A comprehensive analysis of patients with cerebral arteriovenous malformation with headache: assessment of risk factors and treatment effectiveness.

BACKGROUND: Due to the high mortality and disability rate of intracranial hemorrhage, headache is not the main focus of research on cerebral arteriovenous malformation (AVM), so research on headaches in AVM is still scarce, and the clinical understanding is shallow. This study aims to delineate the risk factors associated with headaches in AVM and to compare the effectiveness of various intervention treatments versus conservative treatment in alleviating headache symptoms. METHODS: This study conducted a retrospective analysis of AVMs who were treated in our institution from August 2011 to December 2021. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was employed to assess the risk factors for headaches in AVMs with unruptured, non-epileptic. Additionally, the effectiveness of different intervention treatments compared to conservative management in alleviating headaches was evaluated through propensity score matching (PSM). RESULTS: A total of 946 patients were included in the analysis of risk factors for headaches. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified that female (OR 1.532, 95% CI 1.173-2.001, p = 0.002), supply artery dilatation (OR 1.423, 95% CI 1.082-1.872, p = 0.012), and occipital lobe (OR 1.785, 95% CI 1.307-2.439, p < 0.001) as independent risk factors for the occurrence of headaches. There were 443 AVMs with headache symptoms. After propensity score matching, the microsurgery group (OR 7.27, 95% CI 2.82-18.7 p < 0.001), stereotactic radiosurgery group(OR 9.46, 95% CI 2.26-39.6, p = 0.002), and multimodality treatment group (OR 8.34 95% CI 2.87-24.3, p < 0.001) demonstrate significant headache relief compared to the conservative group. However, there was no significant difference between the embolization group (OR 2.24 95% CI 0.88-5.69, p = 0.091) and the conservative group. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified potential risk factors for headaches in AVMs and found that microsurgery, stereotactic radiosurgery, and multimodal therapy had significant benefits in headache relief compared to conservative treatment. These findings provide important guidance for clinicians when developing treatment options that can help improve overall treatment outcomes and quality of life for patients.

Characterizing the voxel-based approaches in radioembolization dosimetry with reDoseMC.

BACKGROUND: Yttrium-90 ( 90 Y $^{90}{\rm {Y}}$ ) represents the primary radioisotope used in radioembolization procedures, while holmium-166 ( 166 Ho $^{166}{\rm {Ho}}$ ) is hypothesized to serve as a viable substitute for 90 Y $^{90}{\rm {Y}}$ due to its comparable therapeutic potential and improved quantitative imaging. Voxel-based dosimetry for these radioisotopes relies on activity images obtained through PET or SPECT and dosimetry methods, including the voxel S-value (VSV) and the local deposition method (LDM). However, the evaluation of the accuracy of absorbed dose calculations has been limited by the use of non-ideal reference standards and investigations restricted to the liver. The objective of this study was to expand upon these dosimetry characterizations by investigating the impact of image resolutions, voxel sizes, target volumes, and tissue materials on the accuracy of 90 Y $^{90}{\rm {Y}}$ and 166 Ho $^{166}{\rm {Ho}}$ dosimetry techniques. METHODS: A specialized radiopharmaceutical dosimetry software called reDoseMC was developed using the Geant4 Monte Carlo toolkit and validated by benchmarking the generated 90 Y $^{90}{\rm {Y}}$ kernels with published data. The decay spectra of both 90 Y $^{90}{\rm {Y}}$ and 166 Ho $^{166}{\rm {Ho}}$ were also compared. Multiple VSV kernels were generated for the liver, lungs, soft tissue, and bone for isotropic voxel sizes of 1 mm, 2 mm, and 4 mm. Three theoretical phantom setups were created with 20 or 40 mm activity and mass density inserts for the same three voxel sizes. To replicate the limited spatial resolutions present in PET and SPECT images, image resolutions were modeled using a 3D Gaussian kernel with a Full Width at Half Maximum (FWHM) ranging from 0 to 16 mm and with no added noise. The VSV and LDM dosimetry methods were evaluated by characterizing their respective kernels and analyzing their absorbed dose estimates calculated on theoretical phantoms. The ground truth for these estimations was calculated using reDoseMC. RESULTS: The decay spectra obtained through reDoseMC showed less than a 1% difference when compared to previously published experimental data for energies below 1.9 MeV in the case of 90 Y $^{90}{\rm {Y}}$ and less than 1% for energies below 1.5 MeV for 166 Ho $^{166}{\rm {Ho}}$ . Additionally, the validation kernels for 90 Y $^{90}{\rm {Y}}$ VSV exhibited results similar to those found in published Monte Carlo codes, with source dose depositions having less than a 3% error margin. Resolution thresholds ( FWHM thresh s ${\rm {FWHM}}_\mathrm{thresh}{\rm {s}}$ ), defined as resolutions that resulted in similar dose estimates between the LDM and VSV methods, were observed for 90 Y $^{90}{\rm {Y}}$ . They were 1.5 mm for bone, 2.5 mm for soft tissue and liver, and 8.5 mm for lungs. For 166 Ho $^{166}{\rm {Ho}}$ , the accuracy of absorbed dose deposition was found to be dependent on the contributions of absorbed dose from photons. Volume errors due to variations in voxel size impacted the final dose estimates. Larger target volumes yielded more accurate mean doses than smaller volumes. For both radioisotopes, the radial dose profiles for the VSV and LDM approximated but never matched the reference standard. CONCLUSIONS: reDoseMC was developed and validated for radiopharmaceutical dosimetry. The accuracy of voxel-based dosimetry was found to vary widely with changes in image resolutions, voxel sizes, chosen target volumes, and tissue material; hence, the standardization of dosimetry protocols was found to be of great importance for comparable dosimetry analysis.

Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Open Simple Prostatectomy or Prostate Artery Embolization in Large Prostates: Clinical and Urodynamic Assessment - PoPAE Study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of Prostate artery embolization (PAE) and open simple prostatectomy (OP) on lower urinary tract symptoms and urodynamic parameters in subjects with prostate size >80cc³. METHODS: PoPAE study (OP or PAE) was a randomized, open-label controlled trial performed between January 2020 and May 2022. Subjects with large prostates (>80cc³), urodynamic parameters meeting obstruction criteria (Bladder Outlet Obstruction Index-BOOI>40), and good detrusor function (Bladder contractility index>100) were included. The primary and co-primary endpoints were the variation in peak flow rate on uroflowmetry (Qmax) and BOOI. The secondary endpoints were the IPSS and ultrasonographic changes. RESULTS: Twenty three and 25 subjects underwent PAE and OP were evaluated, respectively. At baseline, the 2 groups have shown similar clinical, radiological, laboratory, and urodynamic parameters. After 6 months, Qmax improved 8,3 ± 4.17 mL/sec in PAE and 15.1 ± 8.04 mL/sec in OP (mean difference 6.78 in favor of PE; P = .012 [CI -9.00 to -3.00]). After treatment, 88% of those men underwent OP were classified as unobstructed or equivocal (BOOi<40). On the other hand, 70% of subjects underwent PAE remained obstructed (BOOI>40) and none of them shifted to unobstructed status (BOOI<20). It was observed a similar reduction in IPSS and PVR in both groups. CONCLUSION: PAE was inferior to conventional surgery for releasing BOO and improving peak urinary flow in large prostates. Nevertheless, PAE was able to improve symptoms and PVR, and might be an alternative method in selected patients.

Prevalence, characteristics, evaluation, and management of carotid body tumors: Systematic analysis based on available evidence.

OBJECTIVE: Although carotid body tumors (CBTs) are rare, they attract particular attention because of their propensity for malignant transformation and the high surgical risk. Because data are scarce and as it is difficult to achieve a large sample size, no study has yet comprehensively analyzed the characteristics, management, or operative complications of CBTs. Therefore, we collected and analyzed all currently available information on CBTs and used the pooled data to derive quantitative information on disease characteristics and management. METHODS: We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and the Web of Science up to December 1, 2022, for studies that investigated the characteristics and management of CBTs. The primary objective was to identify the prevalence of the various characteristics and the incidence of complications. The secondary objective was to compare patients who underwent preoperative embolization (PE) and those who did not (non-PE), as well as to compare patients with different Shamblin grades and those with and without succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) mutations in terms of CBT characteristics and complications. Two reviewers selected studies for inclusion and independently extracted data. All statistical analyses were performed using the standard statistical procedures of Review Manager 5.2 and Stata 12.0. RESULTS: A total of 155 studies with 9291 patients and 9862 tumors were identified. The pooled results indicated that the median age of patients with CBT was 45.72 years, and 65% were female. The proportion of patients with bilateral lesions was 13%. In addition, 16% of patients had relevant family histories, and the proportion of those with SDH gene mutations was 36%. Sixteen percent of patients experienced multiple paragangliomas, and 12% of CBTs had catecholamine function. The incidence of cranial nerve injury (CNI) was 27%, and 14% of patients suffered from permanent CNI. The incidence rates of operative mortality and stroke were both 1%, and 4% of patients developed transient ischemic attacks. Of all CBTs, 6% were malignant or associated with metastases or recurrences. The most common metastatic locations were the lymph nodes (3%) and bone (3%), followed by the lungs (2%). Compared with non-PE, PE reduced the estimated blood loss (standardized mean difference, -0.95; 95% confidence interval [CI], -1.70 to -0.20) and the operation time (standardized mean difference, -0.56; 95% CI, -1.03 to -0.09), but it increased the incidence of stroke (odds ratio, 2.44; 95% CI, 1.04-5.73). Higher Shamblin grade tumors were associated with more operative complications. Patients who were SDH gene mutation-positive were more likely to have a relevant family history and had more symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: CBT was most common in middle-aged females, and early surgical resection was feasible; there was a low incidence of serious operative complications. Routine PE is not recommended because this may increase the incidence of stroke, although PE somewhat reduced the estimated blood loss and operation time. Higher Shamblin grade tumors increased the incidence of operative complications. Patients who were SDH gene mutation-positive had the most relevant family histories and symptoms.

A cost outcome study of varicocoele embolisation and future pregnancy in an Australian public hospital setting.

INTRODUCTION: Varicocoele is commonly encountered in males with infertility. Studies have shown that varicocoele repair (surgery or embolisation) can improve the rate of subsequent pregnancy. In Australia, there have been no studies assessing the cost of varicocoele embolisation and current practice is based on international data. This study aimed to assess the cost of varicocoele embolisation and estimate the treatment cost per pregnancy. METHODS: Retrospective cost-outcome study of patients treated by embolisation between January 2018 and 2023. A bottom-up approach was used to calculate procedure costs whereas a top-down approach was used to calculate costs for all other patient services, including direct and indirect costs. To calculate cost per pregnancy, costs were adjusted according to existing published data on the rate of pregnancy after embolisation. RESULTS: Costing data from 18 patients were included, of median age 33.5 years (range 26-60) and median varicocoele grade 2.5 (range 1-3). All patients had unilateral treatment, most commonly via right internal jugular (16 patients, 89%) and using a 0.035″ system (17 patients, 94%). The median cost for the entire treatment including procedural, non-procedural, ward and peri-procedural costs was AUD$2208.10 (USD$1405 or EUR€1314), range AUD$1691-7051. The projected cost to the healthcare system per pregnancy was AUD$5387 (USD$3429 or EUR€3207). CONCLUSION: Total varicocoele embolisation cost and the cost per-pregnancy were lower than for both embolisation and surgical repair in existing international studies. Patients undergoing varicocoele treatment should have the option to access an interventional radiologist to realise the benefits of this low-cost pinhole procedure.

Association of socioeconomic status with the management outcome of unruptured intracranial arteriovenous malformation.

OBJECTIVE: The longitudinal management of unruptured brain arteriovenous malformation (bAVM) is crucial. To date, no study in the United States has evaluated the impact of socioeconomic status (SES) on bAVM outcome. Herein, the authors aimed to clarify the impact of SES, as indicated by the area deprivation index (ADI), on bAVM outcome. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of an institutional bAVM database was conducted. Non-hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia patients with a single unruptured bAVM in the period from 1990 to 2021 were included in the analysis. The ADI was categorized as low (ADI ≤ 15th percentile), mid (15th percentile < ADI < 85th percentile), and high (ADI ≥ 85th percentile), with a low ADI indicating the most advantaged group. Patient baseline and follow-up data were analyzed. The primary outcome of interest was nonindependence (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] score > 2) at the last follow-up. A multivariable logistic regression model was performed. RESULTS: A total of 589 patients with unruptured bAVMs were included in the study. The mean patient age at diagnosis was 37.2 years, and 283 patients (48.0%) were male. Of the bAVMs, 238 (40.4%) had a low Spetzler-Martin grade (SMG < III), 194 (32.9%) had a moderate grade (SMG III), and 157 (26.7%) had a high grade (SMG > III). Sixty-nine patients (11.7%) were in the low-ADI group, 476 (80.8%) in the mid-ADI group, and 44 (7.5%) in high-ADI group. Increasing age (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01-1.04, p < 0.001), poor baseline mRS score (OR 3.27, 95% CI 1.32-7.88, p = 0.008), treatment with surgery plus radiosurgery with or without embolization (OR 3.21, 95% CI 1.03-9.81, p = 0.041), mid SMG (OR 1.94, 95% CI 1.11-3.44, p = 0.021), high SMG (OR 2.08, 95% CI 1.13-3.88, p = 0.020), longer follow-up (OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.03-1.08, p < 0.001), and mid ADI (OR 3.08, 95% CI 1.34-8.39, p = 0.015) were significantly associated with a poor outcome. A high ADI tended toward a poor outcome (OR 2.93, 95% CI 0.92-9.88, p = 0.071). Eventual obliteration of a bAVM was the only protective predictor of poor outcome (OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.30-0.98, p = 0.046). CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that relatively disadvantaged patients with unruptured bAVMs are more likely to experience nonindependent outcomes at the last follow-up, after adjusting for confounding variables. An emphasis on social support may be beneficial for patients with a lower SES.

90Y post-radioembolization clinical assessment with whole-body Biograph Vision Quadra PET/CT: image quality, tumor, liver and lung dosimetry.

PURPOSE: Evaluation of 90Y liver radioembolization post-treatment clinical data using a whole-body Biograph Vision Quadra PET/CT to investigate the potential of protocol optimization in terms of scan time and dosimetry. METHODS: 17 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma with median (IQR) injected activity 2393 (1348-3298) MBq were included. Pre-treatment dosimetry plan was based on 99mTc-MAA SPECT/CT with Simplicit90Y™ and post-treatment validation with Quadra using Simplicit90Y™ and HERMIA independently. Regarding the image analysis, mean and peak SNR, the coefficient of variation (COV) and lesion-to-background ratio (LBR) were evaluated. For the post-treatment dosimetry validation, the mean tumor, whole liver and lung absorbed dose evaluation was performed using Simplicit90Y and HERMES. Images were reconstructed with 20-, 15-, 10-, 5- and 1- min sinograms with 2, 4, 6 and 8 iterations. Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to show statistical significance (p < 0.05). RESULTS: There was no difference of statistical significance between 20- and 5- min reconstructed times for the peak SNR, COV and LBR. In addition, there was no difference of statistical significance between 20- and 1- min reconstructed times for all dosimetry metrics. Lung dosimetry showed consistently lower values than the expected. Tumor absorbed dose based on Simplicit90Y™ was similar to the expected while HERMES consistently underestimated significantly the measured tumor absorbed dose. Finally, there was no difference of statistical significance between expected and measured tumor, whole liver and lung dose for all reconstruction times. CONCLUSION: In this study we evaluated, in terms of image quality and dosimetry, whole-body PET clinical images of patients after having been treated with 90Y microspheres radioembolization for liver cancer. Compared to the 20-min standard scan, the simulated 5-min reconstructed images provided equal image peak SNR and noise behavior, while performing also similarly for post-treatment dosimetry of tumor, whole liver and lung absorbed doses.

[90Y]Yttria Alumino Silicate Glass Microspheres: A Biosimilar Formulation to "TheraSphere" for Cost-Effective Treatment of Liver Cancer.

Background: Selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) using a suitable ß--emitting radionuclide is a promising treatment modality for unresectable liver carcinoma. Yttrium-90 (90Y) [T1/2 = 64.2 h, Eß(max) = 2.28 MeV, no detectable γ-photon] is the most preferred radioisotope for SIRT owing to its favorable decay characteristics. Objective: The present study describes indigenous development and evaluation of intrinsically radiolabeled [90Y]yttria alumino silicate ([90Y]YAS) glass microsphere, a formulation biosimilar to "TheraSphere" (commercially available, U.S. FDA-approved formulation), for SIRT of unresectable liver carcinoma in human patients. Methods: YAS glass microspheres of composition 40Y2O3-20Al2O3-40SiO2 (w/w) and diameter ranging between 20 and 36 µm were synthesized with almost 100% conversion efficiency and >99% sphericity. Intrinsically labeled [90Y]YAS glass microspheres were produced by thermal neutron irradiation of cold YAS glass microspheres in a research reactor. Subsequent to in vitro evaluations and in vivo studies in healthy Wistar rats, customized doses of [90Y]YAS glass microspheres were administered in human patients. Results: [90Y]YAS glass microspheres were produced with 137.7 ± 8.6 MBq/mg YAS glass (∼6800 Bq per microsphere) specific activity and 99.94% ± 0.02% radionuclidic purity at the end of irradiation. The formulation exhibited excellent in vitro stability in human serum and showed >97% retention in the liver up to 7 d post-administration when biodistribution studies were carried out in healthy Wistar rats. Yttrium-90 positron emission tomography scans recorded at different time points post-administration of customized dose of [90Y]YAS glass microspheres in human patients showed near-quantitative retention of the formulation in the injected lobe. Conclusions: The study confirmed the suitability of indigenously prepared [90Y]YAS glass microspheres for clinical use in the treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma.

Virtual diluted cone beam CT for device apposition assessment during endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysm: A technical note.

The increasing use of embolization devices with suboptimal radio-opacity to treat intracranial aneurysm underscores the need for advanced imaging techniques to characterize device-vessel interactions more accurately. Contrast-diluted cone-beam CT is commonly used in neurointervention but requires additional technical refinements to improve endovascular treatment assessment. In this technical note, we describe the virtual dilution cone beam CT (VDCBCT), a technique that synthetizes non-contrast and contrast-enhanced CBCT images to virtually dilute iodinated contrast agents, thereby facilitating a more accurate assessment of embolization device apposition. Through a set of intracranial aneurysms treated with different embolization devices, we describe the VDCBCT protocol and its usefulness for device apposition confidence. VDCBCT may enhance the global understanding of neurovascular embolization treatments by providing improved visualization of target vessels and low-radio-opacity embolization devices, obviating the need for contrast dilution.

Effectiveness of Intra-operative Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Assessment to Optimize Type II Endoleak Embolization.

PURPOSE: To analyze the effectiveness of type II endoleaks (T2E) embolization using intra-operative contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS). METHODS: Consecutive patients treated for T2E underwent a standardized protocol with trans-arterial or trans-lumbar access, large volume embolization, onlay fusion, and intra-operative CEUS. Technical success was defined by exclusion of endoleak by CEUS. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients (mean age 81 ± 11 years old; 89% male) were treated. The mean aneurysm sac enlargement was 11 ± 8 mm from T2E diagnosis. Embolization was performed using Onyx® 18 in all patients with adjunctive coils in 13 patients (50%). After the first embolization, CEUS documented residual T2E in 13 patients (50%). Ten patients (38%) had additional embolization, which successfully eradicated the T2E in seven of them. Technical success was 50% after the first embolization attempt and 77% after additional attempts guided by CEUS (P = 0.080). There was no mortality. Median imaging follow-up was 22 months. Among the 20 patients with no residual T2E on completion CEUS, 16 (80%) had sac stabilization and none required additional interventions for T2E. Of the six patients with residual T2Es on CEUS, three had sac stabilization (50%) and one required additional reintervention for T2E. There was one late aortic rupture at 56 months. CONCLUSION: One in two patients treated by T2E embolization had residual endoleak on intra-operative CEUS after a first embolization attempt, decreasing to one in four patients after multiple attempts. A negative completion CEUS following embolization was associated with higher rates of sac stabilization and no need for additional T2E embolization.

Prospective Study of Polytetrafluoroethylene-Covered Microplugs and Detachable Coils for Embolization of Pulmonary Arteriovenous Malformations: Technical Results, Procedure Times, and Costs.

PURPOSE: To determine time to occlusion and procedure costs of embolization of pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs) using a polytetrafluoroethylene-covered microplug compared with embolization using detachable coils. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective study, 37 patients (mean age, 39.1 years [SD ± 17.6]) with 82 PAVMs underwent embolization with microplug or detachable coils between April 2019 and January 2023. Technical success, procedure time intervals, and costs were analyzed. RESULTS: In 37 patients, 82 PAVMs and 101 feeding arteries were successfully treated (microplug, 64; microplug + another device, 5; detachable coils alone, 32). Time from embolic device inserted into the catheter to device deployed and time to occlusion differed significantly between microplug and detachable coil cohorts (P < .0001 for both). Embolization with ≥1 microplug had a significantly shorter occlusion time than embolization with detachable coils (median, 10.0 minutes saved per feeding artery) (P < .0001). Compared with detachable coil embolization, microplug embolization saved a median of 9.0 minutes per feeding artery (P < .0001) and reduced room cost by a median of $429 per feeding artery (P < .0001). Device costs per feeding artery did not differ significantly between microplug ($2,790) and detachable coil embolization ($3,147) (P = .87). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with coils, microplugs had an equally high technical success rate but significant time to occlusion and room costs savings per feeding artery. Total room cost and device cost together did not differ significantly between microplugs and coils. Microplugs may be considered technically effective and at least cost-neutral for PAVM embolization where clinically appropriate.

Embolización de arterias geniculares para el tratamiento de la artrosis de rodilla / Genicular artery embolization for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis

INTRODUCCIÓN: La artrosis, es una enfermedad articular degenerativa que se caracteriza por la pérdida gradual del cartílago que amortigua los extremos de los huesos en las articulaciones. Además de la disminución del cartílago, la artrosis implica una inflamación crónica en los huesos y la membrana sinovial, lo que lleva a la formación de nuevos vasos sanguíneos. Estos nuevos vasos contribuyen al incremento de la inflamación y potencian los cambios degenerativos característicos de la artrosis y la sensibilización de los nervios que causan dolor. Si bien la artrosis puede afectar a cualquier articulación, la artrosis de rodilla (AR) se considera la más común, alcanzando cifras del 10.2% en mayores de 20 años y llegando hasta un 35.8% en mayores de 60 años en España. El tratamiento estándar inicial para la AR en sus primeras etapas (leve o moderada) incluye el ejercicio para mejorar la aptitud aeróbica, el rango de movimiento y la fuerza, junto con medidas posturales y control de peso. Si estas medidas no controlan el dolor, se incorporan al tratamiento fármacos antiinflamatorios no esteroideos, inyecciones intraarticulares de corticosteroides o ácido hialurónico, y/o neuromodulación. Mientras, la cirugía de reemplazo articular se reserva para casos graves con dolor intenso y discapacidad funcional. A pesar de ello, un número considerable de pacientes experimentan dolor crónico refractario al tr

INTRODUCTION: Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease characterized by the gradual loss of cartilage that cushions the ends of bones in joints. In addition to the decrease in cartilage, osteoarthritis involves chronic inflammation in the bones and synovial membrane, leading to the formation of new blood vessels. These new vessels contribute to increase inflammation, intensify degenerative changes typical of osteoarthritis, and amplify the sensitization of nerves that cause pain. While osteoarthritis can affect any joint, knee osteoarthritis (KO) is considered the most common, reaching 10.2% in people over 20 years and up to 35.8% in those over 60 years in Spain. The standard initial treatment for KO in its early stages (mild or moderate) includes exercise to improve aerobic fitness, range of motion, and strength, along with postural measures and weight control. If these measures do not control the pain, the treatment incorporates nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, intra-articular corticosteroid injections, or hyaluronic acid, and/or neuromodulation. Joint replacement surgery is reserved for severe cases with intense pain and functional disability. Despite this, a considerable number of patients experience chronic pain refractory to standard non-surgical treatment and difficult t

Eficacia y seguridad de la embolización endovascular de malformaciones arteriovenosas cerebrales y fístulas arteriovenosas durales (intracraneales y espinales) con líquido hidrofóbico precipitante inyectable / Efficacy and safety of endovascular embolization of cerebral arteriovenous malformations and dural arteriovenous fistulas (intracranial and spinal) with injectable precipitating hydrophobic liquid

ANTECEDENTES: En el marco de la metodología ad hoc para evaluar solicitudes de tecnologías sanitarias, aprobada mediante Resolución de Instituto de Evaluación de Tecnologías en Salud e Investigación N° 111-IETSI-ESSALUD-2021, se ha elaborado el presente documento de evaluación de tecnología sanitaria (ETS), el cual expone la evaluación de la eficacia y seguridad del procedimiento de embolización endovascular de malformaciones arteriovenosas cerebrales (MAC) y fístulas arterio-venosas durales (FAVD), con el uso del agente liquido hidrofóbico precipitante inyectable, en comparación con sustancia liquida embolizante convencional disponible en EsSalud (Código SAP: 20103358). Mediante la Carta N° 307-SERV.NRX.DPTO.NC-HNGAI-ESSALUD-2017, los médicos especialistas del Servicio de Neurorradiología del Hospital Nacional Guillermo Almenara Irigoyen (HNGAI), a través de la gerencia de la Red Prestacional Almenara, solicitan al Instituto de Evaluación de Tecnologías en Salud e Investigación (IETSI) la evaluación de la tecnología "sistema pre cargado de líquido inyectable precipitante", para evaluar su posible inclusión al listado de material médico disponible en EsSalud para su utilización en procedimientos de embolización de MAC y FAVD. ASPECTOS GENERALES: Las malformaciones arteriovenosas cerebrales (MAC) son malformaciones caracterizadas por una conexión directa de una arteria a una vena, sin una red capilar en el medio. La prevalencia de MAC detectadas, asintomáticas o sintomáticas, en la población es de 10 a 18 por 100,000 adultos (Al-Shahi et al. 2002). La incidencia es de -z1.3 por 100,000 personaaños (Gabriel et al. 2010; Stapf et al. 2003). En los estudios poblacionales, las MAC sintomáticas se manifiestan como accidentes cerebro vasculares (ACV) hemorrágico (58 %), convulsiones (34 %), u otros síntomas como el déficit neurológico progresivo (8 %) (da Costa et al. 2009; Stapf et al. 2006). Este último fenómeno se atribuye a la isquemia local derivado del "robo arterial" (esto es, la sangre llega a la zona, pero por no tener capilares apropiados, esa zona no se irriga adecuadamente) u obstrucción del flujo venoso (hipertensión venosa) (Mast et al. 1995). Esta fisiopatología genera también convulsiones (Fierstra et al. 2010). METODOLOGÍA: Se realizó una búsqueda sistemática de información con el objetivo de identificar la mejor evidencia disponible a la fecha (octubre 2021) sobre la eficacia y seguridad de la embolización de MAC y FAVD con PHIL®, en comparación con Onyx O. Se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica avanzada en las bases de datos de PubMed, Cochrane Library y LILACS (Literatura Latinoamericana y del Caribe en Ciencias de la Salud). La búsqueda sistemática fue suplementada con una búsqueda manual en la lista de referencias bibliográficas de los estudios incluidos en la ETS. Además, se realizó una búsqueda de literatura gris en el motor de búsqueda Google, a fin de poder identificar otras publicaciones de relevancia que pudiesen haber sido omitidas por la estrategia de búsqueda o que no hayan sido publicadas en las bases de datos consideradas. Asimismo, se realizó una búsqueda dentro de las páginas web pertenecientes a grupos que realizan ETS y GPC, incluyendo, el National institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), la Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH), la Haute Autorité de Santé (HAS), el Institut für Qualitát und Wirtschaftlichkeit im Gesundheitswesen (IQWiG), además de la Base Regional de Informes de Evaluación de Tecnologías en Salud de las Américas (BRISA) y páginas web de sociedades especializadas en el manejo de la embolización de MAC, como la American Heart Association, la American Stroke Association, y la European Stroke Organization. Por último, se realizó una búsqueda de estudios clínicos en ejecución o aún no terminados en ClinicalTrials.gov. RESULTADOS: La declaración científica de la AHA/ASA (American Heart Association/American Stroke Association) acerca del manejo de las MAC (Derdeyn et al. 2017), fue preparado por miembros de la AHA y demás expertos invitados, quienes después de la revisión de la literatura hicieron recomendaciones. En esta declaración se señala que existen tres herramientas terapéuticas complementarias para el cierre definitivo del nido de la MAC. El primero es la resección microquirúrgica (MC), el cual debe realizarse primariamente o después de la embolización para reducir el riesgo de sangrado durante la cirugía y facilitar la remoción completa y sin complicaciones. El segundo, es la radiocirugía estereotáctica (RC), la cual también debe realizarse primariamente o después de la embolización para reducir el volumen del nido y potencialmente mejorar las tasas de obliteración de los nidos. El tercer método es la embolización endovascular per se. Aunque ésta es frecuentemente usada como un predecesor de la MC o la RC, hay casos en los que puede ser la terapia definitiva. La información a la que se hace referencia proviene de series de casos, mono o multicéntricos, en su mayoría conteniendo un número pequeño a moderado de pacientes; además, en este documento de recomendaciones no hay una gradación de las estrategias de manejo según calidad de evidencia. Respecto a la embolización endovascular, los estudios referidos correspondían al uso de los siguientes agentes inyectables: Onyx® y nbutil cianoacrilato (n-BCA). No se incluyó en este documento ningún estudio sobre el agente PHILO. CONCLUSIÓN: Por lo expuesto, el IETSI no aprueba el uso del agente liquido embolizante PHIL® en el tratamiento de las malformaciones arteriovenosas cerebrales y fístulas arteriovenosas durales (intracraneales y espinales).

Eficacia y seguridad de la embolización de malformaciones arteriovenosas cerebrales con microcatéter compatible con sustancia embolizante de punta desprendible / Efficacy and safety of embolization of cerebral arteriovenous malformations with microcatheter compatible with detachable tip embolizing substance

INTRODUCCIÓN: El presente documento de evaluación de tecnología sanitaria (ETS) expone la evaluación de la eficacia y seguridad del procedimiento de embolización de malformaciones arteriovenosas cerebrales (MAC) con el uso del microcatéter compatible con sustancia embolizante de punta desprendible (MPD), en comparación con el microcatéter compatible con sustancia embolizante convencional (MC). Una malformación arteriovenosa cerebral (MAC) es un entramado patológico de vasos sanguíneos1 de la vasculatura cerebral, que causa la desviación de la sangre de las arterias a las venas; pasando por alto el tejido cerebral. Esta alteración ocasiona que los tejidos circundantes a la MAC no reciban oxígeno suficiente. Las arterias y venas de la MAC pueden debilitarse y romperse; causando hemorragia intracerebral o daño cerebral transitorio o permanente.  En el Perú, la información epidemiológica sobre las MAC es escasa. En la ciudad de Ayacucho se ha reportado que el 4.3 % de los casos diagnosticados con vasculopatías encefálicas, en adultos de 20 a 60 años de edad, corresponden a MAC. Además, según la información proporcionada por los especialistas en Neurorradiología del Hospital Nacional Guillermo Almenara Irigoyen (HNGAI) de EsSalud, estos suelen recibir hasta 60 casos anuales de MAC.  Uno de los enfoques de tratamiento para el manejo de las MAC, es la embolización; empleando sustancias con dimetilsulfóxido (DMSO). Estas sustancias son inyectadas en la MAC a través de un microcatéter compatible con la sustancia embolizante. La finalidad es crear un coágulo artificial dentro de la malformación; aislándola de la circulación y reduciendo o eliminando la sintomatología asociada. En la actualidad, en EsSalud, este procedimiento se realiza mediante la tecnología "microcatéter compatible con sustancia embolizante convencional" (MC). Sin embargo, los especialistas del HNGAI mencionan que, en ocasiones, la punta de este catéter puede quedar atrapada en la sustancia embolizante. Luego, al intentar retirar el catéter, existe el riesgo de hemorragia y/o ruptura del dispositivo. Por este motivo, los especialistas del HNGAI solicitan al Instituto de Evaluación de Tecnologías Sanitarias en Salud e Investigación (IETSI) la evaluación de la eficacia y seguridad del uso del "microcatéter compatible con sustancia embolizante de punta desprendible" (MPD); la cual podría reducir el riesgo de hemorragia y/o ruptura del microcatéter asociados al atrapamiento de su punta durante los procedimientos de embolización. MÉTODOS: Se realizó una búsqueda sistemática de información con el objetivo de identificar la mejor evidencia disponible a la fecha (marzo 2021) sobre la eficacia y seguridad de la embolización de MAC con el MPD, en comparación con MC. Se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica avanzada en las bases de datos de PubMed, Cochrane Library y LILACS (Literatura Latinoamericana y del Caribe en Ciencias de la Salud). La búsqueda sistemática fue suplementada con una búsqueda manual en la lista de referencias bibliográficas de los estudios incluidos en la ETS. Además, se realizó una búsqueda de literatura gris en el motor de búsqueda Google, a fin de poder identificar otras publicaciones de relevancia que pudiesen haber sido omitidas por la estrategia de búsqueda o que no hayan sido publicadas en las bases de datos consideradas. Asimismo, se realizó una búsqueda dentro de las páginas web pertenecientes a grupos que realizan ETS y GPC; incluyendo, el National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), la Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH), la Haute Autorité de Santé (HAS), el Institut für Qualitát und Wirtschaftlichkeit im Gesundheitswesen (IQWiG), además de la Base Regional de Informes de Evaluación de Tecnologías en Salud de las Américas (BRISA) y páginas web de sociedades especializadas en el manejo de la embolización de MAC, como la American Heart Association, la American Stroke Association, y la European Stroke Organization. RESULTADOS: Se identificaron 418 estudios a partir de la búsqueda bibliográfica; de los cuales 412 fueron elegibles para tamizaje por título y resumen, luego de eliminar duplicados. La selección de estudios por título y resumen se realizó mediante una evaluación por pares empleando el aplicativo web Rayyan. Como resultado, se obtuvieron 12 estudios elegibles para evaluación a texto completo por un evaluador (ocho como resultado de la búsqueda sistemática y cuatro de la búsqueda manual); de los cuales cuatro estudios fueron incluidos en la presente evaluación. CONCLUSIONES: El presente dictamen preliminar expone una síntesis de la mejor evidencia disponible a la fecha (21 de marzo del 2021) sobre la eficacia y seguridad de la tecnología MPD en comparación con MC para el tratamiento de embolización de MAC empleando una sustancia embolizante con DMSO. Actualmente los pacientes que acuden a EsSalud con diagnóstico de MAC son sometidos al procedimiento de embolización con sustancias embolizantes (incluidas las sustancias con DMSO) utilizando el MC, que es la tecnología actualmente disponible en la institución para llevar a cabo estos procedimientos. Se ha incluido para evaluación una GPC basada en consenso de expertos (Kato et al. 2019), un ensayo clínico de fase IV (Meyers et al. 2021), y dos estudios observacionales sin grupo de comparación (Akmangit et al. 2014, Ozpar et al. 2019). La GPC no menciona en sus recomendaciones (u otras secciones del documento) a la tecnología MPD para el tratamiento de embolización de las MAC (Kato et al. 2019). Sin embargo, si mencionó dentro de sus recomendaciones que la sustancia con DMSO es la de elección para llevar a cabo este procedimiento. La evidencia de sustento de esta mención empleó en su mayoría MC o no precisó qué microcatéter se utilizó para llevar a cabo los procedimientos de embolización. Se han identificado similitudes en cuanto al reporte de tasas de EA, EAS, y muertes posiblemente relacionadas al uso de las tecnologías MPD y MC. No obstante, las tasas del desenlace de retención de la punta del catéter en la sustancia embolizante son notablemente mayores con el uso de la tecnología MPD, en comparación con las tasas de entrampamiento con retención de una fracción del MC. Existe riesgo de migración de la punta desprendible del MPD, cuando esta queda retenida en la sustancia embolizante; lo cual podría tener consecuencias serias para los pacientes poniendo en riesgo sus vidas. Por ello, se tendría que realizar un monitoreo periódico exhaustivo de estos pacientes para reducir el riesgo probable de complicaciones. Además, se debe tener en cuenta los reportes frecuentes de desprendimiento prematuro y embolización de la punta del MPD, que podrían ocasionar EAS y complicaciones en los pacientes con MAC durante los procedimientos de embolización. Dado que actualmente en la institución se cuenta con la experiencia de uso de la tecnología MC, y que, con la evidencia disponible, no es posible demostrar un beneficio clínico adicional en términos de eficacia y seguridad de la tecnología MPD con respecto al MC. Por lo expuesto, el IETSI no aprueba el uso de microcatéter compatible con sustancia embolizante de punta desprendible.

Arteriovenous malformation of the external ear: a clinical assessment with a scoping review of the literature / Malformação arteriovenosa da orelha externa: avaliação clínica com revisão abrangente da literatura

Abstract Introduction: Auricular Arteriovenous Malformation of the external ear is a rarely encountered disease; in particular, arteriovenous malformation arising from the auricle, with spontaneous bleeding, has seldom been reported. Objective: In the current study, we report an unusual case of late-onset auricular arteriovenous malformation originating from the posterior auricular artery that was confirmed by computed tomographic angiography. The case was successfully managed by pre-surgical intravascular embolization followed by total lesion excision. Prompted by this case, we also present a scoping review of the literature. Methods: A case of a 60 year-old man with right auricular arteriovenous malformation treated in our tertiary care center, and 52 patients with auricular arteriovenous malformation described in 10 case reports and a retrospective review are presented. Auricular arteriovenous malformation can manifest as swelling of the ear, pulsatile tinnitus, pain, and/or bleeding. On physical examination, a pulsatile swelling and/or a tender mass is evident. When arteriovenous malformation is suspected, the lesions should be visualized using imaging modalities that optimally detect vascular lesions, and managed via embolization, mass excision, or auricular resection. Effectiveness of the various diagnostic methods used and the treatment outcomes were analyzed. Results: Various imaging modalities including Doppler sonography, computed tomographic angiography, magnetic resonance angiography, and/or transfemoral cerebral angiography were used to diagnose 38 cases reported in the literature. In another 15 cases, no imaging was performed; treatment was determined solely by physical examination and auscultation. Of the total of 53 cases, 12 were not treated (their symptoms were merely observed) whereas 20 underwent therapeutic embolization. In total, 32 patients, including 1 patient who was not treated and 10 with persistent or aggravated arteriovenous malformation after previous embolization, underwent mass excision or auricular resection depending on the extent of the lesion. No major postoperative complication was recorded. The postoperative follow-up duration varied from 1 month to 19 years, and only one case of unresectable, residual cervicofacial arteriovenous malformation was recorded. Conclusion: Auricular arteriovenous malformation is a rarely encountered disease, but should be suspected if a patient presents with a swollen ear and pulsatile tinnitus. Appropriate imaging is essential for diagnosis and evaluation of the extent of disease. As embolization affords only relatively poor control, total surgical removal of the vascular mass is recommended.

Resumo Introdução: Malformação Arteriovenosa Auricular da orelha externa é uma doença raramente observada, em particular, na região da aurícula, com hemorragia espontânea, tem sido infrequentemente relatada. Objetivo: No presente estudo, relatamos um caso incomum de malformação arteriovenosa auricular de início tardio originária da artéria auricular posterior confirmada por angiotomografia computadorizada. O caso foi controlado com sucesso por embolização endovascular pré-cirúrgica seguida por excisão completa da lesão. Além disso, nós também apresentamos uma revisão abrangente da literatura. Método: Um homem de 60 anos de idade com malformação arteriovenosa auricular direita tratado em nosso centro de atendimento terciário e 52 pacientes com malformação arteriovenosa auricular descritos em 10 relatos de casos e um estudo de revisão são apresentados. A malformação arteriovenosa auricular pode manifestar-se como inchaço da orelha, zumbido pulsátil, dor e/ou sangramento. Ao exame físico, um edema pulsátil e/ou uma massa sensível é evidente. Quando há suspeita de malformação arteriovenosa, as lesões devem ser visualizadas usando modalidades de imagem que detectam de maneira ideal as lesões vasculares, e tratadas por meio de embolização, excisão total da lesão, ou ressecção auricular. A eficácia dos vários métodos de diagnóstico utilizados e os desfechos do tratamento foram analisados. Resultados: Várias modalidades de imagem, incluindo ultrassonografia Doppler, angiotomografia computadorizada, angiografia por ressonância magnética e/ou angiografia cerebral transfemoral foram usadas para diagnosticar 38 casos relatados na literatura. Em outros 15 casos, nenhuma imagem foi realizada; o tratamento foi determinado unicamente pelo exame físico e ausculta. Do total de 53 casos, 12 não foram tratados (os seus sintomas foram apenas observados), enquanto que 20 foram submetidos a embolização terapêutica. No total, 32 doentes, incluindo um paciente que não foi tratado e 10 com malformação arteriovenosa persistente ou agravada após a embolização anterior, foram submetidos a excisão completa da lesão ou ressecção auricular, dependendo da extensão da lesão. Nenhuma complicação pós-operatória importante foi registrada. O tempo de seguimento pós-operatório variou de 1 mês a 19 anos, e apenas um caso de malformação arteriovenosa cervicofacial irressecável, residual foi registrado. Conclusão: A malformação arteriovenosa auricular é uma doença raramente encontrada, mas deve ser suspeitada se um paciente apresentar orelha inchada e zumbido pulsátil. A imagem apropriada é essencial para o diagnóstico e avaliação da extensão da doença. Como a embolização proporciona apenas um controle relativamente precário, a remoção cirúrgica total da lesão vascular é recomendada.

Dissecting aneurysm of the distal superior cerebellar artery ? Case report and assessment of endovascular treatment / Aneurisma dissecante da artéria cerebelar superior distal ? Relato de caso e avaliação do tratamento endovascular

Dissecting aneurysms located in peripheral regions of the cerebellar arteries are rare, and few cases have been described in the literature. Surgical treatment of these lesions may become difficult due to its relatively inaccessible location. Thus, the approach of these aneurysms through endovascular therapy may be an alternative treatment. We described a case of ruptured dissecting aneurysm located in the distal portion of the superior cerebellar artery, which was treated with endovascular embolization. We also discuss the results of endovascular therapy for this type of injury...

Aneurismas dissecantes localizados em regiões periféricas das artérias cerebelares são de ocorrência incomum e poucos casos têm sido descritos na literatura. O tratamento cirúrgico dessas lesões pode se tornar difícil por causa de sua localização relativamente inacessível. Assim, a abordagem desses aneurismas por terapia endovascular pode ser um método alternativo de tratamento. Descrevemos um caso de aneurisma dissecante roto localizado na porção distal da artéria cerebelar superior que foi tratado com embolização endovascular. Discutimos, também, os resultados da terapia endovascular para esse tipo de lesão...

A comparison between magnetic resonance angiography at 3 teslas (time-of-flight and contrast-enhanced) and flat-panel digital subtraction angiography in the assessment of embolized brain aneurysms

PURPOSE: To compare the time-of-flight and contrast-enhanced- magnetic resonance angiography techniques in a 3 Tesla magnetic resonance unit with digital subtraction angiography with the latest flat-panel technology and 3D reconstruction in the evaluation of embolized cerebral aneurysms. INTRODUCTION: Many embolized aneurysms are subject to a recurrence of intra-aneurismal filling. Traditionally, imaging surveillance of coiled aneurysms has consisted of repeated digital subtraction angiography. However, this method has a small but significant risk of neurological complications, and many authors have advocated the use of noninvasive imaging methods for the surveillance of embolized aneurysms. METHODS: Forty-three aneurysms in 30 patients were studied consecutively between November 2009 and May 2010. Two interventional neuroradiologists rated the time-of-flight-magnetic resonance angiography, the contrast-enhanced-magnetic resonance angiography, and finally the digital subtraction angiography, first independently and then in consensus. The status of aneurysm occlusion was assessed according to the Raymond scale, which indicates the level of recanalization according to degrees: Class 1: excluded aneurysm; Class 2: persistence of a residual neck; Class 3: persistence of a residual aneurysm. The agreement among the analyses was assessed by applying the Kappa statistic. RESULTS: Inter-observer agreement was excellent for both methods (K = 0.93; 95 percent CI: 0.84-1). Inter-technical agreement was almost perfect between time-of-flight-magnetic resonance angiography and digital subtraction angiography (K = 0.98; 95 percent CI: 0.93-1) and between time-of-flight-magnetic resonance angiography and contrast-enhanced-magnetic resonance angiography (K = 0.98; 95 percent CI: 0.93-1). Disagreement occurred in only one case (2.3 percent), which was classified as Class I by time-of-flight-magnetic resonance angiography and Class II by digital subtraction angiography. The agreement between contrast-enhanced-magnetic resonance angiography and digital subtraction angiography was perfect (K = 1; 95 percent CI: 1-1). In three patients, in-stent stenosis was identified by magnetic resonance angiography but not confirmed by digital subtraction angiography. CONCLUSION: Digital subtraction angiography and both 3T magnetic resonance angiography techniques have excellent reproducibility for the assessment of aneurysms embolized exclusively with coils. In those cases also treated with stent remodeling, digital subtraction angiography may still be necessary to confirm eventual parent artery stenosis, as identified by magnetic resonance angiography.

Evaluación comparativa de efectividad y costo/efectividad en terapias alternativas para algunas lesiones vasculares encefálicas: experiencia del autor y revisión de la literatura / Comparative assessment of effectiveness and cost/effectiveness in alternative therapies to vascular encephalic lesions: author experience and review

Las patologías vasculares encefálicas quirúrgicas (aneurismas, malformaciones arterio venosas) han experimentado uno de los avances más importantes dentro de la medicina en las últimas décadas en materias de diagnóstico y tratamiento. Técnicas de introducción relativamente reciente y contemporánea, como la micro neurocirugía, la terapia endovascular encefálica y la radiocirugía, lograron mejorar en magnitudes las posibilidades de diagnóstico y los resultados de los tratamiento en estas lesiones. En este contexto parece de suma importancia definir el rol que juega cada uno de estos tratamientos en el manejo de la patología; así como la participación de los profesionales involucrados en la toma de decisiones muchas veces complejas y no exentas de controversia. El análisis de los resultados clínicos, la efectividad y la relación costo/efectividad son fundamentales para tener claridad en nuestro enfrentamiento como neurocirujanos tratantes. Este análisis debe interpretar la experiencia internacional en estas materias y a la vez revisar la experiencia local, hecho de suma importancia, que muchas veces dejamos rezagado en nuestro medio. Este estudio revisa los tópicos mencionados, incluyendo la experiencia del autor y un análisis exhaustivo de la bibliografía universal. Los resultados y las conclusiones podrán servir como herramienta a la hora de buscar referentes locales y foráneos que avalen con solidez nuestras conductas diagnósticas y terapéuticas.

Surgical vascular brain diseases (aneurysms, arterio venous malformations) have experienced one of the most important advances in medicine in the last decades related, to diagnosis and treatment. Recently and contemporary developed techniques, like micro neurosurgery, endovascular therapy and radiosurgery, have remarkably improved the diagnostic possibilities and the treatment outcomes in this lesions. In this context, it seems to be of the most importance to define the part that each treatment plays in the management of these diseases; and the participation of the professionals linked to the decision making in issues frequently complex and controversial. The analysis of clinical outcomes, the effectiveness and the cost/effectiveness ratio are basic to be clear in our approaches like neurosurgeons. This article reviews the international literature in these topics and, at the same time, the local experience, a fact of enormous importance that we use to left behind. The previously mentioned issues are reviewed, including the author's own experience and an exhaustive bibliographic analysis. Some of the results and conclusions included article should be useful tools when searching for local and foreign references to endorse with strength our diagnostic and therapeutic behaviour.

Intrarenal pseudoaneurysm after percutaneous nephrolithotomy: angiotomographic assessment and endovascular management

We report a case of intrarenal pseudoaneurysm of the right kidney after percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in supine position. Diagnosis was established by angiotomography with a 3-D reconstruction. Treatment was successfully achieved by endovascular occlusion using N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate.