Clinical Outcomes of Clipping and Coil Embolization for Ruptured Intracranial Aneurysms Categorized by Region and Hospital Size: A Nationwide Cohort Study in Korea.

BACKGROUND: To analyze the outcomes of clipping and coiling for ruptured intracranial aneurysms (RIAs) based on data from the National Health Insurance Service in South Korea, with a focus on variations according to region and hospital size. METHODS: This study analyzed the one-year mortality rates for patients with RIAs who underwent clipping or coiling in 2018. Coiling was further categorized into non-stent assisted coiling (NSAC) and stent assisted coiling (SAC). Hospitals were classified as tertiary referral general hospitals (TRGHs), general hospitals (GHs), or semi-general hospitals (sGHs) based on size. South Korea's administrative districts were divided into 15 regions for analysis. RESULTS: In 2018, there were 2,194 (33.1%) clipping procedures (TRGH, 985; GH, 827; sGH, 382) and 4,431 (66.9%) coiling procedures (TRGH, 1,642; GH, 2076; sGH, 713) performed for RIAs treatment. Among hospitals performing more than 20 treatments, the one-year mortality rates following clipping or coiling were 11.2% and 16.0%, respectively, with no significant difference observed. However, there was a significant difference in one-year mortality between NSAC and SAC (14.3% vs. 19.5%, P = 0.034), with clipping also showing significantly lower mortality compared to SAC (P = 0.019). No significant differences in other treatment modalities were observed according to hospital size, but clipping at TRGHs had significantly lower mortality than at GHs (P = 0.042). While no significant correlation was found between the number of treatments and outcomes at GHs, at TRGHs, a higher volume of clipping procedures was significantly associated with lower total mortality (P = 0.023) and mortality after clipping (P = 0.022). CONCLUSION: Using Korea NHIS data, mortality rates for RIAs showed no significant variation by hospital size due to coiling's prevalence. However, differences in clipping outcomes by hospital size and volume in TRGH highlight the need for national efforts to improve clipping skills and standardization. Additionally, the higher mortality rate with SAC emphasizes the importance of precise indications for its application.

Deep Learning for Detection of Pulmonary Metastasis on Chest Radiographs.

Background A computer-aided detection (CAD) system may help surveillance for pulmonary metastasis at chest radiography in situations where there is limited access to CT. Purpose To evaluate whether a deep learning (DL)-based CAD system can improve diagnostic yield for newly visible lung metastasis on chest radiographs in patients with cancer. Materials and Methods A regulatory-approved CAD system for lung nodules was implemented to interpret chest radiographs from patients referred by the medical oncology department in clinical practice. In this retrospective diagnostic cohort study, chest radiographs interpreted with assistance from a CAD system after the implementation (January to April 2019, CAD-assisted interpretation group) and those interpreted before the implementation (September to December 2018, conventional interpretation group) of the CAD system were consecutively included. The diagnostic yield (frequency of true-positive detections) and false-referral rate (frequency of false-positive detections) of formal reports of chest radiographs for newly visible lung metastasis were compared between the two groups using generalized estimating equations. Propensity score matching was performed between the two groups for age, sex, and primary cancer. Results A total of 2916 chest radiographs from 1521 patients (1546 men, 1370 women; mean age, 62 years) and 5681 chest radiographs from 3456 patients (2941 men, 2740 women; mean age, 62 years) were analyzed in the CAD-assisted interpretation and conventional interpretation groups, respectively. The diagnostic yield for newly visible metastasis was higher in the CAD-assisted interpretation group (0.86%, 25 of 2916 [95% CI: 0.58, 1.3] vs 0.32%, 18 of 568 [95% CI: 0.20, 0.50%]; P = .004). The false-referral rate in the CAD-assisted interpretation group (0.34%, 10 of 2916 [95% CI: 0.19, 0.64]) was not inferior to that in the conventional interpretation group (0.25%, 14 of 5681 [95% CI: 0.15, 0.42]) at the noninferiority margin of 0.5% (95% CI of difference: -0.15, 0.35). Conclusion A deep learning-based computer-aided detection system improved the diagnostic yield for newly visible metastasis on chest radiographs in patients with cancer with a similar false-referral rate. © RSNA, 2021 Online supplemental material is available for this article.

Feasibility of dosimetric measurements using Al2O3:C OSL dosimeter during fluoroscopy-guided procedures.

This study investigated the feasibility of dosimetric measurements using Al2O3:C optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dosimeters during fluoroscopy-guided procedures. The linearity and energy dependence of Al2O3:C OSL dosimeters were evaluated, and the air kerma rate at the operator's position was measured. The response of Al2O3:C OSL dosimeters to short, repetitive irradiations was compared to that of long uninterrupted irradiation. The change in response of the Al2O3:C OSL dosimeter under automatic exposure rate control (AERC) was evaluated with the use of various thicknesses of polymethyl-methacrylate (PMMA) plates (15-30 cm). The Al2O3:C OSL dosimeters could detect 5µGy and showed good linearity in doses of ≥10µGy (R2: 0.997-0.999,p< 0.001). The relative response of the Al2O3:C OSL dosimeter normalised to that of 36.8 keV was 0.828-1.101 at the energies investigated (30.6-46.0 keV). The air kerma rate at the operator's position was estimated to be 2.61-7.17µGy min-1depending on the heights representing different body parts. Repetitive short irradiations had no significant impact on the relative response of the Al2O3:C OSL dosimeters (p> 0.05). Despite a high energy dependence on the low energy beam used in fluoroscopy, the change in relative response of the Al2O3:C OSL dosimeter under AERC was within 5.7% depending on the thickness of the PMMA plates. Dosimetric measurement using Al2O3:C OSL dosimeters for patients and operators is feasible. However, one should be cautious about high standard deviations when measuring small doses of ≤20µGy using Al2O3:C OSL dosimeters. It is essential to perform intensive bleaching before measuring very small doses to minimise pre-irradiation counts.

Risk stratification of gallbladder polyps larger than 10 mm using high-resolution ultrasonography and texture analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To assess important features for risk stratification of gallbladder (GB) polyps >10 mm using high-resolution ultrasonography (HRUS) and texture analysis. METHODS: We included 136 patients with GB polyps (>10 mm) who underwent both HRUS and cholecystectomy (non-neoplastic, n = 58; adenomatous, n = 32; and carcinoma, n = 46). Two radiologists retrospectively assessed HRUS findings and texture analysis. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify significant predictors for neoplastic polyps and carcinomas. RESULTS: Single polyp (OR, 3.680-3.856) and larger size (OR, 1.450-1.477) were independently associated with neoplastic polyps (p < 0.05). In a single or polyp >14 mm, sensitivity for differentiating neoplastic from non-neoplastic polyps was 92.3%. To differentiate carcinoma from adenoma, sessile shape (OR, 9.485-41.257), larger size (OR, 1.267-1.303), higher skewness (OR, 6.382) and lower grey-level co-occurrence matrices (GLCM) contrast (OR, 0.963) were significant predictors (p < 0.05). In a polyp >22 mm or sessile, sensitivity for differentiating carcinomas from adenomas was 93.5-95.7%. If a polyp demonstrated at least one HRUS finding and at least one texture feature, the specificity for diagnosing carcinoma was increased to 90.6-93.8%. CONCLUSION: In a GB polyp >10 mm, single and diameter >14 mm were useful for predicting neoplastic polyps. In neoplastic polyps, sessile shape, diameter >22 mm, higher skewness and lower GLCM contrast were useful for predicting carcinoma. KEY POINTS: • Risk of neoplastic polyp is low in <14 mm and multiple polyps • A sessile polyp or >22 mm has increased risk for GB carcinomas • Higher skewness and lower GLCM contrast are predictors of GB carcinoma • HRUS is useful for risk stratification of GB polyps >1 cm.

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor: prediction of the tumor grade using CT findings and computerized texture analysis.

Background Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNET) include heterogeneous tumors with a variable degree of inherent biologic aggressiveness represented by the histopathologic grade. Although several studies investigated the computed tomography (CT) characteristics which can predict the histopathologic grade of PNET, accurate prediction of the PNET grade by CT examination alone is still limited. Purpose To investigate the important CT findings and CT texture variables for prediction of grade of PNET. Material and Methods Sixty-six patients with pathologically confirmed PNETs (grade 1 = 45, grades 2/3 = 21) underwent preoperative contrast-enhanced CT. Two reviewers determined the presence of predefined CT findings. CT texture was also analyzed on arterial and portal phase using both two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) analysis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed in order to identify significant predictors for tumor grade. Results Among CT findings and CT texture variables, the significant predictors for grade 2/3 tumors were an ill-defined margin (odds ratio [OR] = 7.273), lower sphericity (OR = 0.409) on arterial 2D analysis, higher skewness (OR = 1.972) and lower sphericity (OR = 0.408) on arterial 3D analysis, lower kurtosis (OR = 0.436) and lower sphericity (OR = 0.420) on portal 2D analysis, and a larger surface area (OR = 2.007) and lower sphericity (OR = 0.503) on portal 3D analysis ( P < 0.05). Diagnostic performance of texture analysis was superior to CT findings (AUC = 0.774 vs. 0.683). Conclusion CT is useful for predicting grade 2/3 PNET using not only the imaging findings including an ill-defined margin, but also the CT texture variables such as lower sphericity, higher skewness, and lower kurtosis.

MDCT findings of pancreatic metastases according to primary tumors.

PURPOSE: To describe the clinical and MDCT findings of metastatic pancreatic tumors (MPTs) from various primary malignancies and to determine whether there are characteristic imaging features of MPTs according to the various histologies of primary tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-six patients with pathologically proven MPTs who underwent MDCT were retrospectively enrolled. Mean survival and factors associated with prolonged survival were analyzed using multivariate Cox regression analysis. MDCT was analyzed for the location, number, margin, and pattern and degree of enhancements of MPTs and main pancreatic duct (MPD) dilatations. Significant differences in CT features among the various histologies of MPTs were determined using the χ (2) or Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: The most common primary tumors metastasized to the pancreas were renal cell carcinomas (RCC) (n = 17), gastric cancers (n = 7), and colorectal cancers (n = 5). Mean survival was significantly different between RCC (106.7 months) and non-RCC (25.1 months) metastases (P < 0.001). A primary tumor of RCC was the only factor associated with prolonged survival (hazard ratio: 0.106, P = 0.003). On MDCT, pancreatic metastases from RCC were frequently multifocal, located at the center of the pancreas, usually homogeneous and well-defined with early wash-in and persistent enhancement; non-RCC metastases tended to be solitary, located off-center (P < 0.05), and appeared as heterogeneous, ill-defined nodules with persistent low attenuation (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Various non-RCC tumors as well as RCCs metastasize to the pancreas but a primary tumor of RCC is the only factor associated with prolonged survival. MDCT features of MPTs are significantly different between the RCC and non-RCC metastases, potentially aiding in their differentiation and selection of the most appropriate management options for these patients.

Radiation dose during transarterial chemoembolization and associated factors.

PURPOSE: To provide detailed reports on radiation doses during transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in the cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) era and to identify the associated factors. METHODS: This retrospective study included 385 consecutive patients who underwent initial conventional TACE for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) between January 2016 and December 2017. In most cases, CBCT was performed at the common hepatic artery or celiac axis to confirm the location of the tumor and the three-dimensional hepatic artery anatomy. Superselective TACE was performed for all technically feasible cases. Information on total dose area product (DAP), total cumulative air kerma (CAK), fluoroscopy time, and DAP and CAK of each digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and CBCT scan was recorded. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to identify the factors associated with increased DAP during TACE. RESULTS: The mean values of total DAP and CAK were 165.2 ± 81.2 (Gy·cm²) and 837.1 ± 571.0 (mGy), respectively. The mean fluoroscopy time was 19.1 ± 10.3 min. The mean DAP caused by fluoroscopy, DSA, and CBCT was 51.8 ± 43.9, 28.0 ± 24.1, and 83.9 ± 42.1 Gy·cm², respectively. Male sex, a high body mass index, largest tumor size > 3 cm, presence of aberrant right and left hepatic arteries, and superselective TACE were identified as independent predictors of increased total DAP during TACE. CONCLUSION: We were able to provide detailed reports on radiation doses during TACE and associated factors.

Do Balloon Catheters have a Different Radial Force Along Their Longitudinal Axis?

PURPOSE: This experimental study was designed to compare radial forces between the central portion and both ends of balloon catheters when dilating stenosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three balloon catheters of 6 and 8 mm in diameter and of variable length were tested: Mustang, Conquest, and Genoss PTA. Cylindrical modules to position balloon catheters and install the measuring tip during radial force measurements were made using a 3D printer. The measuring tip created 20% stenosis at the inner lumen. Both ends and center of the balloon catheter were located at the measuring tip. The radial force was measured after inflating the balloon catheter to the rated burst pressure. RESULTS: For the different diameters and lengths of balloon catheters and cylinder sizes, the median inccenter, the radial rease in radial force at the distal end compared to the center was 16.5% (range: 9.8-35.2%) for Mustang, 12.4% (range: 10.3-25.5%) for Genoss, and 7.4% (range: -0.3-13.1%) for Conquest balloon catheters. Similarly, compared to that at the force at the proximal end was 10.8% greater (range: -2.9-18.3%) for Mustang, 9.9% greater (range: 3.9-22.3%) for Genoss, and 7.3% greater (range: -1.3-12.4%) for Conquest catheters. CONCLUSION: The radial force is greater at both ends of the balloon than at the central portion, especially at the distal end. Dilation using the distal end of the balloon catheter is a practical method that can be applied in clinical practice without additional devices when encountering resistant stenosis, especially with semi-compliant balloons.

Safety and Effectiveness of Passeo-18 Lux Drug-Coated Balloon Catheter in Infrainguinal Endovascular Revascularization in the Korean Population: A Multicenter Post-Market Surveillance Study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and clinical outcomes of the Passeo-18 Lux drug-coated balloon (DCB) in endovascular revascularization procedures under real-world conditions in a Korean population with atherosclerotic disease of the infrainguinal arteries, including below-the-knee (BTK) arteries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight institutions in the Republic of Korea participated in this prospective, multicenter, single-arm, post-market surveillance study. Two hundred patients with Rutherford class 2-5 peripheral arterial disease and infrainguinal lesions suitable for endovascular treatment were competitively enrolled. Data were collected at baseline, the time of intervention, discharge, and 1-, 6-, 12-, and 24-month follow-up visits. The primary safety endpoint was freedom from major adverse events (MAE) within 6 months (except when limiting the time frame for procedure- or device-related mortality to within 30 days), and the primary effectiveness endpoint was freedom from clinically driven target lesion revascularization (CD-TLR) within 12 months after the procedure. RESULTS: A total of 197 patients with 332 target lesions were analyzed. Two-thirds of the patients had diabetes mellitus, and 41.6% had chronic limb-threatening ischemia. The median target lesion length was 100 mm (interquartile range: 56-133 mm). Of the target lesions, 35.2% were occlusions, and 14.8% were located in the BTK arteries. Rate of freedom from MAE was 97.9% at 6 months, and the rate of freedom from CD-TLR was 95.0% and 92.2% at 12 and 24 months, respectively. Subgroup analysis of 43 patients and 49 target lesions involving the BTK arteries showed rate of freedom from MAE of 92.8% at 6 months and rates of freedom from CD-TLR of 88.8% and 84.4% at 12 and 24 months, respectively. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study, including the BTK subgroup analysis, showed outcomes comparable to those of other DCB studies, confirming the safety and effectiveness of Passeo-18 Lux DCB in the Korean population.

Modified design of x-ray protective clothing to enhance radiation protection for interventional radiologists.

BACKGROUND: In interventional radiology procedures, the operator typically stands on the right side of the patient's right thigh to manipulate devices through the femoral sheath. Because the standard x-ray protective clothing is designed as sleeveless and scatter radiations from the patient are mainly incident from the left-anterior direction to the operator, the arm hole of the clothing may be a significant unprotected area, contributing to an increase in the operator's organ doses and effective dose. PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare the organ doses and effective dose received by the interventional radiologist when wearing the standard x-ray protective clothing and when wearing the modified clothing with an additional shoulder guard. METHODS: The experimental setup aimed to simulate actual clinical practice in interventional radiology. The patient phantom was located at the beam center to generate scatter radiation. An adult female anthropomorphic phantom loaded with 126 nanoDots (Landauer Inc., Glenwood, IL) was used to measure organ and effective doses to the operator. The standard wrap-around type x-ray protective clothing offered 0.25-mm lead-equivalent protection, and the frontal overlap area offered 0.50-mm lead-equivalent protection. The shoulder guard was custom-made with a material providing x-ray protection equivalent to lead of 0.50 mm thickness. The organ and effective doses were compared between the operator wearing the standard protective clothing and the one wearing the modified clothing with a shoulder guard. RESULTS: After adding the shoulder guard, doses to the lungs, bone marrow, and esophagus decreased by 81.9%, 58.6%, and 58.7%, respectively, and the effective dose to the operator decreased by 47.7%. CONCLUSIONS: Widespread use of modified x-ray protective clothing with shoulder guards can significantly decrease the overall occupational radiation risk in interventional radiology.

[Endovascular Treatment for Vascular Injuries of the Extremities]. / 사지 혈관 손상의 ì¸í„°ë²¤ì ˜ 치료.

Vascular injuries of the extremities are associated with a high mortality rate. Conventionally, open surgery is the treatment of choice for peripheral vascular injuries. However, rapid development of devices and techniques in recent years has significantly increased the utilization and clinical application of endovascular treatment. Endovascular options for peripheral vascular injuries include stent-graft placement and embolization. The surgical approach is difficult in cases of axillo-subclavian or iliac artery injuries, and stent-graft placement is a widely accepted alternative to open surgery. Embolization can be considered for arterial injuries associated with active bleeding, pseudoaneurysms, and arteriovenous fistula and in patients in whom embolization can be safely performed without a risk of ischemic complications in the extremities. Endovascular treatment is a minimally invasive procedure and is useful as a simultaneous diagnostic and therapeutic approach, which serve as advantages of this technique that is widely utilized for vascular injuries of the extremities.

Management of Immature Arteriovenous Fistulas.

In patients requiring long-term hemodialysis for chronic kidney disease, an arteriovenous fistula is the preferred mode of hemodialysis access over synthetic arteriovenous graft or hemodialysis catheters. The National Kidney Foundation recommended in their Kidney Dialysis Outcomes Quality Initiative (KDOQI) Clinical Practice Guidelines that the creation of an autogenous arteriovenous fistula should initially be sought whenever possible. In 2003, a program named the Fistula First Breakthrough Initiative was initiated in the U.S. to increase the use of arteriovenous fistula for hemodialysis and to ultimately surpass the goal of 50% fistula use in incident and 40% fistula use in prevalent hemodialysis patients per recommendation by KDOQI Guidelines. While this goal was achieved, the encouraged creation of arteriovenous fistulas saw a rise in fistulas that failed to mature. Researchers have focused on developing strategies to optimize fistula maturation. Studies have revealed that the presence of stenoses and accessory draining veins may contribute to unsuccessful fistula maturation. Endovascular treatment, including balloon angioplasty and accessory vein embolization, aim to correct anatomical factors that negatively affect the maturation process. This article reviews the techniques and outcomes of endovascular treatment in the management of immature fistulas.

Lymphangiography and lymphatic embolisation for the treatment of chyle leaks after neck surgery: assessment of lymphangiography findings and embolisation techniques.

OBJECTIVE: To assess lymphangiography findings and outcome of lymphatic embolisation to manage chyle leak after neck surgery. METHODS: Consecutive cases of lymphangiography performed between April 2018 and May 2022 for management of chyle leaks related to neck surgery were retrospectively reviewed. Lymphangiography findings, techniques, and outcomes were analysed. RESULTS: Eight patients (mean age: 46.5 years) were included. Six patients had undergone radical neck dissection for thyroid cancer, and two had undergone lymph node excision. Clinical presentations were: chyle drainage through Jackson Pratt catheters in five patients, lymphorrhea through surgical wounds in two, and enlarging lymphocele in one. Lymphangiography techniques included: inguinal lymphangiography in four patients, retrograde lymphangiography in three, and transcervical lymphangiography in one. Lymphangiography revealed leaks in the terminal thoracic duct in two patients, bronchomediastinal trunk in two, jugular trunk in three, and superficial neck channels in one. Embolisation techniques included: non-selective embolisation of terminal thoracic duct (n = 2), selective embolisation of the jugular trunk (n = 3), selective embolisation of the bronchomediastinal trunk (n = 2), and intranodal glue embolisation of superficial neck channels (n = 1). One patient underwent a repeat procedure. Chyle leak resolved in all patients over a mean of 4.6 days. No complication was encountered. CONCLUSION: Lymphatic embolisation seems to be effective and safe in managing chyle leaks after neck surgery. Lymphangiography allowed for the categorisation of chyle leaks according to their location. Post-embolisation patency of the thoracic duct may be preserved in chyle leaks that do not directly involve the thoracic duct. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: Lymphatic embolisation is safe and effective in managing chyle leaks after neck surgery. On lymphangiography, the location of contrast media extravasation may not be consistent. The technique for embolisation should be based on the location of the leak. Post-embolisation patency of the thoracic duct may be preserved in chyle leaks that do not directly involve the thoracic duct.

Anti-inflammatory activities of Reynoutria elliptica through suppression of mitogen-activated protein kinases and nuclear factor-κB activation pathways.

Reynoutria elliptica has been used in traditional Korean medicine to promote blood circulation, relieve pain, increase dieresis, and alleviate respiratory problems, through as yet undefined mechanisms. We set out to determine whether the anti-inflammatory effects of this plant are linked with its ability to suppress mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated RAW 264.7 cells. We found for the first time that the hexane fraction of Reynoutria elliptica (HRE) significantly inhibited LPS-stimulated NO and PGE2 synthesis. This is due to the diminishing of the mRNA and protein expression of iNOS and COX-2, respectively. HRE also suppressed LPS-stimulated TNF-α secretion in a dose-dependent manner, which might be due to the suppression of LPS-induced MAPKs and NF-κB activation. Moreover, our HPLC data demonstrated that the major components of the HRE were bioactive compounds such as emodin-6-Glc, emodin, and physcion. Overall, our results indicate that Reynoutria elliptica could be provided as a potential candidate for anti-inflammation treatment.

Association of dysmorphic intratumoral vessel with high lung shunt fraction in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

To evaluate the role of dysmorphic intratumoral vessels as imaging marker for the prediction of high lung shunt fraction (LSF) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This retrospective study included 403 patients with HCC who underwent a planning arteriography for transarterial radioembolization with administration of 99mTc-macroaggregated albumin to calculate LSF. The LSF was measured by using planar body scans. Two radiologists evaluated the pre-treatment contrast-enhanced CT findings, including tumor number, size, margin, distribution, tumor burden, portal and hepatic vein invasion, early hepatic vein enhancement, and dysmorphic intratumoral vessels. The logistic regression analysis was performed to determine significant predictors for high LSF > 20%. Using the identified predictors, diagnostic criteria for high LSF were proposed. Among 403 patients, 52 (13%) patients had high LSF > 20%, and dysmorphic tumor vessels were present in 115 (28.5%) patients. Predictors for LSF > 20% were tumor size > 11 cm, hepatic vein invasion, early hepatic vein enhancement, and dysmorphic intratumoral vessel. If the patient had three or more of the four predictors for LSF > 20% on imaging, the accuracy and specificity for diagnosing LSF > 20% were 88.8% and 96.3% respectively. Dysmorphic intratumoral vessel in HCC is an imaging marker suggesting a high LSF, which may be applicable to treatment modification or patient exclusion for radioembolization with combined interpretation of tumor size and hepatic vein abnormality.

Cellular uptake of ginsenosides in Korean white ginseng and red ginseng and their apoptotic activities in human breast cancer cells.

Panax ginseng has been reported to have cancer-preventive properties and, through anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and pro-apoptotic mechanisms, to influence gene expression. However, the comparison of Korean white ginseng (WG) and red ginseng (RG) in their apoptotic effects and the identification of the selective cellular uptake of the ginsenosides in human breast cancer cells have not yet been fully understood. In the present study, the relative nonpolar and protopanaxadiol (PPD) class ginsenosides exhibited more cytotoxic and efficient cellular uptake on MCF-7 cells compared with the relative polar and protopanaxatriol (PPT) class compounds. PPD class ginsenosides were present in RG in a 2.5 times higher concentration as compared to WG, while PPT class ginsenosides were only present in WG. Thus, RG exerted more potent cytotoxicity than WG against MCF-7 and MDA-MB231 cells. RG also increased the sub-G1 DNA contents of the cell cycle and Annexin V-positive apoptotic bodies undergoing apoptosis through the caspase-3 activation in MCF-7 cells. In addition, RG downregulated the proliferative and anti-apoptotic gene products and potentiated paclitaxel-induced apoptosis in MCF-7 cells. Overall, RG contained a higher concentration of PPD class ginsenosides as compared to WG; the greater cellular uptake of PPD resulted in more substantial antiproliferative activity in human breast cancer cells.

Anatomic Variations of the Hepatic Artery in 5625 Patients.

PURPOSE: To analyze the origin and anatomic course of the hepatic arteries by using digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and multidetector CT in a large study sample. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 5625 patients who underwent liver CT and chemoembolization between January 2005 and December 2018 (mean age, 60 years ± 11 [range, 11-99 years]; 4464 males). The CT and DSA images were reviewed to evaluate the visceral arterial anatomy for variations in the celiac axis and hepatic arteries. Aberrant right hepatic arteries (aRHAs) and aberrant left hepatic arteries (aLHAs) were defined on the basis of their origin and anatomic course. Statistical analyses were performed to evaluate the association between aRHAs and aLHAs and the association between variations in the hepatic artery and celiac axis. RESULTS: Right hepatic arteries were categorized as being aRHAs (if originating from the proximal to middle common hepatic artery, gastroduodenal artery, superior mesenteric artery [SMA], celiac axis, aorta, splenic artery, or left gastric artery [LGA]) or as being aLHAs (if arising from the LGA, celiac axis, aorta, or SMA). The prevalence of aRHAs (15.63%; 879 of 5625) and the prevalence aLHAs (16.32%; 918 of 5625) were similar. Patients with an aRHA were more likely to have an aLHA than those without an aRHA (29.01% vs 13.97%; P < .001), and patients with an aLHA were more likely to have an aRHA than those without an aLHA (27.78% vs 13.26%; P < .001). There was no association between the hepatic arterial variations and celiac axis variations. A hypothetical anatomic model summarizing the observed variations was created. CONCLUSION: A comprehensive list of hepatic arterial variations and a three-dimensional hypothetical model for the observed variations were described.Keywords: CT, Angiography, Liver, Anatomy, Arteries© RSNA, 2021 Supplemental material is available for this article. See also commentary by Sutphin and Kalva in this issue.

Aberrant gastric venous drainage and associated atrophy of hepatic segment II: computed tomography analysis of 2021 patients.

PURPOSE: To investigate the prevalence and patterns of aberrant gastric venous drainage and associated atrophy of the hepatic segment on contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT). METHODS: Two radiologists retrospectively reviewed contrast-enhanced CT images from 2021 patients who underwent cone-beam CT-guided chemoembolization between January 2013 and December 2018. They determined the presence or absence of an aberrant gastric vein(s) and its drainage site by consensus, and qualitatively analyzed the presence or absence of atrophy of segments II or III. In cases of disagreement between the two reviewers regarding the presence of atrophy, quantitative analysis was performed using dedicated software. RESULTS: A total of 31 aberrant right gastric veins were revealed on CT (1.5%), most of which drained into P2 (n = 8), the S2/3 border zone (n = 8), S2 (n = 6), or S4 (n = 5). An aberrant left gastric vein was observed in 21 (1.0%) patients, and P2 was the most common drainage site (n = 13) in these patients. Atrophy of segment II was more frequently observed among patients with aberrant gastric veins than among those without (26.9% versus 4.1%; p < 0.001). In addition, an aberrant gastric vein draining into P2 was most frequently accompanied by segment II atrophy (47.6%). CONCLUSION: Aberrant right and left gastric veins were observed in 1.5% and 1.0% of patients, respectively. Atrophy of segment II was frequently observed in patients with aberrant gastric veins, especially those that drained into P2.

Shaping the tip of microcatheters for superselective catheterization: steam vs. manual methods.

PURPOSE: We aimed to evaluate and compare the shapeability and stability of five microcatheters commonly used in interventional radiology after steam shaping and manual shaping. METHODS: Steam shaping was performed using three mandrels of different angles: L(S) shape (90°), U(S) shape (180°), and O(S) shape (360°). Three manual shapes-L(M), U(M), and O(M)-were made to have a similar angle to their steam-shaped counterparts. The stability of the microcatheters was evaluated by passing them through a 5 F catheter and inserting microguidewires. The tip angles of the microcatheters and the angle change rates were compared between groups. RESULTS: The mean angle of the microcatheters after steam shaping was 42.4°-54.1° for L(S) shape, 80.2°-96.7° for U(S) shape, and 130.7°-150.8° for O(S) shape. Five microcatheters showed significantly different mean angle reductions after passing through the 5 F catheter (17.4%-30.3%) and inserting microguidewires (24.1%-61.2%). Different microguidewires also caused significantly different mean angle reductions (34.6%-50.8%). The reduced angle caused by the guidewire was almost completely recovered after withdrawing it (93.2%-101.6%). Although manual-shaped microcatheters showed a 4.2%-6.3% greater angle reduction than steam-shaped microcatheters after passing through the 5 F catheter, the final tip angle was not significantly different between the two groups and was within 10%. CONCLUSION: The tip angle of the microcatheters after steam shaping using mandrels may differ depending on the shape of the mandrel and the type of microcatheter used, and the stability varies depending on the type of microcatheter. The manual shaping of microcatheters can be a good alternative to steam shaping.

Percutaneous Dual-Switching Monopolar Radiofrequency Ablation Using a Separable Clustered Electrode: A Preliminary Study.

OBJECTIVE: To prospectively evaluate the safety and therapeutic effectiveness of dual-switching monopolar (DSM) radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and to retrospectively compare the results with those of single-switching monopolar (SSM) RFA in a historical control group. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board, with informed consent obtained from all patients. Fifty-two HCC patients who underwent DSM-RFA using a separable clustered electrode and dual-generators were prospectively enrolled. Technical parameters, complications, technical success, technical effectiveness, and local tumor progression (LTP) rates were evaluated by means of post-procedural and follow-up imaging. Thereafter, the outcome of DSM-RFA was compared with those of 249 retrospectively included HCC patients treated with SSM-RFA. RESULTS: There were two major complications (3.8%, 2/52) including pleural and pericardial effusion in the DSM-RFA group. The DSM-RFA yielded a 100% technical success rate, a 98.1% technical effectiveness rate, and a 4.3% 2-year LTP rate. In a retrospective comparison between the two groups, DSM-RFA created significantly larger ablation volume (4.20 ± 2.07 cm3/min vs. 3.03 ± 1.99 cm3/min, p < 0.01), and delivered higher energy (1.43 ± 0.37 kcal/min vs. 1.25 ± 0.50 kcal/min, p < 0.01) per given time, than SSM-RFA. There was no significant difference in major procedure-related complications (3.8% vs. 4.4%) and technical effectiveness rate (98.1% vs. 96.4%) between the two groups (p = 1.00). In addition, the 2-year LTP rate of DSM-RFA and SSM-RFA were 4.3% and 10.1%, respectively (p = 0.15). CONCLUSION: DSM-RFA using a separable clustered electrode is safe and provides high local tumor control and good preliminary clinical outcome for small HCCs, which are at least comparable to those of SSM-RFA.