PET/CT findings and dose distribution during radiotherapy in T1N0M0-T2N0M0 glottic cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) findings of T1/T2N0M0 glottic cancer (hereafter referred to as T1/T2) and dose distribution in radiotherapy. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively collected data from patients diagnosed with T1/T2N0M0 glottic cancer who received radiotherapy. The extent of fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) accumulation in primary tumors, maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), total lesion glycolysis (TLG), tumor volume of primary tumors on PET/CT were compared. Furthermore, the tumor identified on PET/CT was incorporated into the radiotherapy plans. A dummy plan (radiation field 6x6cm, prescription point facing the vertebral body, maximum dose ≤107%, T1/T2 66Gy/33 fractions) was developed for three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy, and the dose distribution of primary tumors was calculated. RESULTS: Twenty-nine patients (27 men and two women) were included; their mean age was 67.2±15.0 years. Increased 18F-FDG accumulation in primary tumors was observed on PET/CT in 22/29 (78.5%; T1: 14/21 [67%], T2: 8/8 [100%]) patients. The median SUVmax, TLG, and primary tumor volume were significantly different between T1 and T2 (SUVmax, T1: 4.56 vs. T2: 8.43, P=0.035; TLG, T1: 1.01 vs. T2: 3.71 SUVxmL, P<0.01; primary tumor volume, T1: 0.38mL vs. T2: 0.80mL, P=0.01). At a TLG cut-off value of 3.470, the area under the curve was 0.875, sensitivity was 0.875, and specificity was 0.929 for T1-T2 differentiation. In 20 patients with 18F-FDG accumulation, the minimum radiation dose was significantly different between T1 and T2 (66Gy vs. 64Gy, P<0.01) at the same 66Gy prescription. The minimum radiation dose and primary tumor volume show the correlation value (r=-0.516, P=0.02). CONCLUSION: In glottic cancer, T1 and T2 can be differentiated by the extent of 18F-FDG accumulation in primary tumors on PET/CT. The minimum radiation dose rate decreases as volume increases.

Outcomes of embolization procedures for type II endoleaks following endovascular abdominal aortic repair.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the mid-term outcomes of embolization procedures for type II endoleak after endovascular abdominal aortic repair, and clarify the risk factors for aneurysm enlargement after embolization procedures. METHODS: This was a retrospective multicenter registry study enrolling patients who underwent embolization procedures for type II endoleaks after EVAR from January 2012 to December 2018 at 19 Japanese centers. The primary end point was the rate of freedom from aneurysm enlargement, more than 5 mm in the aortic maximum diameter, after an embolization procedure. Demographic, procedural, follow-up, and laboratory data were collected. Continuous variables were summarized descriptively, and Kaplan-Meier analyses and a Cox regression model were used for statistical analyses. RESULTS: A total of 315 patients (248 men and 67 women) were enrolled. The average duration from the initial embolization procedure to the last follow-up was 31.6 ± 24.6 months. The rates of freedom from aneurysm enlargement at 3 and 5 years were 55.4 ± 3.8% and 37.0 ± 5.2%, respectively. A multivariate analysis revealed that a larger aortic diameter at the initial embolization procedure and the presence of a Moyamoya endoleak, defined as heterogeneous contrast opacity with an indistinct faint border, were associated with aneurysm enlargement after embolization management. CONCLUSIONS: The embolization procedures were generally ineffective in preventing further expansion of abdominal aortic aneurysms in patients with type II endoleaks after EVAR, especially in patients with a large abdominal aortic aneurysm and/or a presence of a Moyamoya endoleak.

Development and Experimental Study of a Polytetrafluoroethylene-Tipped Microcatheter Poorly Adhesive to n-Butyl-2-Cyanoacrylate.

PURPOSE: We have developed a new microcatheter (designated "NSX") with an outer layer of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) at its tip. We compared the adhesion of the new NSX microcatheter and a conventional microcatheter with n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (NBCA) in vitro and in swine blood vessels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The 3 cm tip of the NSX microcatheter is composed of PTFE, which can be identified by double platinum markers. The tips of the NSX and conventional microcatheters were inserted into a vascular model filled with porcine blood with no flow, and NBCA mixed with lipiodol (1:2) was injected from the microcatheters. Two minutes after the injection of NBCA, the microcatheter was withdrawn and the degree of its adhesion to NBCA was evaluated by measuring the resistance value (N) during catheter removal with a digital force gauge. These measurements were repeated with 20 catheters of each type. Similarly, 5 injections were performed with both the NSX and conventional microcatheters in swine vessels. The degree of adhesion of the catheter and blood vessel was evaluated by 2 radiologists under X-ray fluoroscopy on a 3-point scale: 1, no adhesion; 2, mild adhesion; 3, strong adhesion. RESULTS: The mean resistance values (N) for the NSX and conventional microcatheters were 0.503±0.186 and 1.051±0.367 (N), respectively (p<0.001). The NSX adhered negligibly to the NBCA and was easily removed, whereas the conventional microcatheter adhered strongly to the NBCA in the blood vessels and was difficult to remove from the swine vessels (p=0.008). CONCLUSIONS: The new NSX microcatheter with a PTFE tip exhibits poorer adhesion to NBCA than do conventional microcatheters and allows for safer injection of NBCA than conventional microcatheters, without requiring immediate catheter retrieval. CLINICAL IMPACT: The NSX microcatheter with a PTFE tip adheres less strongly to NBCA than do conventional microcatheters and allows the safe injection of NBCA. The NSX microcatheter has double platinum markers on its tip, which make it easy to distinguish the PTFE-covered region. As the NSX does not adhere firmly to the arterial wall, it is less likely to cause vascular injury during removal of the catheter compared with conventional microcatheters, so there is no need to remove the NSX immediately after injecting NBCA. Even operators unfamiliar with NBCA can use NBCA safely with this new NSX microcatheter without requiring special training or skill.

Application of wireless energy transmission technology into central venous ports with light-emitting diodes.

Implantable central venous (CV) ports are widely used for chemotherapy and parenteral nutrition. Generally, CV ports are used safely; however, some patients suffer from drug leakage around the port septum due to mispuncture. Therefore, we developed a CV port that is visible under the skin. We created a prototype of a CV port using a 3D printer. Three red light-emitting diodes (LEDs) were attached around the septum that made the puncture site visible by applying wireless energy transmission technology using electromagnetic resonance. The CV port was implanted under the skin of pork rose meat. The thickness of the skin of pork loin was measured. Fifteen medical doctors participated in the study to visually confirm the lighted CV port. The visibility of the center of the septum with and without lights was scored 0 as non-diagnostic; 1, slightly visible; 2, well visible; and 3, obviously visible. The visibility with or without lights was assessed. The relationship between the years of experience and the visibility score was assessed. The Wilcoxon test was used for statistical analysis. LEDs were easily transmitted through the skin of pork rose meat. The median visibility scores with or without lights were 2 (range, 1-3) and 3 (range, 1-3), respectively (p = 0.005). No significant relationship was found between experience and visibility score (p = 0.289). CV ports with LEDs can be easily recognized compared with those without LEDs. This technique may contribute to medical safety by improving its visibility to avoid mispuncture.

Management of Renal Arteries in Conjunction with Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair for Complicated Stanford Type B Aortic Dissection: The Japanese Multicenter Study (J-Predictive Study).

Background Management of abdominal branches associated with Stanford type B aortic dissection is controversial without definite criteria for therapy after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). This is in part due to lack of data on natural history related to branch vessels and their relationship with the dissection flap, true lumen, and false lumen. Purpose To investigate the natural history of abdominal branches after TEVAR for type B aortic dissection and the relationship between renal artery anatomy and renal volume as a surrogate measure of perfusion. Materials and Methods This study included patients who underwent TEVAR for complicated type B dissection from January 2012 to March 2017 at 20 centers. Abdominal aortic branches were classified with following features: patency, branch vessel origin, and presence of extension of the aortic dissection into a branch (pattern 1, supplied by the true lumen without branch dissection; pattern 2, supplied by the true lumen with branch dissection, etc). The branch artery patterns before TEVAR were compared with those of the last follow-up CT (mean interval, 19.7 months) for spontaneous healing. Patients with one kidney supplied by pattern 1 and the other kidney by a different pattern were identified, and kidney volumes over the course were compared by using a simple linear regression model. Results Two hundred nine patients (mean age ± standard deviation, 66 years ± 13; 165 men and 44 women; median follow-up, 18 months) were included. Four hundred fifty-nine abdominal branches at the last follow-up were evaluable. Spontaneous healing of the dissected branch occurred in 63% (64 of 102) of pattern 2 branches. Regarding the other patterns, 6.5% (six of 93) of branches achieved spontaneous healing. In 79 patients, renal volumes decreased in kidneys with pattern 2 branches with more than 50% stenosis and branches supplied by the aortic false lumen (patterns 3 and 4) compared with contralateral kidneys supplied by pattern 1 (pattern 2 vs pattern 1: -16% ± 16 vs 0.10% ± 11, P = .002; patterns 3 and 4 vs pattern 1: -13% ± 14 vs 8.5% ± 14, P = .004). Conclusion Spontaneous healing occurs more frequently in dissected branches arising from the true lumen than in other branch patterns. Renal artery branches supplied by the aortic false lumen or a persistently dissected artery with greater than 50% stenosis are associated with significantly greater kidney volume loss. © RSNA, 2019 Online supplemental material is available for this article.

Endovascular management of endotension by graft reinforcement followed by direct sac embolization.

Purpose: To assess the efficacy of graft reinforcement followed by percutaneous direct sac embolization (PDSE) for the treatment of endotension after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR). Materials and methods: A total of 290 patients underwent elective EVAR. All patients regularly underwent scheduled surveillance with contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT). Two hundred thirty-five patients were followed for ≥24 months after EVAR. Aneurysmal sac expansion of ≥10 mm was observed in 20 patients. The patients with sac expansion of ≥10 mm with no evidence of endoleak were treated with graft reinforcement. Graft reinforcement consisted of graft extension and graft relining. The patients with sac expansion at 6 months after graft reinforcement received PDSE using metallic coils and n-butyl cyanoacrylate-Lipiodol mixture. The aneurysm diameter was measured by CT performed 6 months and every year after the final intervention. Results: Seven patients (7 men, 0 women; mean age, 69.1 ± 4.2 years, Zenith®:5/Excluder®:1/Powerlink®:1) underwent graft reinforcement. Two patients underwent graft reinforcement alone, and five patients underwent PDSE after graft reinforcement. Mean follow-up time after the final intervention was 21.1 months. The sac diameter stabilized after the final intervention in all patients. Conclusion: Graft reinforcement followed by complementary PDSE could be a useful treatment strategy for endotension.

Prophylactic Intraoperative Embolization of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Sacs Using N-Butyl Cyanoacrylate/Lipiodol/Ethanol Mixture with Proximal Neck Aortic Balloon Occlusion during Endovascular Abdominal Aortic Repair.

PURPOSE: To determine the feasibility of prophylactic intraoperative abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) sac embolization using a mixture of N-butyl cyanoacrylate/Lipiodol/ethanol (NLE) with proximal neck aortic balloon occlusion during endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) to prevent the occurrence of endoleak and aneurysm sac expansion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prophylactic intraoperative AAA sac embolization was performed in 24 patients with an infrarenal neck angulation > 60° (n = 16) or AAA sac diameter > 60 mm (n = 17). AAA sac pressure was continuously measured with a 3-F catheter inserted into the AAA sac. The systolic sac pressure index (SPI) was calculated as the ratio of systolic AAA sac pressure to the simultaneously measured systolic aortic pressure, and was measured with and without proximal neck aortic balloon occlusion. The aneurysm sac was embolized with NLE during proximal neck aortic balloon occlusion immediately after EVAR. Endoleak and AAA sac diameter were evaluated by enhanced computed tomography and subtraction magnetic resonance imaging at 6 months and yearly after EVAR. RESULTS: Mean SPIs after EVAR with and without proximal neck aortic balloon occlusion were 0.36 and 0.57, respectively. There were no adverse events related to intraoperative sac embolization. Follow-up imaging (mean, 12.1 mo) revealed three minor endoleaks (12.5%) and no aneurysm sac expansion. CONCLUSIONS: Prophylactic intraoperative sac embolization with NLE during proximal neck aortic balloon occlusion was safe and feasible and may reduce endoleaks and prevent sac expansion after EVAR in patients with unfavorable anatomic factors.

Synthesis of 24-h soluble gelatin sponge particles and their effect on liver necrosis following hepatic artery embolization: Results of in vitro and in vivo studies.

AIM: To synthesize 24-h soluble gelatin sponge particles (SGSP) of 200-500 and 500-1000 µm, and to investigate their ischemic potency following hepatic artery embolization (HAE). METHODS: Low-endotoxin gelatin was freeze-dried and heated at 110, 115, 118, 120, 122 and 125°C to form cross-linked gelatin sponge. We prepared 200-500- and 500-1000-µm SGSP by pulverizing and sieving the gelatin sponge. The dissolution times in saline were measured. Eight healthy pigs underwent HAE of the right and left hepatic arteries with either 200-500- or 500-1000-µm SGSP (n = 4/group). RESULTS: The particles prepared at 110-122°C were soluble whereas particles prepared at 125°C or more were insoluble. The mean dissolution time of the particles increased with increasing temperature. In each pig, sequential arteriography confirmed that recanalization was complete 24 h after embolization. Pathological tests 48 h after HAE revealed coagulation necrosis but least damage to the biliary tract. The liver necrosis rate (mean ± standard deviation) was significantly greater in the 200-500-µm group than in the 500-1000-µm group (9.89 ± 4.04% vs 4.44 ± 0.67%, respectively; P = 0.0027). A significantly greater proportion of arteries with a diameter of 100-200 µm had residual SGSP in the 200-500-µm group than in the 500-1000-µm group (P < 0.002). CONCLUSION: HAE with 200-500-µm SGSP had greater effects on promoting liver necrosis without biliary damage than did HAE with 500-1000-µm SGSP.

Utility of 99mTc-human serum albumin diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid SPECT for evaluating endoleak after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the utility of (99m)Tc-human serum albumin diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid ((99m)Tc-HSAD) SPECT in the detection of endoleaks after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Fifteen patients (11 men, four women) with aneurysm sac expansion of 5 mm or greater after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair underwent three-phase CT, (99m)Tc-HSAD SPECT, and CT during aortography. Sensitivity calculations for three-phase CT and (99m)Tc-HSAD SPECT were performed with CT during aortography as the reference standard. The volume of each endoleak was measured with CT during aortography. Seven subjects underwent embolization with N-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA)-Lipiodol (ethiodized oil, Guerbet and metallic coils. Three-phase CT and (99m)Tc-HSAD SPECT were repeated after embolization to assess their efficacy. RESULTS: Endoleaks were interpreted as perigraft radioisotope accumulation in 12 patients (80.0%) on (99m)Tc-HSAD SPECT images, in 13 patients (86.7%) on three-phase CT images, and in 15 patients (100%) on CT during aortography. The mean endoleak volume visualized with (99m)Tc-HSAD SPECT was 8.37 cm(3) (range, 5.2-15.1 cm(3)), and the volume not visualized was 3.47 cm(3) (2.5-4.6 cm(3)), a statistically significant difference (p = 0.019). In two patients, (99m)Tc-HSAD SPECT depicted endoleaks evident at delayed phase CT during aortography but not at three-phase CT, suggesting they were slow-filling endoleaks. Accumulation of (99m)Tc-HSAD corresponding to endoleaks disappeared after embolization, but CT evaluation of embolization was impeded by artifacts of NBCA-Lipiodol and metallic coils. CONCLUSION: Technetium-99m-labeled HSAD SPECT proved less sensitive than three-phase CT but depicted endoleaks with volumes 5.2 cm(3) or greater as perigraft radioisotope accumulation. Slow-filling endoleaks can be visualized with (99m)Tc-HSAD SPECT, which can be used to evaluate the efficacy of embolization.

Change in portal vein hemodynamics after chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma: evaluation through multilevel dynamic multidetector computed tomography during arterial portography.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to clarify the effect of embolization with lipiodol on portal vein hemodynamics. METHODS: Time-density curves of the main portal vein on multilevel dynamic multidetector computed tomography during arterial portography were used to analyze peak computed tomography value (PV), time to PV (TPV), arrival time of contrast medium at the main portal vein (ATMPV), slope [(PV - 150) / (TPV - ATMPV)], and slope ratio (slope after embolization / slope before embolization). RESULTS: In 20 patients with hepatoma, ATMPV and TPV were significantly prolonged and the time-density curve slope was significantly less after embolization. The difference in TPV increased (P = 0.02) and the slope ratio decreased with increasing embolized volume rate (P < 0.001). Strong correlation (R = -0.86) was found between the slope ratio and the embolized volume rate. CONCLUSIONS: Time-density curves revealed significant portal vein flow delay after embolization; the degree of which was correlated with the extent of the embolized volume.

The use of technetium-99m-labeled human serum albumin diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid single-photon emission CT scan in the follow-up of type II endoleak treatment.

An 84-year-old woman presented with persistent type II endoleak with sac expansion from 57 mm to 75 mm during 4-year follow-up after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. The patient underwent transabdominal embolization with coils and N-butyl cyanoacrylate/ethiodized oil (Lipiodol; Guerbet, Villepinte, France) mixture (2.5 mL). Because of the anticipated embolization artifacts on follow-up computed tomography (CT), technetium-99m-labeled human serum albumin diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid single-photon emission computed tomography ((99m)Tc-HSAD SPECT) was performed before and after the intervention. Perigraft accumulation on (99m)Tc-HSAD SPECT corresponding to the endoleak disappeared after embolization. CT scan performed 12 months after embolization showed no signs of sac expansion. (99m)Tc-HSAD SPECT may be useful for evaluating therapeutic effect after embolization for endoleak.

Efficacy of uterine artery embolization (UAE) for uterine fibroids according to FIGO classification: a single-center experience.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to retrospectively evaluate the outcomes of uterine artery embolization (UAE) for uterine fibroids (UFs), specifically submucosal UFs, according to the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) classification of UFs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-two patients with symptomatic UFs underwent UAE with Embosphere® between July 2016 and November 2021. MRI was performed before, at 3 and 6 months after the UAE. At each examination, the volume of UF was measured, and the percentage volume reduction rate (VRR) was calculated. The technical success rate (TSR), symptom improvement rate (SIR), regrowth rate (RR) after 6 months, and adverse events (AEs) were examined; VRR was compared between patients with submucosal UFs (FIGO types 0-2, group A), those with submucosal contacts (FIGO type 3, group B), and those without submucosal UFs (FIGO types 4-7, group C). Statistical analysis was performed on the difference in VRR between groups A, B, and C at 3 and 6 months after UAE. The relationship with hormone levels before UAE and VRR was evaluated. RESULTS: Thirty-seven of the 42 patients were evaluated. Overall, VRR was 37.0% at 3 months and 52.1% at 6 months; TSR, SIR, and RR were 100%, 95.2%, and 5.4%, respectively; VRR at 6 months was 80.7% for group A (n = 7), 57.8% for group B (n = 13), and 37.1% for group C (n = 17). Significant differences were found between A and C (p < 0.001) and B and C (p = 0.023). Hormone levels before UAE had no effect on VRR. There was no significant AEs other than grade 3 pulmonary embolism in one patient. CONCLUSION: UAE was effective for submucosal FIGO types 0-3. UAE was especially useful as an option for FIGO type 3 with a low protrusion rate that is difficult to treat with transcervical resection.

Association between PET-CT accumulation in the hypothalamic/pituitary regions and neuron-specific enolase/primary tumor in limited-stage small cell lung cancer: a case-controlled retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Research on the relationship between neuron-specific enolase (NSE) levels and normal organs, particularly the central nervous system, in small cell lung cancer is limited. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) accumulation at hypothalamic/pituitary regions, tumor activity, and NSE level in limited-stage small cell lung cancer. We retrospectively analyzed patients who were diagnosed with limited-stage small cell lung cancer at Tokyo Medical University Hospital between July 1, 2019, and May 31, 2023, and were treated with chemoradiotherapy or radiotherapy. Leukocytes, erythrocytes, hemoglobin, platelets, total protein, albumin, NSE, and carcinoembryonic antigen were measured in blood samples obtained before treatment initiation. The maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), volume, and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) of each hypothalamic /pituitary region, primary tumor, and lymph node metastases were extracted from PET-CT images. The total tumor volume (primary tumor volume plus lymph node metastases volume) and total TLG (primary tumor TLG plus lymph node metastases TLG) were calculated. RESULTS: This study included 19 patients (mean age, 70.1 ± 8.8 years; 13 men and 6 women); the pathology in all patients was small cell lung cancer. Patients were classified into two groups according to the NSE reference value (16.3 ng/mL): six patients having NSE level below the reference value and 13 having NSE level above the reference value. The SUVmax in the hypothalamic/pituitary region was 2.95 in the NSE < 16.3 ng/mL group and 4.10 in the NSE > 16.3 ng/mL group, with a statistically significant difference (p = 0.03). The total tumor volume was 17.8 mL in the NSE < 16.3 ng/mL group and 98.9 mL in the NSE > 16.3 ng/mL group, with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.01). A correlation coefficient of r = 0.458 (p = 0.0486) was observed between SUVmax in the hypothalamus/pituitary and NSE level. A correlation coefficient of r = 0.647 (p < 0.01) was also observed between total tumor volume and NSE level. Finally, a correlation coefficient of r = 0.53 (p = 0.01) was observed between hypothalamic/pituitary TLG and primary tumor TLG. CONCLUSIONS: The findings demonstrated a correlation between hypothalamic/pituitary activity and tumor activity, suggesting the prognostic significance of NSE.

Successful treatment of endoscopically unmanageable rectal varices by balloon-occluded antegrade transvenous sclerotherapy followed by microcoil embolization.

The present report describes two cases of endoscopically unmanageable rectal varices that were treated by balloon-occluded antegrade transvenous sclerotherapy (BATS) followed by microcoil embolization. Follow-up endoscopy confirmed eradication of the rectal varices. Balloon-occluded rectal venography showed stasis of contrast material and sclerosing agent for 30 minutes in both cases of rectal varices, which indicated that the inflow vessel was a single dilated superior rectal vein without other minor inflow vessels. BATS appears to be a feasible therapeutic option for the treatment of rectal varices of this hemodynamic type.

Successful endovascular treatment of iliac arteriovesical fistula with secondary stent-graft infection.

A 58-year-old woman initially presented with massive gross hematuria and iliac arteriovesical fistula (IAVF). Endovascular stent-graft repair achieved complete exclusion of the IAVF and controlled the bleeding, but sepsis subsequently developed because of endograft infection. Endovascular embolization of the infected stent graft was performed after extraanatomic bypass surgery. The patient recovered and showed no signs of graft infection or recurrent fistulization at 14 months after treatment. Endovascular embolization of infected stent grafts combined with extraanatomic bypass may be an acceptable treatment option for graft-related sepsis in cases that are resistant to conservative treatment and pose high surgical risk for graft excision.

Clinical evaluation of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization with 2-day-soluble gelatin sponge particles for hepatocellular carcinoma-comparison with insoluble gelatin sponge particles.

PURPOSE: To compare therapeutic effect, adverse events, and embolized hepatic artery impairment in transcatheter arterial chemoembolization between Lipiodol plus insoluble gelatin sponge particles (Gelpart) and Lipiodol plus 2-day-soluble gelatin sponge particles (2DS-GSPs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a single-center, prospective, randomized controlled trial, patients with hepatocellular carcinoma were assigned to the 2DS-GSP group or the Gelpart group. Radiographic response at 3 months per modified Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors was evaluated as the primary endpoint; secondary endpoints were safety (per Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 4.0) within 3 months and hepatic branch artery impairment at the time of repeat chemoembolization (grade 0, no damage; grade I, mild vessel wall irregularity; grade II, overt stenosis; grade III, occlusion of more peripheral branch artery than subsegmental artery; grade IV, occlusion of subsegmental artery). Grade II, III, or IV indicated significant hepatic artery impairment. RESULTS: Thirty-seven patients with 143 nodules were randomized to the 2DS-GSP group and 36 patients with 137 nodules were randomized to the Gelpart group. No significant differences in patient background existed between groups. Target lesion response and overall tumor response in the 2DS-GSP and Gelpart groups were 77.7% versus 76.9% and 78.3% versus 77.8%, respectively, with no significant differences. No significant difference in adverse events existed between groups. Hepatic artery impairment was observed in 5% of patients in the 2DS-GSP group (n = 32) and in 16% in the Gelpart group (n = 33; P< .001). CONCLUSIONS: Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization with 2DS-GSPs resulted in the same therapeutic and adverse effects as chemoembolization with Gelpart while causing significantly less hepatic artery impairment.

Percutaneous transportal outflow-vessel-occluded sclerotherapy for gastric varices unmanageable by balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration.

In this report we introduce percutaneous transportal outflow-vessel-occluded sclerotherapy (PTOS) for gastric varices unmanageable by balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO) in two cases and evaluate its safety and efficacy. The PTOS is a technique which could obstruct gastric varices subsequent to the occlusion of the outflow route, being based on the rationale of BRTO. In the PTOS procedure, coil embolization of the outflow vessel is first conducted through a microcatheter advanced beyond the gastric varices via the percutaneous transhepatic approach; sclerosing agent (5% ethanolamine oleate) is then injected into the gastric varices after confirmation of static blood flow in the varices. Two patients underwent initial BRTO that eventually failed because of the presence of numerous fine and abruptly angled outflow vessels (case 1), and the presence of a tortuous and elongated outflow vessel accompanied by numerous small collateral outflows that could not be occluded (case 2). Cases 1 and 2 received PTOS using 5% ethanolamine oleate (15 mL and 10 mL, respectively). Portal venous pressure following PTOS showed an increase from 29 to 34 mmHg in case 1 and remained at 24 mmHg in case 2. No major complication was encountered in either patient. One-year follow-up gastroendoscopy showed no recurrence of gastric varices in either patient. Although PTOS is slightly more invasive than BRTO, PTOS can be used as an alternative catheter treatment procedure for gastric varices that are unmanageable by BRTO.

Usefulness of Percutaneous Drainage in Determining the Causative Microorganism in Patients with Spondylodiscitis: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study.

Purpose: To determine the usefulness of CT-guided percutaneous drainage for the causative microorganism detection in patients with spondylodiscitis. Materials and Methods: Data of patients who underwent CT-guided percutaneous drainage for spondylodiscitis from January 2014 to April 2022 were extracted from the radiological database of our hospital and investigated. The administration rate of antibiotics prior to blood culture and CT-guided percutaneous drainage (CTPD) were analyzed. The detection rate of microorganisms via blood culture and CT-guided percutaneous drainage were compared using the Mann-Whitney's U test with the SPSS software. Results: In this study, a total of 30 (20 male and 10 female) patients were analyzed. A total of 13 patients (43%) were administered antibiotics prior to blood culture. Of them, microorganisms were detected via blood culture in only one patient (7%). A total of 25 patients (83%) were administered antibiotics prior to CTPD. Of them, the causative microorganisms in 19 patients (76%) were detected. Overall, the causative microorganism could be detected in 24 out of 26 patients (92%) via CT-guided percutaneous drainage. There was a statistical significance in the detection rate of microorganisms between blood culture and CTPD (P = 0.004) in favor of CTPD. Conclusion: CT-guided percutaneous drainage showed a high positive rate of microorganism detection in patients with spondylodiscitis regardless of antibiotic administration prior to the procedure. CT-guided percutaneous drainage can be a solution for the detection of the causative microorganism in spondylodiscitis patients who received antibiotics before obtaining any culture.