Conventional angiography findings in hemodynamically unstable patients with acute abdominal hemorrhage and a negative CT bleeding study.

BACKGROUND: CT bleeding study (CTA) is regularly requested in acute abdominal haemorrhage (AAH) with haemodynamic instability by clinical teams and interventional radiologists because CTA can; detect arterial bleeding at low rates of hemorrhage, accurately localize the bleeding point and characterize the etiology. How best to manage an unstable patient who has an AAH with a haematoma and no acute vascular findings on CTA represents a difficult clinical scenario for treating physicians and Interventional Radiologists. PURPOSE: To review the conventional angiography (CA) findings and clinical outcome of hemodynamically unstable patients with AAH who had a preceding negative CTA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients who were hemodynamically unstable and underwent CTA and CA for acute arterial abdominal hemorrhage at our institution between 01/01/2010 and 31/12/2017 were identified. Patients with obstetric, penetrating trauma, abdominal aortic or venous sources of hemorrhage were excluded. Patients who had a negative CTA before CA were included. Patient medical records were reviewed for clinical outcome. RESULTS: In the study period 160 hemodynamically unstable patients underwent 178 CA procedures. 155 CA procedures were preceded by CTA. 141 CTAs demonstrated active bleeding or an abnormal artery. 14 CTAs in 13 patients demonstrated hematoma but no acute bleeding (mean age = 56-years; M:F, 12:1). Eight of the 14 CA studies demonstrated: active bleeding (n = 4), pseudoaneurysm (n = 1) or a truncated artery (n = 3). Cases of renal hemorrhage demonstrated a significantly higher proportion of false negative CTA studies (36%). Selective (n = 8) or empiric (n = 4) embolization was performed in twelve cases. All patients stopped bleeding and there were no mortalities. CONCLUSION: In a cohort of hemodynamically unstable patients, 57% (8/14) of cases with no acute vascular findings on CTA demonstrated a source of hemorrhage on CA. The false negative rate of CTA was significantly higher for renal tract hemorrhage compared to other sites of bleeding.

The Integration of Active Learning Teaching Strategies Into a Radiology Rotation for Medical Students Improves Radiological Interpretation Skills and Attitudes Toward Radiology.

PURPOSE: In recent years, there has been increased recognition of the benefits of teaching by active learning. However, there is a paucity of experimental studies utilizing active learning in undergraduate radiology rotations, which is traditionally a passive learning experience. We designed a new radiology rotation that integrated teaching by active learning. We prospectively examined the efficacy of this new rotation compared to our standard rotation in terms of students' radiological competency and attitudes toward radiology, as well as impact on departmental efficiency. METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study involving fourth year medical students completing a 1-week radiology rotation at our department between January and April 2018. One cohort completed a rotational model which incorporated active learning sessions (integrated cohort) while the remainder were taught using traditional passive learning methods (standard cohort). All participants completed a radiology examination before and after the rotation and were surveyed on their attitudes toward radiology. RESULTS: A total of 105 students enrolled in the study. The mean postrotation competency score obtained by the integrated cohort was significantly higher than that obtained by the standard cohort (82% vs 62%; P < 0.001). The integrated rotation freed up 7 hours of radiologists' time per week. While the students completing the integrated rotation had a more positive perception of radiology, they were no more likely to express a desire to pursue a career in radiology. CONCLUSIONS: The integration of active learning sessions into an undergraduate radiology rotation results in an improvement in students' postrotation radiological competency and attitudes toward radiology.

C-arm cone-beam CT parenchymal blood volume imaging for transarterial chemoembolization of hepatocellular carcinoma: implications for treatment planning and response.

We report on the feasibility of C-arm cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) parenchymal blood volume imaging (PBVI) performed immediately following transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) to assess the need for repeat treatment. Eighteen TACE procedures were included. A retrospective assessment was made for the presence or absence of residual disease requiring treatment on immediate post-TACE PBVI and on interval follow-up multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In 9/18 cases, both PBVI and MDCT/MRI showed that no further treatment was required. In 6/18 cases, further treatment was required on both PBVI and MDCT/MRI. In three cases, PBVI showed that further treatment was not required but MDCT/MRI showed residual disease requiring repeat treatment. There were no cases with PBVI showing residual disease not detected on follow-up MDCT/MRI. The PBVI sensitivity for detecting disease requiring repeat TACE was 67% (95% confidence interval [CI] 30-93%), and specificity was 100% (95% CI 66-100%). The use of C-arm CBCT PBVI for the detection of residual viable tumor within a treated lesion immediately after TACE is feasible. It may allow repeat TACE to be planned without performing interval imaging with MDCT or MRI.

Does neoadjuvant doxorubicin drug-eluting bead transarterial chemoembolization improve survival in patients undergoing liver transplant for hepatocellular carcinoma?

PURPOSE: We aimed to compare the overall (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) of patients undergoing orthotopic liver transplant (OLT) for hepatocellular carcinoma who did and did not have neoadjuvant doxorubicin drug-eluting bead transarterial chemoembolization (DEB-TACE). METHODS: This is a retrospective study of 94 patients with HCC transplanted between 2000 and 2014 in a single tertiary center. Pre- and postoperative features, DFS and OS were compared between patients who received pre-OLT DEB-TACE (n=34, DEB-TACE group) and those who did not (n=60, non-TACE group). Radiologic and histologic response to neoadjuvant treatment as well as its complications were also studied. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in post-transplantation DFS and OS rates between groups (5-year DFS: 70% in DEB-TACE group vs. 63% in non-TACE group, P = 0.454; 5-year OS: 70% in DEB-TACE group vs. 65% in non-TACE group, P = 0.532). The DEB-TACE group had longer OLT waiting time compared with the non-TACE group (110 vs. 72 days; P = 0.01). On univariate and multivariate analyses, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels >500 ng/mL prior to OLT were associated with decreased OS and DFS regardless of neoadjuvant approach (hazard ratio of 6, P = 0.001 and 5.5, P = 0.002, respectively). CONCLUSION: Patients who underwent neoadjuvant DEB-TACE and OLT for hepatocellular carcinoma had no statistically different OS or DFS at 3 and 5 years from patients undergoing OLT alone.

Early arterial stasis during resin-based yttrium-90 radioembolization: incidence and preliminary outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to determine the incidence of early stasis in radioembolization using resin yttrium-90 (Y-90) microspheres, to evaluate potential contributing factors, and to review initial imaging outcomes. METHODS: Patients in whom early stasis occurred were compared with those in whom complete delivery was achieved for tumour type and vascularity, tumour : normal liver ratio (T : N ratio) at technetium-99m-macroaggregated albumin (Tc-99m-MAA) angiography, previous intra-arterial therapy, and infusion site (left, right or whole liver). Tumour response was evaluated at 3 months and defined according to whether a partial response and stable disease versus progressive disease were demonstrated. RESULTS: A total of 71 patients underwent 128 Y-90 infusions in which 26 (20.3%) stasis events occurred. Hypervascular and hypovascular tumours had similar rates of stasis (17.4% versus 27.8%; P = NS). The mean ± standard deviation T : N ratio was 3.03 ± 1.54 and 3.66 ± 2.79 in patients with and without stasis, respectively (P = NS). Stasis occurred in 14 of 81 (17.3%) and 12 of 47 (25.5%) infusions following previous intra-arterial therapy and in therapy-naïve territories, respectively (P = NS). Early stasis occurred in 15 of 41 (36.6%) left, 10 of 65 (15.4%) right and one of 22 (4.5%) whole liver infusions (P < 0.001). Rates of partial response and stable disease were similar in the stasis (88.3%) and non-stasis (76.0%) groups (P = NS). CONCLUSIONS: Early stasis occurred in approximately 20% of infusions with similar incidences in hyper- and hypovascular tumours. Whole-liver therapy reduced the incidence of stasis. Stasis did not appear to affect initial imaging outcomes.

Optimizing needle direction during transjugular liver biopsy provides superior biopsy specimens.

PURPOSE: Transjugular liver biopsy (TJLB) is commonly performed for staging of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis among patients with coagulopathy and/or ascites. We hypothesized that device orientation during needle firing influences hepatic tissue apposition with the specimen notch and specimen quality. METHODS: Needle biopsies were performed in ex vivo bovine livers with specimen notch of the biopsy device oriented at cranial, caudal, or lateral directions with respect to the guiding metal cannula. Biopsy specimen length was measured and evaluated for fragmentation using light microscopy. In addition, a consecutive cohort of patients (n = 50) who underwent TJLB with random (n = 22) or caudal (n = 28) needle orientation was retrospectively reviewed. The number of needle passes was documented, and pathology specimen adequacy was graded using an ordinal scale. RESULTS: A total of 400 biopsies were performed (100 in each orientation) in ex vivo bovine livers. Longer specimens were obtained with caudal orientation of the needle specimen notch (p < 0.0001, ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis tests). There was no difference in the degree of fragmentation. In the retrospective clinical study, specimen adequacy was significantly higher among patients in the caudal orientation group (p = 0.0002, Mann-Whitney U test). CONCLUSION: Caudal orientation of the needle specimen notch of the biopsy device during TJLB produces superior core biopsy specimens. This simple technical modification may assist in obtaining higher-quality biopsy specimens during TJLB.

Pressure wire assessment of hemodynamic alterations after chemoembolization of hepatocellular carcinoma.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: The end point of chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma is qualitative. We intended to determine the feasibility of measuring intra-arterial pressure changes after chemoembolization and hypothesized that pressures would increase in the distal hepatic artery after the procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Before and after chemoembolization, systemic (S) systolic and mean pressures were measured along with celiac (C), lobar (L), and distal (D) hepatic artery pressures with a pressure wire. Corrected pressures were defined as a ratio with S as the denominator to account for intraprocedural S changes. Changes in the systolic and mean corrected pressures at each location (C/S, L/S, and D/S) were evaluated using paired t tests. Pressure changes in patients with and without tumor response using the Modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors were also compared. RESULTS: Sixteen tumors were treated in 15 patients. One patient had bilobar tumors with separate supplying arteries. The only significant pressure change was systolic D/S (P = .02), while mean D/S approached significance (P = .08). C/S and L/S did not change significantly after chemoembolization. Eleven of 16 patients had a complete response, whereas the other five had a partial response after chemoembolization. When comparing complete to partial responders, no changes in systolic or mean C/S, L/S, or D/S reached statistical significance (all P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Measuring change in hepatic artery pressures is feasible. Distal intra-arterial corrected pressures increase significantly after chemoembolization. Further study to determine the ability to predict tumor necrosis at follow-up imaging is warranted.

Safety of uterine artery embolization in patients with preexisting hydrosalpinx.

PURPOSE: To determine (i) if preexisting hydrosalpinx poses a risk for development of pyosalpinx following uterine artery embolization (UAE) and (ii) the effect of UAE on fallopian tube diameter. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2005 and 2011, 429 women underwent UAE for treatment of symptomatic leiomyomas. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging before UAE revealed 16 (3.7%) premenopausal women (median age, 47 y; range, 40-52 y) with preexisting hydrosalpinx. Bilateral UAE was performed by using 500-700-µm tris-acryl microspheres with the administration of routine prophylactic antibiotics. Pre- and post-UAE MR images were used to measure fallopian tube diameter. Fallopian tube diameters were classified as normal (1-4 mm) or mildly (< 10 mm), moderately (10-20 mm), or severely enlarged (> 20 mm). A diameter change ≥ 3 mm was considered significant. Resolution of hydrosalpinx was defined by the inability to identify fallopian tubes on post-UAE MR imaging or a normal fallopian tube diameter. Radiology and hospital records were reviewed to determine clinical outcomes. RESULTS: All 16 patients underwent successful bilateral UAE. Clinical follow-up ranged from 14 to 1,531 days (median, 106 d). There was no clinical evidence of pyosalpinx after UAE. Two patients experienced minor complications unrelated to fallopian tube dilation. Post-UAE MR images were available in 13 of 16 patients (81.3%). There were no MR findings to suggest pyosalpinx after UAE. Resolution or improvement was noted in four of 15 hydrosalpinges (26.7%) for patients with follow-up imaging. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study suggest that UAE is safe for patients with preexisting hydrosalpinx.

Radiation emission from patients treated with selective hepatic radioembolization using yttrium-90 microspheres: are contact restrictions necessary?

PURPOSE: To estimate the possible radiation dose to other individuals from patients treated with yttrium-90 ((90)Y). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dosimetry data were analyzed after 143 consecutive administrations of (90)Y (124 resin, 19 glass) in 86 patients. External radiation exposure levels from patients were measured immediately after infusion. Total effective dose equivalent (TEDE) to maximally exposed individuals was calculated based on total body residence time and measured dose rate. These values were compared to Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) regulations (maximum, 1 mSv) and other potential guidelines for caregivers, extensive caregivers, or pregnant contacts. RESULTS: Mean administered activity for resin microspheres was 0.71 GBq ± 0.35 (range, 0.07-1.6GBq). Mean TEDE dose to the maximally exposed contact was 0.03 mSv (range, 0.0005-0.16 mSv). For glass microspheres, mean administered activity was 2.8 GBq ± 1.5 (range, 0.37-5.14 GBq). Mean TEDE dose to the maximally exposed contact was 0.06 mSv (range, 0.0023-0.23 mSv). All (90)Y treatments were within current NRC regulations for release without instructions. One, three, and one infusion were beyond potential thresholds for caregivers, extensive caregivers, or pregnant contacts, respectively. For any contact scenario, release without instruction was appropriate when administered activity was less than 3 GBq. CONCLUSIONS: All patients treated with (90)Y hepatic radioembolization to a maximum administered activity of 5.14 GBq and maximum dose rate of 10 uSv/h were releasable without contact restrictions according to the NRC contact scenario. Patients who receive more than 3 GBq during infusion may require dose rate measurement if more restrictive contact scenarios are considered.

Toxicities after radioembolization with yttrium-90 SIR-spheres: incidence and contributing risk factors at a single center.

PURPOSE: To report the incidence of liver function test (LFT) toxicities after radioembolization with yttrium-90 ((90)Y) SIR-Spheres and review potential risk factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients receiving (90)Y for radioembolization of primary or metastatic liver tumors had follow-up LFTs 29-571 days after treatment. The incidence and duration of bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) toxicities were documented using common terminology criteria. Factors that were assessed included previous intra-arterial (IA) therapy, systemic chemotherapy, low tumor-to-normal liver tissue ratio at mapping angiography, vascular stasis, and higher prescribed (90)Y doses. RESULTS: There were 81 patients who underwent 122 infusions and had follow-up LFTs. Of 122 infusions, 71 (58%) were associated with toxicity. One patient died with radiation-induced liver disease. Grade 3 or greater toxicities occurred in seven (7%) patients after nine procedures. The median durations of laboratory elevations for bilirubin, AST, and ALT were 29 days, 29 days, and 20 days. Toxicity developed after 51 (71%) of 72 infusions with previous IA therapy versus 20 (40%) of 50 infusions in treatment-naïve areas (P = .0006). Absence of previous systemic therapy was associated with greater risk of toxicity versus previous chemotherapy (47% vs 66%, P = .03). Other factors were not associated with increased toxicity. CONCLUSIONS: Mild hepatotoxicity developed frequently after infusion of SIR-Spheres using the body surface area method, with normalization of LFTs in most patients. Grade 3 or greater toxicities were seen in < 10% of infusions. Toxicity was strongly associated with previous IA therapy.

Moxifloxacin prophylaxis for chemoembolization or embolization in patients with previous biliary interventions: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: Abscess formation is a common serious adverse event after intraarterial therapy for hepatic malignancy in patients with colonized bile ducts. The combination of antibiotic prophylaxis and bowel preparation has been used to prevent hepatic abscess. We describe our outcomes with moxifloxacin prophylaxis alone without bowel preparation. CONCLUSION: Ten patients underwent 25 procedures and were followed for a median of 250 days. No abscesses developed. Our results suggest moxifloxacin alone may suffice for prophylaxis.

Side-branch embolization before 90Y radioembolization: rate of recanalization and new collateral development.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the rate of recanalization and collateral vessel formation after side-branch embolization during mapping angiography for planned (90)Y radioembolization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent side-branch embolization at mapping angiography before (90)Y administration were included. Embolized vessels included the gastroduodenal artery, right gastric artery, and accessory arteries. Four interventional radiologists reviewed follow-up angiograms to assess recanalization and new collateral formation of embolized vessels. The time to recanalization or new collateral formation was tracked within 60 days and after the final arteriographic study. Differences in outcome among patients who had and those who had not undergone previous arterial directed therapy were reviewed. RESULTS: Fifty-six patients underwent side-branch embolization and follow-up arteriography; 124 treatments were performed after side-branch embolization (median, 2; range, 1-7), and the median follow-up period was 134 days (range, 7-684 days). Recanalization or new collateral vessel formation was found in 6 of 56 patients (10.7%) and in 8 of 56 patients (14.3%) 60 days after treatment or at final angiography, respectively. Embolization of 110 arteries was accomplished (42 gastroduodenal arteries, 46 right gastric arteries, and 22 accessory arteries). Two of 110 arteries (1.8%) recanalized, and four of 110 (3.6%) had new collateral vessels within 60 days. At final evaluation, 2 of 110 arteries (1.8%) had recanalized and 7 of 110 (6.4%) had new collaterals. Previous liver-directed therapy did not affect outcome (p > 0.05). No patient had symptomatic gastrointestinal ulceration. CONCLUSION: In more than 89% of patients, side-branch embolization provides durable occlusion for (90)Y radioembolization without collateral development or recanalization for a bilobar cycle of therapy. Further recanalization and collateral development at longer-term follow-up are minimal.

Chest port placement with use of the single-incision insertion technique.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the single-incision technique for the placement of subcutaneous chest ports. Advantages, technical success, and complications were assessed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From March 2007 through May 2008, 161 consecutive chest ports were placed with a modified single-incision technique and sonographic and fluoroscopic guidance via the right internal jugular vein (IJV; n = 130), right external jugular vein (n = 1), right subclavian vein (n = 1), or left IJV (n = 28). The primary indication was for long-term chemotherapy; all patients had malignancy. RESULTS: All single-incision chest port insertions were technically successful. Ports were placed in patients 19 months to 93 years of age (mean, 56.3 y), with a mean follow-up of 203.6 device-days per patient and a total of 32,779 catheter access days. No procedure-related complications, pocket hematomas, venous thromboses, or pneumothoraces were observed. Minor delayed complications occurred in three patients. Premature catheter removal was required for two patients (1.2%; 0.006 per 100 catheter-days). One port was removed less than 30 days after implantation for infection of the pocket (0.61%; 0.003 per 100 catheter-days). Another catheter was removed because of patient dissatisfaction and unconfirmed concerns with arrhythmia (0.61%; 0.003 per 100 catheter-days). One minor superficial wound infection was successfully treated with oral antibiotics, with the port kept in place. CONCLUSIONS: Use of a single-incision technique for chest port implantation in adult and pediatric oncology patients is feasible. This may be the preferred method of subcutaneous port placement, as it has a very low complication rate and a high success rate. Prospective evaluation is needed to compare it versus the conventional two-incision technique.

G2 inferior vena cava filter: retrievability and safety.

PURPOSE: To assess the retrievability of the G2 inferior vena cava (IVC) filter and factors influencing the safety and technical success of retrieval. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From October 2006 through June 2008, G2 IVC filters were placed in 140 consecutive patients who needed prophylaxis against pulmonary embolism (PE). General indications for filter placement included history of thromboembolic disease (n = 98) and high risk for PE (n = 42); specific indications included contraindication to anticoagulation (n = 120), prophylaxis in addition to anticoagulation (n = 16), and failure of anticoagulation (n = 4). Filter dwell time, technical success of filter retrieval, and complications related to placement or retrieval were retrospectively evaluated in patients who underwent filter removal. RESULTS: Twenty-seven attempts at G2 filter removal were made in 26 patients (12 men; age range, 24-88 years; mean age, 55.4 y) after a mean period of 122 days (range, 11-260 d). Data were collected retrospectively with institutional review board approval. Filter removal was successful in all 27 attempts (100%). Tilting of the filter (> or =15 degrees ) occurred in five cases (18.5%), with probable filter incorporation into the right lateral wall of the IVC in one. Other complications of retrieval such as filter thrombosis, significant filter migration, filter fracture, and caval occlusion were not observed. CONCLUSIONS: G2 IVC filter retrieval has a high technical success rate and a low complication rate. Technical success appears to be unaffected by the dwell time within the reported range.

Image-guided drainage of multiple intraabdominal abscesses in children with perforated appendicitis: an alternative to laparotomy.

BACKGROUND: Appendicitis is the most common cause of an acute abdomen in children. With perforation, multiple intraperitoneal collections can be seen at presentation. In this situation, surgical treatment alone is rarely effective. OBJECTIVE: To determine the role of image-guided drainage in treating patients with acute appendicitis complicated by multiple intraabdominal collections. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of patient charts and interventional radiology records was performed to identify all patients with acute complicated appendicitis treated by multiple image-guided drainage procedures. Data reviewed included the number of drainages and aspirations performed, drain dwell time, the clinical course and temperature profile, and the length of inpatient hospital stay and any complications experienced. RESULTS: The study population comprised 42 children with a mean age of 107.6 months. A total of 100 drainage catheters were inserted and 56 aspirations were performed. Of the 42 children, 24 were successfully treated at a single sitting, while 18 returned for further intervention. The mean drain dwell time was 8.18 days. The mean inpatient stay was 15.02 days. Treatment of the acute presentation with image-guided intervention was successful in 92.3% of children. CONCLUSION: Successful management of acute perforated appendicitis with multiple intraabdominal abscesses can be achieved with multiple minimally invasive image-guided drainage procedures.