Hepatic Hemangioma: Review of Imaging and Therapeutic Strategies.

Hepatic hemangiomas are the most common benign liver tumors. Typically, small- to medium-sized hemangiomas are asymptomatic and discovered incidentally through the widespread use of imaging techniques. Giant hemangiomas (>5 cm) have a higher risk of complications. A variety of imaging methods are used for diagnosis. Cavernous hemangioma is the most frequent type, but radiologists must be aware of other varieties. Conservative management is often adequate, but some cases necessitate targeted interventions. Although surgery was traditionally the main treatment, the evolution of minimally invasive procedures now often recommends transarterial chemoembolization as the treatment of choice.

Safety and Feasibility of Transarterial Bleomycin-Lipiodol Embolization in Patients with Giant Hepatic Hemangiomas.

Giant hepatic hemangiomas present a significant clinical challenge, and effective treatment options are warranted. This study aimed to assess the safety and feasibility of transarterial bleomycin-lipiodol embolization in patients with giant hepatic hemangiomas. A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients with giant hepatic hemangiomas (>5 cm). Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) was performed using 7-20 cc of lipiodol mixed with 1500 IU of bleomycin. Safety outcomes, including post-embolization syndrome (PES), hepatic artery dissection, systemic complications, and access site complications, were evaluated. Radiation doses were also measured. Feasibility was assessed based on the achieved hemangioma coverage. Seventy-three patients (49 female, 24 male) with a mean age of 55.52 years were treated between December 2014 and April 2023. The average hospitalization duration was 3.82 days, and 97.3% of lesions were limited to one liver lobe. The average bleomycin dose per procedure was 1301.5625 IU, while the average lipiodol dose was 11.04 cc. The average radiation dose was 0.56 Gy. PES occurred after 45.7% of TACE procedures, with varying severity. Complications such as hepatic artery dissection (three cases), access site complications (two cases), and other complications (one case) were observed. No treatment-related mortality occurred. Hemangioma coverage exceeding 75% was achieved in 77.5% of cases. The study results suggest that transarterial bleomycin-lipiodol embolization is a safe and feasible treatment option for a heterogeneous group of patients with giant hepatic hemangiomas. This approach may hold promise in improving outcomes for patients with this challenging condition.

Safety, feasibility, and effectiveness of a CT-guided transthoracic lung and pleural biopsy - a single-centre experience with own low-dose protocol.

Purpose: To assess the efficacy and safety of a low-dose, computed tomography (CT)-guided transthoracic biopsy of lung and pleural lesions. Material and methods: A total of 135 low-dose, CT-guided transthoracic lung and pleural lesions biopsies were performed. A cutting needle was utilized in 124 cases, and fine needle aspiration biopsy was performed in 14 cases. In all cases, 14- to 22-gauge biopsy needles were used. Results: Diagnostic material was obtained in 111 (82.2%) patients. In 97 (71.8%) cases neoplastic lesions were found, predominantly adenocarcinoma and non-small cell carcinoma. In 14 (12.6%) cases non atypical cells were reported. Biopsy failed to obtain material suitable for histopathological examination in 24 (17.7%) cases. Complications occurred in 31 patients, including pneumothorax in 28 patients and haematoma in 3 cases. Conclusions: Based on the obtained results, it can be stated that low-dose, CT-guided transthoracic biopsy of lung and pleural tissues is an accurate and safe procedure. Also, it is linked to a low risk of complications such as a small pneumothorax.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of partial splenic endovascular embolization in patients with refractory thrombocytopaenia.

Purpose: Partial splenic endovascular embolization (PSEE) could be an option for patients with thrombocytopaenia (TCP). We selected a group of 22 patients diagnosed with refractory TCP to undergo PSEE, and we followed them for detailed analysis. Material and methods: Twenty-two patients aged 27-75 years (mean 46.5 ± 3.5 years) underwent PSEE, and 5 participants underwent a second PSEE due to the lack of effectiveness after the first procedure. A total of 27 PSEEs were performed. A semi-quantitative scale was used to assess the severity of the post-embolization syndrome. The percentage of spleen parenchyma excluded from circulation was 30-70%. We used the mixture of Histoacryl N-butyl cyanoacry-late glue and Lipiodol in 10 cases, spirals in 10 cases, and polyvinyl alcohol in 7 cases, for the embolization. Results: The mean value of platelet count (PLT) before procedure increased from 22.0 ± 15.0 to 87.7 ± 67.9 (p < 0.05) in a mean period of 194 days. In 2 cases severe post-embolization syndrome was observed. Closure less than 50% of the spleen circulation was associated with poorly expressed post-embolization symptoms. Serious complications occurred in 1 patient (3.5%). A strong positive correlation (r = 0.8, p < 0.05) was found between C-reactive protein (CRP) and the severity of post-embolization syndrome. Increased symptoms of post-embolization syndrome were also associated with a significant increase in hospitalization time - 27.0 vs. 7.2 days (r = 0.66, p < 0.05). Conclusions: Partial endovascular embolization of the spleen (PSEE) may be a valuable therapeutic option for patients with refractory TCP. PSEE is a safe method with a low complication rate.

Non-invasive multi-channel deep learning convolutional neural networks for localization and classification of common hepatic lesions.

PURPOSE: Machine learning techniques, especially convolutional neural networks (CNN), have revolutionized the spectrum of computer vision tasks with a primary focus on supervised and labelled image datasets. We aimed to assess a novel method to segment the liver from the abdomen computed tomography (CT) image using the CNN network, and to train a unique method to locate and classify liver lesion pre-histological findings using multi-channel deep learning CNN (MDL-CNN). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The post-contrast CT images of the liver with a resolution of 0.625 mm were chosen for the study. In a random method, 50 examples of each hepatocellular carcinomas, metastases tumours, haemangiomas, hepatic cysts were chosen and evaluated. RESULTS: The dice score quantitatively analyses the similarity of segmentation results with the training dataset. In the first CNN model for segmenting the liver, the dice score was 96.18%. The MDL-CNN model yielded 98.78% accuracy in classification, and the dice score for locating liver lesions was 95.70%. Additionally, the performance of this model was compared to various other existing models. CONCLUSIONS: According to our study, the machine learning approach can be successfully implemented to segment the liver and classify lesions, which will help radiologists impart better diagnosis.

Anatomical and Clinical Implications in Neocondyle Stability After a Condylectomy.

: A condylectomy of the mandibular condyle is considered to be the treatment of choice in most cases of condylar head hyperactivity. The aim of the procedure is to remove the growth center of the mandible which is responsible for the mandibular enlargement and asymmetry. This surgical procedure has an impact on the condyle shape and position, but the restoration of mandibular movement and a stable joint position (namely, the proper alignment of the newly shaped condylar head within the condyle fossa) should also be considered important surgical outcomes. In this article, the authors present their own experience in performing condylectomies with an arthroplasty procedure and a special forced suturing technique (FST) in terms of achieving early, accurate mandibular movement and maintaining a stable condyle position in early and late outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A modified high condylectomy with arthroplasty and FST results had been studied in anatomical, radiological, and clinical model. RESULTS: Early findings after FST are promising. A slight improvement in lateral jaw movement was noted after condylectomy with arthroplasty (P < 0.05) both in early and late follow-up. Incisal opening, mandibular protrusion, and lateral movement were sustained. A stable condyle position within the fossa was achieved in each case of condylectomy with arthroplasty (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The FST condylectomy and reattachment of the lateral pterygoid muscle in a new, wider position provided an improvement in lateral jaw movement as well as in incisal opening and mandibular protrusion in early follow-up examination compared to the presurgical values. It seems that the FST enabled a better new condylar head position in the glenoid fossa and improved early functional mandibular movement.

Abnormalities of the hallux skin and nail in the course of very rare arteriovenous malformation.

Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are usually found in the pelvic area and the brain. These vascular anomalies are rarely reported in the toes. AVMs in the toes may be asymptomatic, but can also cause atypical symptoms. Congenital AVMs can expand as patients age and manifest in adulthood. They may be provoked by injury. Acquired AVM might be caused by iatrogenic factors, venous or arterial catheterization, percutaneous invasive vascular procedures, surgery, or degenerative vascular disorders. An AVM can damage surrounding tissues and can cause destruction of skin, nails and bones. The course of the disease is often unpredictable and diagnosis is usually delayed as a result.

As malformações arteriovenosas (MAVs) são geralmente encontradas na região pélvica e no cérebro.. Essas anomalias vasculares raramente são relatadas nos dedos dos pés. A MAV nesse local pode ser assintomática ou apresentar sintomas atípicos. MAVs congênitas podem evoluir com a idade e se manifestar na idade adulta. O fator provocante pode ser uma lesão traumática. Uma MAV adquirida pode ser causada por fatores iatrogênicos, cateterismo venoso e arterial, procedimentos percutâneos vasculares invasivos, cirurgias e alterações degenerativas vasculares. A MAV pode danificar tecidos adjacentes e pode causar destruição de pele, unhas e ossos. O curso da doença é muitas vezes imprevisível, e como resultado, atrasar o diagnóstico.

Intra-arterial computed tomography angiography with ultra-low volume of iodine contrast and stent implantation in transplant renal artery stenosis in terms of contrast-induced kidney injury - a preliminary report.

PURPOSE: Traditional digital subtraction angiography is still regarded as the gold standard in the diagnostics of transplant renal artery stenosis (TRAS). However, this procedure requires a high volume of iodine contrast medium for optimal visualisation of the renal artery. The aim of this study was to analyse both the usefulness and the safety of intra-arterial computed tomography angiography (IA-CTA) with ultra-low-volume iodine contrast administration in the diagnostic and therapeutic management of TRAS in patients with impaired renal transplant function. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-three patients with a suspicion of TRAS based on Doppler-ultrasound and clinical setting underwent IA-CTA with ultra-low iodine contrast volume. A special, author-elaborated CTA protocol was used. The volume of 8-18 ml of diluted iodine contrast medium was administered through a catheter with the tip placed 2 cm below the aortic bifurcation. RESULTS: In six patients the CTA examinations revealed TRAS in three configurations: in the anastomosis, in the trunk (critical and high-grade), or in both sections. Stenoses were treated with primary stenting obtaining favourable anatomical outcome. No intervention-related complications were observed. No contrast-induced acute kidney injury was diagnosed in this study. Mean serum creatinine concentration was 2.93 ± 0.89 mg/dl at the baseline and 2.89 ± 1.73 mg/dl and 2.17 ± 0.51 mg/dl after three and seven days from IA-CTA, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Intra-arterial CTA with ultra-low volume of iodine contrast seems to be a safe and reliable diagnostic tool to detect and assess TRAS in the aspect of stent implantation. Application of this imaging modality eliminates the need for a high volume of iodine contrast and thus does not adversely influence renal transplant function.

Dual-Energy Computed Tomography in Loosening of Revision Hip Prosthesis: A Comparison Between MARS and non-MARS Images.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to assess potential endoprosthesis loosening in patients after revision total hip arthroplasty, based on monochromatic dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) images obtained with and without metal artifact reduction software (MARS) and comparison with the clinical examination and hip function. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-five consecutive patients underwent DECT examinations. Two monochromatic data sets were generated: with MARS (75-keV MARS) and without MARS (140-keV non-MARS) and evaluated for signs of loosening, using a dedicated radiological score. The Harris Hip Score (HHS) was used to evaluate patients' hip function. RESULTS: The mean radiological score for loosening in the non-MARS group was 16.2, in the MARS group 17.0 and was significantly higher (P < 0.001). Radiological loosening evaluation in non-MARS images correlated with the HHS score (ρ = 0.43, P = 0.03), whereas there was no correlation between MARS images and HHS (ρ = 0.15, P = 0.47). New MARS-related artifacts, which hinder implant-bone interface evaluation, were found in 75-keV MARS images ("pseudo-loosening" in 33 of 34 prostheses, "ground-glass blurring" in 20 of 32). CONCLUSIONS: High-energy monochromatic DECT images are superior to low-energy DECT MARS images in assessment of the potential loosening and correlate better with the clinical examination outcomes. For revision total hip arthroplasty evaluation, 2 data sets should be assessed inseparably because of extra artifacts in MARS images.

A pictorial essay of the most atypical variants of the vermiform appendix position in computed tomography with their possible clinical implications.

PURPOSE: The tip of the appendix may be located in various areas of the abdominal cavity due to its variable length and/or the changeable position of the caecum. Although in the case of an atypical position the tip is usually located behind the caecum, there are possible locations that occur very rarely. Therefore, in the case of appendicitis the symptoms may lead to the wrong diagnosis. The aim of this study is to present the most atypical locations of the tip of the appendix found on CT (computed tomography) scans and thus help to avoid misdiagnoses. IMAGING FINDINGS: The most unusual locations of the tip of the appendix found in healthy subjects included: left inferior quadrant, along the lower edge of the liver near the gallbladder and the right kidney, the tip touching the duodenum, the rectum or appendages, and a long appendix located in the scrotum as the content of a hernia. In these positions, appendicitis may mimic acute diverticulitis, cholecystitis, duodenal ulcer, duodenitis, enteritis, or adnexal or testis pathologies. CONCLUSIONS: It is important to be aware of atypical locations of the appendix because appendicitis in an unusual area may mimic other acute abdominal diseases and delay the proper treatment.

Triple-phase abdomen and pelvis computed tomography: standard unenhanced phase can be replaced with reduced-dose scan.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to test the hypothesis that unenhanced phase does not require as high image quality as subsequent phases acquired after contrast administration in triple-phase abdomen and pelvis computed tomography (CT), and to assess if attenuation value (AV) measurements may be obtained from unenhanced images acquired with three-fold reduced radiation dose. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the standard triple-phase abdomen and pelvis CT protocol (unenhanced, late arterial, and portal venous phase) we decreased the tube current time product only in the unenhanced phase. Arterial and venous phases were performed with the standard scanner settings used in our Institution for routine abdomen and pelvis CT. We compared the AV in manually drawn circular-shaped regions of interest (ROIs) obtained from reduced-dose and standard-dose unenhanced images in 52 patients. All ROIs were set in homogeneous parts of psoas muscle, fat tissue, liver, spleen, aorta, and bladder. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in AV measurements for all considered areas. More noise does not alter the mean AV inside the ROIs. Radiation dose of unenhanced scans was reduced three times and the total dose length product (DLP) in the triple-phase study was decreased by 22%. CONCLUSIONS: Unenhanced images performed with three-fold reduced radiation dose allows reliable AV measurements. The unenhanced phase does not require as high image quality as subsequent phases acquired after contrast administration.

Metastatic pulmonary calcification as a rare complication of end-stage renal disease with coexistence of pulmonary metastases from renal cell carcinoma: case report and literature review.

PURPOSE: We present a case of metastatic pulmonary calcification (MCP) in an asymptomatic patient with chronic kidney disease after renal transplantation and nephrectomy due to renal cancer. Chest computed tomography (CT) revealed bilateral, diffuse, centrilobular ground-glass opacities and heterogeneous, high-density areas distributed throughout the lungs, predominantly in the upper and middle lobes. Unusually, in our patient the metastatic calcification coexisted with pulmonary metastases from renal cell carcinoma associated with end-stage renal disease. To our knowledge, such coexistence has not been previously described. CASE REPORT: CT, particularly high-resolution chest computed tomography (HRCT), plays an important role in detection and follow-up of MPC findings, which include ground-glass opacities and partially calcified nodules or consolidations, predominantly in the upper lung zones. Correct diagnosis is important because misdiagnosis may lead to improper or unnecessary treatment and/or procedures. CONCLUSIONS: MPC is a rare condition that results from calcium deposition in the normal pulmonary parenchyma. MPC commonly occurs in patients with end-stage chronic kidney disease due to abnormalities in calcium and phosphate metabolism. It is worth pointing out that despite the fact that the condition is called metastatic, it is a relatively benign lung disease with a generally good long-term prognosis.

Investigation of sinonasal anatomy via low-dose multidetector CT examination in chronic rhinosinusitis patients with higher risk for perioperative complications.

The aim of the study was to compare visualisation of the surgically relevant anatomical structures via low- and standard-dose multidetector CT protocol in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and higher risk for perioperative complications (i.e. presence of bronchial asthma, history of sinus surgery and advanced nasal polyposis). 135 adult CRS patients were divided randomly into standard-dose (120 kVp, 100 mAs) or low-dose CT groups (120 kVp, 45 mAs). The detectability of the vital anatomical structures (anterior ethmoid artery, optic nerve, cribriform plate and lamina papyracea) was scored using a five-point scale (from excellent to unacceptable) by a radiologist and sinus surgeon. Polyp sizes were quantified endoscopically according to the Lildholdt's scale (LS). Olfactory function was tested with the "Sniffin' Sticks" test. On the low-dose CT images, detectability ranged from 2.42 (better than poor) for cribriform plate among anosmic cases to 4.11 (better than good) for lamina papyracea in cases without nasal polyps. Identification of lamina papyracea on low-dose scans was significantly worse in each group and the same was the case with cribriform plates in patients with advanced polyposis and anosmia. Cribriform plates were the most poorly identified (between poor and average) among all the structures on low-dose images. Identification of anterior ethmoid artery (AEA) with reduced dose was insignificantly worse than with standard-dose examination. The AEA was scored as an average-defined structure and was the second weakest visualised. In conclusion, preoperatively, low-dose protocols may not sufficiently visualise the surgically relevant anatomical structures in patients with CRS and bronchial asthma, advanced nasal polyps (LS > 2) and history of sinus surgery. Low mAs value enables comparable detectability of sinonasal landmarks with standard-dose protocols in patients without analysed risk factors. In the context of planned surgery, the current preferences of the tube should be carefully evaluated for different patient constitutions to minimise the risk of complications.

Palpable mass of the neck in the course of Takayasu arteritis.

Takayasu arteritis is a rare, idiopathic inflammatory disease of the aorta and its major branches, usually affecting young women of Asian descent. In the course of the disease stenosis, occlusions as well as dilatations and aneurysms of vessels occur. Because of many possible localizations of pathological changes, the symptoms have a wide range, but the most common are a weak pulse or its absence on the brachial artery and a difference in systolic pressure above 10 mm Hg between the upper extremities. Here we present a case report of a young woman with Takayasu arteritis, who presented a palpable mass in the back of her neck, significantly diminished after treatment with glucocorticoids.

The Usefulness of the TOAST Classification and Prognostic Significance of Pyramidal Symptoms During the Acute Phase of Cerebellar Ischemic Stroke.

Cerebellar stroke is a rare condition with very nonspecific clinical features. The symptoms in the acute phase could imitate acute peripheral vestibular disorders or a brainstem lesion. The aim of this study was to assess the usefulness of the Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment (TOAST) classification in cerebellar stroke and the impact of clinical features on the prognosis. We retrospectively analyzed 107 patients with diagnosed ischemic cerebellar infarction. We studied the clinical features and compared them based on the location of the ischemic lesion and its distribution in the posterior interior cerebellar artery (PICA), superior cerebellar artery (SCA), and anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) territories. According to the TOAST classification, stroke was more prevalent in atrial fibrillation (26/107) and when the lesion was in the PICA territory (39/107). Pyramidal signs occurred in 29/107 of patients and were more prevalent when the lesion was distributed in more than two vascular regions (p = 0.00640). Mortality was higher among patients with ischemic lesion caused by cardiac sources (p = 0.00094) and with pyramidal signs (p = 0.00640). The TOAST classification is less useful in assessing supratentorial ischemic infarcts. Cardioembolic etiology, location of the ischemic lesion, and pyramidal signs support a negative prognosis.

Head CT: Image quality improvement of posterior fossa and radiation dose reduction with ASiR - comparative studies of CT head examinations.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate head CT protocol developed to improve visibility of the brainstem and cerebellum, lower bone-related artefacts in the posterior fossa and maintain patient radioprotection. METHODS: A paired comparison of head CT performed without Adaptive Statistical Iterative Reconstruction (ASiR) and a clinically indicated follow-up with 40 % ASiR was acquired in one group of 55 patients. Patients were scanned in the axial mode with different scanner settings for the brain and the posterior fossa. Objective image quality analysis was performed with signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR). Subjective image quality analysis was based on brain structure visibility and evaluation of the artefacts. RESULTS: We achieved 19 % reduction of total DLP and significantly better image quality of posterior fossa structures. SNR for white and grey matter in the cerebellum were 34 % to 36 % higher, respectively, CNR was improved by 142 % and subjective analyses were better for images with ASiR. CONCLUSIONS: When imaging parameters are set independently for the brain and the posterior fossa imaging, ASiR has a great potential to improve CT performance: image quality of the brainstem and cerebellum is improved, and radiation dose for the brain as well as total radiation dose are reduced. KEY POINTS: •With ASiR it is possible to lower radiation dose or improve image quality •Sequentional imaging allows setting scan parameters for brain and posterior-fossa independently •We improved visibility of brainstem structures and decreased radiation dose •Total radiation dose (DLP) was decreased by 19.

Balloon Dilatation for Removal of an Irretrievable Permanent Hemodialysis Catheter: The Safest Approach.

Long-term hemodialysis catheter dwell time in the central vein predisposes to fibrin sheath development, which subsequently causes catheter malfunction or occlusion. In very rare cases, the catheter can be overgrown with fibrin and rigidly connected with the vein or heart structures. This makes its removal almost impossible and dangerous because of the possibility of serious complications, namely vein and heart wall perforation, bleeding, or catheter abruption in deep tissues. We describe two cases in which standard retrieval of long-term catheters was not possible. Balloon dilatation of catheter lumens was successfully used to increase the catheter diameter with simultaneous tearing of the fibrin sheath surrounding it. This allowed the catheter to be set free safely. Based on this experience, we present recent literature and our point of view.

Size-Specific Dose Estimates for Evaluation of Individual Patient Dose in CT Protocol for Renal Colic.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to retrospectively evaluate size-specific dose estimates of a renal-colic CT protocol and to assess the quality and diagnostic value of obtained images. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study population included 82 consecutive adult patients with acute renal colic undergoing CT with a reduced radiation dose (noise index, 59.1). The control group included 82 consecutive patients who underwent clinically indicated CT examination of the abdomen and pelvis with a routine-dose CT protocol (noise index, 22.0). The size-specific dose estimate was calculated with volume CT dose index and patient effective diameter. Subjective image quality analysis was based on visibility of the ureter. Ureters were tracked from the renal pelvis to the vesicoureteral junction. Objective image quality was based on the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR). RESULTS: The size-specific dose estimates in the renal-colic group were 2.7 times lower than those in the control group. A linear relationship between patient size and size-specific dose estimate was noted. In the smallest patient, the conversion factor for the size-specific dose estimate calculation was 1.65. Overall image quality was better for the control patients, but there was no statistically significant difference in ureter visibility. The SNR was higher for the control group, whereas no difference in CNR was found. CONCLUSION: Small patients need the biggest correction for body size and require special attention in radiation dose estimation. We suggest the modification of scanning parameters on the basis of size-specific dose estimate to decrease patient dose in large patients.

Embolization of a True Giant Splenic Artery Aneurysm Using NBCA Glue - Case Report and Literature Review.

BACKGROUND: Although splenic artery aneurysms (SAAs) are common, their giant forms (more than 10 cm in diameter) are rare. Because of the variety of forms and locations of these aneurysms, there are a lot of therapeutic methods to choose. In our case of a giant true aneurysm we performed an endovascular embolization with N-butyl-cyano-acrylate (NBCA) glue. To our knowledge it is the first reported case of this method of treatment of true giant SAA. CASE REPORT: A 74-year-old male patient with symptomatic giant SAA (13 cm) was urgently admitted to our hospital for the diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Due to the general health condition, advanced age and the large size of the aneurysm we decided to perform an endovascular treatment with N-butyl-cyano-acrylate (NBCA) glue. CONCLUSIONS: The preaneurysmal part of splenic artery was occluded completely with exclusion of the aneurysm. No splenectomy was needed. The patient was discharged in good general condition Embolization with NBCA can be an efficient method to treat the giant SAA.

Intraarterial CT Angiography Using Ultra Low Volume of Iodine Contrast - Own Experiences.

BACKGROUND: High volume of intravenous contrast in CT-angiography may result in contrast-induced nephropathy. Intraarterial ultra-low volume of contrast medium results in its satisfactory blood concentration with potentially good image quality. The first main purpose was to assess the influence of the method on function of transplanted kidney in patients with impaired graft function. The second main purpose of the study was to evaluate the usefulness of this method for detection of gastrointestinal and head-and-neck haemorrhages. MATERIAL/METHODS: Between 2010 and 2013 intraarterial CT-angiography was performed in 56 patients, including 28 with chronic kidney disease (CKD). There were three main subgroups: 18 patients after kidney transplantation, 10 patients with gastrointestinal hemorrhage, 8 patients with head-and-neck hemorrhage. Contralateral or ipsilateral inguinal arterial approach was performed. The 4-French vascular sheaths and 4F-catheters were introduced under fluoroscopy. Intraarterial CT was performed using 64-slice scanner. The scanning protocol was as follows: slice thickness 0.625 mm, pitch 1.3, gantry rotation 0.6 sec., scanning delay 1-2 sec. The extent of the study was established on the basis of scout image. In patients with CKD 6-8 mL of Iodixanol (320 mg/mL) diluted with saline to 18-24 mL was administered at a speed of 4-5 mL/s. RESULTS: Vasculature was properly visualized in all patients. In patients with impaired renal function creatinine/eGFR levels remained stable in all but one case. Traditional arteriography failed and CT-angiography demonstrated the site of bleeding in 3 of 10 patients with symptoms of gastrointestinal bleeding (30%). In 8 patients with head-and-neck bleeding CT-angiography did not prove beneficial when compared to traditional arteriography. CONCLUSIONS: 1. Ultra-low contrast intraarterial CT-angiography does not deteriorate the function of transplanted kidneys in patients with impaired graft function. 2. 3D reconstructions allow for excellent visualization of vascular anatomy of renal transplants. 3. Intraarterial CT-angiography is useful for detection of the bleeding site.