donor liver transplantation is paramount for the success of this approach.

Intravesical Prostatic Protrusion Does Not Influence the Efficacy of Prostatic Artery Embolization.

PURPOSE: To compare the outcomes of prostatic artery embolization (PAE) in patients with different intravesical prostatic protrusion (IPP) grades. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective single-center study included 128 patients (aged 50-86 years) who underwent PAE from 2013 to 2017. IPP grades were classified as follows: grade I (<10 mm), grade II (10-19 mm), and grade III (≥20 mm). Nineteen patients (14.8%) had grade I [mean IPP 7.8 mm, prostatic volume (PV) 64.1 cm3], 77 (60.2%) had grade II (mean IPP 14.9 mm, PV 87.0 cm3), and 32 (25%) had grade III (mean IPP 26.2 mm, PV 132.6 cm3), P < .01. The outcomes, including PV, international prostate symptom score (IPSS), and quality of life (QoL), were compared between the IPP grades at the 12-month follow-up. Clinical failure was defined as IPSS >7 or QoL >2. RESULTS: IPP decreased (I: -8.2%, II: -27.3%, and III: -38.7%, P = .01), and all other endpoints improved (P < .01). Adjusted covariance analysis, considering baseline PV as a confounding factor, showed no correlation between the 12-month outcomes and baseline IPP. Clinical failure was observed in 17/128 patients (13.3%) and was similar in prevalence among the IPP groups (P = .20). Minor complications occurred in 43 patients (33.6%) and major in 3 (2.3%). There were statistical differences in the complications between IPP grades II and III (P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: PAE was similarly effective in all the IPP grades at the 12-month follow-up, and there was no difference in the clinical failure between the groups. Complications in IPP grade III were more frequent than those in IPP grade II.

Phosphodiesterase 2A and 3B variants are associated with primary aldosteronism.

Familial primary aldosteronism (PA) is rare and mostly diagnosed in early-onset hypertension (HT). However, 'sporadic' bilateral adrenal hyperplasia (BAH) is the most frequent cause of PA and remains without genetic etiology in most cases. Our aim was to investigate new genetic defects associated with BAH and PA. We performed whole-exome sequencing (paired blood and adrenal tissue) in six patients with PA caused by BAH that underwent unilateral adrenalectomy. Additionally, we conducted functional studies in adrenal hyperplastic tissue and transfected cells to confirm the pathogenicity of the identified genetic variants. Rare germline variants in phosphodiesterase 2A (PDE2A) and 3B (PDE3B) genes were identified in three patients. The PDE2A heterozygous variant (p.Ile629Val) was identified in a patient with BAH and early-onset HT at 13 years of age. Two PDE3B heterozygous variants (p.Arg217Gln and p.Gly392Val) were identified in patients with BAH and HT diagnosed at 18 and 33 years of age, respectively. A strong PDE2A staining was found in all cases of BAH in zona glomerulosa and/or micronodules (that were also positive for CYP11B2). PKA activity in frozen tissue was significantly higher in BAH from patients harboring PDE2A and PDE3B variants. PDE2A and PDE3B variants significantly reduced protein expression in mutant transfected cells compared to WT. Interestingly, PDE2A and PDE3B variants increased SGK1 and SCNN1G/ENaCg at mRNA or protein levels. In conclusion, PDE2A and PDE3B variants were associated with PA caused by BAH. These novel genetic findings expand the spectrum of genetic etiologies of PA.

Development of Research Agenda in Prostate Artery Embolization: Summary of Society of Interventional Radiology Consensus Panel.

PURPOSE: To summarize the Society of Interventional Radiology Foundation's Research Consensus Panel development of a research agenda on prostate artery embolization (PAE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: PAE for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms has been shown to be safe and effective in decreasing symptoms and prostate size. Lack of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on PAE in the United States has prevented inclusion in American Urologic Association guideline recommendations for treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms resulting from benign prostatic hyperplasia. Recognizing the need for well-designed trials, the SIR Foundation funded a Research Consensus Panel to prioritize a research agenda. The panel included interventional radiologists, urologists, SIR Foundation leadership, and industry representatives. The goal of the meeting was to discuss weaknesses with current data and study design for development of US trials to report long-term outcomes data. RESULTS: Final consensus on a research design could not be made because the group was split on 3 research designs: (i) RCT of PAE versus sham with crossover of the sham group. (ii) RCT of PAE versus simple prostatectomy. (iii) RCT of PAE versus holmium laser enucleation of the prostate/thulium laser enucleation of the prostate. The panel recommended a nonindustry-funded registry to obtain real-world data. CONCLUSIONS: Level 1 data are required to be included in the American Urologic Association guidelines for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Because of concerns with all 3 study designs, the panel did not reach a consensus. Further meetings are planned with the panel to select among these research designs.

KCNJ5 Somatic Mutation Is a Predictor of Hypertension Remission After Adrenalectomy for Unilateral Primary Aldosteronism.

CONTEXT: Primary aldosteronism (PA) is the most common cause of endocrine hypertension (HT). HT remission (defined as blood pressure <140/90 mm Hg without antihypertensive drugs) has been reported in approximately 50% of patients with unilateral PA after adrenalectomy. HT duration and severity are predictors of blood pressure response, but the prognostic role of somatic KCNJ5 mutations is unclear. OBJECTIVE: To determine clinical and molecular features associated with HT remission after adrenalectomy in patients with unilateral PA. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 100 patients with PA (60 women; median age at diagnosis 48 years with a median follow-up of 26 months). Anatomopathological analysis revealed 90 aldosterone-producing adenomas, 1 carcinoma, and 9 unilateral adrenal hyperplasias. All patients had biochemical cure after unilateral adrenalectomy. KCNJ5 gene was sequenced in 76 cases. RESULTS: KCNJ5 mutations were identified in 33 of 76 (43.4%) tumors: p.Gly151Arg (n = 17), p.Leu168Arg (n = 15), and p.Glu145Gln (n = 1). HT remission was reported in 37 of 100 (37%) patients. Among patients with HT remission, 73% were women (P = 0.04), 48.6% used more than three antihypertensive medications (P = 0.0001), and 64.9% had HT duration <10 years (P = 0.0015) compared with those without HT remission. Somatic KCNJ5 mutations were associated with female sex (P = 0.004), larger nodules (P = 0.001), and HT remission (P = 0.0001). In multivariate analysis, only a somatic KCNJ5 mutation was an independent predictor of HT remission after adrenalectomy (P = 0.004). CONCLUSION: The presence of a KCNJ5 somatic mutation is an independent predictor of HT remission after unilateral adrenalectomy in patients with unilateral PA.

Angiographic Findings during Repeat Prostatic Artery Embolization.

PURPOSE: To describe mechanisms of prostate revascularization based on imaging findings during repeat prostatic artery embolization (PAE; rPAE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of 10 rPAEs performed between October 2012 and September 2018 in patients with recurrent lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) after PAE (mean age, 68.2 y ± 4.5). Two interventional radiologists reviewed PAE and rPAE images and defined 6 patterns of revascularization. Correlation between embolization of the posterolateral (PL) prostatic branch during previous PAE and prostate revascularization on rPAE was assessed by Fisher exact test. One hemiprostate was excluded because no detectable revascularization was observed. RESULTS: All patients showed LUTS improvement after previous PAEs (P < .01 for 5 outcome measures) and had recurrence during follow-up. rPAEs were performed a mean of 40.9 months after previous PAEs (18-96 mo). Of 19 hemiprostates analyzed, 11 presented revascularization by 2 or more branches (57.9%). The PL branch (29.0%) and the recanalized main prostatic artery (25.8%) were the most frequent revascularizing branches observed, followed by distal branches of obturator (12.9%), internal pudendal (12.9%), superior vesical (12.9%), and contralateral arteries (6.5%). Embolization of the PL branch during previous PAE significantly reduced the incidence of revascularization by this branch (P = .002). CONCLUSIONS: Mechanisms of revascularization in rPAE are diverse and complex. Revascularization by the PL branch and recanalization of the previously embolized prostatic artery were the most frequent patterns observed. Embolization of the PL branch may reduce the incidence of prostate revascularization and LUTS recurrence after PAE.

Impact of 5-Alpha-Reductase Inhibitors Use at the Time of Prostatic Artery Embolization for Treatment of Benign Prostatic Obstruction.

PURPOSE: To compare the 12-month post-prostatic artery embolization (PAE) clinical outcomes of patients who were and were not taking 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors (5ARIs) at the time of PAE. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of patients who underwent PAE from 2010 to 2017 due to lower urinary tract symptoms, secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). One hundred fifty-five patients were included and divided in 2 groups; these groups did not present statistically significant differences in their baseline characteristics-those taking 5ARIs (Y-5ARIs, n = 40) and those not taking 5ARIs (N-5ARIs, n = 115). International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), the sub-item Quality of Life (QoL), and the incidence of clinical failure were used as primary endpoints. Secondary endpoints included mean prostate volume reduction and mean peak flow rate (Qmax) improvement. Clinical failure or recurrence was defined as absence of symptomatic improvement (IPSS ≥ 8 or QoL ≥ 3) or the need for invasive BPH treatment (PAE or transurethral resection of the prostate) during the 12-month follow-up period. RESULTS: After 12-month follow-up, IPSS, QoL, and prostatic volume were significantly lower compared to baseline in both groups, and Qmax showed a significant increase. No statistically significant differences were observed in outcomes between N-5ARIs and Y-5ARIs, and the clinical failure rate for both groups was approximately 20%. CONCLUSIONS: The use of 5ARIs did not show a detrimental effect on clinical outcomes of PAE, in either subjective (IPSS, QoL, and clinical failure) or objective (prostatic volume and Qmax) parameters.

Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) Versus Original and PErFecTED Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) Due to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): Preliminary Results of a Single Center, Prospective, Urodynamic-Controlled Analysis.

PURPOSE: To compare clinical and urodynamic results of transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) to original and PErFecTED prostate artery embolization (PAE) methods for benign prostatic hyperplasia. METHODS: We prospectively randomized 30 patients to receive TURP or original PAE (oPAE) and compared them to a cohort of patients treated by PErFecTED PAE, with a minimum of 1-year follow-up. Patients were assessed for urodynamic parameters, prostate volume, international prostate symptom score (IPSS), and quality of life (QoL). RESULTS: All groups were comparable for all pre-treatment parameters except bladder contractility and peak urine flow rate (Q max), both of which were significantly better in the TURP group, and IIEF score, which was significantly higher among PErFecTED PAE patients than TURP patients. All groups experienced significant improvement in IPSS, QoL, prostate volume, and Q max. TURP and PErFecTED PAE both resulted in significantly lower IPSS than oPAE but were not significantly different from one another. TURP resulted in significantly higher Q max and significantly smaller prostate volume than either original or PErFecTED PAE but required spinal anesthesia and hospitalization. Two patients in the oPAE group with hypocontractile bladders experienced recurrence of symptoms and were treated with TURP. In the TURP group, urinary incontinence occurred in 4/15 patients (26.7 %), rupture of the prostatic capsule in 1/15 (6.7 %), retrograde ejaculation in all patients (100 %), and one patient was readmitted for temporary bladder irrigation due to hematuria. CONCLUSIONS: TURP and PAE are both safe and effective treatments. TURP and PErFecTED PAE yield similar symptom improvement, but TURP is associated with both better urodynamic results and more adverse events.

Catheter-based induction of renal ischemia/reperfusion in swine: description of an experimental model.

Several techniques to induce renal ischemia have been proposed: clamp, PVA particles, and catheter-balloon. We report the development of a controlled, single-insult model of unilateral renal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) without contralateral nephrectomy, using a suitable model, the pig. This is a balloon-catheter-based model using a percutaneous, interventional radiology procedure. One angioplasty balloon-catheter was placed into the right renal artery and inflated for 120 min and reperfusion over 24 h. Serial serums were sampled from the inferior vena cava and urine was directly sampled from the bladder throughout the experiment, and both kidneys were excised after 24 h of reperfusion. Analyses of renal structure and function were performed by hematoxylin-eosin/periodic Acid-Schiff, serum creatinine (SCr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), fractional excretion of ions, and glucose, SDS-PAGE analysis of urinary proteins, and serum neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL). Total nitrated protein was quantified to characterize oxidative stress. Acute tubular necrosis (ATN) was identified in every animal, but only two animals showed levels of SCr above 150% of baseline values. As expected, I/R increased SCr and BUN. Fractional sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate excretion were modulated during ischemia. Serum-nitrated proteins and NGAL had two profiles: decreased with ischemia and increased after reperfusion. This decline was associated with increased protein excretion during ischemia and early reperfusion. Altogether, these data show that the renal I/R model can be performed by percutaneous approach in the swine model. This is a suitable translational model to study new early renal ischemic biomarkers and pathophysiological mechanisms in renal ischemia.

MRI findings after prostatic artery embolization for treatment of benign hyperplasia.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to assess and describe the MRI findings after prostatic artery embolization for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 17 patients who underwent prostatic artery embolization as part of different prospective studies to evaluate this alternative treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Clinical results were evaluated by assessment of urinary catheterization and International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS). Serial MRI examinations were performed, and the prostatic central gland and peripheral zone were evaluated for signal intensity changes and the presence and characteristics of infarcted areas. Statistical analysis was performed with ANOVA for repeated measures and Student t test. RESULTS: All patients had clinical success, as defined by the removal of indwelling urinary catheter or decreased IPSS after embolization. Infarcts were seen in 70.6% of the subjects, exclusively in the central gland, were almost always characterized by hyperintensity on T1-weighted images and predominant hypointensity on T2-weighted images, and became smaller (mean reduction, p < 0.001) and isointense to the remaining of the central gland over time. Volume reduction of the prostate after embolization was significant (averaging 32.0% after 12-18 months; p < 0.001) only in patients with infarcts. No statistically significant association was seen between the development of infarcts and IPSS. CONCLUSION: MRI can be used for assessing the development of infarcts and volume reduction in the prostate after embolization. Further studies are needed to correlate these findings to clinical outcome.

The "PErFecTED technique": proximal embolization first, then embolize distal for benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Prostatic artery embolization requires a refined technique to achieve good imaging and clinical success. The PErFecTED (Proximal Embolization First, Then Embolize Distal) technique has produced greater prostate ischemia and infarction than previously described methods with clinical improvement of lower urinary symptoms and lower recurrence rates. The microcatheter should cross any collateral branch to the bladder, rectum, corpus cavernosum, gonad, or penis and be placed distally into the prostatic artery before its branching to the central gland and peripheral zone. This technique allows better distribution of embolic material in the intraprostatic arteries and reduces risk of spasm or thrombus. Because benign prostatic hyperplasia develops primarily in the periurethral region of the prostate, the urethral group of arteries should be embolized first. Subsequent distal investigation and embolization completes occlusion and stasis of blood flow to the prostatic parenchyma. Since we added the second step to the PErFecTED technique, we have observed infarcts in all patients submitted to prostatic artery embolization.

Diagnosis and management of biliary complications in pediatric living donor liver transplant recipients.

The incidence of biliary complications (BCs) after living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) can reach 40%. Published data on the pediatric population are limited, and treatment protocols vary. Our aim was to describe the clinical scenario for BCs and treatment approaches after LDLT. Between October 1995 and December 2012, 489 pediatric LDLT procedures were performed. BCs developed in 71 patients (14.5%). Biliary strictures (BSs) developed in 45 (9.2%) patients, and bile leaks (BLs) developed in 33 patients (6.7%). The BL diagnosis was clinical in all cases, and 69.7% of the patients underwent surgery. Nearly half of the BS cases had clinical features or suggestive ultrasound findings. Liver biopsy findings suggested BSs in 51.7%. Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography was performed in 95.6% of the BS patients. The success rate was 77% [mean number of percutaneous biliary interventions (PBIs) = 3.9 ± 1.98, median drainage time = 8 months]. In conclusion, BL patients can be managed with conservative therapy, even though most of these patients will ultimately be treated with surgery. Diagnosing a BS requires a high degree of clinical suspicion because the available resources for its identification can fail in up to 50% of cases. A higher number of PBIs and the use of a drainage catheter for a longer time may be required to achieve better results with this technique.

Safety, efficacy, and prognostic factors in endovascular treatment of pelvic congestion syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of transcatheter embolization using coils for treatment of pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS) and to elucidate prognostic factors for clinical success. METHODS: Data were retrospectively analyzed from 113 women with PCS who underwent endovascular embolization of ovarian and pelvic varicose veins at Hospital Clínico Universitario, Zaragoza, Spain between January 2001 and January 2011. Pain score was evaluated before and after the procedure via a visual analog scale (VAS). Associated symptoms (dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, urinary urgency, and lower limb symptoms) were also evaluated. Patients were followed up for 12 months. RESULTS: The technical and clinical success was 100%. At 12 months, 53% of patients had no pelvic pain and 47% reported a reduction in pelvic pain. The average VAS was 7.34 before the procedure and 0.47 at 12 months. Complete relief of pain and associated symptoms was achieved for 37% of patients. Urinary urgency, lower limb symptoms, and vulvar and lower limbs varicosities were prognostic factors related to incomplete treatment success. The global complication rate was low (5/113, 4.4%). CONCLUSION: Transcatheter embolization was a safe and effective treatment for PCS. Lower limb symptoms, urinary urgency, and varicosities were associated with incomplete clinical success.