Initial experience of coaxial percutaneous liver biopsy with tract embolization using N-Butyl cyanoacrylate.

OBJECTIVE: Bleeding occurs after liver biopsy in up to 10.9% cases, and patients with impaired hemostasis or ascites are considered to have absolute or relative contraindications. N-butyl cyanoacrylate enables immediate hemostasis, even in lethal situations. Therefore, percutaneous liver biopsy combined with tract embolization using N-butyl cyanoacrylate is expected to enable safe biopsy, even in patients for whom conventional biopsy is contraindicated. Here we describe our initial experience with coaxial percutaneous biopsy with tract embolization using N-butyl cyanoacrylate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-six patients who underwent tract embolization using N-butyl cyanoacrylate between October 2014 and July 2020, including 21 patients who had absolute or relative contraindications for liver biopsy, were retrospectively analyzed. Tract embolization using N-butyl cyanoacrylate comprised two steps: (1) liver biopsy with a biopsy needle inserted via a coaxial introducer needle and (2) embolization of the puncture route by injecting N-butyl cyanoacrylate via the coaxial needle. RESULTS: No complications occurred in any patient. The mean number of biopsies per patient was 3.30 (range, 1-7). Histologically adequate samples were acquired in all cases, and pathological diagnoses were obtained. The mean time required for tract embolization was 52.8 s (range, 6-132 s). The mean peak skin dose was 9.97 mGy (range, 2-68 mGy), which is far below the 3-Gy threshold dose for temporary erythema. CONCLUSIONS: This proposed technique may be a promising and straightforward alternative to improve the management of patients with severe liver disease by allowing safer biopsy, including patients for whom conventional liver biopsy is contraindicated.

Transarterial Embolization of Neovascularity for Refractory Nighttime Shoulder Pain: A Multicenter, Open-Label, Feasibility Trial.

PURPOSE: To assess the feasibility of transarterial embolization (TAE) for recalcitrant nighttime shoulder pain in a multicentric study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective, open-label, feasibility trial included 100 patients treated at 5 institutions. TAE was performed in 76 patients with adhesive capsulitis (AC) and 24 patients with symptomatic rotator cuff tears (sRCTs). The ipsilateral radial artery was punctured, and imipenem/cilastatin sodium was infused as an embolic agent. Adverse events, 10 point pain numerical rating scale (NRS), range of motion (ROM) of the shoulder joint, and quality of life (via the EuroQol-5D [EQ-5D]) were evaluated. RESULTS: All patients exhibited neovascularity on baseline angiography, and all TAE procedures were performed successfully. No patient experienced a major adverse event. The mean nighttime pain NRS scores at baseline and 1, 3, and 6 months after TAE were 6.4 ± 2.2, 3.4 ± 2.6, 2.3 ± 2.5, and 1.6 ± 2.2, respectively (for all, P < .001). The mean ROM of anterior elevation at baseline and 1, 3, and 6 months after TAE were 97° ± 29°, 119° ± 28°, 135° ± 27°, and 151° ± 17°, respectively (for all, P < .001). The mean EQ-5D scores at baseline and 1, 3, and 6 months after TAE were 0.63 ± 0.17, 0.73 ± 0.16, 0.80 ± 0.17, and 0.84 ± 0.17, respectively (for all, P < .001). There was no significant difference in the clinical success rate between the AC and sRCT groups. CONCLUSIONS: TAE for nighttime shoulder pain caused by AC and sRCTs was feasible with sufficient safety and efficacy.

Comparison of COVID-19 disease between young and elderly patients: Hidden viral shedding of COVID-19.

OBJECTIVES: The symptoms of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vary among patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical manifestation and disease duration in young versus elderly patients. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 187 patients (87 elderly and 100 young patients) with confirmed COVID-19. The clinical characteristics and chest computed tomography (CT) extent as defined by a score were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The numbers of asymptomatic cases and severe cases were significantly higher in the elderly group (elderly group vs. young group; asymptomatic cases, 31 [35.6%] vs. 10 [10%], p < 0.0001; severe cases, 25 [28.7%] vs. 8 [8.0%], p = 0.0002). The proportion of asymptomatic patients and severe patients increased across the 10-year age groups. There was no significant difference in the total CT score and number of abnormal cases. A significant positive correlation between the disease duration and patient age was observed in asymptomatic patients (ρ = 0.4570, 95% CI 0.1198-0.6491, p = 0.0034). CONCLUSIONS: Although the extent of lung involvement did not have a significant difference between the young and elderly patients, elderly patients were more likely to have severe clinical manifestations. Elderly patients were also more likely to be asymptomatic and a source of COVID-19 viral shedding.

Prediction of an increase in oxygen requirement of SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia using three different scoring systems.

INTRODUCTION: In patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), respiratory failure is a major complication and its symptoms occur around one week after onset. The CURB-65, A-DROP and expanded CURB-65 tools are known to predict the risk of mortality in patients with community-acquired pneumonia. In this retrospective single-center retrospective study, we aimed to assess the correlations of the A-DROP, CURB-65, and expanded CURB-65 scores on admission with an increase in oxygen requirement in patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pneumonia. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 207 patients who were hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia at the Self-Defense Forces Central Hospital in Tokyo, Japan. Performance of A-DROP, CURB-65, and the expanded CURB-65 scores were validated. In addition, we assessed whether there were any associations between an increase in oxygen requirement and known risk factors for critical illness in COVID-19, including elevation of liver enzymes and C-reactive protein (CRP), lymphocytopenia, high D-dimer levels and the chest computed tomography (CT) score. RESULTS: The areas under the curve for the ability of CURB-65, A-DROP, and the expanded CURB-65 scores to predict an increase in oxygen requirement were 0.6961, 0.6980 and 0.8327, respectively, and the differences between the three groups were statistically significant (p < 0.001). Comorbid cardiovascular disease, lymphocytopenia, elevated CRP, liver enzyme and D-dimer levels, and higher chest CT score were significantly associated with an increase in oxygen requirement CONCLUSIONS: The expanded CURB-65 score can be a better predictor of an increase in oxygen requirement in patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia.

Lymphatic Intervention for Various Types of Lymphorrhea: Access and Treatment.

Traumatic lymphorrhea is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication. Postoperative lymphorrhea is the leading cause of traumatic lymphorrhea and can arise anywhere within the lymphatic system. Leaks arising from the aortoiliac region to the thoracic duct (TD) and from hepatic lymphatics can be identified with intranodal lymphangiography and transhepatic lymphangiography, respectively. Therefore, an appropriate lymphangiography technique is essential for identifying the sources of leaks. Chylothorax resulting from damage to the TD can be serious because the TD transports large amounts of lymphatic fluid from the gastrointestinal, hepatic, and aortoiliac regions. Percutaneous TD embolization-comprising access to the TD followed by embolization-has recently become a minimally invasive alternative to surgical TD ligation for high-output chylothorax. The selection of access routes to the TD depends on its anatomy. If the TD cannot be approached by such means, other options include TD needle interruption or drainage of lymphatic fluid adjacent to the leakage point followed by sclerotherapy. Most cases of abdominal lymphorrhea arise from the aorta-iliac lymphatic system, and lymphangiography alone or computed tomography-guided sclerotherapy might be useful. Rarely, leakage may arise from hepatic lymphatics due to a damaged gastroduodenal ligament and can be visualized and embolized transhepatically. This article comprehensively reviews clinically relevant anatomic TD variations, lymphangiography techniques and criteria for their selection, and treatment strategies for lymphorrhea. ©RSNA, 2016.

Transarterial embolization for an infected internal iliac artery aneurysm without recurrence for a long period: A case report.

We report an 85-year-old man who underwent transarterial embolization (TAE) for an infected internal iliac artery aneurysm. The patient presented with fever and left lower abdominal pain. Computed tomography (CT) revealed the expansion of a left internal iliac artery aneurysm. We planned surgical treatment for an infected internal iliac artery aneurysm; however, the patient's age and general condition made the surgery high-risk. Therefore, we performed emergency TAE. The patient was administered antibiotics for 4 weeks and discharged on day 33 after the procedure with good progression. A 3-year follow-up CT scan showed aneurysm reduction and no recurrent infections. This case report highlights that TAE can be a treatment option for patients with an infected artery aneurysm.

A case of superior mesenteric artery stenting for small intestinal ischaemia caused by superior mesenteric artery invasion of pancreatic cancer.

Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) invasion by a malignant tumour is a serious condition leading to intestinal ischaemia. Although SMA stenting has been reported to be useful for SMA dissection and stenosis caused by atherosclerotic plaque, SMA stenting for stenosis caused by malignant tumour invasion is rarely reported and uncertain. A 75-year-old woman presented intestinal ulcer and melena caused by SMA invasion of unresectable pancreatic cancer. The bare metal stent was implanted for the vessel stenosis, and a small intestinal ulcer was markedly improved after stenting. However, one and a half months after stenting the stent was occluded and a thrombectomy was performed. After thrombectomy, residual stenosis caused by tumour invasion was observed in the stent. The patient suddenly died 2 days after thrombectomy before additional covered stenting for residual stenosis. Stent implantation may be a treatment option for intestinal ischaemia caused by vessel invasion of malignant tumours. On the other hand, re-stenosis of the stent due to tumour ingrowth is a problem, and covered stenting is considered for long-term stent patency.

Perihepatic caudate lobe haematoma originating from a pancreatic pseudoaneurysm: a diagnostic dilemma.

Despite advances in diagnostic imaging and interventional techniques, pancreatic pseudoaneurysms remain a life-threatening complication of pancreatitis. Presentation varies among patients and may include intra-abdominal, retroperitoneal, or gastrointestinal bleeding and bleeding into the pancreatic or common bile duct. We present a unique case of a 74-year-old man with a history of heavy alcohol consumption who presented with a haematoma surrounding the caudate lobe of the liver. Initially, alcoholic cirrhosis and a ruptured hepatocellular carcinoma were suspected. Therefore, transarterial embolization (TAE) of the caudate branch of the hepatic artery was performed. However, 3 months later, the patient experienced abdominal pain with a lesser sac haematoma and a seemingly interconnected pancreatic cyst. One month later, a pseudoaneurysm appeared in the pancreatic cyst. TAE was successfully performed for the pseudoaneurysm, and the patient showed no signs of recurrence during the 1-year follow-up.

Massive pleural effusion in porous diaphragm syndrome due to lymphatic leakage after pelvic surgery.

We present the case of a patient who developed a massive right pleural effusion after pelvic surgery, not thoracic surgery. Lymphatic leakage into the abdominal cavity after pelvic surgery can cause massive pleural effusion when complicated with porous diaphragm syndrome.

Idiopathic myointimal hyperplasia of mesenteric veins: radiological evaluation using CT angiography.

A 44-year-old man presented with a chief complaint of constipation. Initial contrast-enhanced CT showed extensive bowel wall thickening, mainly in the left colon, with a thin cord-like inferior mesenteric vein (IMV), in contrast to ectatic mesenteric venous branches, suggesting bowel ischaemia owing to venous stasis. One month later, at the time of symptom exacerbation, CT angiography showed a cord-like IMV and ectatic mesenteric venous branches with early enhancement, suggesting the presence of an arteriovenous fistula (AVF). Owing to the progression of bowel ischaemia and necrosis with peritonitis, emergency surgery was performed. Surgical specimens showed focal myointimal hyperplasia of the proximal mesenteric veins in both ischaemic and non-ischaemic lesions of the resected colon, thus leading to the diagnosis of idiopathic myointimal hyperplasia of mesenteric veins (IMHMV) when combined with the clinical and imaging findings. IMHMV is a bowel ischaemic disease caused by non-thrombotic venous obstruction that requires bowel resection and has been suggested to be associated with AVF. Cord-like IMV and AVF in the mesentery are important CT findings that characterize IMHMV. CT angiography is useful in diagnosing IMHMV.

Ultra-short Echo-time MR Angiography Combined with a Modified Signal Targeting Alternating Radio Frequency with Asymmetric Inversion Slabs Technique to Assess Visceral Artery Aneurysm after Coil Embolization.

Contrast-enhanced CT and MR angiography are widely used for follow-up of visceral artery aneurysms after coil embolization. However, potential adverse reactions to contrast agents and image deterioration due to susceptibility artifacts from the coils are major drawbacks of these modalities. Herein, we introduced a novel non-contrast-enhanced MR angiography technique using ultra-short TE combined with a modified signal targeting alternating radio frequency with asymmetric inversion slabs, which could provide a serial hemodynamic vascular image with fewer susceptibility artifacts for follow-up after coil embolization.

Embolization of Deep Femoral Artery Aneurysm with a Ligated Proximal Artery Using the Direct Percutaneous Puncture Technique.

We report a case of a deep femoral artery aneurysm with a ligated proximal artery that was successfully managed with endovascular therapy. An 84-year-old male was referred to our institute with a history of surgical resection of a left ruptured deep femoral artery aneurysm wherein another aneurysm was found on the peripheral side. Proximal artery ligation of the peripheral lesion was performed. The residual aneurysm had gradually enlarged after surgery, and contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed contrast effects in the aneurysm that extended to the distal artery. The aneurysm was successfully treated by direct percutaneous puncture embolization with N-butyl-cyanoacrylate.

Treatment of massive hemoptysis after thoracic aortic aneurysm repair.

BACKGROUND: Massive hemoptysis after thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) repair is a rare but potentially lethal condition. Endovascular management is a challenging treatment option due to the complexity of culprit vessel access. CASE PRESENTATION: An 81-year-old woman was referred to our hospital with massive hemoptysis. She had a history of graft replacement and thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for dissecting TAA. Computed tomography (CT) showed massive atelectasis with hematoma in the left lower lung lobe adjacent to the descending aortic aneurysm treated with TEVAR. Contrast-enhanced CT revealed a pseudoaneurysm and proliferation of abnormal vessels at the peripheral side of the left pulmonary ligament artery (PLA) in the atelectasis. The PLA continued to the right subscapular artery via a complex collateral pathway. Diagnostic angiography of the right subcapsular artery revealed a pseudoaneurysm and abnormal vessels at the peripheral side of the left PLA with a systemic-pulmonary artery shunt. Transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) for the left PLA via the collateral pathway with N-butyl cyanoacrylate achieved complete embolization. The patient's hemoptysis was controlled and she was discharged. CONCLUSIONS: Here we presented a case of massive hemoptysis due to PLA disruption that occurred after TAA repair. TAE via a complex collateral pathway is a feasible and effective treatment for hemoptysis, even in patients who have undergone surgical or endovascular TAA repair.

T1ρ magnetic resonance imaging value as a potential marker to assess the severity of liver fibrosis: A pilot study.

PURPOSE: Assessment of liver fibrosis is essential for the management of liver disease. Although liver biopsy is the gold-standard modality for the diagnosis of liver fibrosis, it has some limitations. Thus, other methods are required to overcome the disadvantages of a liver biopsy. T1ρ magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) values are potential biomarkers for liver cirrhosis. This study aimed to assess the relationship between T1ρ MRI values and liver fibrosis severity by measuring the correlation between T1ρ values and shear wave elastography (SWE) values, which are routinely used for the diagnosis of liver fibrosis. METHODS: T1ρ imaging and SWE values were obtained from four healthy volunteers and 16 patients with chronic liver disease. The regions of interest on MR images were drawn and matched with those of the right liver lobe on SWE images. RESULTS: The mean T1ρ values of the right liver lobe correlated positively with the mean SWE values (Pearson's correlation coefficient: 0.783; p < 0.0001; 95 % confidence interval: 0.623-0.880). CONCLUSION: The mean T1ρ values of the right liver lobe may be correlated with the severity of liver fibrosis.

Balloon-occluded retrograde glue embolization for intractable lymphorrhea from bilateral iliac lymphatics following surgery for rectal cancer.

Lymphorrhea is a rare complication of rectal surgery. Although percutaneous embolization of thoracic or lymphatic ducts is now increasingly being reported for various types of lymphatic leakage, there are only sparse data on lymphatic interventions for lymphorrhea following rectal surgery. A novel balloon-occluded retrograde lymphatic embolization (BRLE) technique can be a simple and effective option for intractable lymphorrhea. We report a case of a man with infected lymphorrhea after rectal resection. Transperineal drainage was performed; however, lymphatic leakage persisted after 1 month of conservative treatment. Lymphangiography revealed multifocal leaks from bilateral iliac lymphatics. The proposed BRLE technique was performed via a balloon catheter inserted through the transperineal drainage. The balloon allowed occlusion of lymphatic outflow and forceful retrograde injection to achieve denser accumulation of n-butyl cyanoacrylate. Tight embolization of bilateral iliac lymphatics and drastic improvement of the leakage was achieved. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of percutaneous embolization for lymphorrhea after rectal surgery. This case supports the efficacy of the BRLE as a simple and effective therapeutic option for such persistent multifocal lymphatic leaks.

Analysis of Diffusion-weighted MR Images Based on a Gamma Distribution Model to Differentiate Prostate Cancers with Different Gleason Score.

PURPOSE: Prostate cancer management includes identification of clinically significant cancers that may require curative treatment. Statistical models based on gamma distribution can describe diffusion signal decay curves of prostate cancer. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of parameters obtained with the gamma model in differentiating prostate cancers with different Gleason score values. METHODS: This study included 155 patients with prostate cancer who underwent multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging prior to prostate biopsy (127 patients) or radical prostatectomy (28 patients) between January 2015 and June 2017; 159 foci of prostate cancer were included in our study. We compared cases scored as Gleason score (GS) 3 + 3 and GS ≥ 3 + 4, and analyzed cases scored as GS ≤ 3+ 4 and GS ≥ 4 + 3 based on the gamma model (Frac < 1.0, Frac < 0.8, Frac < 0.5, Frac < 0.3, and Frac > 3.0), and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC). RESULTS: Among 159 cancerous lesions in 155 patients, 13 (8.2%) were GS 3 + 3 prostate cancers, 51 (32.0%) were GS 3 + 4 prostate cancers, 30 (18.2%) were GS 4 + 3 cancers, and 65 (40.9%) were GS ≥ 4 + 4 cancers. Frac < 0.3, Frac < 0.5, Frac < 0.8, and Frac < 1.0 were significantly higher and ADC values were significantly lower in GS ≥ 4 + 3 cancers than in GS ≤ 3 + 4 cancers (P < 0.01, P < 0.01, P < 0.01, P = 0.01, and P < 0.01, respectively). With receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, Frac < 0.3 and Frac < 0.5 had significantly greater area under the ROC curve for discriminating GS ≥ 4 + 3 cancers from GS ≤ 3 + 4 cancers than ADC (P = 0.03, P < 0.01, respectively). CONCLUSION: Frac < 0.3 and Frac < 0.5 showed higher diagnostic performance than ADC for differentiating GS ≥ 4 + 3 from GS ≤ 3 + 4 cancers. The gamma model may add additional value in discrimination of tumor grades.

Acquired Cystic Disease-Associated Renal Cell Carcinoma Extending to the Renal Pelvis Mimicking Urothelial Carcinoma on Computed Tomography (CT): Two Case Reports.

BACKGROUND Acquired cystic disease-associated renal cell carcinoma (ACD-associated RCC), which was added to the 2016 World Health Organization classification, is the most common subtype of RCC in patients undergoing long-term dialysis. ACD-associated RCC is underrecognized and reports of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging findings for the lesion are sparse. Similar to urothelial carcinoma, ACD-associated RCC is poorly to slightly enhanced on dynamic CT. Here, we report 2 cases of ACD-associated RCC filling the renal pelvis and mimicking urothelial carcinoma. CASE REPORT We describe 2 cases of ACD-associated RCC filling the left renal pelvis in patients undergoing dialysis for more than 10 years. In both cases, the patient's chief complaint was hematuria, and a left renal pelvic mass with poor enhancement was seen on dynamic CT. In both cases, the preoperative diagnosis was urothelial carcinoma of the left renal pelvis. Total nephroureterectomy was performed, and the final diagnosis was ACD-associated RCC. CONCLUSIONS ACD-associated RCC is a common tumor in patients undergoing long-term dialysis. When ACD-associated RCC is located in the renal pelvis, the imaging findings are similar to those of urothelial carcinoma. Therefore, it is important for radiologists to include ACD-associated RCC in the differential diagnosis.

Restoration of Dehiscent Pancreaticojejunostomy Causing a Major Postoperative Pancreatic Fistula by Reinsertion of a Pancreatic Duct Tube Using the Rendezvous Technique.

INTRODUCTION: A postoperative clinically relevant pancreatic fistula can cause severe sequelae. We aimed to describe our minimally invasive procedure (rendezvous technique) for the treatment of a pancreatic fistula resulting from pancreaticojejunal anastomosis dehiscence involving a dislodged main pancreatic duct tube. METHODS: In our rendezvous technique, a guidewire is advanced into the jejunal lumen from the access site of the drainage tube and is caught by a snare catheter, which is used to replace the dislodged main pancreatic duct tube. Then, the guidewire is passed from the access site of the drainage tube to the site of the dislodged main pancreatic duct tube. A sheath is inserted along the route of the dislodged main pancreatic duct tube and is placed across the pancreaticojejunal anastomosis over the guidewire. Another guidewire is advanced into the main pancreatic duct via the sheath, and a new main pancreatic duct tube is inserted into the main pancreatic duct over the second wire. This technique was performed in two patients with a pancreatic fistula. RESULTS: Our rendezvous technique was successfully performed in a 73-year-old man with an intractable clinically relevant pancreatic fistula and large discharge from the drain and a 74-year-old woman with a pancreatic fistula and fluid collection between the elevated jejunum and remnant pancreas. Discharge from the drain and fluid collection decreased after the procedure. CONCLUSION: Our rendezvous technique is an effective minimally invasive approach for a pancreatic fistula resulting from pancreaticojejunal anastomosis dehiscence.

Bosniak Category III Renal Cysts Caused by Crizotinib in an Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase Gene-Rearranged Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patient.

Bosniak category III renal cystic masses are often treated with surgical resection because of high risk of malignancy. Crizotinib is an anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) inhibitor used to treat ALK gene-rearranged non-small cell lung cancer and reported to be associated with complex renal cyst formation. We herein report a case of Bosniak category III renal cysts occurred in a crizotinib-treated ALK gene-rearranged non-small cell lung cancer patients. The cysts regressed spontaneously after cessation of crizotinib and we could thus avoid unnecessary surgical resection.