Comparative effectiveness of angioembolization versus open surgery in patients with blunt splenic injury.

The effectiveness and safety of transcatheter splenic artery embolization (SAE) compared to those of open surgery in patients with blunt splenic injury (BSI) remain unclear. This retrospective cohort-matched study utilized data from the Japan Trauma Data Bank recorded between 2004 and 2019. Patients with BSI who underwent SAE or open surgery were selected. A propensity score matching analysis was used to balance the baseline covariates and compare outcomes, including all-cause in-hospital mortality and spleen salvage. From 361,706 patients recorded in the data source, this study included 2,192 patients with BSI who underwent SAE or open surgery. A propensity score matching analysis was used to extract 377 matched pairs of patients. The in-hospital mortality rates (SAE, 11.6% vs. open surgery, 11.2%, adjusted relative risk (aRR): 0.64; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.38-1.09, p = 0.10) were similar in both the groups. However, spleen salvage was significantly less achieved in the open surgery group than in the SAE group (SAE, 87.1% vs. open surgery, 32.1%; aRR: 2.84, 95%CI: 2.29-3.51, p < 0.001). Survival rates did not significantly differ between BSI patients undergoing SAE and those undergoing open surgery. Nonetheless, SAE was notably associated with a higher likelihood of successful spleen salvage.

[Middle meningeal artery embolization to treat acute epidural haematoma, case report and literature review]. / Akut epiduralis haematoma kezelése arteria meningea media embolisatióval, esetismertetés és irodalmi áttekintés.

The treatment of acute epidural haematoma is surgery as soon as possible, elimination of the source of bleeding and evacuation of the haematoma. In case of small epidural haematoma, strict neurological and radiological follow-up is necessary. In a significant percentage of cases, open surgery must also be performed within a few days. In case of small epidural haematomas, embolization of the middle meningeal artery is considered as an alternative solution. We review the literature on middle meningeal artery embolization and present our first treatment. Our case report is the first European report about an acute epidural haematoma which was treated by embolization of middle meningeal artery. Our case study is the first report in which a patient was treated with both open surgery and endovascular treatment for acute epidural haematoma within a year.

Renal artery pseudoaneurysm following robot assisted nephron sparing surgery: two case reports.

BACKGROUND: Renal artery pseudoaneurysm following partial nephrectomy is a rare entity, the incidence of this entity is more common following penetrating abdominal injuries, percutaneous renal interventions such as percutaneous nephrostomy(PCN) or Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). Although rare, renal artery pseudoaneurysm can be life threatening if not managed timely, they usually present within two weeks postoperatively with usual presenting complains being gross haematuria, flank pain and/or anaemia. CASE PRESENTATION: We report case of two female patients 34 and 57 year old respectively of South Asian ethnicity, presenting with renal artery pseudoaneurysm following left sided robot assisted nephron sparing surgery for interpolar masses presenting clinically with total, painless, gross haematuria with clots within fifteen days postoperatively and their successful treatment by digital subtraction angiography and coil embolization. CONCLUSION: Renal artery aneurysm is a rare fatal complication of minimally invasive nephron sparing surgery however considering the preoperative and intraoperative risk factors for its development and prompt suspicion at the outset can be life saving with coil embolization of the bleeding arterial aneurysm.

Basilar artery perforator aneurysms: a comparison with non-perforator saccular aneurysms.

BACKGROUND: Basilar artery perforator aneurysms (BAPAs) are rare. There is no systematic description of their presentation, imaging, natural history and outcomes and how these compare to conventional non-perforator aneurysms. Thus, the authors in this study aimed to compare BAPAs to non-perforator aneurysms. METHODS: Cases were identified from a prospective neurovascular database, notes and imaging retrospectively reviewed and compared to a consecutive series of patients with non-perforator aneurysms. Blood volume on CT and vessel wall imaging (VWI) were compared to controls. RESULTS: 9/739 patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH) harboured BAPAs. Compared to 103 with aSAH from posterior circulation aneurysms, they were more likely to be male (6/9, p = 0.008), but of equal severity (4/9 poor grade, p = 0.736) and need of CSF drainage (5/9, p = 0.154). Blood volume was similar to controls (30.2 ml vs 26.7 ml, p = 0.716). 6/9 BAPAs were initially missed on CTA. VWI showed thick (2.9 mm ± 2.7) bright enhancement (stalk ratio 1.05 ± 0.12), similar to controls with ruptured aneurysms (0.95 ± 0.23, p = 0.551), and greater than unruptured aneurysms (0.43 ± 0.11, p < 0.001). All were initially managed conservatively. Six thrombosed spontaneously. Three grew and had difficult access with few good endovascular options and were treated through a subtemporal craniotomy without complication. None rebled. At 3 months, all presenting in poor grade were mRS 3-4 and those in good grade mRS 1-2. CONCLUSIONS: Despite their small size, BAPAs present with similar volume SAH, WFNS grade and hydrocephalus to other aneurysms. They are difficult to identify on CTA but enhance strikingly on VWI. The majority thrombosed. Initial conservative management reserving treatment for growth was associated with no rebleeds or complications.

Efficacy of transcatheter arterial embolization in treating nonvariceal gastric remnant bleeding: a retrospective 5-year study.

BACKGROUND: Gastric remnant bleeding is a special case of upper gastrointestinal bleeding with certain specific disease characteristics, and some matters of transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) for hemostasis need attention. In this study, we aimed to explore the clinical use of TAE in patients with nonvariceal gastric remnant bleeding and identify the factors influencing the clinical efficacy of these interventions. METHODS: Data were retrospectively analyzed from 42 patients for whom angiography and embolization were performed but could not be treated endoscopically or had failed endoscopic management in our department between January 2018 and January 2023 due to nonvariceal gastric remnant bleeding. We investigated the relationship between the incidence of re-bleeding and the following variables: sex, age, pre-embolization gastroscopy/contrast-enhanced computer tomography, embolization method, aortography performance, use of endoscopic titanium clips, and the presence of collateral gastric-supplying arteries. RESULTS: Forty-two patients underwent 47 interventional embolizations. Of these, 16 were positive for angiographic findings, and 26 were negative. Based on arteriography results, different embolic agents were selected, and the technical success rate was 100%. The incidence of postoperative re-bleeding was 19.1% (9/47), and the overall clinical success rate was 81.0% (34/42). Logistic regression analysis of the relationship between the incidence of early re-bleeding following embolization and the proportion of collateral gastric supply arteries revealed an odds ratio of 10.000 (p = 0.014). CONCLUSIONS: Utilizing TAE for nonvariceal gastric remnant bleeding is safe and effective. The omission of collateral gastric-supplying arteries can lead to early re-bleeding following an intervention.

Prostatic Artery Embolization in Patients with Refractory Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms after a Prior Minimally Invasive Surgical Treatment.

The purpose of this study was to report on prostatic artery embolization (PAE) outcomes in patients with refractory or recurrent lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTSs) due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) who had previously undergone a minimally invasive surgical technique (MIST). A single-center retrospective study identified 16 eligible patients. Baseline prostate volume at the time of PAE was 112.9 mL (SD ± 52.7). There were no adverse events throughout the follow-up period. There was significant improvement in International Prostate Symptom Score and quality of life from baseline of 23.5 (SD ± 5.1) and 4.9 (SD ± 0.9), respectively, to the last follow-up of 11.6 (SD ± 7.2) and 2 (SD ± 1.6), respectively. There was nonsignificant improvement in sexual function after PAE compared with baseline after MIST. PAE can be a safe and effective treatment in patients who have undergone prior MIST without negatively impacting erectile or ejaculatory function.

Tumor Size and Watershed Area Correlate with Incomplete Treatment and Tumor Progression after Selective Radioembolization for Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

PURPOSE: To identify factors of incomplete treatment after segmental transarterial radioembolization (TARE) for treatment-naive and solitary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 75 consecutive patients (age, 68.5 years [SD ± 8.0]; 25/75 [33.3%] women) with treatment-naive, solitary HCC underwent segmental or subsegmental TARE with glass microspheres (tumor size, 3.8 cm [SD ± 2.2]; administered dose, 222.6 Gy [SD ± 123.9]) at a single institution from November 2015 to June 2022. Radiologic response and progression-free survival (PFS) were assessed as per modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors. RESULTS: Complete treatment was achieved in 48 of 75 (64.0%) patients (mean follow-up, 33.2 months [SD ± 27.4]). Patients with incomplete treatment (27/75, 36%) presented with larger tumor size (5.0 [SD ± 2.5] vs 3.1 [SD ± 1.6] cm; P = .0001), with more tumors located in the watershed zone (81.5% vs 41.7%; P = .001). These patients were less likely to be bridged to transplant or resection (22.2% vs 52.1%; P = .015). Watershed tumors demonstrated worse target tumor PFS (median PFS, 19 months vs not reached; P = .0104) and overall PFS (9.1 months vs not reached; P = .0077). Watershed location was associated with worse PFS among tumors >3 cm in size (8.4 months vs not reached; P = .035) but not in tumors ≤3 cm in size (52.2 months vs not reached; P = .915). CONCLUSIONS: Tumor size and watershed location were associated with incomplete treatment after segmental TARE for HCC. Watershed tumors were associated with worse PFS, particularly tumors larger than 3 cm. These tumors may require careful treatment planning and repeated treatments to ensure a durable response.

Radioembolization plus Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy Compared with Radioembolization plus Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Therapy for the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

PURPOSE: To investigate if combination therapy with immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) and yttrium-90 (90Y) radioembolization results in superior outcomes than those yielded by tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy and 90Y for the treatment of intermediate- to advanced-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: A retrospective review of patients presented at an institutional multidisciplinary liver tumor board between January 1, 2012 and August 1, 2023 was conducted. In total, 44 patients with HCC who underwent 90Y 4 weeks within initiation of ICI or TKI therapy were included. Propensity score matching was conducted to account for baseline demographic differences. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to compare median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), and univariate statistics identified disease response and control rate differences. Duration of imaging response was defined as number of months between the first scan after therapy and the first scan showing progression as defined by modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (mRECIST) or immune Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (iRECIST). Adverse events were analyzed per Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) version 5.0. RESULTS: Patients in the 90Y+ICI therapy group had better objective response rates (ORRs) (89.5% vs 36.8%; P < .001) and disease control rates (DCRs) (94.7% vs 63.2%; P < .001) by mRECIST and iRECIST (ORR: 78.9% vs 36.8%; P < .001; DCR: 94.7% vs 63.2%; P < .001). Median PFS (8.3 vs 4.1 months; P = .37) and OS (15.8 vs 14.3 months; P = .52) were not statistically different. Twelve patients (63.1%) in the 90Y+TKI group did not complete systemic therapy owing to adverse effects compared with 1 patient (5.3%) in the 90Y+ICI group (P < .001). Grade 3/4 adverse events were not statistically different (90Y+TKI: 21.1%; 90Y+ICI: 5.3%; P = .150). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with HCC who received 90Y+ICI had better imaging response and fewer regimen-altering adverse events than those who received 90Y+TKI. No significant combination therapy adverse events were attributable to radioembolization.

Efficacy and safety of transcatheter arterial embolization of omental artery aneurysm: A single-center experience.

BACKGROUND: Omental artery aneurysm (OAA) is an extremely rare visceral artery aneurysm. Ruptured OAAs are associated with a high mortality rate. Transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) has been used to treat OAA in recent years. However, the risk of omental ischemia due to TAE remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of TAE of OAA as a first-line treatment. METHODS: Fifteen patients with true aneurysms or pseudoaneurysms who underwent OAA-TAE between 1 April 2010 and 31 December 2022 were included in this study. The technical and clinical outcomes, the incidence of omental infarction after TAE as a major complication, OAA-TAE techniques, radiological findings on computed tomography angiography and angiogram, and patient characteristics were evaluated. RESULTS: Fifteen patients (nine men, six women; age, 69.8 ± 18.59 years) underwent TAE of OAAs (mean aneurysm size of 9.30 ± 6.10 mm) located in the right gastroepiploic (n = 9), left gastroepiploic (n = 1), and epiploic (n = 5) arteries. All patients with ruptured (n = 6) and unruptured (n = 9) OAA successfully underwent TAEs using coils, n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate, or gelatin sponges. Hepatic artery thrombosis and coil migration were observed during the procedure; however, these adverse events were manageable. Transfusion of red blood cell units (4.66 ± 1.63 units) was required only in cases with ruptured OAAs after TAE. Additional surgery or TAE due to rupture or rerupture of OAA and omental infarction was not required during the postoperative and follow-up periods. CONCLUSION: The OAA-TAE can effectively treat ruptured and unruptured OAAs, and the risk of omental infarction after OAA-TAE may not be high.

Coexistence of moyamoya syndrome with arteriovenous malformation. Systematic review and illustrative case report.

The coexistence of Moyamoya Syndrome with Arteriovenous Malformation is exceedingly rare. Here, we present the case of a 37-year-old female patient diagnosed with AVM in the right parietal lobe, accompanied by severe stenosis of the right middle cerebral artery and right anterior cerebral artery, along with moyamoya collateral induction. Our objective was to investigate the frequency and mutual influence of these conditions, and to determine a preferable treatment strategy by conducting a comprehensive review of previous case reports. We conducted a thorough search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, adhering to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Our review encompassed 36 publications, reporting a total of 64 cases of AVM coexisting with Moyamoya Syndrome. Notably, bilateral stenosis was observed in half of the cases. Among patients with unilateral stenosis, AVM was localized in the opposite hemisphere only in 2 cases. Treatment approaches varied, with 18 cases undergoing active treatment for both stenosis and AVM, 11 cases treating stenosis prior to AVM, 5 cases addressing AVM first, and 3 cases treating both AVM and stenosis simultaneously. Embolization, either standalone or supplemented by stereotactic radiosurgery, was employed in six cases. Stereotactic radiosurgery alone was utilized in 12 cases, while 15 patients underwent surgical removal of the AVM. Our findings provide valuable insights for neurosurgeons managing patients with concurrent AVM and Moyamoya Syndrome. The variety of treatment approaches observed in the literature underscores the complexity of these cases, emphasizing the need for individualized strategies. This information may guide future systematic reviews and meta-analyses, contributing to a better understanding of the optimal management of these rare coexisting vascular pathologies.

Efficacy of Sac Coil Embolization in Endovascular Aortic Repair for Sac Shrinkage in Patients at a High Risk of Type II Endoleak from Lumbar Arteries.

BACKGROUND: In endovascular aortic repair (EVAR), preemptive embolization of sac branch vessels is effective in preventing postoperative type II endoleak (T2EL). However, this technique has not been widely adopted especially for lumbar arteries (LAs) because of technical difficulties and time constraints. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of nonselective sac coil embolization, which is a simpler surgical method, in postoperative sac shrinkage for patients at a high risk of T2EL from LAs. METHODS: We retrospectively assessed 76 patients who underwent elective EVAR for abdominal aortic aneurysm with 4 or more patent LAs or at least 1 patent LA of ≥2 mm at our hospital between January 2014 and December 2022. The patients who underwent sac coil embolization were included in Group Ⅰ (n = 20), and the others were divided into 2 groups: those with an inferior mesenteric artery that was originally occluded or embolized by coils or stent graft bodies (Group Ⅱ, n = 21), and those without that (Group Ⅲ, n = 35). In Group Ⅰ, 0.035-inch coils were inserted into the sac after complete stent graft deployment. The cumulative incidence of sac shrinkage (≥5 mm) was compared between the groups. Further, univariable and multivariable Cox regression analyses were used to determine the predictors of sac shrinkage. RESULTS: Sac shrinkage (≥5 mm) was observed more frequently in Group Ⅰ (50%) than in Group Ⅱ (19%) and Group Ⅲ (17%) (P = 0.052 and 0.043, respectively). The cumulative incidence of sac shrinkage was significantly higher in Group Ⅰ than in Group Ⅱ (log-rank P = 0.039) and Group Ⅲ (log-rank P = 0.024). Multivariable Cox regression analyses revealed that sac embolization was a significant predictor of sac shrinkage (hazard ratio, 4.23; 95% confidence interval, 1.66-10.8; P = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Nonselective sac coil embolization in EVAR is potentially effective for sac shrinkage in the early postoperative phase in patients at high risk of T2EL from LAs. This simple procedure may improve prognosis after EVAR.

Lung Mean Dose Prediction in Transarterial Radioembolization (TARE): Superiority of [166Ho]-Scout Over [99mTc]MAA in a Prospective Cohort Study.

PURPOSE: Radiation pneumonitis is a serious complication of radioembolization. In holmium-166 ([166Ho]) radioembolization, the lung mean dose (LMD) can be estimated (eLMD) using a scout dose with either technetium-99 m-macroaggregated albumin ([99mTc]MAA) or [166Ho]-microspheres. The accuracy of eLMD based on [99mTc]MAA (eLMDMAA) was compared to eLMD based on [166Ho]-scout dose (eLMDHo-scout) in two prospective clinical studies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients were included if they received both scout doses ([99mTc]MAA and [166Ho]-scout), had a posttreatment [166Ho]-SPECT/CT (gold standard) and were scanned on the same hybrid SPECT/CT system. The correlation between eLMDMAA/eLMDHo-scout and LMDHo-treatment was assessed by Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (r). Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to analyze paired data. RESULTS: Thirty-seven patients with unresectable liver metastases were included. During follow-up, none developed symptoms of radiation pneumonitis. Median eLMDMAA (1.53 Gy, range 0.09-21.33 Gy) was significantly higher than median LMDHo-treatment (0.00 Gy, range 0.00-1.20 Gy; p < 0.01). Median eLMDHo-scout (median 0.00 Gy, range 0.00-1.21 Gy) was not significantly different compared to LMDHo-treatment (p > 0.05). In all cases, eLMDMAA was higher than LMDHo-treatment (p < 0.01). While a significant correlation was found between eLMDHo-scout and LMDHo-treatment (r = 0.43, p < 0.01), there was no correlation between eLMDMAA and LMDHo-treatment (r = 0.02, p = 0.90). CONCLUSION: [166Ho]-scout dose is superior in predicting LMD over [99mTc]MAA, in [166Ho]-radioembolization. Consequently, [166Ho]-scout may limit unnecessary patient exclusions and avoid unnecessary therapeutic activity reductions in patients eligible for radioembolization. TRAIL REGISTRATION: NCT01031784, registered December 2009. NCT01612325, registered June 2012.

Isolated sinus dural arteriovenous fistulas: a single-center experience in 44 patients.

BACKGROUND: Isolated sinus dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) constitute a rare and distinctive subtype of DAVF, typically found in small case numbers or case reports. The optimal treatment for this DAVF type remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to further detail the treatment outcomes of isolated sinus DAVFs in a sizable cohort from a single center. METHODS: A retrospective study was undertaken on a consecutive series of patients with isolated sinus DAVFs treated at a single institution from 2002 to 2022. The article delineates the clinical presentation, angiographic features, treatment strategy, clinical and angiographic outcomes, and complications. RESULTS: The cohort consisted of 31 males and 13 females, with an average age of 52.0 ± 15.5 years (range, 16-83). The success rate for trans-arterial embolization (TAE) was 97.3% (36/37). Transvenous embolization (TVE) with the reopening technique was successful in 3 of 4 patients (75.0%). Two open burr-hole TVE cases (66.7%, 2/3) and one surgery (100%) resulted in immediate complete closure of the fistula. Immediate complete occlusion was achieved in 93.2% (41/44) of cases. There was one major complication (2.3%, 1/44) and two fistulas recurred (9.5%, 2/21). CONCLUSIONS: The majority of isolated sinus DAVFs can be effectively treated with TAE using Onyx. TVE and surgery serve as alternative techniques when arterial access is deemed inappropriate or when complete occlusion cannot be attained with TAE. Complete embolization of isolated sinus DAVFs by TAE can typically be achieved without delay.

Endovascular and surgical management of splenic artery aneurysms.

BACKGROUND: Although true splenic artery aneurysms (SAA) are rare, due to advancements in imaging techniques, they are seen more frequently. The aim of this study is to present our strategy of managing patients with SAA. METHODS: Retrospectively, 13 patients who were treated in a tertiary university care center between 2012 and 2020 were included. Their demographic, clinical information, and post-operative complications were analyzed. RESULTS: Seven male and six female patients were evaluated between the ages of 27 and 73. The mean age was 49.8±13.2. The diameter of the aneurysm was between 17 and 80 mm with a mean range of 31.5±16 mm. Seven patients were treated with endovascular interventions (EV). Two patients were referred to surgery with failed attempt of EV, but patients refused surgery and were followed up consequently. Patients who had larger aneurysms with an increased risk of rupture underwent aneurysmectomy and splenectomy. Conservative management was decided on two patients initially: A patient who was previously operated on for a sigmoid colon tumor, and had an aneurysm size of 15 mm and another patient with a surgical history of thoracic aortic dissection with an aneurysm size of 18 mm. One patient who underwent surgery had post-operative pancreatic fistula and was treated with percutaneous drainage. The treatment of the remaining 12 patients was completed without any further complications. CONCLUSION: Splenic artery aneurysm treatment should be individualized. Endovascular treatment can be considered for patients with stable aneurysms larger than 2 cm in the elective setting. Open surgical treatment should be considered in patients with ruptured SAA or hemodynamically unstable, complicated patients.

Predictive Dosimetry and Outcomes of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treated by Yttrium-90 Resin Microsphere Radioembolization: A Retrospective Analysis Using Technetium-99m Macroaggregated Albumin SPECT/CT and Planning Software.

PURPOSE: To characterize estimated mean absorbed tumor dose (ADT), objective response (OR), and estimated target dose of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after resin microsphere yttrium-90 (90Y) radioembolization using partition dosimetry. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective, single-center study, multicompartment dosimetry of index tumors receiving 90Y radioembolization between October 2015 and June 2022 was performed using a commercial software package and pretreatment technetium-99m macroaggregated albumin single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)/computed tomography (CT). In total, 101 patients with HCC underwent 102 treatments of 127 index tumors. Patients underwent imaging every 2-3 months after treatment to determine best response per modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (mRECIST). Best response was defined as the greatest response category per mRECIST and categorized as OR or nonresponse (NR). A Cox proportional hazards model evaluated the probability of tumor OR and progression-free survival using ADT. RESULTS: The median follow-up period was 148 days (interquartile range [IQR], 92-273 days). The median ADT of OR was 141.9 Gy (IQR, 89.4-215.8 Gy) compared with the median ADT of NR treatments of 70.8 Gy (IQR, 42.0-135.3 Gy; P < .001). Only ADT was predictive of response (hazard ratio = 2.79 [95% confidence interval {CI}: 1.44-5.40]; P = .003). At 6 months, an ADT of 157 Gy predicted 90.0% (95% CI: 41.3%-98.3%) probability of OR. At 1 year, an ADT of 157 Gy predicted 91.6% (95% CI: 78.3%-100%) probability of progression-free survival. Partition modeling and delivered activity were predictive of progression (P = .021 and P = .003, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: For HCC treated with resin microspheres, tumors receiving higher ADT exhibited higher rates of OR. An ADT of 157 Gy predicted 90.0% OR at 6 months.

Endovascular Management of Post-Irradiated Carotid Blowout Syndrome in Patients with Lower Neck Cancers.

OBJECTIVE: Lower neck cancers (LNCs) include specific tumour types and have some different vascular supply or collaterals from other head and neck cancers. This prospective study evaluated the outcome of endovascular management of post-irradiated carotid blowout syndrome (PCBS) in patients with LNC by comparing reconstructive management (RE) and deconstructive management (DE). METHODS: This was a single centre, prospective cohort study. Patients with LNC complicated by PCBS between 2015 and 2021 were enrolled for RE or DE. RE was performed by stent graft placement covering the pathological lesion and preventive external carotid artery (ECA) embolisation without balloon test occlusion (BTO). DE was performed after successful BTO by permanent coil or adhesive agent embolisation of the internal carotid artery (ICA) and ECA to common carotid artery, or ICA occlusion alone if the pathological lesion was ICA only. Cross occlusion included the proximal and distal ends of the pathological lesion in all patients. Re-bleeding events, haemostatic period, and neurological complications were evaluated. RESULTS: Fifty-nine patients (mean age 58.5 years; 56 male) were enrolled, including 28 patients undergoing RE and 31 patients undergoing DE. Three patients originally grouped to DE were transferred to RE owing to failed BTO. The results of RE vs. DE were as follows: rebleeding events, 13/28 (46%) vs. 10/31 (32%) (p = .27); haemostatic period, 9.4 ± 14.0 months vs. 14.2 ± 27.8 months (p = .59); neurological complication, 4/28 (14%) vs. 5/31 (16%) (p = .84); and survival time, 11.8 ± 14.6 months vs. 15.1 ± 27.5 months (p = .61). CONCLUSION: No difference in rebleeding risk or neurological complications was observed between the DE and RE groups. RE could be used as a potential routine treatment for PCBS in patients with LNC.

[Minimally invasive treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia : The German S2e guideline 2023-part 4]. / Minimalinvasive Therapien des benignen Prostatasyndroms : Die deutsche S2e-Leitlinie 2023 ­ Teil 4/4.

BACKGROUND: Lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive for benign prostatic obstruction (LUTS/BPO) are one of the most frequent diseases in men and can have a significant impact on quality of life. Instrumental therapies are common, and many patients seek minimally invasive treatment options. OBJECTIVE: Presentation and evidence-based evaluation of the minimally invasive therapy for benign prostatic syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Summary and overview of chapters 11-13 on minimally invasive therapies for LUTS/BPO of the current long version of the German S2e guideline. RESULTS: In case of absolute indication for surgery or after unsatisfactory or undesired medical therapy, minimally invasive treatments such as UroLift® (Neotract Inc., Pleasanton, CA, USA), Rezá¿¡m™ (Boston Scientific, Malborough, MA, USA), iTIND™ (Olympus America Inc., Westborough, MA, USA), and prostatic artery embolization (PAE) can be considered. These indirect/delayed ablative therapies offer lower morbidity and the possibility of performing them under local anesthesia, but they are inferior to direct ablative/resective techniques in terms of effectiveness and sustainability. CONCLUSIONS: The updated German S2e guideline summarizes evidence-based recommendations for new minimally invasive therapies for LUTS/BPO, which present alternative treatment options for selected patients.

The predictive value of sarcopenia and myosteatosis in trans-arterial (chemo)-embolization treated HCC patients.

BACKGROUND: We conducted a meta-analysis to provide evidence-based results for the predictive values of sarcopenia, skeletal muscle index, psoas muscle index and the myosteatosis regarding the impact of survival outcomes and tumor response in patients treated by trans-arterial (chemo)-embolization (TAE/TACE), thereby optimizing therapeutic strategies and maximizing clinical benefits for hepatocellular carcinoma patients. METHODS: Qualified studies were retrieved from PubMed, the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Google Scholar before June 19, 2023. We investigated the relationships between sarcopenia, SMI, PMI, myosteatosis, and the overall survival of TAE/TACE-treated hepatocellular carcinoma patients with pooling data. RESULTS: A total of 167 studies were collected and 12 studies were finally included for analysis. The meta-analysis assisted that the sarcopenia (HR: 1.46, 95% CI: 1.30-1.64, p < 0.001), skeletal muscle index (HR: 1.48, 95% CI: 1.29-1.69, p < 0.001), and psoas muscle index (HR: 1.45, 95% CI: 1.19-1.77, p < 0.001) were significantly related to a shorter OS of hepatocellular carcinoma patients who treated by TAE/TACE. Sarcopenia significantly contributed to a lower objective response rate of TAE/TACE treated hepatocellular carcinoma patients (OR: 0.80, 95% CI: 0.65-0.98, p = 0.032). But there was no significant association between the myosteatosis and the overall survival (HR: 1.29, 95% CI: 0.74-2.25, p = 0.366). Sensitivity analysis supported the stability and dependability of above analyses conclusions. CONCLUSION: Sarcopenia, skeletal muscle index and psoas muscle index, are significant prognostic predictors for TAE/TACE treated hepatocellular carcinoma patients. While myosteasis does not demonstrate a prognostic impact on the overall survival of TAE/TACE treated hepatocellular carcinoma patients.