Stent graft treatment for coronary sinus hemorrhage associated with esophageal cancer.

Hemorrhage arising from the coronary sinus is very rare and can be lethal. It has historically been treated surgically. The present patient had coronary sinus rupture secondary to esophageal cancer and an abscess in the pericardium. Due to her poor general status, this patient was contraindicated for surgery and underwent endovascular therapy. The hemorrhage was treated by stent graft deployment and the patient was temporarily discharged. Two months later, CT showed that the stent graft was occluded by thrombosis. The patient died without hemorrhage 2.5 months thereafter.

Natural History of Unruptured Visceral Artery Aneurysms Due to Segmental Arterial Mediolysis and Efficacy of Transcatheter Arterial Embolization: A Retrospective Multiinstitutional Study in Japan.

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to clarify the natural history of unruptured visceral artery aneurysms due to segmental arterial mediolysis and the efficacy of transcatheter arterial embolization. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Patients with a pathologic or clinical diagnosis of visceral artery aneurysms due to segmental arterial mediolysis between 2005 and 2015 were enrolled. For patients with clinical diagnoses, images were collected and assessed by central radiologic review. To clarify the natural history of unruptured aneurysms, the morphologic changes were assessed. The efficacy and safety of transcatheter arterial embolization for aneurysms due to segmental arterial mediolysis were evaluated. RESULTS. Forty-five patients with 123 aneurysms due to segmental arterial mediolysis were enrolled. Among the 123 aneurysms, 70 unruptured aneurysms were evaluated for natural history. Forty-five of the 70 (64%) aneurysms had no change in morphology. Among the other 25 aneurysms, nine (13% of the 70) were reduced in size, 13 (19%) disappeared, and three (4%) were newly found at follow-up. Aneurysms of the middle colic artery were ruptured in 10 of 11 (91%) cases. Transcatheter arterial embolization was performed on 45 aneurysms and was successful in all cases but caused slight arterial injury in three cases (6.7%). CONCLUSION. At initial diagnosis, unruptured aneurysms due to segmental arterial mediolysis are likely to be stable or to resolve, but the risk of rupture of aneurysms of the middle colic artery appears high. Transcatheter arterial embolization is a useful treatment, but careful manipulation is necessary.

Clinical indications for the use of computed tomography in children who underwent frequent computed tomography: a near-13-year follow-up retrospective study at a single institution in Japan.

Recent studies suggest a causal link of childhood leukemia and brain tumor with repeated computed tomography (CT) scans. The reasons why frequent CT scans are taken in a specific child remain unclear. The present study aimed to clarify the medical reasons why frequent CT examinations in children, and the characteristics of the diseases of those children that required multiple CT scans. A long-term follow-up retrospective study was conducted over a 12.75-year period at a single institution. Radiological reports were investigated that contained the indications for the CT scans. The clinical indications were classified for the examination of children under 16 years of age who underwent more than three CT scans into trauma, tumor, inflammation, and others. This study showed that 8.5% of CT examinations were done three times or more. The numbers of patients by indication were 23.3% for trauma, 5.3% for hydrocephalus, and 2.3% for appendicitis. The frequencies of trauma and inflammation decreased rapidly with an increasing number of CT scans. In particular, hydrocephalus brought high frequency more than ten scans. Regarding the frequencies of clinical indications by age groups, there was a significant difference (p<0.05). The near-13-year follow-up study indicated the main clinical indications for frequent CT scans in children were trauma and hydrocephalus. Multiple follow-up CT scans in children with hydrocephalus would be traded off against the resultant increase in brain tumor risk associated with CT exposure.

A Case of Iliac Aneurysm with Persistent Sciatic Artery Treated by Endovascular Aneurysm Repair.

A persistent sciatic artery (PSA) is a rare congenital vascular anomaly that occurs in approximately 0.01 to 0.06% of the population. We encountered a patient with aneurysms in the common iliac-internal iliac artery continuous to an occluded right PSA. The patient was an 85-year-old male in whom intermittent claudication of the right lower limb appeared 3 months ago. The right ankle-brachial index (ABI) was 0.48. On contrast computed tomography, the right PSA was present and was occluded over the popliteal artery. The right superficial femoral artery was hypoplastic. Moreover, abdominal aortic (diameter: 42 mm) and right common-internal iliac (diameter: 46 mm) aneurysms continuous to the PSA were present. For the surgical procedure, endovascular aneurysm repair was selected. First, the right internal iliac artery was embolized, an aortouni-iliac stent graft was placed from the infrarenal aorta down to the left common iliac artery, and left common femoral-right deep femoral artery bypass was performed to achieve revascularization of the right lower limb. Postoperatively, the aneurysms were favorably excluded with stent grafts without endoleak. The right ABI markedly improved to 0.83, and claudication was resolved. There are few reports of iliac aneurysm with a concomitant PSA.

[Survey of Recognition, Utilization, and Evaluation for Diagnostic Reference Levels in the Field of X-ray Computed Tomography].

A survey on recognition, utilization, and evaluation for diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) after establishing Japan DRLs 2015 in the field of X-ray computed tomography (CT) was conducted for members of Japanese Society of Radiological Technology using web-based questionnaire system. The survey consisted of provincial branches to which respondents belong, their occupation, years of professional experience, years of experience in X-ray CT section, recognition of DRLs, and utilization and evaluation of DRLs in the field of X-ray CT section. Each survey item had one to eight questions. A total of 369 members completed the questionnaire. Among them, 295 out of 369 (79.9%) members knew that DRLs were released in Japan. After establishing the DRLs, 226 of 330 (68.5%) and 123 of 319 (38.6%) members investigated the doses used for adult and pediatric CT at their facilities, respectively. Although 345 of 369 (93.5%) members answered that DRLs are necessary for the field of X-ray CT, only 142 of 369 (38.5%) members thought that the established DRLs are enough to use in the field of X-ray CT. The survey has clarified the current status of recognition, utilization, and evaluation for DRLs in the field of X-ray CT after establishing the DRLs in Japan.

Percutaneous drainage for afferent limb syndrome and pancreatic fistula via the blind end of the jejunal limb after pancreatoduodenectomy or bile duct resection.

PURPOSE: To investigate the feasibility of percutaneous drainage via the blind end of the jejunal limb (BEJL) for afferent limb syndrome and pancreatic fistula. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Percutaneous drainage via the BEJL was performed in eight patients (seven men and one woman; mean age, 63 y; range, 42-71 y) presenting with afferent limb syndrome (n = 6) or pancreatic fistula (n = 2) following pancreatoduodenectomy or bile duct resection with reconstruction at our institute from March 2005 to June 2013. Reconstruction was performed by using a modified Child method or the Roux-en-Y method, and the BEJL was surgically fixed to the abdominal wall. Afferent limb syndrome was caused by tumor recurrence or postoperative complications. Technical success, clinical success, and complications were evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: Technical success of drainage via BEJL was achieved in all patients. Drainage catheters (5-10 F) were inserted into the afferent limbs of six patients, into the pancreatic duct of one patient, and into the pancreatic fistula of one patient. Metallic stents were subsequently placed to address malignant afferent limb obstruction in two patients. Clinical success was achieved in seven patients (87.5%), and no patients developed major complications. Drainage catheters were removed from four patients. The mean catheter indwelling period in all patients was 143 days (range, 21-292 d). CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous drainage via BEJL after pancreatoduodenectomy or bile duct resection may be a feasible treatment for afferent limb syndrome and pancreatic fistula.

Impact of real-time virtual sonography, a coordinated sonography and MRI system that uses an image fusion technique, on the sonographic evaluation of MRI-detected lesions of the breast in second-look sonography.

The aim of this study was to verify the utility of second-look sonography using real-time virtual sonography (RVS)-a coordinated sonography with an MRI system that uses an image fusion technique with magnetic navigation-on the sonographic evaluation of MRI-detected lesions of the breast. Of the 196 consecutive patients who were examined with breast MRI in our hospital from 2006 to 2009, those patients who underwent second-look sonography to identify MRI-detected lesions were enrolled in this study. MRI was performed using a 1.5-T imager with the patient in a supine position. To assess the efficacy benefits of RVS, the correlations between lesion detection rates, MRI features, distribution, and histopathological classification on second-look sonography using conventional B-mode or RVS were analyzed. Of the 196 patients, 55 (28 %) demonstrated 67 lesions initially detected by MRI, followed by second-look sonography. Of the 67 MRI-detected lesions, 18 (30 %) were identified with second-look sonography using conventional B-mode alone, whereas 60 (90 %) lesions were detected with second-look sonography using RVS (p < 0.001). The detection rates of 16 focal lesions, 46 mass lesions, 16 lesions sized <5 mm, 45 lesions sized 5-10 mm, 26 lesions situated within the mammary gland, 41 lesions situated around mammary fascia, 24 malignant lesions, and 43 benign lesions were, respectively, 25, 26, 25, 24, 42, 17, 33, and 23 % by conventional B-mode, and were significantly higher, respectively, at 94, 89, 94, 89, 88, 90, 92, and 88 % by RVS. Of the seven lesions with no sonographic correlates, five could be biopsied by marking MRI information onto the body surface using RVS. Overall, 65 of 67 (97 %) MRI-detected lesions were confirmed by histopathological results. Our results suggest that the additional use of RVS on second-look sonography significantly increases the sonographic detection rate of MRI-detected lesions without operator dependence.

Remodeling of proximal neck angulation after endovascular aneurysm repair.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the remodeling of proximal neck (PN) angulations of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). METHODS: A 64-row multidetector computed tomography scan of AAAs treated with EVAR was reviewed, and the PN angulation was measured on a volume-rendered three-dimensional image. The computed tomography scan was examined preoperatively, after EVAR at 1 week, 1 month, 6 months, 1 year, 1.5 years, 2 years, and then yearly. The study enrolled 78 patients, comprising 54 Zenith devices (Cook Medical, Bloomington, Ind) and 24 Excluder devices (W. L. Gore and Associates, Flagstaff, Ariz). RESULTS: PN angulation was 50° ± 20° preoperatively, and after EVAR was 36° ± 14° at 1 week, 32° ± 14° at 1 year, and 28° ± 13° at 3 years. PN angulations ≤ 60° (n = 70, 77%) were 41° ± 13° preoperatively, 31° ± 12° 1 week after EVAR, 28° ± 12° at 1 year, and 26° ± 13° after 3 years. An angulation >60° (n = 18, 23%) was 78° ± 14° preoperatively, 51° ± 11° 1 week after EVAR, 44° ± 11° at 1 year, and 40° ± 12° after 3 years. The greater the preoperative PN angulation, the greater its reduction immediately after EVAR (r = .72, P < .001). The diameter shrinkage of AAAs with a PN angulation >60° was 3 ± 6 mm after 1 year; a significantly smaller shrinkage than with a PN angulation ≤ 60° (7 ± 7 mm, P < .05). AAAs with a PN angulation >60° had a larger angulation reduction and a smaller diameter shrinkage after the EVAR procedure. The PN angulation of the 54 AAAs treated by Zenith was 49° ± 22° preoperatively, 34° ± 14° 1 week after EVAR, and 25° ± 13° after 3 years. The corresponding angulation of the 24 AAAs treated by Excluder devices was 52° ± 17°, 41° ± 14°, and 38° ± 9°, respectively. The PN angulation reduction of Zenith and Excluder was similar 1 week after the EVAR procedure. Unlike Excluder, however, the PN angulation in Zenith continued to reduce for a long period at a slow pace. There were no significant correlations between PN angulation reduction and diameter change and between PN length and diameter change (P = .86 and .18, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Although the instructions for use of most commercially available stent grafts provide for a PN angulation of ≤ 60°, PN angulation was not a major issue in a midterm follow-up of AAAs with adequate PN length for patients in this series who received a Zenith or Excluder graft.

Stent strut penetration during thoracic endovascular aortic repair: report of a case.

We experienced a serious complication of proximal stent strut penetration (PSSP) during thoracic endovascular aortic repair in a 74-year-old man who underwent two-stage hybrid treatment for a distal arch thoracic aortic aneurysm. First, a debranching right common carotid-left common carotid-left subclavian artery bypass was performed. Second, a TALENT Thoracic Stent Graft (Medtronic, Tokyo, Japan) was inserted at Zone 1 (Ishimaru). At deployment, a proximal bare strut accidentally everted and penetrated the aortic wall vertically. Postoperative computed tomography revealed that one crown of the proximal strut had penetrated the aortic wall vertically and had produced an intramural hematoma around the strut. The patient was observed carefully and discharged from the hospital without any sequelae. Seven months after the procedure, there was no remarkable change and his aneurysm was well excluded. PSSP can cause retrograde type-A aortic dissections. A bare strut tends to cause proximal strut penetration more frequently than a covered strut. More caution should be taken in the deployment of a stent graft with a bare strut.

Partial debranching hybrid stent graft for distal aortic arch aneurysms.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the early outcomes of treating distal aortic arch aneurysms (DAAAs) with a partial debranching hybrid stent graft, and to analyze the morphology of distances among the supra-aortic branches. METHODS: We used this stent graft to treat DAAA in 12 patients, by debranching the left common carotid artery (LCCA) and the left subclavian artery (LSA). With computed tomography (CT) data on the collective total 28 thoracic aortic aneurysms, the distances from the LSA to the LCCA and those from the LSA to the brachiocephalic artery (BA) were measured using multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) and centerline of flow (CLF) methods. RESULTS: All procedures were done in two stages and all stent grafts were deployed in zone-1. The devices used were the TALENT in seven patients and the TAG in five patients. There were no operative deaths, paraplegia, or type-1 or -3 endoleaks. One patient suffered minor cerebral infarction. The distance from the LSA to the BA was longer than that from the LSA to the LCCA by 10 mm in the CLF method and by 13 mm in the MPR method. CONCLUSIONS: It was possible to achieve a longer proximal landing zone by debranching two supra-aortic branches, the LCCA and the LSA. The partial debranching hybrid stent graft was less invasive and more effective for DAAAs.

Physiological background parenchymal uptake of 18F-FDG in normal breast tissues using dedicated breast PET: correlation with mammographic breast composition, menopausal status, and menstrual cycle.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to quantitatively evaluate the effects of age, mammographic density, menopausal status, and menstrual cycle on background parenchymal uptake (BPU) using ring-shaped dedicated breast positron emission tomography (dbPET). METHODS: This study included 186 adult women who underwent mammography and dbPET on the same day and had no abnormalities classified as Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) category 1 on both examinations. The volume of interest (VOI) was placed in the glandular tissue of both breasts, and the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), mean standardized uptake value (SUVmean), and metabolic breast volume (MBV) were measured as indicators of BPU. We analyzed the correlation between BPU and age, mammographic density, menopausal status, and menstrual cycle. RESULTS: The SUVmax and SUVmean for normal breast tissue were inversely correlated with age (both p < 0.001). The SUVmax, SUVmean, and MBV of mammographically dense breast tissues were significantly higher than those of non-dense breast tissues (all p < 0.001). The SUVmax, SUVmean, and MBV of normal breast tissue in premenopausal women were significantly higher than those in postmenopausal women (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.002, respectively). In the study, 59 premenopausal women, the SUVmax of normal breast tissue in the menstrual-follicular phase was significantly lower than that in the periovulatory-luteal phase (p = 0.02). When we sorted the premenopausal women by mammographic breast composition, the SUVmax and SUVmean of normal breast tissues in the menstrual-follicular phase were significantly lower than those in the periovulatory-luteal phase in the 44 premenopausal women with dense breasts (p = 0.007, and p = 0.038, respectively), whereas no statistically significant difference was found between the menstrual-follicular phase and the periovulatory-luteal phase in the 15 premenopausal women with non-dense breasts. CONCLUSIONS: BPU in normal breast tissues assessed using ring-shaped dbPET was associated with mammographic density, menopausal status, and women's menstrual cycle. The menstrual cycle was significantly associated with BPU in premenopausal women with dense breasts but not in women with non-dense breasts.

Mid-term results of endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair: is it possible to predict sac shrinkage?

PURPOSE: To evaluate the mid-term results of endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms and to predict subsequent sac shrinkage. METHODS: From December 2006 to April 2010, 114 abdominal aortic aneurysms were treated with stent grafts. The intraoperative sac pressure was measured by a microcatheter. Correlations between the diameter change and relevant factors were determined by a logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Stent grafts were deployed successfully in all patients. Type-2 endoleaks were noted in 25 patients (22%); there were no type-1 or type-3 endoleaks at discharge. The clinical success rate was 99%. The diameter was reduced in 40 patients (56%) but remained unchanged in 32 (44%). There were no aneurysms that increased in diameter. At 2 years after the repair the rate of cumulative survival was 87% and freedom from secondary intervention was 95%. The sac pressure index after stent grafting with a reduced diameter was 0.56 ± 0.11 and that of patients with an unchanged diameter was 0.52 ± 0.14. There were no significant differences between the two groups. Persistent type-2 endoleaks had a slightly negative effect on sac shrinkage (P = 0.052). CONCLUSIONS: The mid-term results of endovascular aneurysm repair were satisfactory. Although it was difficult to predict the fate of a sac after stent grafting, persistent type-2 endoleaks were observed to have a slightly negative impact on sac shrinkage.

Distribution of scatter radiation by C-arm cone-beam computed tomography in angiographic suite: measurement of doses and effectiveness of protection devices.

Distribution of radiation by C-arm cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in the angiographic suite and effectiveness of protection devices were assessed. CBCT image of a human phantom was obtained by a rotation of 220 degrees during 8 seconds of exposure. One hundred and twelve dosimeters were placed at different positions around the beam entry site, and color maps of dose distributions were drawn for horizontal and vertical planes. The measurements showed the highest radiation dose over 600 µGy by a single CBCT image acquisition at a distance of 60 cm from the beam entry site and a height of 90 cm from the floor. The color maps demonstrated the dose distribution to be more intense at the bilateral directions of the phantom. With the use of a ceiling-mounted transparent lead-acryl screen and a table-suspended lead curtain, the doses were reduced by 45-92 % at a direction of 210 degrees and a distance of 120 cm.

Phase I/II multiinstitutional study of uterine artery embolization with gelatin sponge for symptomatic uterine leiomyomata: Japan Interventional Radiology in Oncology Study Group study.

PURPOSE: This multicenter prospective study was conducted to evaluate the safety and the efficacy of uterine artery embolization (UAE) with gelatin sponge for symptomatic leiomyomas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with symptomatic uterine leiomyomas were enrolled and treated with UAE. In phase I, nine patients were evaluated for safety. In phase II, 24 patients were accrued, and an intent-to-treat analysis was performed on all 33 patients. The primary endpoint was safety. Secondary endpoints included technical success, hospital stay, change in symptoms, leiomyoma volume on magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, and incidence of treatment failure. RESULTS: UAE procedures were performed for all 33 patients. Two patients were lost to follow-up at 3 and 12 months. The median follow-up period was 33.4 months. Minor adverse events (AEs) occurred in 10 patients (33%); major AEs of permanent amenorrhea and leiomyoma expulsion occurred in two (6%). The most common AE was transient amenorrhea. Technical success was achieved in all patients. The median hospital stay was 5 days. At 12 months after UAE, menorrhagia had improved in 90% of patients, pelvic pain in 78%, and bulk-related symptoms in 97%. The mean reduction in leiomyoma volume on MR imaging at 12 months was 61%. Treatment failure occurred in one patient, who underwent hysterectomy for recurrent menorrhagia at 21 months. CONCLUSIONS: UAE with gelatin sponge is safe, with efficacy comparable to other embolic agents based on published data. Gelatin sponge should be an option for UAE, but a prospective comparison versus other standard UAE embolic agents may be warranted.

Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair for Pseudoaneurysms After Repair of Patent Ductus Arteriosus.

BACKGROUND: Pseudoaneurysms that develop after surgical repair of a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) are more likely to rupture, but open surgery including a repeat thoracotomy would be highly invasive. We report 2 cases of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for such pseudoaneurysms. METHODS/RESULTS: A 59-year-old woman who underwent PDA surgical ligation at 13 years of age presented with sudden hemoptysis. She was diagnosed with a ruptured distorted pseudoaneurysm sized 26 mm; emergency TEVAR was performed. A 23-year-old woman with a history of Down syndrome, endocardial cushion defect, and PDA underwent 2 thoracotomy surgeries including PDA ligation. During a medical checkup, an abnormal shadow was detected on chest radiography. She was diagnosed with a 15-mm pseudoaneurysm after PDA surgical repair; TEVAR was performed. In both cases, the postoperative course was uneventful. CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of emergency TEVAR for ruptured pseudoaneurysms after PDA ligation. Thoracic endovascular aortic repair is an important therapeutic option for such cases as it eliminates the need for repeat thoracotomy.

Dosimetric Comparison of Hypofractionated Multi-Beam Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy and Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy With Flattened Beam and Flattening-Filter-Free Beam for Skull Base Meningioma Adjacent to Optic Pathways.

Background Since the optic pathways are the most vulnerable to radiation, the treatment of skull base tumors involving them is challenging. In this study simulation plans by multi-beam (MB) intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT), both with the flattened beam (FB) and flattening-filter-free beam (FFF), were compared in terms of covering of the target and sparing of the optic pathways. Materials and methods Treatment planning was simulated by MB-IMRT with FB and FFF and by 2-rotational VMAT with FB and FFF in three cases of skull base meningioma [volume of the planned target volume (PTV; PTV margin=2 mm except for overlapping area with optic pathways or brainstem): 8.6 ml, 34.6 ml, and 55.3 ml respectively], which were treated previously by multi-fractionated MB-IMRT [45 Gy/18 fx. (fraction) with 7-, 6-, and 5-beam] using a conventional Novalis (BrainLAB, Tokyo, Japan) planned by iPlan (BrainLAB, Tokyo, Japan). In all three cases, the optic pathways were adjacent to the lesion. The reference CT with contouring data set of target volumes [gross tumor volume (GTV) and PTV] and OARs (organs at risk) was transferred from iPlan to Eclipse (Varian Medical Systems, Tokyo, Japan). In this study, hypofractionated radiation therapy by 30 Gy/5 fx. was designed; 95% dose (28.5 Gy/5 fx.) was prescribed to D95 (dose to 95% volume of PTV). Conformity index (CI), homogeneity index (HI, D5/D95), D[0.1 ml] (dose to 0.1 ml) for optic pathways, and D[1 ml] for brainstem and eyes, and V[20 Gy] (volume delivered with 20 Gy or more/5 fx.) of the whole brain were evaluated. Results The indices did not differ between FB and FFF, in either MB-IMRT or VMAT. Between MB-IMRT and VMAT, the indices were similar. The mean dose of PTV and HI was a little larger with MB-IMRT than with VMAT. D[0.1 ml] of the optic pathways and D[1 ml] of the ipsilateral eye were smaller with VMAT in all three cases. D[1 ml] of the brainstem was smaller with VMAT in two cases, though it was similar in one case. Conclusion Based on our findings, VMAT with FFF might be the optimal method to treat cases of skull base meningioma involving optic pathways. However, further studies involving more cases are required to arrive at a conclusive verdict.

Percutaneous Retrieval of a Misinserted Pigtail Catheter Straightener during Infra-Renal Abdominal Aortic Stenting: A Case Report.

Percutaneous retrieval of an intravascular foreign body is a minimally invasive technique. Using cone-beam computed tomography and the lateral grasp technique, we successfully retrieved a pigtail catheter straightener that had been misinserted into the right common iliac artery. Some examples of catheter straightener retrieval have been reported; however, it is important to take care not to accidentally insert a catheter straightener into a vessel via an angiographic sheath.

Fusion of MRI and sonography image for breast cancer evaluation using real-time virtual sonography with magnetic navigation: first experience.

OBJECTIVE: We recently developed a real-time virtual sonography (RVS) system that enables simultaneous display of both sonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) cutaway images of the same site in real time. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of RVS in the management of enhancing lesions visualized with MRI. METHODS: Between June 2006 and April 2007, 65 patients underwent MRI for staging of known breast cancer at our hospital. All patients were examined using mammography, sonography, MRI and RVS before surgical resection. Results were correlated with histopathologic findings. MRI was obtained on a 1.5 T imager, with the patient in the supine position using a flexible body surface coil. Detection rate was determined for index tumors and incidental enhancing lesions (IELs), with or without RVS. RESULTS: Overall sensitivity for detecting index tumors was 85% (55/65) for mammography, 91% (59/65) for sonography, 97% (63/65) for MRI and 98% (64/65) for RVS. Notably, in one instance in which the cancer was not seen on MRI, RVS detected it with the supplementation of sonography. IELs were found in 26% (17/65) of the patients. Of 23 IELs that were detected by MRI, 30% (7/23) of IELs could be identified on repeated sonography alone, but 83% (19/23) of them were identified using the RVS system (P = 0.001). The RVS system was able to correctly project enhanced MRI information onto a body surface, as we checked sonography form images. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the RVS system can identify enhancing breast lesions with excellent accuracy.

Endovascular repair for a descending thoracic aortic aneurysm with a stent-graft covering the celiac artery: report of two cases.

An adequate landing zone for fixation and sealing is necessary for endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). This report presents two cases of a successful EVAR for thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAA) with a stent-graft covering the celiac artery (CA) to secure a distal landing zone. Case 1 was a 61-year-old man with a chronic traumatic descending TAA 12 mm away from the CA. Case 2 was a 79-year-old man with a descending TAA proximal to the CA. Preoperative angiography and computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a normal visceral blood flow including the peripancreatic arteries. Endovascular aneurysm repair with coverage of the CA was performed in both cases. Angiography after the EVAR demonstrated good blood flow to the CA branches via the peripancreatic arteries and a CT scan showed thrombosed aneurysms. Both patients were discharged without any abdominal symptoms. Endovascular aneurysm repair with a stent-graft covering the CA may therefore be an acceptable endovascular approach in treating selected TAA patients with a limited distal landing zone.

General versus locoregional anesthesia for endovascular aortic aneurysm repair: influences of the type of anesthesia on its outcome.

Of 31 patients who underwent elective endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) in our facility in 2007, 12 underwent EVAR under general anesthesia, and in 19 patients EVAR was done under locoregional anesthesia. In a retrospective analysis of the medical records from these two groups, we observed that locoregional anesthesia for the anesthetic management of EVAR was well tolerated, and it had advantages over general anesthesia with respect to a reduction in the incidence of postoperative intensive care unit (ICU) stay and the duration of the operation. Our single-institutional experience confirms that patients undergoing EVAR are likely to benefit from the use of locoregional anesthesia.