Radiofrequency ablation of subcapsular versus nonsubcapsular hepatocellular carcinomas ≤ 3 cm: analysis of long-term outcomes from two large-volume liver centers.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the safety and efficacy of RFA for single HCCs ≤ 3 cm in subcapsular versus nonsubcapsular locations using a propensity score matched analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included patients with solitary HCCs ≤ 3 cm in size who underwent percutaneous RFA from 2005 to 2015 as initial treatment at two large-volume liver centers. Patients were divided into two groups, consisting of those with subcapsular and nonsubcapsular tumor locations. Complications, local tumor progression (LTP), and overall survival (OS) were compared in these two groups before and after propensity score matching (PSM). RESULTS: The study population consisted of 964 patients (712 men [74%]) of mean age 58.3 years. Of these 964 patients, 561 (58%) had nonsubcapsular and 403 (42%) had subcapsular HCCs. PSM generated 402 pairs of patients. Major complication rate was low, but significantly higher in the subcapscular group (p = 0.047). Rates of technical effectiveness in these two groups were 99% and 98%, respectively (p = 0.315). However, during follow-up, cumulative 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year LTP and OS rates did significantly differ in both entire and PSM cohorts, resulting in the latter 8%, 15%, 20%, and 26% in the nonsubcapsular group vs. 13%, 24%, 30%, and 31% in the subcapsular group (p = 0.015), and 99%, 91%, 80%, and 59% vs. 98%, 85%, 73%, and 50% in the two groups (p = 0.004), respectively. CONCLUSION: Rates of major complications, LTP, and OS differed significantly following first-line RFA treatment of single HCCs ≤ 3 cm in favor of the nonsubcapsular locations. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: This large-scale study provides evidence that radiofrequency ablation for small (≤ 3 cm) hepatocellular carcinomas is safer and more effective in nonsubcapsular location than in subcapsular location. KEY POINTS: • There exist conflicting outcomes on the effectiveness of RFA for early HCC depending on tumor location. • Rate of local tumor progression was significantly higher in the subcapsular hepatocellular carcinomas. • Overall survival rate was significantly poorer in the subcapsular hepatocellular carcinomas.

Efficacy of intra-arterial lidocaine administration on pain and inflammatory response after uterine artery embolization for symptomatic fibroids.

BACKGROUND: There have been conflicting outcomes regarding the use of lidocaine to reduce pain after uterine artery embolization (UAE). PURPOSE: To investigate the efficacy of intra-arterial lidocaine injection for pain and inflammatory response control within 24 h of UAE for symptomatic uterine fibroids. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Of 1530 patients who underwent UAE for uterine fibroids in 2007-2021, 5 mL of 1% lidocaine was injected into each uterine artery immediately after UAE in 23 patients. A disease-matched control group (n = 23) who did not receive intra-arterial lidocaine was generated from the same registry. The pain score, white blood cell (WBC) count, C-reactive protein (CRP), neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and fentanyl consumption were compared before and after UAE. Complete infarction of the dominant fibroid was assessed using magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS: Significantly lower WBC count, CRP level, and NLR were noted 24 h after UAE in the lidocaine group. No statistically significant difference was noted in the pain score between groups at 0-24 h. The cumulative fentanyl dose administered during the first 24 h after UAE was not significantly different. After embolization, fibroid-related symptoms resolved in all patients. No significant difference was observed in the rate of complete infarction of the dominant fibroid. CONCLUSION: Lidocaine administration immediately after UAE resulted in a significant reduction in the inflammatory response. However, such a difference in the inflammatory reaction did not contribute to significant reductions in pain scores or fentanyl consumption.

Robot-Assisted Transarterial Chemoembolization of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Using a Coaxial Microcatheter Driving Controller-Responder Robot System: Clinical Pilot Study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the feasibility and safety of robot-assisted transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) using a new coaxial microcatheter driving controller-responder robot (CRR) system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A single-center prospective pilot study approved by the institutional review board was conducted using this CRR developed after analyzing 20 cases of conventional TACE procedures from May to October 2021. The study included 10 patients with HCCs: 5 (median age, 72 years; range, 64-73 years) underwent robot-assisted TACE, and 5 (median age, 57 years; range, 44-76 years) underwent conventional TACE for comparison. The feasibility and safety of robot-assisted TACE were evaluated by assessing the technical success, procedure time, adverse event rate, radiation dose, and early tumor response. RESULTS: The entire TACE procedure was divided into 30 steps, of which 8 could be robotized. In robot-assisted TACE, technical success was achieved in 4 (80%) of 5 patients. No procedure-related adverse event was observed. The median procedure time was 56 minutes. At the 1-month follow-up, 3 of the 4 patients showed a complete or partial response after robot-assisted TACE. The median radiation doses for the operator and patients were 0.4 and 2,167.5 µSv in robot-assisted TACE and 53.2 and 2,989.7 µSv in conventional TACE, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Robot-assisted TACE using a new CRR system was feasible and safe for the treatment of HCC and could remarkably decrease radiation exposure for the operators.

Surgical Findings and Outcomes of Endotension Following Endovascular Aneurysm Repair.

BACKGROUND: Endotension is one of the detrimental complications after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) and surgical management has been considered as standard of care. However, there is a paucity of data regarding the findings, and outcomes of such surgical intervention. The aim of this study was to investigate intraoperative findings and outcomes of surgical treatment for endotension after EVAR. METHODS: Between January 2005 and October 2018, of the 708 patients who underwent EVAR for aneurysm aortic aneurysm; 12 patients (mean age of 76.1; range 66-88) who underwent open repair for endotension were retrospectively analyzed. The anatomical characteristics of the aorta and surgical findings were reviewed. The rates of early and late procedural complications, and overall mortality were evaluated. RESULTS: The median interval between the EVAR and surgical conversion was 45.9 months (range 17.1-46.9). Three of the twelve patients underwent emergency surgery due to aneurysm rupture. The median aneurysm sac size, the proximal neck diameter, and the proximal neck length before EVAR were 64 mm, 23.5 mm, and 30.5 mm, respectively, that changed before open repair to 93.5 mm (P = 0.02), 25 mm (P = 0.011), and 23 mm (P = 0.003), respectively. In four of the twelve patients, radiographically undetected endoleak was identified during surgery to be Type Ia, Ib, II, and III, respectively. The rates of early and late procedural complications, and overall mortality were 8.3%, 8.3% and 8.3%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with endotension have a risk of delayed endoleak and aneurysm rupture; secondary intervention should be performed in such cases to prevent fatal complications. Surgical treatment appears to be a curative treatment for endotension with favorable outcomes. In addition, the possibility of an undetected endoleak should be considered as a potential cause of endotension.

Effects of irreversible electroporation on femoral nerves in a rabbit model.

INTRODUCTION: Irreversible electroporation (IRE) is a novel technique that uses a non-thermal ablation to avoid adjacent major structure injury. The aim of this study was to sequentially evaluate the effects of IRE on the femoral nerve during acute-to-delayed periods in a rabbit model. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ultrasound-guided IRE of femoral neurovascular bundles was performed in seven rabbits. Functional and histopathologic evaluation was performed sequentially after IRE. The extent of nerve fiber affected, and the proportion of perineurial inflammation and surrounding tissue injury were recorded. RESULTS: After IRE, femoral nerve function was damaged before four weeks, but then gradually returned to normal. Perineural inflammatory cell infiltration was most severe three days after IRE (80-85%), and was normalized after eight weeks. Surrounding tissue injury was prominent at three days and one week after IRE (80-90%), and then gradually recovered. However, peripheral nerve fibers were markedly damaged at one and two weeks (80-100%). Nerve fibers then recovered and were normalized at eight weeks. CONCLUSION: Nerve tissue injury with transient functional impairment can occur after IRE. However, endoneurial and epineurial extracellular matrix were preserved with Schwann cell regeneration, which could lead to regeneration of nerve tissues within eight weeks.

Nonspherical Polyvinyl Alcohol Particles versus Tris-Acryl Microspheres: Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Pain after Uterine Artery Embolization for Symptomatic Fibroids.

Background Data are limited regarding comparison between nonspherical polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) particles and tris-acryl gelatin microspheres (TAGM) in uterine artery embolization (UAE). Purpose To compare pain after UAE with PVA versus TAGM for treatment of symptomatic fibroids. Materials and Methods In this randomized clinical trial, participants were assigned to be administered nonspherical PVA (355-550 µm) or TAGM (500-700 µm). Both groups were administered fentanyl-based intravenous patient-controlled analgesia during the first 24 hours after UAE and rescue analgesics. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio was measured to assess inflammatory response. Contrast-enhanced MRI 1 day after UAE was used to evaluate dominant fibroid necrosis and ischemia of normal myometrium. Symptom severity score and health-related quality-of-life score were assessed before and 3 months after UAE. Variables measured over time were analyzed by using the generalized estimating equation method. Results A total of 54 participants (mean age, 44 years ± 4 [standard deviation]) were evaluated (27 participants in each group). Although pain scores and fentanyl dose were not different during the first 24 hours, use of rescue analgesics was higher in the PVA group (33% vs 11%; P = .049). After embolization, symptom severity score and health-related quality-of-life score were not different between groups (symptom severity score: 16 [interquartile range, 6-22] for PVA vs 19 [interquartile range, 9-34] for TAGM, P = .45; health-related quality-of-life score: 93 [interquartile range, 80-97] for PVA vs 89 [interquartile range, 84-96] for TAGM, P = .41). Changes in neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio from before to 24 hours after UAE were greater in the PVA group (3.9 [interquartile range, 2.7-6.8] for PVA and 2.5 [interquartile range, 1.5-4.6] for TAGM; P = .02). Rates of complete dominant fibroid necrosis were not different between groups, but transient global uterine ischemia of normal myometrium was more frequent in the PVA group (44% vs 15%; P = .04). Conclusion When used in uterine artery embolization, polyvinyl alcohol particles and tris-acryl gelatin microspheres resulted in similar pain scores and fentanyl dose. Polyvinyl alcohol resulted in a greater inflammatory response, higher rates of rescue analgesic use, and more frequent transient global uterine ischemia. © RSNA, 2020 See also the editorial by Spies and Frenk in this issue.

Comparison of the therapeutic efficacy and ovarian reserve between catheter-directed sclerotherapy and surgical excision for ovarian endometrioma.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the efficacies of catheter-directed sclerotherapy (CDS) with 99% ethanol and surgery for ovarian endometrioma and their impact on the ovarian reserve. METHODS: From January 2011 to June 2019, 71 patients who underwent surgical excision (n = 51) or CDS (n = 20) for symptomatic ovarian endometriomas were reviewed. To analyze the effect on the ovarian reserve, serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels were compared before and after the procedure. Symptoms, serum cancer antigen 125 (CA-125), lesion size, recurrence, hospitalization, and complications were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: During a mean follow-up of 22.3 months (range, 6 to 94 months), no significant difference in symptom relief was found between CDS and surgery (95.0% [19/20] and 92.2% [47/51], respectively, p > 0.999). The hospital stay was shorter with CDS than with surgery (2.6 ± 0.6 days and 4.1 ± 0.5 days, respectively, p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in serum AMH levels before and after CDS (2.3 (interquartile range (IQR) 1.1-5.3) ng/mL and 2.6 (IQR 0.9-4.9) ng/mL, respectively, p = 0.243), but there was a significant decrease in serum AMH in the surgery group (3.0 (IQR 1.3-5.5) ng/mL and 1.6 (IQR 0.7-3.2) ng/mL, respectively, p < 0.001). CA-125 decreased in both CDS and surgery groups (p = 0.001 and < 0.001, respectively). Two minor complications occurred in the surgery group, while no complication was observed in the CDS group. CONCLUSIONS: The therapeutic efficacy of CDS appears to be comparable to that of surgical resection for ovarian endometrioma. Ovarian function was well-preserved, and a shorter hospital stay was required in patients who underwent CDS. KEY POINTS: • There was no significant difference in symptom relief between CDS and surgery (95.0% [19/20], 92.2% [47/51], respectively, p >0.999). • No significant difference in serum AMH levels was seen before and after CDS (2.3 (1.1, 5.3)* ng/mL, 2.6 (0.9, 4.9)* ng/mL, respectively, p = 0.243), whereas serum AMH levels significantly decreased after surgical resection (3.0 (1.3, 5.5)* ng/mL, 1.6 (0.7, 3.2)* ng/mL, respectively, p <0.001). *Median (25 quartiles, 75 quartiles) • The hospitalization period was shorter with CDS than with surgery (2.6 ± 0.6 days, 4.1 ± 0.5 days, respectively, p <0.001).

Comparative Outcome Analysis of N-Butyl Cyanoacrylate Embolization of the False Lumen Versus Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair in Aortic Dissection.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of N-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA) embolization for the treatment of aortic dissection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this single-center retrospective study conducted from February 2003 to June 2019, NBCA embolization of an aortic false lumen was attempted in 12 patients (median age, 59 y; range, 41-68 y) and thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) was performed in 53 patients (median age, 59 y; range, 37-70 y) for aortic dissection with one or more indications of persisting pain, malperfusion, rupture or impending rupture, maximal aortic diameter ≥ 55 mm, and/or rapid aortic enlargement. The main exclusion criterion for embolization was the presence of fast blood flow in the aortic false lumen on aortography. The efficacy of NBCA embolization and TEVAR was compared by evaluating technical and clinical outcomes, repeat intervention-free survival (RFS), and overall survival (OS). RESULTS: Technical success was achieved in 11 of the 12 patients treated with NBCA embolization (91.7%), and clinical success was achieved in 9 of these 11 (81.8%). No significant difference was found between embolization and TEVAR in clinical success rates (embolization, 81.8%; TEVAR, 84.9%; P = .409) or procedure-related complications (embolization, 1 patient [8.3%]; TEVAR, 4 patients [7.5%]; P = .701). In addition, embolization showed comparable 5-y RFS (embolization, 82.5% ± 9.3; TEVAR, 85.5% ± 4.8; P = .641) and 5-y OS (embolization, 100%; TEVAR, 95.4% ± 3.2; P = .744) rates to TEVAR. CONCLUSIONS: NBCA embolization of the false lumen in aortic dissection seems to be a safe and effective treatment modality for the closure of false lumen in selected patients.

Superselective transcatheter arterial embolization for acute small bowel bleeding: clinical outcomes and prognostic factors for ischemic complications.

BACKGROUND: Small bowel bleeding (SBB) accounts for 5%-10% of all cases of acute gastrointestinal bleeding. Transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) plays an important role in the treatment of SBB. PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of superselective TAE exclusively for SBB and to assess factors associated with clinical outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From January 2006 to April 2017, 919 patients were admitted with signs and symptoms of gastrointestinal bleeding; 74 patients (mean age = 57.5 years; age range = 14-82 years) with positive angiographic findings for SBB were retrospectively analyzed. The technical success of TAE and clinical outcomes, including recurrent bleeding, major complications, and in-hospital mortality were evaluated. The associations of various clinical and technical factors with clinical outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: The bleeding foci were in the ileum in 48 (65%) patients and the jejunum in 26 (35%). Technical success was achieved in 72 (97%) patients. The rates of recurrent bleeding, major complications, and in-hospital mortality were 12% (7/57), 21% (15/71), and 25% (18/72), respectively. Superselective embolization was a significant prognostic factor associated with fewer major complications (OR = 0.069; P = 0.003). The increased number of embolized vasa recta was significantly associated with a higher probability of major complications (OR = 2.64; P < 0.001). The use of N-butyl cyanoacrylate was associated with lower rates of major complication (OR = 0.257; P = 0.027). CONCLUSION: TAE is a safe and effective treatment modality for SBB. In addition, whenever possible, TAE should be performed in a superselective manner to minimize ischemic complications.

Initial experience of irreversible electroporation for locally advanced pancreatic cancer in a Korean population.

BACKGROUND: Locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) is one of the most aggressive malignancies. Irreversible electroporation (IRE) is a novel technique that uses a non-thermal ablation to avoid vessel or duct injury. PURPOSE: To investigate the safety and efficacy of IRE for the management of LAPC in a Korean population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twelve patients (median age 64 years; age range 46-73 years) treated between December 2015 and March 2017 underwent intraoperative IRE for LAPC. Technical success and clinical outcomes, including complications, serum pancreatic enzyme levels, overall survival (OS), and progression-free survival (PFS), were evaluated. RESULTS: Tumors were located in the pancreas head in 7 (58.3%) patients and in the body/tail in 5 (41.7%) patients. The median tumor diameter in the longest axis was 3.1 cm. Vascular invasion was observed in all patients and bowel abutment in 3 (25%) patients. Technical success was achieved in all patients. The median serum levels of amylase and lipase were 55 U/L and 31 U/L, respectively, at baseline, increased to 141.5 U/L (P = 0.008) and 53 U/L (P = 0.505), respectively, one day after IRE, and normalized after one week. The rate of 30-day mortality of unknown relation was 8.3% (one individual experienced massive hematemesis 12 days after IRE). The median OS from diagnosis and IRE was 24.5 months and 13.5 months, respectively. The median PFS from diagnosis and IRE was 19.2 months and 8.6 months, respectively. CONCLUSION: For patients with LAPC, IRE appears to be a promising treatment modality with an acceptable safety profile.

The Role of Zinc in Copper Homeostasis of Aspergillus fumigatus.

Copper is an essential metal ion that performs many physiological functions in living organisms. Deletion of Afmac1, which is a copper-responsive transcriptional activator in A. fumigatus, results in a growth defect on aspergillus minimal medium (AMM). Interestingly, we found that zinc starvation suppressed the growth defect of the Δafmac1 strain on AMM. In addition, the growth defect of the Δafmac1 strain was recovered by copper supplementation or introduction of the CtrC gene into the Δafmac1 strain. However, chelation of copper by addition of BCS to AMM failed to recover the growth defect of the Δafmac1 strain. Through Northern blot analysis, we found that zinc starvation upregulated CtrC and CtrA2, which encode membrane copper transporters. Interestingly, we found that the conserved ZafA binding motif 5'-CAA(G)GGT-3' was present in the upstream region of CtrC and CtrA2 and that mutation of the binding motif led to failure of ZafA binding to the upstream region of CtrC and upregulation of CtrC expression under zinc starvation. Furthermore, the binding activity of ZafA to the upstream region of CtrC was inversely proportional to the zinc concentration, and copper inhibited the binding of ZafA to the upstream region of CtrC under a low zinc concentration. Taken together, these results suggest that ZafA upregulates copper metabolism by binding to the ZafA binding motif in the CtrC promoter region under low zinc concentration, thus regulating copper homeostasis. Furthermore, we found that copper and zinc interact in cells to maintain metal homeostasis.

Clinical Results of Transarterial Embolization to Control Postoperative Vascular Complications after Partial Nephrectomy.

PURPOSE: We evaluated the safety and clinical efficacy of transarterial embolization of vascular complications after partial nephrectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 1,187 patients who underwent partial nephrectomy between January 2006 and December 2017. A total of 36 patients were referred to the interventional radiology department for vascular complications after partial nephrectomy. Data on demographics, clinical manifestations, angiographic findings, the embolization procedure, perioperative details, and technical and clinical success rates were analyzed. Further, renal function was recorded at diagnosis, after embolization and at the last followup. RESULTS: Hemorrhage was diagnosed a median of 5 days (range 0 to 89) postoperatively. The incidence of requiring embolization due to hemorrhage after laparoscopic surgery (5.9% or 17 of 289 cases) was higher than that after open surgery (1.8% or 8 of 440, p = 0.003) and robot-assisted surgery (2.4% or 11 of 458, p = 0.014). The technical and clinical success rates were 100% (36 of 36 patients) and 94.4% (34 of 36) with 2 patients requiring additional embolization with n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate glue. The mean ± SD estimated glomerular filtration rate at diagnosis, after embolization and at last followup was 81.0 ± 21.6, 83.7 ± 21.0 and 84.9 ± 15.8 ml/minute/1.73 m2, respectively (p = 0.345). No major complication was observed during followup. CONCLUSIONS: Transarterial embolization is safe and effective for managing vascular complications after partial nephrectomy. Moreover, renal function was well preserved with super selective transarterial embolization.

Late open conversion after thoracic endovascular aortic repair.

OBJECTIVE: With the increasing use of endovascular aortic repair, open repair after aortic stent grafting is of increasing interest. We retrospectively reviewed cases of late open conversion for complications after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). METHODS: TEVAR due to aortic aneurysm and dissection was performed in 538 patients between 1994 and 2017. A total of 33 patients, including 4 patients referred from other centers, required late conversion to open repair; 14 (42.4%) patients required circulatory arrest for aortic arch involvement. The mean interval to open conversion after TEVAR was 33.9 months (range, 1-123 months). Demographics of the patients, reason for conversion, surgical techniques, surgical outcomes, and survival were reviewed. RESULTS: Indications for late open conversion included type I endoleak (14), stent graft-induced new entry intimal tear (6), retrograde type A dissection (4), stent migration and fracture (3), stent graft infection (3), sac enlargement without endoleak (1), aortopulmonary fistula (1), and stent implantation failure (1). Hospital mortality was 9.1% (3/33). All occurred in the patients with arch involvement. The patients had several major morbidities; six patients (18.1%) had pulmonary complications, two (6.1%) suffered a stroke, one (3.0%) experienced paraplegia, and one (3.0%) had renal failure. Overall survival rates at 1 year, 5 years, and 10 years were 84.5% ± 6.4%, 74.5% ± 8.7%, and 67.1% ± 10.1%, respectively. The arch involvement group (48.1% ± 15.7%) had significantly worse 10-year survival than the no arch involvement group (86.1% ± 9.4%; P = .048). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the complexity of TEVAR, open conversion due to late complications can be performed successfully with acceptable results. However, cases involving the aortic arch have relatively worse outcomes. Lifelong surveillance is mandatory, and early decision-making about open conversion before the development of a complicated aortic arch lesion is suggested to achieve better outcomes.

Late complications after hybrid aortic arch repair.

OBJECTIVE: Although hybrid arch repair has gained widespread application as an alternative option for high-risk patients, concerns about its long-term durability remain an important issue. The aim of this study was to investigate late complications after hybrid arch repair. METHODS: From January 2002 to December 2017, hybrid arch repair was performed in 65 patients with aortic arch disease (median age, 66.1 years; range, 41-86 years). Hybrid arch repair was defined as debranching involving at least one supra-aortic vessel bypass and simultaneous or staged endovascular thoracic stent grafting. We retrospectively analyzed late complications including reintervention, open conversion, and aortic-related death. The median follow-up period was 60.1 months (range, 1-170 months). RESULTS: The in-hospital mortality rate was 6% (4/65). Except for early death (n = 4) and early open conversion (n = 2), late complications were observed in 25 patients (25/59 [42%]). The median time interval between the initial procedure and late complication was 36.6 months (range, 1-92 months). Late complications included delayed type I endoleak (n = 8), distal stent-induced new entry (n = 3), stent migration (n = 3), retrograde type A dissection (n = 2), aortopulmonary fistula (n = 2), aortoesophageal fistula (n = 1), stent fracture (n = 1), infection (n = 1), and sudden death (n = 4). Six of these patients (10%) underwent late open conversion. The overall survival rates at 3 years and 6 years were 71.1 ± 7.4% and 57.2 ± 11.3%, respectively. The aortic event-free rates at 3 years and 6 years were 52.1 ± 7.3% and 39.4 ± 10.3%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Late complications in hybrid arch repair occurred in a substantial proportion of patients during midterm follow-up. Regardless of zone type, the incidence of late complications was relatively high. This study suggests that timely reintervention and open conversion are important for rescuing patients, but repeated reinterventions and conservative strategies are not recommended. Aggressive management and life-long surveillance after hybrid arch repair are mandatory for better outcomes.

Transcatheter arterial embolisation for acute lower gastrointestinal haemorrhage: a single-centre study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the safety and efficacy of transcatheter arterial embolisation (TAE) in the management of lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) and to identify predictors of clinical outcomes. METHODS: Between December 2005 and April 2017, 274 patients underwent diagnostic angiography for signs and symptoms of LGIB; 134 patients with positive angiographic findings were retrospectively analysed. The technical success of TAE and clinical outcomes, including recurrent bleeding, major complications, and in-hospital mortality were evaluated. The associations of various clinical and technical factors with clinical outcomes were analysed. Predictors for clinical outcomes were evaluated using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: A total of 134 patients (mean age, 59.7 years; range, 14-82 years) underwent TAE for LGIB. The bleeding foci were in the small bowel in 74 patients (55.2%), colon in 35 (26.1%), and rectum in 25 (18.7%). Technical success was achieved in 127 patients (94.8%). The clinical success rate was 63% (80/127). The rates of recurrent bleeding, major complications, and in-hospital mortality were 27.9% (31/111), 18.5% (23/124), and 23.6% (33/127), respectively. Superselective embolisation and the use of N-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA) were significant prognostic factors associated with reduced recurrent bleeding (OR, 0.258; p = 0.004 for superselective embolisation, OR, 0.313; p = 0.01 for NBCA) and fewer major complications (OR, 0.087; p ˂ 0.001 for superselective embolisation, OR, 0.272; p = 0.007 for NBCA). CONCLUSIONS: TAE is an effective treatment modality for LGIB. Superselective embolisation is essential to reduce recurrent bleeding and avoid major complications. NBCA appears to be a preferred embolic agent. KEY POINTS: • Transcatheter arterial Embolisation (TAE) is a safe and effective treatment for lower gastrointestinal tract haemorrhage. • Superselective embolisation is essential to improve outcomes. • N-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA) appears to be a preferred embolic agent with better clinical outcomes.

Safety and Efficacy of Percutaneous Cryoablation for Small Hepatocellular Carcinomas Adjacent to the Heart.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of percutaneous cryoablation for treatment of the left subdiaphragmatic small hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) adjacent to the heart. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between September 2013 and March 2018, 189 consecutive patients underwent cryoablation for small HCCs (≤3 cm); 70 patients (mean: 61.3 ± 10.6 years of age; range: 40-82 years) with left hepatic tumors (22 juxtacardiac and 48 nonjuxtacardiac tumors) were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into juxtacardiac and nonjuxtacardiac tumor groups (tumor margins: ≤10 mm and >10 mm, respectively, from the heart border). The rates of technical success, complete ablation, complications, and local tumor recurrence (LTR) were evaluated. RESULTS: No significant intergroup differences were observed in the mean diameter of the tumor (17.9 ± 5.5 mm vs. 17.5 mm ± 5.2, respectively; P = 0.781) and of the ablation zone (41.3 ± 4.2 mm vs. 43.5 ± 5.8 mm, respectively; P = 0.115). Technical success was achieved in all patients. No procedure-related major complications occurred in either group. The median follow-up period was 15 months (range: 3.1-49.6 months). No statistically significant intergroup differences were observed in the rates of complete ablation (90.9% vs. 93.8%, respectively; P = 0.646) and LTR (20% vs. 15.6%, respectively; P = 0.725). CONCLUSIONS: Cryoablation is a safe treatment modality for patients with juxtacardiac small HCCs, without an increased risk of cardiac complications compared to treatment of HCCs that are nonjuxtacardiac, and with comparable efficacy.

Uterine Artery Embolization in Patients With Autoimmune Disease: A Matched Case-Control Study.

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study is to investigate the safety of uterine artery embolization (UAE) for symptomatic leiomyomas in patients with autoimmune disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Of 1183 patients who underwent UAE for symptomatic leiomyomas, nine patients (mean age, 42.6 years; range, 34-49 years) with autoimmune disease were included in this study. An age- and disease-matched control group (n = 8) was randomly generated from our patient registry to compare the effectiveness and safety of UAE in patients with autoimmune disease. Volume reduction rates of the uterus and dominant leiomyoma and the change in C-reactive protein (CRP) levels before and after UAE were compared. RESULTS. Except for one patient who had Takayasu arteritis and indiscernible uterine arteries on angiogram, UAE was technically successful in both groups. All of the patients who underwent technically successful UAE experienced improvement or resolution of symptoms (16/16; 100%). Complete necrosis of dominant fibroids was achieved in all patients (16/16; 100%). Although there was no significant difference in the mean initial CRP level before UAE (0.4 ± 0.14 mg/L vs 1.06 ± 1.26 mg/L; p = 0.067), it was significantly higher in the autoimmune group 1 day after UAE (1.23 ± 0.6 mg/L vs 9.54 ± 6.63 mg/L; p = 0.001). There was no significant difference in the volume reduction rates of uterus and dominant leiomyoma. In the autoimmune group, there was one major adverse event that was not related to underlying disease. CONCLUSION. In patients with autoimmune disease, UAE could be considered for symptomatic leiomyomas, as long as the underlying disease is well controlled.

Catheter-directed Sclerotherapy for Ovarian Endometrioma: Short-term Outcomes.

Purpose To evaluate the effectiveness of catheter-directed sclerotherapy (CDS) with 95% ethanol in patients with primary or recurrent ovarian endometriomas. Materials and Methods In this prospective study, 14 participants (mean age, 32 years; range, 20-44 years) who underwent CDS for ovarian endometrioma from March 2015 to December 2017 were evaluated. Diagnosis was based on symptoms and imaging studies. To assess the impact of CDS on ovarian reserve, serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) was measured before CDS and 6 months after CDS. Serum cancer antigen 125 (CA-125) levels were also measured at the same time points. Follow-up US was performed 1, 3, and 6 months after CDS and biannually thereafter to monitor potential cyst size change and recurrence. Comparison of AMH, CA-125, and cyst size before and after CDS was performed by using the paired t test or Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results Mean endometrioma size decreased from 5.8 cm ± 2.2 to 1.1 cm ± 1 (P ˂ .001). During a mean follow-up of 12.7 months (range, 6.1-23.0 months), there were no recurrences of endometrioma. Pain was relieved in all participants, with a decrease in serum CA-125 level (P = .001). There was no difference in serum AMH level before and 6 months after CDS, indicating well-preserved ovarian function (4.29 ng/mL ± 2.47 vs 4.36 ng/mL ± 1.94, respectively; P > .875). There were no procedure-related complications. Conclusion Catheter-based sclerotherapy with 95% ethanol can lead to better short-term clinical outcomes and well-preserved ovarian function for patients with endometriomas. © RSNA, 2018.

Uterine Artery Embolization for Pedunculated Subserosal Leiomyomas: Evidence of Safety and Efficacy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate safety and efficacy of uterine artery embolization (UAE) for pedunculated subserosal (PS) leiomyomas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Of 1,069 patients who underwent UAE for symptomatic leiomyomas or adenomyosis from 2007 to 2016, 55 patients (mean age 40.3 y ± 4.8) with 66 PS leiomyomas (mean diameter 6.61 cm ± 2.04) were enrolled. Each PS leiomyoma was categorized into 1 of 2 groups: high-risk PS leiomyoma (stalk diameter < 25% of diameter of leiomyoma) and low-risk PS leiomyoma (stalk diameter 25%-50% of diameter of leiomyoma). MR imaging was performed 3 months after UAE. Rates of infarction and volume reduction were compared between PS leiomyomas and non-PS dominant leiomyomas and between high-risk and low-risk PS leiomyomas. Complications related to PS leiomyomas were assessed. RESULTS: At a median follow-up of 96 days (range, 36-348 d) after UAE, none of the patients (0%) had complications related to PS leiomyomas, even among high-risk cases. Mean volume reductions of 38.2% and 38.4% were achieved for PS leiomyomas and non-PS dominant leiomyomas, respectively (P = .953). There were 3 (5.5%) minor adverse events, but none were related to PS leiomyoma. There was no significant difference in volume reduction and infarction rates between low-risk and high-risk PS leiomyomas. CONCLUSIONS: UAE is safe and effective in patients with PS leiomyomas even for high-risk cases (stalk diameter < 25% of diameter of leiomyoma). PS leiomyoma should not be considered a contraindication for UAE.

Safety and effectiveness of transarterial embolization for splenic artery hemorrhage in patients undergoing radical gastrectomy.

Background Perigastric lymph nodes are dissected during gastrectomy, potentially resulting in life-threatening postoperative bleeding. Purpose To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of transarterial embolization (TAE) for bleeding from the splenic artery in patients who underwent gastrectomy. Material and Methods Between January 2004 and December 2016, 14,523 patients underwent gastrectomy at our institution, and ten patients (nine men; mean age = 64.7 years; age range = 51-80 years) underwent TAE for postoperative bleeding from the splenic artery. The location of bleeding was classified as either: (i) the main splenic artery (MSA) or (ii) the parenchymal splenic artery (PSA). The clinical outcomes of TAE were explored. Results Bleeding occurred at a median of 13.5 days (range = 4-34 days) after gastrectomy. The onset of bleeding was late in all patients and clinically manifested as abdominal bleeding in seven patients and luminal bleeding in three patients. Technical and clinical success rates were 100% and 70%, respectively. The three major complications occurred only in patients with MSA bleeding, resulting in two 30-day mortality cases and one splenic abscess with fistula formation to the jejunum. The causes of death were infarctions in the spleen and/or remnant stomach and sepsis. Conclusion TAE seems to be effective in stabilizing patients with bleeding from the splenic artery. Moreover, TAE with curative intent may be performed for bleeding from the PSA; however, further resection of the remnant stomach and/or spleen seems to be required to avoid sepsis and mortality in case of bleeding from the MSA.