Single-Session Ablative Transarterial Radioembolization for Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma to Streamline Care: An Initial Experience.

PURPOSE: Transarterial radioembolization (TARE) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is performed after a mapping angiogram involving infusion of radiolabeled macroaggregated albumin to assess for non-target embolization and pulmonary shunting. The purpose of this case series was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of single-session TARE without the initial procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A single-institution case series of 16 consecutive procedures on 15 patients with 18 tumors who underwent an attempted single-session TARE procedures with glass microspheres are presented. A lung shunt fraction (LSF) of 5% was assumed for planning purposes. RESULTS: Sixty-seven percent (10/15) of patients were male with a median age of 72 years. Median tumor size was 2.5 cm (IQR 2.0-3.2 cm). Sixteen of the 18 targeted tumors were untreated prior to the single-session TARE. Rate of technical success was 88% (14/16). Two patients did not ultimately receive a single-session TARE due to intraprocedural findings. The mean administered activity was 2.0 GBq, and the mean MIRD dose was 464 Gy based on pre-treatment anatomic imaging and 800 Gy based on cone-beam CT. There were no cases of radiation pneumonitis. Mean post-procedural calculated lung dose was 4.9 Gy (range 3.1-9.3) based on SPECT. CONCLUSIONS: An initial experience with single-session TARE using Y-90 glass microspheres without pre-procedural mapping angiography and lung shunt estimation demonstrates that it is a feasible and safe treatment option for select patients with small (< 5 cm) HCC. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: Level 4 case series.

Voxel-based tumor dose correlates to complete pathologic necrosis after transarterial radioembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma.

PURPOSE: The transarterial radioembolization (TARE) dose is traditionally calculated using the single-compartment Medical Internal Radiation Dose (MIRD) formula. This study utilized voxel-based dosimetry to correlate tumor dose with explant pathology in order to identify dose thresholds that predicted response. METHODS: All patients with HCC treated with TARE using yttrium-90 [90Y] glass microspheres at a single institution between January 2015 - June 2023 who underwent liver transplantation were eligible. The [90Y] distribution and dose-volume histograms were determined using Simplicity90 (Mirada Medical, Oxford UK) with a Bremsstrahlung SPECT/CT. A complete response was assigned if explant pathology showed complete necrosis and the patient had not undergone additional treatments to the same tumor after TARE. Logistic regression and receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed to evaluate dose thresholds correlated with response. RESULTS: Forty-one patients were included. Twenty-six (63%) met criteria for complete response. Dose to 95% (D95), 70% (D70), and 50% (D50) of the tumor volume were associated with likelihood of complete response by logistic regression (all p < 0.05). For lesions with complete response versus without, the median D95 was 813 versus 232 Gy, D70 was 1052 versus 315 Gy, and D50 was 1181 versus 369 Gy (all p < 0.01). A D95 > 719 Gy had the highest accuracy at 68% (58% sensitivity, 87% specificity) for predicting complete response. Median percent of tumor volume receiving at least 100 Gy (V100), 200 Gy (V200), 300 Gy (V300), and 400 Gy (V400) also differed by pathologic response: the median V100, V200, V300, and V400 was 100% versus 99%, 100% versus 97%, 100% versus 74%, and 100% versus 43% in the complete response versus non-complete response groups, respectively (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Voxel-based dosimetry was well-correlated with explant pathology. The D95 threshold had the highest accuracy, suggesting the D95 may be a relevant target for multi-compartment dosimetry.

Interdisciplinary Approach to Expedited Outpatient Gastrostomy Tube Placement in Head and Neck Cancer Patients: A Single Center Retrospective Study.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVE: Treatment for head and neck cancer (HNC) can lead to decreased oral intake which often requires gastrostomy tube (g-tube) placement to provide nutritional support. A multidisciplinary team (MDT) consisting of interventional radiology (IR), HNC oncology and surgery, nutrition, and speech language pathology departments implemented an expedited outpatient g-tube placement pathway to reduce hospital stays and associated costs, initiate feeds sooner, and improve communication between care teams. This single center study investigates differences in complications, time to procedure and costs savings with implementing this pathway. METHODS: 142 patients with HNC who underwent elective image guided g-tube placement by IR from 2015 to 2022 were identified retrospectively. 52 patients underwent the traditional pathway, and 90 patients underwent the expedited pathway. Patient demographics, procedure characteristics, periprocedural costs and 90-day complication rates were collected and compared statistically. RESULTS: The 90-day complication rate was comparable between groups (traditional=32.7%; expedited=22.2%; p-value=0.17). The expedited pathway decreased the time from consult to procedure by 11.1 days (95% CI 7.6 - 14.6; p < 0.001) and decreased charge per procedure by $2940 (95% CI $989-$4891; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: A MDT for the treatment of patients with HNC successfully provided enteral nutrition support faster, with fewer associated costs, and in a more patient centered approach than previously done at this institution.

Boosted-Dose Yttrium-90 Radiation Segmentectomy or Lobectomy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Refractory to Prior Transarterial Embolization or Chemoembolization: A Single Institution Retrospective Case Series.

PURPOSE: To assess the tumor response rates and liver toxicity of boosted-dose transarterial radioembolization (TARE) for treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) refractory to previous transarterial embolization (TAE) and/or chemoembolization (TACE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients were identified who had HCC treated between 2017 and 2020 that had been refractory to prior TAE or TACE, then treated with boosted-dose segmental or lobar TARE. Tumor response was assessed by multiphasic CT or MRI using localized mRECIST imaging criteria and serological alpha-fetoprotein levels at three and six months after TARE, if available. Liver toxicity was evaluated using serial serological liver function tests, platelet counts, and clinical Child-Pugh and MELD scores. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients met inclusion criteria. Mean age was 68.7 years (54-89); 8 were females. Three (12.5%) patients had Barcelona Clinical Liver Cancer stage A, 4 (16.7%) stage B, and 17 (70.8%) stage C disease. Three months after TARE, 52% of patients had a complete response and 33% had a partial response. Mean AFP decreased from 33.2 ng/mL at baseline to 17 ng/mL at 3 months (p = 0.782). The median MELD-Na score increased from 11 at baseline to 16 at 6 months post-TARE (p = 0.044); the mean Child-Pugh score rose from 5 at baseline to 6 at 3 months post-TARE (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Boosted-dose TARE resulted in statistically significant favorable tumor responses by imaging criteria in 85% of patients previously refractory to TAE or TACE. TARE resulted in transient but acceptable deterioration of liver function and clinical scores.

Successful mechanical thrombectomy and stent exclusion of sacral chordoma tumor thrombus.

A 77-year-old man with history of sacral chordoma and pulmonary embolism presented to the emergency room with a 1-day history of diffuse left flank and lower extremity swelling. The patient was found to have thrombus in the left common and external iliac veins. The patient was brought to Interventional Radiology for mechanical thrombectomy using the Inari ClotTriever and a sample of extracted thrombus was sent to pathology. Analysis on the sample was positive for sacral chordoma, consistent with tumor thrombus. The patient returned after 6 weeks with similar symptoms and repeat mechanical thrombectomy was performed with the Inari ClotTriever and stent placement through the left common and external iliac vein with an Ovation iX stent graft. The patient remained asymptomatic following the second procedure at repeat follow-up at 6 weeks.

Utility of Cone-Beam CT for Bronchial Artery Embolization and Chemoinfusion: A Single-Institution Retrospective Case Series.

PURPOSE: To describe the technique and document utility of adjunctive cone-beam CT (CBCT) in patients undergoing bronchial artery embolization (BAE) or chemoinfusion (BAC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between August 2010 and February 2021, 26 patients (62 bronchial arteries) were evaluated with CBCT in addition to the usual digital subtraction angiography (DSA) during BAE or BAC. 19 patients (43 arteries) underwent BAE for hemoptysis; 7 patients (19 arteries) had BAC for palliation of lung malignancy. Retrospective review of procedural reports and the archived DSA and CBCT images was assessed for (1) whether CBCT findings added unique diagnostic information prior to treatment of target arteries compared to DSA alone; and (2) whether these unique CBCT findings led to modification of embolization or chemoinfusion technique. RESULTS: In 61 of 62 (98%) interrogated bronchial arteries, CBCT provided additional unique diagnostic information over planar DSA, primarily cross-sectional assessment of the spinal canal for spinal arteries. In 46/62 (74%) of the bronchial arteries the unique information did not lead to a change in therapeutic technique. In 15 bronchial arteries (24%), the added information from CBCT led to change in embolization and/or chemoinfusion technique. Embolization of one small unrecognized spinal artery branch (1.6%), which was missed intra-procedurally but retrospectively seen on CBCT led to transient spinal cord ischemia. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that adjunctive use of CBCT technique may improve diagnostic confidence from information provided by DSA in nearly all cases of BAE and BAC leading to improved therapeutic targeting or change in technique of embolization or chemoinfusion.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Radiologic Management of Iliofemoral Venous Thrombosis.

Iliofemoral venous thrombosis carries a high risk for pulmonary embolism, recurrent deep vein thrombosis, and post-thrombotic syndrome complicating 30% to 71% of those affected. The clinical scenarios in which iliofemoral venous thrombosis is managed may be diverse, presenting a challenge to identify optimum therapy tailored to each situation. Goals for management include preventing morbidity from venous occlusive disease, and morbidity and mortality from pulmonary embolism. Anticoagulation remains the standard of care for iliofemoral venous thrombosis, although a role for more aggressive therapies with catheter-based interventions or surgery exists in select circumstances. Results from recent prospective trials have improved patient selection guidelines for more aggressive therapies, and have also demonstrated a lack of efficacy for certain conservative therapies. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.

Septic Shock and Death after Microwave Ablation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in a Liver Transplant Patient with a Bilioenteric Anastomosis.

Percutaneous thermal ablation of hepatic tumors continues to play an integral role in the treatment of early-stage primary or secondary hepatic malignancies. Interventional radiologists must be familiar with potential complications of this procedure, associated risk factors, and methods for prevention. The authors report a devastating case of septic shock and death following percutaneous microwave ablation of a solitary hepatocellular carcinoma in a liver transplant patient with a bilioenteric anastomosis (BEA). We review the literature regarding prophylactic antibiotic regimens and bowel preparation prior to performing thermal ablation in patients with BEAs.

Retrievable inferior vena cava filters in neurosurgical patients: Retrieval rates and clinical outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To assess inferior vena cava (IVC) filter retrieval rates and clinical outcomes in neurosurgical patients and to determine patient characteristics associated with filter retrieval. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This single-center retrospective study included 204 consecutive neurosurgical patients (120 men, 84 women; mean age 60 ± 13 years) who underwent retrievable IVC filter insertion between 1/2011-9/2013. Institutional IVC filter database review was used to identify demographic and clinical data, indication for IVC filtration, and IVC filter type. Patients were followed clinically by the neurosurgical, hematology, and interventional radiology services until removal or conversion to a permanent device. Measured outcomes included filter retrieval rates and parameters associated with device removal. RESULTS: The majority of filters were placed for venous thromboembolism (200/204, 98%). Of 204 filters, 38(19%) were retrieved at median 186 days post-placement (range 3-665 days), 112(55%) converted to permanent devices, 44(22%) patients were deceased, and 10(5%) patients were lost to follow-up after transfer to an outside healthcare facility. Patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (18% vs. 35%, p = 0.025) and malignancy (5% vs. 25%, p = 0.009) were less likely to have filters removed. Filter type (p = 0.475), gender (p = 0.221), neurosurgical procedure (p = 0.639), and insurance status (p = 0.207) did not demonstrate a significant association with filter retrieval. CONCLUSION: IVC filter retrieval rates in neurosurgical patients are low despite tracking patients clinically in a multidisciplinary setting. Those neurosurgical patients with intracranial hemorrhage or malignancy requiring IVC filters have a lower likelihood of filter retrieval and may benefit from use of permanent devices.

Liver-directed therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma.

Liver-directed therapy is a critical component of treatment strategies for hepatocellular carcinoma. These therapies included percutaneous image-guided ablation, transarterial chemoembolization, and transarterial radioembolization, and are administered by interventional radiologists. Depending on the stage of disease, a particular treatment modality, or a combination thereof, is expected to be most efficacious in achieving the goals of treatment for a particular patient. This article seeks to review the various liver-directed treatment modalities for treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma, with attention to their efficacy and patient selection criteria.

Hepatopulmonary Shunting: A Prognostic Indicator of Survival in Patients with Metastatic Colorectal Adenocarcinoma Treated with 90Y Radioembolization.

Purpose To determine if high lung shunt fraction (LSF) is an independent prognostic indicator of poor survival in patients who undergo yttrium 90 radioembolization for unresectable liver-dominant metastatic colorectal cancer. Materials and Methods Retrospective data were analyzed from 606 patients (62% men; mean age, 62 years) who underwent radioembolization to treat liver metastases from colorectal adenocarcinoma between July 2002 and December 2011 at 11 U.S. centers. Institutional review board exemptions were granted prior to the collection of data at each site. Overall survival was estimated by using Kaplan-Meier survival and univariate Cox proportional hazards models to examine the effect of LSF on survival and to compare this to other potential prognostic indicators. Multivariate analysis was also performed to determine whether LSF is an independent risk factor for poor survival. Results LSF higher than 10% was predictive of significantly decreased survival (median, 6.9 months vs 10.0 months; hazard ratio, 1.60; P < .001) and demonstrated a mild but significant correlation to serum carcinoembryonic antigen levels and tumor-to-liver volume ratio (Pearson correlation coefficients, 0.105 and 0.113, respectively; P < .05). A progressive decrease in survival was observed as LSF increased from less than 5% to more than 20% (P < .05). LSF did not correlate with the presence of extrahepatic metastases or prior administration of bevacizumab. Conclusion Increased LSF is an independent prognostic indicator of worse survival in patients undergoing radioembolization for liver-dominant metastatic colorectal adenocarcinoma. High LSF correlates poorly to other potential markers of tumor size, such as tumor-to-liver volume ratio or serum carcinoembryonic antigen level, and does not correlate to the presence of extrahepatic metastases. © RSNA, 2016 Online supplemental material is available for this article.

Loss of intratumoral macroscopic fat in renal angiomyolipoma following chemoradiation therapy for pancreatic cancer.

Angiomyolipoma (AML) is the most common benign mesenchymal tumour of the kidney. Classically, AML can readily be diagnosed by identifying the negatively attenuating intratumoral macroscopic fat component on non-enhanced CT scans. However, intratumoral macroscopic fat may not be visible on CT scans, mimicking renal cell carcinoma. We report a case of renal AML with CT scan evidence of macroscopic intratumoral fat that was not readily visible on subsequent CT or MRI, presumably owing to a generalized rapid loss of adipose tissue due to cachexia in a patient with pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Radiologists should be aware that AML may lose its intratumoral fat on follow-up imaging and may simulate renal cell carcinoma.

Management of Renovascular Hypertension.

Renal artery stenosis is a potentially reversible cause of hypertension, and transcatheter techniques are essential to its treatment. Angioplasty remains a first-line treatment for stenosis secondary to fibromuscular dysplasia. Renal artery stenting is commonly used in atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis, although recent trials have cast doubts upon its efficacy. Renal denervation is a promising procedure for the treatment of resistant hypertension, and in the future, its indications may expand.

Intravascular Ultrasound in the Creation of Transhepatic Portosystemic Shunts Reduces Needle Passes, Radiation Dose, and Procedure Time: A Retrospective Study of a Single-Institution Experience.

PURPOSE: To assess whether intravascular ultrasound (US) guidance impacts number of needle passes, contrast usage, radiation dose, and procedure time during creation of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Intravascular US-guided creation of TIPS in 40 patients was retrospectively compared with conventional TIPS in 49 patients between February 2010 and November 2015 at a single tertiary care institution. Patient sex and age, etiology of liver disease (hepatitis C virus, alcohol abuse, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis), severity of liver disease (mean Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score), and indications for TIPS (variceal bleeding, refractory ascites, refractory hydrothorax) in conventional and intravascular US-guided cases were recorded. RESULTS: The two groups were well matched by sex, age, etiology of liver disease, Child-Pugh class, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease scores, and indication for TIPS (P range = .19-.94). Fewer intrahepatic needle passes were required in intravascular US-guided TIPS creation compared with conventional TIPS (2 passes vs 6 passes, P < .01). Less iodinated contrast material was used in intravascular US cases (57 mL vs 140 mL, P < .01). Radiation exposure, as measured by cumulative dose, dose area product, and fluoroscopy time, was reduced with intravascular US (174 mGy vs 981 mGy, P < .01; 3,793 µGy * m(2) vs 21,414 µGy * m(2), P < .01; 19 min vs 34 min, P < .01). Procedure time was shortened with intravascular US (86 min vs 125 min, P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Intravascular US guidance resulted in fewer intrahepatic needle passes, decreased contrast medium usage, decreased radiation dosage, and shortened procedure time in TIPS creation.

Conventional Ethiodized Oil Transarterial Chemoembolization for Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Contemporary Single-Center Review of Clinical Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to investigate the outcomes of conventional transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in contemporary clinical practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this single-institution retrospective study, 188 patients underwent conventional TACE for HCC between 2007 and 2013. Medical record and imaging review was used to collect baseline demographic and disease data, tumor response, time to progression (TTP), and progression-free survival (PFS) outcomes, as well as transplant-free survival, calculated from the time of the first conventional TACE treatment. Data were censored in April 2014. RESULTS: The study cohort included 140 men and 48 women (mean age, 60 years; Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer [BCLC] stage 0 = 5%, BCLC stage A = 41%, BCLC stage B = 28%, BCLC stage C = 15%, and BCLC stage D = 11%) with 207 index tumors (mean size, 4.0 cm; 11% with portal vein invasion) treated with a mean of 1.6 selective (79%) or lobar (21%) conventional TACE sessions. Concurrent thermal ablation was performed for 19% of patients. Objective response rates included size response in 29% (World Health Organization) and 28% (Response Evaluation Criteria for Solid Tumors [RECIST]) of patients, and necrosis response in 79% (European Association for the Study of the Liver) and 70% (modified RECIST) of patients. Median local TTP, distant site TTP, local PFS, and other site PFS were 51.7, 11.2, 10.8, and 10.5 months. Eighteen percent of patients underwent liver transplantation; 48% of United Network for Organ Sharing stage T3 tumors were downstaged to stage T2. Transplant-free survival for the entire cohort was 16.8 months (not reached, 33.9, 16.0, 4.4, and 6.9 months for BCLC stages 0, A, B, C, and D, respectively). Postembolization syndrome requiring extended hospital stay or readmission occurred in only 6% of patients. CONCLUSION: Conventional TACE is effective and safe for HCC therapy and may confer a survival benefit. The current data are in line with reported conventional TACE outcomes, and the minor postembolization syndrome incidence supports the low morbidity of this approach.

Assessing Imaging Response to Therapy.

Locoregional therapies (LRTs) have proved valuable in the treatment of patients with cancer, most commonly in the liver. Accurate assessment of response to these therapies is crucial because objective response can be a surrogate of improved survival. Imaging plays an essential role in the objective evaluation of tumor response to most cancer therapies, including LRTs. Assessing imaging response to LRTs, however, can be challenging and is evolving. This article reviews the different criteria used to assess radiologic response to LRTs, with special attention to imaging assessment following treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Cerebral Embolization of Ethiodized Oil following Intranodal Lymphangiography.

Intranodal lymphangiography (IL) has supplanted pedal lymphangiography (PL) as an easier and more practical approach to opacifying lymphatic vessels for interventional radiologists treating refractory chyle leaks. As more interventional radiologists-many of who are not trained in or have not performed PL-incorporate IL into their practice, it is imperative that they be familiar with the risks of lymphangiography, including pulmonary and systemic embolization of oily contrast material. Herein, the authors report a devastating case of cerebral embolization of ethiodized oil following IL and review the literature regarding systemic embolization following lymphangiography.

Transcatheter renal interventions: a review of established and emerging procedures.

Catheter-based interventions play an important role in the multidisciplinary management of renal pathology. The array of procedures available to interventional radiologists (IRs) includes established techniques such as angioplasty, stenting, embolization, thrombolysis, and thrombectomy for treatment of renovascular disease, as well as embolization of renal neoplasms and emerging therapies such as transcatheter renal artery sympathectomy for treatment of resistant hypertension. Here, we present an overview of these minimally invasive therapies, with an emphasis on interventional technique and clinical outcomes of the procedure.

Clearing the Confusion over Hepatic Encephalopathy After TIPS Creation: Incidence, Prognostic Factors, and Clinical Outcomes.

PURPOSE: To assess the incidence, prognostic factors, and clinical outcomes of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) creation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this single-institution retrospective study, 191 patients (m:f = 114:77, median age 54 years, median Model for End-Stage Liver Disease or MELD score 14) who underwent TIPS creation between 1999 and 2013 were studied. Medical record review was used to identify demographic characteristics, liver disease, procedure, and outcome data. Post-TIPS HE within 30 days was defined by new mental status changes and was graded according to the West Haven classification system. The influence of data parameters on HE occurrence and 90-day mortality was assessed using binary logistic regression. RESULTS: TIPS was successfully created with hemodynamic success in 99 % of cases. Median final PSG was 7 mmHg. HE incidence within 30 days was 42 % (81/191; 22 % de novo, 12 % stable, and 8 % worsening). Degrees of HE included grade 1 (46 %), grade 2 (29 %), grade 3 (18 %), and grade 4 (7 %). Medical therapy typically addressed HE, and shunt reduction was necessary in only three cases. MELD score (P = 0.020) and age (P = 0.009) were significantly associated with HE development on multivariate analysis. Occurrence of de novo HE post-TIPS did not associate with 90-day mortality (P = 0.400), in contrast to worsening HE (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of post-TIPS HE is non-trivial, but symptoms are typically mild and medically managed. HE rates are higher in older patients and those with worse liver function and should be contemplated when counseling on expected TIPS outcomes and post-procedure course.