Risks and benefits of renal artery stenting in fibromuscular dysplasia: Lessons from the ARCADIA-POL study.

INTRODUCTION: Although renal stenting is the standard revascularization method for atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis (RAS) (FMD-RAS), stenting in fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) RAS is usually limited to periprocedural complications of angioplasty and primary arterial dissection. The main aim of the study was to retrospectively analyze the immediate and long-term results of renal stenting versus angioplasty in patients with FMD. METHODS: Of 343 patients in the ARCADIA-POL registry, 58 patients underwent percutaneous treatment due to FMD-RAS (in 70 arteries). Percutaneous transluminal renal angioplasty (PTRA) was performed as an initial treatment in 61 arteries (PTRA-group), whereas primary stenting was undertaken in nine arteries (stent-group). Stent-related complications were defined as: in-stent restenosis > 50% (ISR); stent fracture; under-expansion; or migration. RESULTS: In the PTRA-group, the initial restenosis rate was 50.8%. A second procedure was then performed in 22 arteries: re-PTRA (12 arteries) or stenting (10 arteries). The incidence of recurrent restenosis after re-PTRA was 41.7%. Complications occurred in seven of 10 (70%) arteries secondarily treated by stenting: two with under-expansion and five with ISR. In the stent-group, stent under-expansion occurred in one case (11.1%) and ISR in three of nine stents (33.3%). In combined analysis of stented arteries, either primarily or secondarily, stent-related complications occurred in 11/19 stenting procedures (57.9%): three due to under-expansion and eight due to ISRs. Finally, despite several revascularization attempts, four of 19 (21%) stented arteries were totally occluded and one was significantly stenosed at follow-up imaging. CONCLUSION: Our study indicates that renal stenting in FMD-RAS may carry a high risk of late complications, including stent occlusion. Further observational data from large-scale registries are required.

Zygmunt Grudzinski, 1870-1929.

This history page in the series "Leaders in MSK Radiology" is dedicated to the memory and achievements of Zygmunt Grudzinski, Polish radiologist at the University of Warsaw and founder of the Polish Society of Radiology and Polish Radiological Review, the first radiology journal.

High incidence and clinical characteristics of fibromuscular dysplasia in patients with spontaneous cervical artery dissection: The ARCADIA-POL study.

The association between fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) and spontaneous cervical artery dissection (SCeAD) has been recognized, but the available evidence on this relationship is scant. Therefore, the main goal of our study was to systematically evaluate FMD frequency, clinical characteristics and vascular bed involvement in patients with SCeAD. Among 230 patients referred to the ARCADIA-POL study, 43 patients (mean age 44.1 ± 8.9 years; 15 men and 28 women) with SCeAD were referred. Also, 135 patients with FMD were compared to patients with and without SCeAD. Patients underwent: ambulatory blood pressure measurements, biochemical evaluation, echocardiographic examination, and whole body computed tomographic angiography. FMD changes were found in 39.5% of patients with SCeAD. There were no differences in clinical characteristics between patients with SCeAD and FMD and those without FMD, except for a tendency towards a higher female ratio in SCeAD patients with FMD. There were no differences in other parameters describing target organ and SCeAD characteristics. Patients with SCeAD and FMD compared to those without SCeAD were characterized by a lower frequency of hypertension and a higher frequency of hyperlipidemia and history of contraceptive hormone use. Our study indicates a high incidence (39.5%) of FMD in subjects with SCeAD. Since there are no distinctive discriminating factors between patients with SCeAD and FMD and those without FMD, FMD should be suspected in all patients with SCeAD.

Silent Cerebral Infarcts Following Left-Sided Accessory Pathway Ablation in Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) Syndrome: A Preliminary Report.

BACKGROUND Catheter ablation is a routine procedure in patients with WPW syndrome. Silent cerebral infarcts (SCI) detected in magnetic resonance imaging may be a complication of the ablation procedure, but it is well documented only in atrial fibrillation ablation. Ablation of left-sided accessory pathways (L-AP) has a similar target area, but WPW patients differ from those with atrial fibrillation, due to lower initial risk of cerebral embolic events. The aim of this study was to determine whether the ablation of left-sided accessory pathways carries the risk of SCI. MATERIAL AND METHODS Twenty consecutive patients with overt L-AP referred for RF ablation in our center were included in the study. An irrigated ablation catheter was used in 8 patients, and a non-irrigated ablation catheter was used in 12 patients. Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging was performed pre-procedurally and on the next day after the ablation in all patients. RESULTS Ablation procedures were completed without complications and there were no neurological symptoms following the procedure, although in 2 patients (10%), post-procedural diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance revealed new acute silent cerebral infarcts. Both patients with new cerebral lesions were female, and a non-irrigated catheter was used in both cases. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study documenting the presence of silent cerebral infarcts after WPW ablation. Further investigations are needed to evaluate the risk of silent cerebral infarcts associated with L-AP ablation.

Prevalence of smoking and clinical characteristics in fibromuscular dysplasia. The ARCADIA-POL study.

PURPOSE: Smoking was identified as a potential factor contributing to fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD). To evaluate the prevalence of smoking and clinical characteristics in FMD subjects. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analysed 190 patients with confirmed FMD in at least one vascular bed. The rate of smokers in FMD patients was compared to that in two control groups selected from a nationwide survey. RESULTS: The rate of smokers in FMD patients was 42.6%. There were no differences in frequency of smokers between FMD patients and: a group of 994 matched control subjects from general population and a group of matched hypertensive subjects. There were no differences in the characteristics of FMD (including rates of multisite FMD and significant renal artery stenosis) and its complications (including rates of dissections and aneurysms) between smokers and non-smokers. Smokers as compared with non-smokers were characterized by higher left ventricle mass index. CONCLUSIONS: There is no difference in the rate of smokers between FMD patients and subjects from the general population. Moreover, we did not find any association between smoking and clinical characteristics of FMD patients nor its extent and vascular complications. Our results do not support the hypothesis that smoking is involved in the pathophysiology of FMD.

Mechanical thrombectomy in acute stroke - Five years of experience in Poland.

OBJECTIVES: Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is not reimbursed by the Polish public health system. We present a description of 5 years of experience with MT in acute stroke in Comprehensive Stroke Centers (CSCs) in Poland. METHODS AND RESULTS: We retrospectively analyzed the results of a structured questionnaire from 23 out of 25 identified CSCs and 22 data sets that include 61 clinical, radiological and outcome measures. RESULTS: Most of the CSCs (74%) were founded at University Hospitals and most (65.2%) work round the clock. In 78.3% of them, the working teams are composed of neurologists and neuro-radiologists. All CSCs perform CT and angio-CT before MT. In total 586 patients were subjected to MT and data from 531 of them were analyzed. Mean time laps from stroke onset to groin puncture was 250±99min. 90.3% of the studied patients had MT within 6h from stroke onset; 59.3% of them were treated with IV rt-PA prior to MT; 15.1% had IA rt-PA during MT and 4.7% - emergent stenting of a large vessel. M1 of MCA was occluded in 47.8% of cases. The Solitaire device was used in 53% of cases. Successful recanalization (TICI2b-TICI3) was achieved in 64.6% of cases and 53.4% of patients did not experience hemorrhagic transformation. Clinical improvement on discharge was noticed in 53.7% of cases, futile recanalization - in 30.7%, mRS of 0-2 - in 31.4% and mRS of 6 in 22% of cases. CONCLUSION: Our results can help harmonize standards for MT in Poland according to international guidelines.

Endovascular Embolization of Renal Cell Carcinoma in a Patient with Solitary Kidney.

BACKGROUND: Kidney tumors account for about 3% of tumors in adults. The primary therapy of renal cancer is the surgical removal. Traditionally, and also modern procedures are performed to remove the kidneys, especially when the tumor involves the entire kidney. In the cases of unresectable tumors embolization is used as a palliative procedure. CASE REPORT: The aim of this study is to present the case of endovascular treatment of renal cell carcinoma in patient with solitary kidney. 77-years old patient had an ultrasound examination because of the pain in left lumbar region. MRI confirmed the presence of tumor size 29×45 mm in the left kidney. The right kidney had been removed eight years earlier because of clear cell carcinoma. Histopathological diagnosis was renal clear cell carinoma. The patient did not consent to surgical treatment. Tumor embolization was proceeded as a minimally invasive procedure. Pathological tumor vessels were closed using particles filling the entire vascular tumor. Next, the blood vessels supplying the tumor were closed using a mixture of lipiodolu and glubranu. Control angiographiy of the left renal artery confirmed the effective closure of all vascular pathology. In a recent ultrasound examination which was done 15 months after surgery no evidence of vascular pathology was found. CONCLUSIONS: Embolization of kidney cancer in particular cases may be an alternative way of treatment and give a good result in the form of stopping the growth of the tumor with simultaneous retaining the remaining parenchyma and renal function.

Endovascular transcatheter embolization of recurrent postsurgical varicocele: anatomic reasons for surgical failure.

BACKGROUND: Formation or pre-existence of collateral gonadal veins in varicocele patients has been reported as the main cause of surgical treatment failure. PURPOSE: To describe venographic findings in patients with postsurgical recurrent varicoceles and to assess the efficacy of the following minimally invasive endovascular treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-three men with failed surgical treatment of left-sided varicocele were examined between 2006 and 2013, using retrograde venography to assess the anatomy of varicocele draining veins before the attempted transcatheter embolization. Anatomic variants of gonadal veins were categorized according to the classification modified for the purpose of the present study. 3% polidocanol was used as an embolic agent together with pushable fibered coils. RESULTS: In 31 (93%) out of 33 patients venography demonstrated incompetence of the gonadal vein or veins draining varicoceles after failed surgical treatment. The most frequent venographic finding was gonadal vein duplication - 66% of cases (39% in its mid-portion). Technical success of embolization was achieved in all 31 patients. No major complications were observed. CONCLUSION: Retrograde varicocele embolization may be superior to surgery because of its ability to detect gonadal vein variants. In our study group, transcatheter embolization with 3% polidocanol and fibered coils allowed successful, minimally invasive treatment of postsurgical varicoceles.

Two types of lateral extension in juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma: diagnostic and therapeutic management.

Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma is a benign, locally aggressive nasopharyngeal tumor. Apart from anterior lateral extension to the pterygopalatine fossa, it may spread laterally posterior to the pterygoid process, showing posterior lateral growth pattern, which is less common and more difficult to identify during surgery. We analyzed the routes of lateral spread, modalities useful in its diagnosis, the incidence of lateral extension and its influence on outcomes of surgical treatment. The records of 37 patients with laterally extending JNA treated at our institution between 1987 and 2011 were retrospectively evaluated. Computed tomography was performed in all patients and magnetic resonance imaging in 17 (46 %) patients. CT and MRI were evaluated to determine routes and extension of JNA lateral spread. Anterior lateral extension to the pterygopalatine fossa occurred in 36 (97 %) patients and further to the infratemporal fossa in 20 (54 %) patients. In 16 (43 %) cases posterior lateral spread was observed: posterior to the pterygoid process and/or between its plates. The recurrence rate was 29.7 % (11/37). The majority of residual lesions was located behind the pterygoid process (7/11). Recurrent disease occurred in 3/21 patients with anterior lateral extension, in 7/15 patients with both types of lateral extensions and in 1 patient with posterior lateral extension. JNA posterior lateral extension may spread behind the pterygoid process or between its plates. The recurrence rate in patients with anterior and/or posterior lateral extension is significantly higher than in patients with anterior lateral extension only. Both CT and MRI allow identification of the anterior and posterior lateral extensions.

Diagnosis and management of multiple paragangliomas of the head and neck.

Paragangliomas (PGs) are slowly growing, usually benign neoplasms. The aim of the study was to analyze the incidence, diagnostic and therapeutic management of patients with multiple paragangliomas of the head and neck. A retrospective review of the records of 84 patients with head and neck PGs, diagnosed and treated in our institution was performed for the years 1983-2013 to identify patients with multiple tumors. Fourteen (16.6 %) patients developed multiple PGs, synchronous or metachronous, within 4-21 years of follow-up. Clinical data of these patients were reviewed to evaluate the diagnosis, location, stage and management strategy. There was a total number of 37 tumors in 14 patients. There were 20/37 (54.0 %) carotid PGs, 9/37 (24.3 %) jugular PGs and 8/37 (21.7 %) vagal PGs. Carotid PGs were observed in 12/14 (86 %) patients and in 8/14 (57 %) cases bilateral tumors occurred. Vagal PGs developed in 7/14 (50 %) patients and bilateral tumors were found in 1/14 (7 %) case. Jugular PGs occurred in 9/14 (64 %) patients. There were 30 synchronous tumors and seven metachronous PGs diagnosed 2-18 years after removal of the first tumor. Single metachronous mediastinal PG occurred. All patients had at least one tumor removed, with histopathological confirmation of the diagnosis. One patient had positive history of familial PGs. Carotid PGs are most common multiple paragangliomas. Radiological survey of the head and neck is required to detect multicentric tumors. Metachronous mediastinal and abdominal tumors may occur. Regular, prolonged follow-up is essential to identify metachronous PGs and possible postoperative gradual ICA occlusion.

Invasive growth patterns of juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma: radiological imaging and clinical implications.

Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma is a benign lesion with locally aggressive nature. Knowledge of its typical growth patterns is crucial for precise preoperative staging and adequate preoperative patient counseling. This pictorial essay focuses on characteristic radiological features and paths of invasive growth of this rare tumor. Also, the impact of accurate preoperative evaluation of tumor extensions on surgical planning and results of treatment are discussed.

Extranasopharyngeal angiofibroma: clinical and radiological presentation.

Nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (NA) is a rare, vascular tumor affecting adolescent males. Due to aggressive local growth, skull base location and risk of profound hemorrhage, NA is a challenge for surgeons. Angiofibromas have been sporadically described in extanasopharyngeal locations. We review ten cases of extranasopharyngeal angiofibroma (ENA) and discuss the incidence, clinical presentation and management of this pathology. The group consisted of 4 males and 5 females aged 8-49. There were 7 patients with nasal angiofibroma, 1 patient with laryngeal angiofibroma, 1 patient with oral angiofibroma and another patient with infratemporal fossa tumor. In patients with nasal angiofibroma most common presenting symptoms were nasal obstruction and epistaxis. Patients with laryngeal angiofibroma suffered from mild dysphagia and patients with the infratemporal fossa tumor had painless cheek swelling. In four patients with nasal tumor computed tomography (CT) demonstrated mass with strong to intermediate contrast enhancement. In one patient with nasal tumor carotid angiography demonstrated pathological vessels without intensive tumor blush. Infratemporal fossa tumor showed intensive contrast enhancement on CT and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, and abundant vascularity on angiography. Laryngeal and oral angiofibroma required no radiological imaging. Three nasal tumors were evaluated before introduction of CT to clinical practice. All patients underwent surgery. No recurrences developed. ENAs differ significantly from NAs regarding clinical and radiological presentations. They lack typical clinical and radiological features as they develop in all age groups and in females, may be less vascularised, arise from various sites and produce a variety of symptoms.

[MR imaging late changes of brain after carbon monoxide poisoning--case report]. / Odlegle zmiany w obrazie MR mózgowia po zatruciu tlenkiem wegla--opis przypadku.

We present the case of 28 years old patient hospitalized at the Regional Center of Clinical Toxicology in Lublin after carbon monoxide poisoning. The level of carboxyhemoglobin was 33.3%. Because of neurological symptoms MR of brain was performed with normal result. During hospitalization the progression of clinical symptoms was observed and the patient underwent control MR of brain. The result was abnormal and show changes bilaterally in white matter.

Onyx(®) in endovascular treatment of cerebral arteriovenous malformations - a review.

Arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is an abnormal connection between arteries and veins, bypassing the capillary system. In most cases, the disorder may be asymptomatic. The objective of endovascular AVM treatment is set individually for each case upon consultations with a neurosurgeon and a neurologist. The endpoint of the treatment should consist in prevention of AVM bleeding in a management procedure characterized by a significantly lower risk of complications as compared to the natural history of AVM. Endovascular interventions within AVM may include curative exclusion of AVM from circulation, embolization adjuvant to resection or radiation therapy, targeted closure of a previously identified bleeding site as well as palliative embolization. Onyx was first described in the 1990s. It is a non-adhesive and radiolucent compound. Onyx-based closure of the lumen of the targeted vessel is obtained by means of precipitation. The process is enhanced peripherally to the main flux of the injected mixture. This facilitates angiographic monitoring of embolization at any stage. The degree of lumen closure is associated with the location of the vessel. Supratentorial and cortical locations are most advantageous. Dense and plexiform structure of AVM nidus as well as a low number of supplying vessels and a single superficial drainage vein are usually advantageous for Onyx administration. Unfavorable factors include nidus drainage into multiple compartments as well as multiarterial supply of the AVM, particularly from meningeal arteries, en-passant arteries or perforating feeders. Onyx appears to be a safe and efficient material for embolization of cerebral AVMs, also in cases of intracranial bleeding associated with AVM. Curative embolization of small cerebral AVMs is an efficient and safe alternative to neurosurgical and radiosurgical methods. Careful angiographic assessment of individual arteriovenous malformations should be performed before each Onyx administration.

Aortic stiffness, left ventricle hypertrophy, and homogeneity of ventricle repolarization in adult dialyzed patients.

AIM: Study was designed to assess relationship between aortic compliance and homogeneity of heart electrical activity in dialysis patients. METHODS: Study group was consisted of 120 dialyzed patients; 57 (age 50,7 ± 7,1) were on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and 73 (age 51,6 ± 7,6) were hemodialyzed (HD). Three-dimensional vectorocardiographic (VCG) monitoring was done to assess: QRS-T(angle), T(el) and T(az). Echocardiography was performed to assess: Ao(max), Ao(min), ASI (aortic siffness index). RESULTS: ASI in HD as well as in CAPD patients was significantly higher compared to controls [resp., 5,51 (±1,32), 5,83 (±1,41), 3,07 (±1,09)]. Cut-off value of ASI was 5,67. In HD patients strong correlations between ASI and QRS-T(angle), T(el) and T(az) were determined (resp., r = 0,429, P < 0,001; r = 0,432, P ≤ 0,001 and r = 0,387, P = 0,001). In CAPD group were significant association between ASI and QRS-T(angle), T(el) and T(az) (resp., r = 0,452, P < 0,001; r = 0,417, P < 0,001 and r = 0,390, P = 0,001). ASI was independently and markedly associated with: QRS-T(angle), T(elev), T(az), ADMA, cTnT, CRP, Total-chol, LDL-chol in HD and CAPD patients. CONCLUSIONS: ASI and VCG indices are higher in HD and CAPD patients. Correlation between ASI and VCG parameters may reflect unfavourable influence of poor aortic compliance on the electrical activity of the heart in dialyzed patients. Hypertrophy aggravates repolarization disturbances in hemodialyzed patients.

[Chimney technique--stent implantation to the left common carotid artery in patient treated with thoracic aortic stentgraft]. / Technika kominowa--implantacja stentu do lewej tetnicy szyjnej wspólnej u chorego po wszczepieniu aortalnego stentgraftu piersiowego.

Proximal fixation is often limiting for endovascular thoracic aortic aneu. rysm repair and the stentgraft may need to cover the origin of the arch branch vessels. Chimney technique have been proposed to preserve flow into over stented branches during or after stent graft implantation. The aim of this report is to share our initial experience of this technique.

[Complicated case of endovascular defibrilator lead extraction]. / Trudny przypadek wewnatrznaczyniowego usuniecia elektrody defibrylatora serca.

Since the last decade, the use of external pacing systems became very popular and this means more frequent need for lead extraction or exchange. The extraction of "old", indwelling pacemaker or defibrillator leads is a standard procedure, done in many electrophysiology labs using many modern techniques. However, when a lead is torn off, and stays intravenous --its extraction is difficult. First, it must be caught endovascular, withdrawn out of a body and then extracted. Below, we present the case of successful extraction of torn off lead in a 25-year-old male by means of interventional radiology endovascular techniques.

[Management of ureteric sticture via a percutaneous double J stent implantation--description of 2 cases]. / Leczenie zwezenia moczowodu za pomoca przezskórnej implantacji cewnika Double J--opis 2 przypadków.

Ureteric stricture is the cause of urinary retention above the stricture level and obstructive nephropathy development with progressive renal parenchyma destruction leading to the renal failure. In the management of ureteric stricture, apart from surgery, less-invasive methods of recanalization are applied: transurethral (retrograde) double J stent implantation or, if the above method is unsuccessful, percutaneous (antegrade) double J stent implantation. In this paper we present 2 cases of percutaneous double J stent implantation: in patient after cystoprostatectomy with ureteric stricture at the level of uretero-ileostomy and in patient after renal transplantation with ureteric stricture at the level of ureterovesicostomy.

[Endovascular treatment of vein of galen malformation with coils and onyx--case report]. / Wewnatrznaczyniowe leczenie malformacji zyly galena przy uzyciu spiral i onyxu- opis przypadku.

Vein of galen malformation (VOGM) is a very rare disease which affects blood vessels of the brain. In general population the incidence is estimated at 1%. Treatment of choice is transluminal embolization. We present the case of five-month-old child with low degree heart failure, hydrocephalus and significantly delayed psychomotor development. MR examination reveals a vein of Galen malformations, wall type (type I according to Yasargil) 6 cm in diameter, with venous drainage to the sinus rectus. The enlarged vein filled with thrombus. It causes brain stem compression. Angiography shows one feeder leading to the VOGM, from right posterior brain artery. Lesion was treated with two embolic materials: 5 coils and 2 ml of ONYX. Angiography confirmed total exclusion of the fistula and the circulation in the vein of Galen. One of the most important elements of treatment is to perform a proper diagnosis and evaluation of lesions morphology. With proper technique, high skills and proper equipment, intravascular embolization of vein of Galen malformation is an effective treatment.

[Epistaxis in Rendu-Osler-Weber disease treated with selective embolization--case report]. / Leczenie krwawienia z nosa w przebiegu choroby Rendu-Oslera-Webera za pomoca wybiórczego zamkniecia naczyn metoda embolizacji--opis przypadku.

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT), known as well as Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome (ORW disease) is autosomal dominant inheritance disease with the worldwide prevalence of 1 case per 5000-10000 population. The pathophysiology of the disease consists of disorders in the growth and migration of endothelial cells, which leads to telangiectasias and arterio-venous malformations (AVM) development. Vascular abnormalities can form in various organs. The most frequent locations are nose and mouth mucous membranes, as well as the rest of GI tract, skin, lungs, urinary system and central nervous system. The most common symptom is reccurent epistaxis (80-90% of patients). Advanced stage disease can result in extensive bleeding with dicrease in hemoglobin levels. Unfortunately, the only available treatment options for Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrom fight the symptoms, not the essential cause, and because of the rarity of the disease there are no guidelines for effective therapy. We are presenting a case of a patient suffering from recurrent episodes of nose bleeding due to hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia, who was successfully treated using low-invasive, intravascular arterial embolisation in interventional radiology department.