RESUMEN
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) assessment of hepatic vasculature can be challenging in the setting of liver disease and liver lesions. The widely used hepatobiliary contrast agent gadoxetate is an extracellular contrast agent that provides excellent soft tissue characterization but has limitations as a vascular contrast agent. Ferumoxytol is an iron oxide nanoparticle with superparamagnetic properties that can be used as blood pool contrast agent to provide dedicated vascular assessment. We provide a detailed protocol for evaluation of pediatric liver vasculature using ferumoxytol, after imaging of the parenchyma with gadoxetate. We provide multiple examples and discuss practical considerations when incorporating ferumoxytol into practice.
RESUMEN
Endoscopy is a technique used by interventional radiology (IR) in only a few centers throughout the United States. When used by IR, endoscopy is most well-known for its role in the treatment of hepatobiliary disease. However, its use with relation to pathology involving the gastrointestinal, genitourinary, and musculoskeletal systems is gaining momentum among IR. The purpose of this article is to demonstrate the potential benefits of IR endoscopy in nonbiliary intervention. A literature review, not requiring IRB approval, was performed via PubMed and Ovid Medline databases using the search terms "interventional radiology-operated endoscopy," "interventional endoscopy," "interventional radiology," "genitourinary," and "gastrointestinal." Literature describing IR endoscopy involving the gastrointestinal, genitourinary, and musculoskeletal systems were identified and described. Nine peer-reviewed articles were identified. While few studies were identified, a general theme suggesting a synergistic relationship between IR and endoscopy was noted. More studies are needed to better understand the role of endoscopy as a technique in the IR suite.