Initial Outcomes of Embolization for Type II Endoleak: Comparison of n-Butyl Cyanoacrylate-Ethiodized Oil Mixture with n-Butyl Cyanoacrylate-Ethiodized Oil-Ethanol Mixture.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare the safety and effectiveness N-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA)-lipiodol mixture (NL) and NBCA-lipiodol-ethanol mixture (NLE) embolization for Type II endoleak (T2EL) after endovascular aortic repair (EVAR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 32 patients with 49 procedures who underwent T2EL embolization between January 2008 and June 2022. Cases with no follow-up after embolization, technical failure, treatment with coil only, T1EL at the embolization, and re-embolization were excluded. The resultant final cohort included 24 patients (14 men and 10 women; mean age, 83.3 [interquartile range (IQR) 77-89] years) who underwent initial T2EL embolization, with 15 patients in the NL group and 9 patients in the NLE group. The two groups were compared in terms of adverse events, freedom from sac enlargement, and freedom from reintervention. RESULTS: The follow-up period after embolization for T2EL was 960±1007 days in the NL group and 484±192 days in the NLE group, without significant differences. No adverse events above moderate were observed in either group. The freedom from sac enlargement rate at 1 year was 65.0% in the NL group and 87.5% in the NLE group (P=0.03). The freedom from reintervention rate at 1 year was 69.2% in the NL group and 100.0% in the NLE group (P=0.02). CONCLUSION: The NLE group had significantly higher rates of freedom from sac enlargement and reintervention at 1 year compared to the NL group. These results suggest that T2EL embolization with NLE may be more effective than with NL.

Preemptive Embolization of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Sac Side Branch Arteries Promotes Early Sac Shrinkage after Endovascular Aneurysm Repair 1.

BACKGROUND: The association between the occlusion rate of the side branch arteries branching from the abdominal aortic aneurysm sac and aneurysm sac shrinkage is unclear. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of preemptive embolization of multiple side branch arteries branching from the abdominal aortic aneurysm sac in early aneurysm sac shrinkage after endovascular aneurysm repair. METHODS: Patients undergoing endovascular aneurysm repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms, with or without preemptive embolization of multiple side branch arteries, including the inferior mesenteric artery and lumbar arteries, between January 2016 and August 2021, were retrospectively evaluated. Preemptive embolization was introduced at our institution in January 2018 and has been performed in all patients who undergo endovascular aneurysm repair since then. We compared occlusion rates of the side branch arteries, frequency of type 2 endoleaks, changes in aneurysm sac size, percentage of aneurysm sac size decrease, and frequency of reduction in the aneurysm sac diameter by > 5 mm. RESULTS: The study included 43 patients in the embolization group and 20 in the nonembolization group. Preemptive embolization was successfully performed without any ischemic complications. The total occlusion rate of side branch arteries was significantly higher in the embolization group than in the nonembolization group (70.2% vs. 29.3%, P < 0.05). At 24 months of follow-up, the type 2 endoleak frequency was significantly lower in the embolization group than in the nonembolization group (6.9% vs. 31.6%, P < 0.05). The frequency of reduction in the aneurysm sac diameter by > 5 mm was significantly higher in the embolization group than in the nonembolization group at 24 months (62.1% vs. 31.6% P < 0.05). The optimal cutoff value for the total occlusion rate of the side branch arteries to achieve reduction in the aneurysm sac diameter by > 5 mm at 24 months, after endovascular aneurysm repair, was 66.7% in all patients (area under the curve = 0.634; sensitivity = 62.5%; specificity = 70.8%). These findings suggest that occluding 66.7% or more of the side branch arteries may result in early aneurysmal shrinkage. CONCLUSIONS: Preemptive embolization of multiple side branch arteries, branching from the abdominal aortic aneurysm sac, may contribute to early aneurysm sac shrinkage; this may serve as a marker for fewer late complications after endovascular aneurysm repair.

Pulmonary mediastinal actinomycosis with "pound cake sign" on magnetic resonance imaging mimicking an infiltrative malignant tumor: A case report.

Actinomycosis is a rare chronic suppurative granulomatous disease. Surgical biopsy is often performed in patients with chest actinomycosis because malignancy is suspected in most cases. A 62-year-old man presented to our hospital with fever and exertional dyspnea that had persisted for several months. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed an irregularly shaped mass with contrast enhancement in the anterior mediastinum and consolidation in the left upper lung lobe contiguous with this mass, as well as multiple nodules in both lungs. The pulmonary artery trunk was stenotic and surrounded by the mass, and the right heart system was enlarged. Thoracoscopic biopsy was performed but failed to yield a diagnosis. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography after one month revealed an increased mass and worsening right heart strain. 18F-FDG (fluorodeoxyglucose) positron emission tomography/computed tomography and contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging also suggested a malignant tumor, and an open chest biopsy was performed. No malignant cells were identified and actinomycetes were detected by histopathology and bacterial culture. The patient was treated with antibiotics, following which his contrast-enhanced computed tomography findings and general condition improved.

Efficacy of endovascular treatment for completely occlusive acute-subacute portal and mesenteric vein thrombosis with severe complications in patients without cirrhosis.

PURPOSE: Completely occlusive acute-subacute portal and mesenteric vein thrombosis (PVMVT) with severe complications is fatal. Endovascular treatments (EVTs) of acute-subacute PVMVT are not standardized. Thrombectomy combined with continuous catheter-directed thrombolysis is considered an effective treatment. Here, we aimed to evaluate the outcome of EVTs of completely occlusive acute-subacute PVMVT with severe complications in patients without cirrhosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nineteen patients (nine men and 10 women; age, 60.1 ± 16.8 years) with completely occlusive acute-subacute PVMVT were retrospectively assessed. Acute-subacute PVMVT was defined as symptom onset within 40 days, with no cavernous transformation observed on contrast-enhanced computed tomography. The patients were treated with EVTs, a combination of thrombectomy (including aspiration thrombectomy, plain old balloon angioplasty, single injection of thrombolytic agents, and stent placement) and continuous catheter-directed thrombolysis. Kaplan-Meier analyses were performed to assess all-cause mortality, acute-subacute PVMVT-related mortality, and portal vein (PV) patency. The degree of recanalization and patency of PV, complications, factors related to acute-subacute PVMVT-related mortality, and factors related to patency of PV were also evaluated. RESULTS: The all-cause and acute-subacute PVMVT-related mortality rates were 36.8% (7/19) and 31.6% (6/19), respectively. Seven (36.8%) and 11 (57.9%) patients achieved complete and partial recanalization, respectively. Among the 18 patients who achieved recanalization, follow-up images after 608.7 ± 889.5 days confirmed recanalization in 83.3% (15/18) patients, and 53.3% (8/15) of these patients achieved patency of PV. Seven patients (36.8%) developed complications, and two (10.5%) required interventional treatment for complications. Deterioration of liver function significantly worsened the prognosis (P = 0.046), while anticoagulation therapy significantly maintained portal patency (P = 0.03). CONCLUSION: This endovascular method for acute-subacute PVMVT, which combines thrombectomy and continuous catheter-directed thrombolysis EVT approach was effective for thrombus resolution. However, further studies must define conditions that improve patient prognosis.

Successful embolization of an intrahepatic portosystemic shunt using balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration: A case report.

BACKGROUND: A congenital intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (IPSVS) is a rare vascular abnormality that is characterized by an anomalous intrahepatic venous tract that connects the intrahepatic portal vein with the hepatic venous system. Hepatic encephalopathy is an indication for IPSVS embolization, which is technically challenging because rapid blood flow through shunts can induce the migration of embolization material to systemic veins. This case report discusses the efficacy of percutaneous balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration for treating patients with IPSVSs. CASE SUMMARY: A 75-year-old woman presented with a six-month history of repeated hepatic encephalopathy due to an IPSVS without liver cirrhosis. We successfully embolized the IPSVS using percutaneous balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration with interlocking detachable coils. After the procedure, the patient exhibited no symptoms of hepatic encephalopathy for 14 mo. CONCLUSION: Balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration with detachable coils can be effective for the endovascular treatment of an IPSVS.

Transileocolic endovascular treatment by a hybrid approach for severe acute portal vein thrombosis with bowel necrosis: Two case reports.

BACKGROUND: Acute portal vein thrombosis (PVT) with bowel necrosis is a fatal condition with a 50%-75% mortality rate. This report describes the successful endovascular treatment (EVT) of two patients with severe PVT. CASE SUMMARY: The first patient was a 22-year-old man who presented with abdominal pain lasting 3 d. The second patient was a 48-year-old man who presented with acute abdominal pain. Following contrast-enhanced computed tomography, both patients were diagnosed with massive PVT extending to the splenic and superior mesenteric veins. Hybrid treatment (simultaneous necrotic bowel resection and EVT) was performed in a hybrid operating room (OR). EVTs, including aspiration thrombectomy, catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT), and continuous CDT, were performed via the ileocolic vein under laparotomy. The portal veins were patent 4 and 6 mo posttreatment in the 22-year-old and 48-year-old patients, respectively. CONCLUSION: Hybrid necrotic bowel resection and transileocolic EVT performed in a hybrid OR is effective and safe.

Endovascular treatment with Viabahn stent-grafts for arterial injury and bleeding at the visceral arteries: initial and midterm results.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study is to evaluate the initial and midterm efficacy and safety of endovascular treatment (EVT) using Viabahn stent-graft (SG) for arterial injury and bleeding (AIB) at the visceral arteries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Consecutive patients with visceral AIB who underwent EVT using Viabahn between January 2017 and February 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Technical success, clinical success, peripheral organ ischemia, peri-procedural complications, bleeding-related mortality, 30-day mortality, neck length, re-bleeding, endoleaks, and patency of the SGs at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months were evaluated. RESULTS: EVT using Viabahn was performed in 14 patients (mean age: 68.6 years; 12 males) and 15 arteries. The technical and clinical success rates were 100%. The rates of peripheral organ ischemia, peri-procedural complications, bleeding-related mortality, and 30-day mortality were all 0%. The mean neck length was 9.9 mm. No endoleaks or re-bleeding occurred during the follow-up (mean: 732 days). The SG patency was confirmed after 1, 3, 6, and 12 months in 78.6%, 78.6%, 78.6%, and 56.1% of the patients, respectively. CONCLUSION: EVT using Viabahn for AIB at the visceral arteries was safe and effective. SG occlusions without ischemia often occurred after 12 months.

Emergency endovascular treatment using a Viabahn stent graft for upper and lower extremity arterial bleeding: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: A Viabahn stent graft (SG) is a heparin-coated self-expandable SG for lower extremity arterial disease that exhibits high flexibility and accuracy in the delivery system. This study aimed to evaluate the short-term efficacy and safety of emergency endovascular treatment (EVT) using a Viabahn SG for upper and lower extremity arterial bleeding (ULEAB). METHODS: Consecutive patients with ULEAB who underwent emergency EVT using the Viabahn SG between January 2017 and August 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. The indications for EVT, location of artery, technical success, clinical success, limb ischemia, periprocedural complications, bleeding-related mortality, 30-day mortality, diameter of the target artery, diameter of the SG, neck length, rebleeding, endoleaks, and patency of the SGs at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months were evaluated. RESULTS: EVT using the Viabahn SG was performed in 22 patients (mean age, 72.0 ± 13.0 years; 11 men) and 23 arteries (upper, 6; lower, 17). The indications for EVT were pseudoaneurysm (n = 13, 59.1%), extravasation (n = 9, 39.1%), and inadvertent arterial cannulation (n = 1, 4.3%). The anatomical locations of the 23 ULEAB injuries were the brachiocephalic (1 [4.3%]), subclavian (3 [13.0%]), axillary (1 [4.3%]), brachial (1 [4.3%]), common iliac (4 [17.4%]), external iliac (8 [34.8%]), common femoral (2 [8.7%]), superficial femoral (2 [8.7%]), and popliteal (1 [4.3%]) arteries. The technical and clinical success rates were 100%. The rates of limb ischemia, periprocedural complications, and bleeding-related mortality were 0%, whereas the 30-day mortality rate was 22.7%. The mean diameters of the arteries and SGs were 7.7 ± 2.2 and 8.9 ± 2.3 mm, respectively. The mean neck length was 20.4 ± 11.3 mm. No endoleaks or rebleeding occurred during the follow-up period (mean, 169 ± 177 days). Two SG occlusions without limb ischemia occurred in the external iliac and brachial arteries after 1 and 4 months, respectively. Subsequently, cumulative SG patency was confirmed after 1, 3, 6, and 12 months in 91.7%, 91.7%, 81.5%, and 81.5% of patients, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Emergency EVT using the Viabahn SG for ULEAB was effective and safe according to short-term outcomes. Appropriate size selection and neck length are important for successful treatment. SG patency was good after 1, 3, 6, and 12 months.

Successful Prophylactic Endovascular Therapy for a Rapidly Expanding Hepatic Arterial Aneurysm in a Patient with Vascular Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.

Vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (vEDS) causes fatal vascular complications due to vascular fragility. However, invasive therapeutic procedures are generally avoided except in emergencies. We report a case of vEDS presenting with rapid expansion of a hepatic arterial aneurysm successfully treated using prophylactic endovascular therapy. A 43-year-old woman with vEDS confirmed by genetic testing was hospitalized for a symptomatic hepatic arterial aneurysm that expanded rapidly within a week. Prophylactic coil embolization was then successfully performed. Although the general applicability of this approach cannot be determined, prophylactic endovascular therapy can clearly be an option for arterial aneurysms at high risk of rupture.

A Comparison of Outcomes Based on Vessel Type (Native Artery vs. Bypass Graft) and Artery Location (Below-Knee Artery vs. Non-Below-Knee Artery) Using a Combination of Multiple Endovascular Techniques for Acute Lower Limb Ischemia.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate outcomes of endovascular treatment (EVT) using a combination of multiple endovascular techniques for acute lower limb ischemia (ALLI) and to compare outcomes based on vessel type and artery location. METHODS: A total of 95 consecutive patients with ALLI (mean age, 72.0 years; 65 males; 104 lower limbs) who received emergency EVT using a combination of multiple endovascular techniques including thrombolysis, aspiration thrombectomy, stenting, and balloon angioplasty with or without surgical thromboembolectomy, between January 2005 and December 2017 were included. Vessel type was classified into native artery occlusion (native occlusion) and bypass graft occlusion (graft occlusion), including prosthetic and vein graft. Additionally, native arteries were categorized into below-knee occlusion and non-below-knee occlusion. Technical success, perioperative death (POD), ALLI-related death, amputation, amputation-free survival (AFS), and complications were compared according to vessel type (native occlusion vs. graft occlusion) and artery location (below-knee occlusion vs. non-below-knee occlusion). RESULTS: Of all patients with ALLI, 16.8% underwent a single endovascular technique, whereas 83.2% underwent a combination of multiple endovascular techniques. The technicalsuccess, POD, and ALLI-related death rates in the total number of patients were 94.7%, 11.6%, and 4.2%, respectively. A total of 67 patients (75 limbs) and 28 patients (29 limbs) were classified as having native occlusion and graft occlusion (prosthetic, 24 limbs; vein, 5 limbs), respectively. No significant differences in technical success (native occlusion: 92.5% vs. graft occlusion: 100%), POD (14.9% vs. 3.6%), and ALLI-related death (6.0% vs. 0%) were noted between native occlusion and graft occlusion. However, the 30-day AFS rate of native occlusion was significantly lower than that of graft occlusion (75.2% vs. 96.3%, P=0.01). The amputation rate (P=0.03) and AFS rate (P=0.03) of below-knee occlusion were significantly worse for below-knee occlusion patients than for non-below-knee occlusion patients. CONCLUSIONS: EVT using multiple endovascular techniques for ALLI is effective and safe. A combination of multiple endovascular techniques is crucial for successful treatment. However, native occlusion may have a lower AFS rate than graft occlusion, and below-knee occlusion may have a higher risk of amputation than non-below-knee occlusion.

Balloon-assisted Transcatheter arterial embolization using N-butyl cyanoacrylate for iatrogenic arterial bleeding by groin puncture: a new technology.

BACKGROUND: Balloon-assisted transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) using n-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA) and lipiodol (Lp) mixture is a new endovascular treatment technique for iatrogenic arterial bleeding by groin puncture. It is less invasive compared to surgical repair, and NBCA migration into the circulation can be prevented by temporary balloon occlusion of the parent artery without ultrasound-guidance. This study aimed to report on the technical aspects and evaluate the efficacy and safety of fluoroscopically guided balloon-assisted transcatheter arterial embolization using NBCA for iatrogenic arterial bleeding by groin puncture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included five patients (mean age 54.6 years; 3 male and 2 female) with iatrogenic arterial bleeding by groin puncture. We performed transcatheter arterial embolization using NBCA while occluding the responsible artery with a balloon catheter during the embolization to prevent NBCA migration. Two sheaths were inserted into the common femoral artery. A microcatheter was advanced into the pseudoaneurysm or extravasation via the contralateral sheath. A balloon catheter was advanced into the responsible artery until the balloon portion covered the leakage site via another sheath. After balloon inflation, the NBCA and Lip mixture was slowly injected until the pseudoaneurysm, or the extravasation was filled without touching the balloon. The microcatheter was removed immediately after the filling. We assessed technical success, overall success, and complications. RESULTS: The injured arteries were the external iliac artery (n = 1), the common femoral artery (n = 2), and the proximal portion of the superficial femoral artery (n = 2). NBCA was injected once in four cases and twice in one case where complete hemostasis could not be achieved with one injection. The technical and overall success rate was 100% with no complications, including distal embolization of NBCA. CONCLUSIONS: Balloon-assisted TAE using NBCA is a feasible, effective, and safe treatment for iatrogenic arterial bleeding by groin puncture. It may also be applicable in other arterial bleeding situations where the potential risk of distal embolization can be decreased by applying the balloon-assisted technique.

Novel treatment of vascular injury from delayed hemodialysis catheter migration by transvenous balloon-assisted embolization with n-butyl cyanoacrylate.

Delayed vascular injury (DVI) with a hemodialysis catheter is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication. However, the appropriate treatment for DVI has not yet been established. A 44-year-old man underwent placement of a hemodialysis catheter via the left internal jugular vein, and the first leukapheresis procedure was performed without complications. However, 3 days after the insertion of the hemodialysis catheter, the patient developed sudden dyspnea. Chest radiographs and contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed that the catheter tip had migrated and was located outside the left brachiocephalic vein. DVI with catheter migration was diagnosed. To perform safe and reliable hemostasis, we successfully performed transvenous balloon-assisted tract embolization with n-butyl cyanoacrylate and the catheter was removed. To our knowledge, there has been no previous report of the treatment of balloon-assisted tract embolization with n-butyl cyanoacrylate for DVI caused by a hemodialysis catheter. Our treatment approach may be safe and effective for DVI.

An Extremely Rare Complication: Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Rupture Caused by Migration of a Zenith Main Body Years After Repair of the Suprarenal Stent Separation.

PURPOSE: To report an unusual case of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) rupture caused by migration of a Zenith stent-graft main body years after its separation from the suprarenal stent. CASE REPORT: A 72-year-old man underwent endovascular aneurysm repair with a Zenith stent-graft for an infrarenal AAA in year 2000. At that time, a femorofemoral bypass was performed because the left external iliac and common femoral arteries were dissected during treatment. In 2013, follow-up computed tomography (CT) showed disconnection of the uncovered proximal stent, which led to a type Ia endoleak. An additional Zenith main body and Large Palmaz XL balloon-expandable stent were deployed; the endoleak disappeared. In 2016, the patient had abdominal pain, and emergency CT showed AAA rupture caused by migration of the first main body deployed in 2000 under the distal edge of the contralateral (left) leg of the additional main body from 2013, which led to a type IIIa endoleak between the 2 main bodies. A converter and iliac legs were deployed to successfully seal the type IIIa endoleak. The patient remains well 18 months after the second repair; CT scans document stable stent-grafts and no endoleak. CONCLUSION: Physicians should be aware of the potential risk for AAA rupture caused by late main body migration after treatment for suprarenal stent separation from a Zenith stent-graft.

Strategy for the treatment of spontaneous isolated visceral artery dissection.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the incidence of rare spontaneous isolated visceral artery dissection (SIVAD), characterize its pathogenesis, and suggest treatment strategies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed abdominal contrast-enhanced computed-tomography (CE-CT) scans from January 2005 to December 2016 retrospectively in our institution, identified 47 SIVAD patients and classified them into a symptomatic (n = 22) or asymptomatic group (n = 25). Further, we classified the five types based on the CE-CT images. Patient characteristics, incidence, vascular risk factors, complications, symptoms, treatments outcomes, and morphology features on CE-CT images were analyzed. RESULTS: SIVAD was seen on 0.09% of all abdominal CE-CT scans, and 0.68% of all abdominal CT-CT scans obtained for the evaluation of acute abdominal symptoms. The asymptomatic group had significantly fewer patients with periarterial fat stranding or branch vessel involvement on CE-CT images (p < 0.01). The mean length of the dissection was longer in the symptomatic group (p < 0.05). In the asymptomatic group, dissection-related abdominal symptoms and complications did not develop; followed-up CE-CT scans showed improvement in the dissection lesions in 1 (4.0%) patient, no changes in 22 (88.0%), and complete remodeling in 2 (8.0%). In the symptomatic group, one patient presented with organ ischemia at diagnosis and five patients developed organ ischemia underwent endovascular intervention. In the remaining 16 patients received nonoperative intervention only, followed-up CE-CT scans showed improvement in 13 (86.7%), and complete remodeling in 2 (13.3%). CONCLUSIONS: Symptomatic SIVAD patients should be hospitalized because some of those may experience organ ischemia or aneurysm formation. Endovascular intervention is a feasible treatment for complications of SIVAD.

Coil embolization using microballoon assistance combined with the double-catheter technique for a large superior mesenteric arterial pseudoaneurysm and fistula secondary to acute pancreatitis.

Pseudoaneurysm of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) is rare and associated with the risk of massive fatal hemorrhage and acute mesenteric ischemia. We describe a 43-year-old man with acute pancreatitis who presented with an SMA pseudoaneurysm measuring 13 × 12 cm in diameter. The pseudoaneurysm originated between the first and second jejunal arteries and drained into the mesenteric vein. The SMA trunk between the first and second jejunal arteries was embolized with detachable coils using microballoon assistance. After coil placement, arteriography showed the collateral circulation and no perfusion delay of the distal SMA. This technique was useful for isolation of the SMA pseudoaneurysm.

Evaluating the Feasibility of Isolated Pancreatic Perfusion for Chemotherapy Using Computed Tomography: An Experimental Study in Pig Models.

PURPOSE: Percutaneous isolated pancreatic perfusion (PIPP) is performed along with interventional radiology techniques to obtain high drug concentration by occluding the arterial inlet and venous outlet of the pancreas. The experimental study aimed to evaluate the contrast distribution in PIPP under different flow rates with or without anterior mesenteric artery (AMA) occlusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was approved by a local animal experiment ethics committee. Nine pigs were divided into Groups 1, 2, and 3, by infusion rates of 12, 24, and 36 mL/min. Groups 4 and 5 (3 pigs each) and Group 6 (2 pigs) underwent PIPP at the same respective infusion rates with and without AMA occlusion. Computed tomography (CT) arteriography was performed during PIPP with nonionic contrast media. The enhanced volume was calculated by adding the enhanced area in each slice using 1.25-mm axial images. The percent enhanced volume to the whole pancreas (%eV) was used to simulate drug distribution; the result was compared among groups. RESULTS: Without AMA occlusion, a larger %eV was obtained with high infusion rates (P = 0.039). The median %eV in Groups 1, 2, and 3 were 57.7, 74.2, and 90.5%, respectively. With AMA occlusion, CT demonstrated duodenal enhancement at an infusion rate of 36 mL/min, and the median %eV in Groups 4, 5, and 6 were 92.8, 95.4, and 98.5%, respectively. A significantly larger %eV was obtained after AMA occlusion (P = 0.031). CONCLUSION: A higher infusion rate or AMA occlusion increases the enhanced volume in PIPP in pig models. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: No level of evidence.

Novel treatment strategy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: combination of conventional transcatheter arterial chemoembolization and modified method with portal vein occlusion for cases with arterioportal shunt: a preliminary study.

Background A novel strategy to combine conventional transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) and TACE during portal vein occlusion (TACE-PVO) in the presence of high-flow arterioportal shunt (APS) has been developed to treat hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with portal invasion. Purpose To evaluate the efficacy of this strategy. Material and Methods Twenty-five cases of HCC with portal invasion, treated between April 2006 and December 2015, were evaluated. Balloon occlusion of the portal venous outlet was performed in eight cases of high-flow APS when performing TACE. Conventional TACE was performed in the other 17 cases. The primary endpoint was overall survival. Adverse events and deterioration of liver function were also evaluated. Results The median survival time (MST) was 12 months. One-, two-, and three-year survival rates were 48.0%, 39.3%, and 26.2%, respectively. Subgroup analysis and multivariate analysis revealed the CLIP score as prognostic factor. MST was 2.5 months in the subgroup with CLIP score ≥4 and 26.0 months in the subgroup with CLIP score ≤3 (hazard ratio = 7.7, 95% confidence interval = 2.3-25.8). Transient elevations of the levels of transaminase and bilirubin were observed; however, deterioration of liver function was infrequent; upgrading of Child-Pugh class in 9.1% of cases. Conclusion A novel strategy, combining conventional TACE and TACE-PVO, is effective for HCC with portal invasion. The CLIP score may be useful for considering treatment indication.

Evaluation of the relationship between hepatocellular carcinoma location and transarterial chemoembolization efficacy.

AIM: To evaluate the relationship between the location of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the efficacy of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). METHODS: We evaluated 115 patients (127 nodules), excluding recurrent nodules, treated with TACE between January 2011 and June 2014. TACE efficacy was evaluated according to mRECIST. The HCC location coefficient was calculated as the distance from the central portal portion to the HCC center (mm)/liver diameter (mm) on multiplanar reconstruction images rendered (MPR) to visualize bifurcation of the right and left branches of the portal vein and HCC center. The HCC location coefficient was compared between complete response (CR) and non-CR groups in Child-Pugh grade A and B patients. RESULTS: The median location coefficient of HCC among all nodules, the right lobe, and the medial segment was significantly higher in the CR group than in the non-CR group in the Child-Pugh grade A patients (0.82 vs 0.62, P < 0.001; 0.71 vs 0.59, P < 0.01; 0.81 vs 0.49, P < 0.05, respectively). However, there was no significant difference in the median location coefficient of the HCC in the lateral segment between in the CR and in the non-CR groups (0.67 vs 0.65, P > 0.05). On the other hand, in the Child-Pugh grade B patients, the HCC median location coefficient in each lobe and segment was not significantly different between in the CR and in the non-CR groups. CONCLUSION: Improved TACE efficacy may be obtained for HCC in the peripheral zone of the right lobe and the medial segment in Child-Pugh grade A patients.

Endovascular Treatment Strategy Using Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis, Percutaneous Aspiration Thromboembolectomy, and Angioplasty for Acute Upper Limb Ischemia.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the usefulness and safety of endovascular treatments for acute upper limb ischemia (AULI) by using multiple techniques, and to compare catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) and percutaneous aspiration thromboembolectomy (PAT) as initial procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 18 patients (4 men and 14 women) with AULI, who underwent a total of 20 sessions of endovascular treatment using various endovascular techniques between January 2005 and April 2016. The patients were initially treated with CDT [n = 9, CDT-based group (C-G)], PAT [n = 6, PAT-based group (P-G)], or angioplasty (n = 3). In case of residual emboli, we performed additional endovascular techniques. We assessed technical success, clinical success, and complications. Additionally, we compared the urokinase dosage between the groups. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 74.4 years. Technical and clinical success was obtained in all patients. Among the 18 patients, 1 underwent CDT only, 2 underwent PAT only, 1 underwent angioplasty only, and 14 underwent multiple techniques. Two patients from the C-G experienced major complications (cerebellar hemorrhage 1; pseudo-aneurysm in a branch of the ulnar artery 1). The mean urokinase dosage was lower in the P-G than in the C-G (40,000 vs. 246,667 IU; Mann-Whitney U test, P = 0.004). CONCLUSION: Endovascular treatment is effective and safe for AULI. A combination of multiple endovascular techniques is important for successful treatment. PAT is suggested as an initial procedure among endovascular techniques, in terms of a lower dosage of urokinase and a lower complication rate. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, Case-control studies.

Haemodynamic changes in hepatocellular carcinoma and liver parenchyma under balloon occlusion of the hepatic artery.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate haemodynamic changes in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and liver under hepatic artery occlusion. METHODS: Thirty-eight HCC nodules in 25 patients were included. Computed tomography (CT) during hepatic arteriography (CTHA) with and without balloon occlusion of the hepatic artery was performed. CT attenuation and enhancement volume of HCC and liver with and without balloon occlusion were measured on CTHA. Influence of balloon position (segmental or subsegmental branch) was evaluated based on differences in HCC-to-liver attenuation ratio (H/L ratio) and enhancement volume of HCC and liver. RESULTS: In the segmental group (n = 20), H/L ratio and enhancement volume of HCC and liver were significantly lower with balloon occlusion than without balloon occlusion. However, in the subsegmental group (n = 18), H/L ratio was significantly higher and liver enhancement volume was significantly lower with balloon occlusion; HCC enhancement volume was similar with and without balloon occlusion. Rate of change in H/L ratio and enhancement volume of HCC and liver were lower in the segmental group than in the subsegmental group. There were significantly more perfusion defects in HCC in the segmental group. CONCLUSIONS: Hepatic artery occlusion causes haemodynamic changes in HCC and liver, especially with segmental occlusion. KEY POINTS: • Hepatic artery occlusion causes haemodynamic changes in hepatocellular carcinoma and liver. • Segmental occlusion decreased rate of change in hepatocellular carcinoma-to-liver attenuation ratio. • Subsegmental occlusion increased rate of change in hepatocellular carcinoma-to-liver attenuation ratio. • Hepatic artery occlusion decreased enhancement volume of hepatocellular carcinoma and liver. • Hepatic artery occlusion causes perfusion defects in hepatocellular carcinoma.