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.

Aortic Remodeling and Clinical Outcomes in Type B Aortic Dissection According to the Timing of Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair.

BACKGROUND: The objective of the study was to investigate aortic remodeling and clinical outcomes after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for type B aortic dissection (AD) according to timing of the procedure. METHODS: A total of 87 patients with type B AD who underwent TEVAR at 2 centers were included in this retrospective analysis. Patients were divided into acute/subacute (≤6 weeks, n = 35), early chronic (6 weeks to 1 year, n = 20), and late chronic (>1 year, n = 32) groups according to the timing of TEVAR after symptom onset. Changes in aorta dimensions on serial computed tomography angiograms and clinical outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: AD complications were the most common indication for TEVAR in the acute/subacute group, whereas aortic expansion was the main reason in the early and late chronic groups. Maximum total aorta diameter (46.6 ± 10.6 vs. 54.8 ± 9.8 vs. 56.7 ± 10.1 mm, P < 0.001) and false lumen diameter (30.9 ± 11.0 vs. 35.2 ± 12.0 vs. 39.9 ± 13.4 mm, P = 0.013) were smaller in the acute/subacute group than in the early and late chronic groups. At 1-year follow-up, maximum total aorta diameter was decreased in the acute/subacute and early chronic groups and increased in the late chronic group (-4.3 ± 9.3 vs. -5.2 ± 6.9 vs. 2.5 ± 4.6 mm, P < 0.001). Survival free from the major adverse aortic event (death, aortic rupture, or reintervention) at 5 years after TEVAR was lowest in the late chronic group (92.6% vs. 88.2% vs. 73.1%, P = 0.033) but not significantly different between the acute/subacute and early chronic groups (P = 0.680). CONCLUSIONS: TEVAR in the acute/subacute and early chronic phases of type B AD resulted in similar aortic remodeling and clinical outcomes, which were more favorable than those with TEVAR performed during late chronic AD. This finding suggests 1 year after the onset of type B AD symptoms as the upper time threshold for TEVAR to achieve optimal aortic remodeling and safety.

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 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.

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.

Risk factors for stent graft-induced new entry after thoracic endovascular aortic repair for Stanford type B aortic dissection.

OBJECTIVE: Stent graft-induced new entry (SINE) has been increasingly observed after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for Stanford type B aortic dissection. SINE is often life threatening, and reintervention is required. This study investigated risk factors for SINE after TEVAR. METHODS: From July 2001 to June 2013, we retrospectively analyzed data from 79 patients who underwent TEVAR for Stanford type B aortic dissection. TEVAR was performed in 17 patients ≤2 weeks (acute) after the diagnosis of aortic dissection and in the remaining 62 patients >2 weeks (chronic) after diagnosis. Forty-two of the patients underwent TEVAR with modified stent graft with an "inwardly bent" margin, and the remaining 37 underwent TEVAR with a conventional stent graft. The maximal diameter, minimal diameter, mean diameter, circumference, and area of the true lumen were analyzed. Taper ratio and oversizing ratio were evaluated and compared between the SINE and non-SINE groups, and cutoff values of taper ratio and oversizing ratio for prediction of SINE were determined using receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis. The cumulative incidence of SINE was estimated with the Kaplan-Meier method. The multivariate Cox proportional hazards model was used to identify independent predictive variables for SINE. RESULTS: SINE occurred in 21 patients (26.5%) and occurred more frequently in patients with chronic dissection than in those with acute dissection (32.3% vs 5.9%; P = .032). The Kaplan-Meier curves were significantly different (P = .016) between these groups. The incidence of SINE events was not significantly different between the modified stent group and nonmodified stent group (23.8% vs 36.0%; P = .284). The taper ratio and oversizing ratio by maximal diameter, mean diameter, circumference, and area were significantly higher in the SINE group than in the non-SINE group, and Kaplan-Meier curves were significantly different between groups above and below optimal cutoff value (P < .0005 to .003). According to multivariate analysis, the hazard ratios of chronic aortic dissection were 6.30 (95% confidence interval, 0.83-47.74; P = .075) to 7.80 (95% confidence interval, 1.03-59.07; P = .047). The taper ratio and oversizing ratio calculated by maximal diameter, mean diameter, circumference, and area were independent predictors of the development of SINE. CONCLUSIONS: Distal oversizing of the stent graft was an independent predictor of the development of SINE. Appropriate size selection of stent graft without distal oversizing might reduce the risk of late SINE events.

Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Radiologic Pigtail-Retained Gastrostomy and Radiologic Mushroom-Retained Gastrostomy.

PURPOSE: To prospectively compare 2 different types of percutaneous fluoroscopic gastrostomy procedures (pigtail-retained gastrostomy [PG] vs mushroom-retained gastrostomy [MG]). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between March 2014 and February 2016, 100 patients were randomly assigned to receive 14-F PG or 20-F MG. Block randomization (block size 4) was performed, and sample size was calculated to assess the difference in minor complications. One patient withdrew from the study after allocation. Baseline characteristics were not significantly different between groups (P > .05). Technical success, defined as successful placement of gastrostomy tube, and procedural complications were evaluated. Procedural complications were divided into major and minor complications according to the Society of Interventional Radiology criteria. RESULTS: Technical success rate was 100%. In the PG group, the major complication rate was 2% (1 of 50); 1 patient had a misplaced PG in the peritoneal cavity between the gastric and abdominal walls and developed peritonitis that had to be surgically treated. The minor complication rate was 34% (17 of 50) in the PG group. In the MG group, the major complication rate was 0%, and the minor complication rate was 12.2% (6 of 49). The most common minor complication was tube occlusion. Minor complication rate was significantly higher in the PG group (P = .016). Mean fluoroscopy time was significantly longer in the MG group (P = .013). CONCLUSIONS: Both PG and MG demonstrated high technical success rates in all indications. MG had lower complication rates than PG at the cost of an increase in fluoroscopy times.

Hybrid Treatment: Expanding the Armamentarium for Infected Infrarenal Abdominal Aortic and Iliac Aneurysms.

PURPOSE: To investigate safety and efficacy of hybrid treatment for infected aortic and iliac aneurysms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between July 2007 and May 2011, hybrid treatment was performed in 6 male patients (mean age, 67.7 y; range, 57-76 y). Hybrid treatment consisted of extraanatomic bypass (EAB) and isolation of infected aneurysm with vascular plugs. Aneurysms were divided into primary and secondary infected aneurysms. Primary infected aneurysm refers to an aneurysm arising from bacterial infection of the native arterial wall; secondary infected aneurysm refers to infection involving an aneurysm that was previously treated with graft placement. RESULTS: The infected aneurysm involved the infrarenal abdominal aorta in 4 patients and common iliac artery in 2 patients. Hybrid treatment was successful in all 6 patients. The 3 patients with primary infected aneurysms required only hybrid treatment, whereas infected graft excision and new graft interposition was performed in 2 of the 3 patients with secondary infected aneurysms. No 30-day mortality or complications were reported. During mean follow-up of 58.6 months (range, 32.6-75.8 months), 1 patient (17%) with a secondary infected aneurysm who did not undergo additional surgery died 32.6 months after hybrid treatment from hypovolemic shock secondary to recurrent aortoenteric fistula. Cumulative survival was 100%, 100%, 83%, and 83% at 3 months, 1 year, 3 years, and 5 years. CONCLUSIONS: Hybrid treatment appears to be a stand-alone, curative treatment for primary infected aneurysms and serves as bridge therapy to subsequent surgery for secondary infected aneurysms.

Clinical Outcomes for Endovascular Repair of Thoracic Aortic Disease Using the Seal Thoracic Stent Graft: A Korean Multicenter Retrospective Study.

PURPOSE: To investigate the midterm outcomes of thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair (TEVAR) with the use of the Seal stent graft for four categories of thoracic aortic disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective multicenter study evaluated the records of 216 Korean patients who underwent TEVAR with the Seal stent graft during 2007-2010. The study outcomes were (i) perioperative death, (ii) endoleak, (iii) repeat intervention, (iv) aortic-related death, and (v) all sudden unexplained late deaths. RESULTS: The overall technical success rate was 94% (203 cases), and the disease-specific rates were 97% (88 cases) for aneurysms, 96% (71 cases) for dissections, 82% (32 cases) for traumatic aortic disease, and 100% (12 cases) for intramural hematoma and/or penetrating aortic ulcer. There were 6 acute surgical conversions (2 for aneurysms and 4 for dissections). There were 18 endoleaks, 4 retrograde ascending aortic dissections, and 6 stent graft-induced new entries. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival rates were 93% ± 3, 90% ± 4, and 90% ± 4, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: TEVAR with the Seal thoracic stent graft provided a high technical success rate and low mortality and complication rates during midterm follow-up. However, additional long-term studies are needed to evaluate the durability and late complications associated with this device.

Clinical outcome of transarterial embolization for postgastrectomy arterial bleeding.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to retrospectively investigate the feasibility and safety of transcatheter arterial embolization in the management of postgastrectomy arterial bleeding. METHODS: Between January 2004 and July 2015, 13,246 patients underwent total or subtotal gastrectomy at our institution, and 24 patients (18 men; mean age 66.8 years; range 42-80 years) underwent transcatheter arterial embolization for postoperative arterial bleeding identified on angiography. RESULTS: Postgastrectomy arterial bleeding occurred after subtotal gastrectomy in 14 patients (58%) and after total gastrectomy in 10 patients (42%), after a mean of 17 days (range 1-57 days). It manifested itself as luminal bleeding in 10 patients and as abdominal bleeding in 14 patients. Technical success was achieved in all 24 patients (100%). The clinical success rate was 79% (19-24); there were three transcatheter-arterial-embolization-related major complications that resulted in death within 30 days (12%), one case of recurrent bleeding, and one case of persistent bleeding. The cause of death included infarctions in the spleen and/or remnant stomach (n = 2) and bowel perforation (n = 1). The commonest bleeding focus was the gastroduodenal artery (46%, 11 patients), followed by the splenic artery (29%, 7 patients). By surgery type, the gastroduodenal artery was the commonest site of bleeding in subtotal gastrectomy (64%, 9/14) and the splenic artery was commonest site of bleeding in total gastrectomy (50%, 5/10). CONCLUSIONS: Transcatheter arterial embolization demonstrated high technical and clinical success rates with an acceptable complication rate in the management of postgastrectomy arterial bleeding. However, transcatheter arterial embolization may not be the best treatment option in patients who have undergone subtotal gastrectomy and bled from the splenic artery owing to the high risk of infarctions of the remnant stomach and the spleen.

Comparison of treatment outcomes between balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt for gastric variceal bleeding hemostasis.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Both balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO) and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) are considered effective treatments for gastric variceal bleeding (GVB). In this study, outcomes of these two procedures were compared in managing patients with GVB. METHODS: A total of 142 patients undergoing BRTO (n = 95) or TIPS (n = 47) between 2005 and 2012 at two tertiary centers were selected for retrospective review. RESULTS: Mean patient age (male, 115; female, 27) was 58.1 years. Alcoholic liver cirrhosis was the most common underlying cause (n = 63, 44.4%), followed by hepatitis B (n = 60, 42.3%) and hepatitis C (n = 7, 4.9%) viral infections. Concurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was identified in 64 (45.1%) patients. During the follow-up period (mean, 28.2 months), 27 patients (19%) experienced re-bleeding. Cumulative re-bleeding rates after BRTO (8.6% at 1 year; 22.7% at 3 years) were significantly lower than those after TIPS (19.8% at 1 year; 48.2% at 3 years; P = 0.006, log-rank test). In multivariate analysis, TIPS (vs BRTO) was found independently predictive of re-bleeding (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.174; P = 0.048), in addition to concurrent HCC and poor baseline Child-Pugh score (both P < 0.05). Although BRTO surpassed TIPS (P = 0.026, log-rank test) in terms of overall postprocedural survival, independent factors predictive of poor overall survival after hemostasis were concurrent HCC (HR = 3.106), high Child-Pugh score (HR = 1.886 per 1-point increase), and postprocedural hepatic encephalopathy (HR = 3.014; all P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration proved more effective than TIPS in hemostasis of GVB, associated with significantly less risk of re-bleeding.

Conventional versus drug-eluting beads chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma: Emphasis on the impact of tumor size.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: This study aims to evaluate clinical outcomes of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who underwent transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) using drug-eluting beads (DEB). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study retrospectively compared the clinical outcomes of 250 consecutive patients who underwent DEB-TACE (n = 106) or conventional TACE (cTACE) (n = 144) in a tertiary center between January 2010 and April 2014. The median age of the patients was 62 years and 81.6% were men. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS). The time to progression (TTP), radiological response rate using modified response evaluation criteria in solid tumors criteria at 1 month after treatment, and complication rates within 1 month were also compared. RESULTS: The most common etiology was hepatitis B virus infection. The median index tumor size was 2.8 cm, and 150 (60.0%) patients had Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage B. Median TTP in the cTACE group was longer than in the DEB-TACE group (13.3 vs10.8 months; P = 0.023). However, DEB-TACE and cTACE groups showed no significant differences for mean OS (46.6 vs 44.9 months; P = 0.660) and disease control rate at 1 month (78.3% vs 86.8%; P = 0.076). The OS, TTP, and disease control rate were also not different between two groups, even when subgrouped by index tumor size. The complication rates within 1 month were higher in the cTACE group (6.6% vs 14.6%; P = 0.048). CONCLUSIONS: Drug-eluting beads TACE appears to be a safe intra-arterial therapy. However, it is not superior to cTACE in terms of efficacy. Tumor size might not be a criterion to select treatment modality between cTACE and DEB-TACE in terms of efficacy.

Hepatic arterial damage after transarterial chemoembolization for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma: comparison of drug-eluting bead and conventional chemoembolization in a retrospective controlled study.

Background Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) frequently causes feeding artery stenosis or occlusion that may interfere with repeated treatment. Purpose To investigate the incidence and predictors of hepatic arterial damage (HAD) after drug-eluting bead-TACE (DEB-TACE) in comparison with conventional TACE (Conv-TACE). Material and Methods We retrospectively analyzed 54 patients who underwent DEB-TACE for HCC as an initial treatment with follow-up angiography and 54 patients who underwent Conv-TACE using doxorubicin-lipiodol mixture and gelfoam particles for comparison. HAD was evaluated after a single session of TACE and graded as follows: grade I, no significant wall irregularity; grade II, overt stenosis; grade III, occlusion. Results The incidence of HAD was significantly higher in the DEB-TACE group than the Conv-TACE group when analyzed per branch (odds ratio [OR], 6.36; P < 0.001) and per patient (OR, 3.15; P = 0.005). For each HAD grade, the mean doxorubicin dose was greater in the DEB-TACE group than in the Conv-TACE group ( P < 0.001, P = 0.053, and P = 0.01 for grades I, II, and III, respectively). In multivariate analysis, risk factors of HAD included mean doxorubicin dose and selective embolization in the Conv-TACE group ( P = 0.03 and P < 0.001, respectively) and mean doxorubicin dose in the DEB-TACE group ( P = 0.004). Conclusion The incidence and grade of HAD were higher after DEB-TACE compared to Conv-TACE with doxorubicin dose as a possible risk factor. HAD was independent of overall survival in both groups.

Transarterial Chemoembolization Using Sorafenib in a Rabbit VX2 Liver Tumor Model: Pharmacokinetics and Antitumor Effect.

PURPOSE: To investigate feasibility, safety, and effect of transarterial chemoembolization using sorafenib on degree of tumor necrosis in a rabbit VX2 liver tumor model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: New Zealand White rabbits (n = 20) with a VX2 tumor were divided into two groups; one group was treated with hepatic arterial administration of 0.5 mL ethiodized oil alone (Lipiodol; Guerbet, Aulnay-sous-Bois, France) (transarterial embolization with Lipiodol [TAE-L] group), and one group was treated with 0.5 mL ethiodized oil plus 10 mg sorafenib (transarterial embolization with sorafenib [TAE-S] group). Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry was used to measure sorafenib concentration in peripheral blood and tissue. Hepatic enzymes, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) were measured at 0, 24, and 72 hours after treatment. Histopathologic examination was performed to evaluate extent of tumor necrosis and normal parenchymal damage. RESULTS: Serum sorafenib concentration peaked at 2 hours after treatment. The mean tissue concentration was 406.8 times greater than the serum concentration. Aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels were significantly elevated in the TAE-S group at 24 hours after treatment. Serum VEGF and HIF-1α concentrations were not significantly different between the TAE-L and TAE-S groups. Hepatic parenchymal damage was more severe in the TAE-S group. Mean fraction of tumor necrosis after treatment was significantly greater in the TAE-S group. CONCLUSIONS: Transarterial chemoembolization using sorafenib resulted in a high intrahepatic concentration of sorafenib. The degree of tumor necrosis was significantly greater in the TAE-S group compared with the TAE-L group, but more severe toxicity of normal liver tissue also occurred.

Complete response at first chemoembolization is still the most robust predictor for favorable outcome in hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUNDS & AIMS: The aim of this study is to evaluate the prognostic significances of not only the initial and the best response during repeated transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but if eligible, also the time point of achieving treatment responses. METHODS: Three hundred and fourteen treatment-naïve patients with well-preserved liver function undergoing TACE were recruited. Treatment responses were assessed using modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors. Overall survival (OS) was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier methods, and Cox regression analysis was performed for multivariate analysis. RESULTS: After adjusting other variables, objective response (complete response [CR] and partial response [PR]) as the initial response (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 0.410) and the best response (adjusted HR 0.335) had independent prognostic significances for OS, respectively (both p < 0.001). Objective responders as the initial response had the longest OS, followed by patients who subsequently achieved objective response after at least two sessions and those who did not achieve objective response during treatment course eventually (52.6, 27.0, and 10.8 months, respectively; log-rank test, p < 0.001). Likewise, patients with CR as the initial response had the longest OS, followed by those who subsequently achieved CR after at least two sessions and those who achieved PR as the best response (70.2, 40.6, and 23.0 months, respectively; log-rank test, p < 0.001). Large (>5 cm) and multiple (⩾ 4) tumors were independently associated with failure to achieve CR after the initial TACE (both p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Both the initial and the best response predicts OS effectively. However, achievement of treatment response at an early time point is still the most robust predictor for favorable outcomes.

Can measurement of apparent diffusion coefficient before treatment predict the response to uterine artery embolization for adenomyosis?

OBJECTIVES: To determine the usefulness of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) in predicting response to uterine artery embolization (UAE) for symptomatic adenomyosis. METHODS: A prospective study was performed on 25 patients who underwent diffusion-weighted (DW) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before UAE between June 2011 and December 2012. All patients underwent 3-month follow-up MRI after UAE using non-spherical polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) particles ranging from 150 to 500 µm. Quantitative measurement of the ADC was performed for each adenomyosis. Complete response and incomplete response were defined as ≥ 90 % or < 90 %, respectively, of the non-perfusion area with adenomyosis at the follow-up MRI. The ADC values were compared between patients who achieved complete or incomplete response which was assessed according to the MRI findings after UAE. RESULTS: Nineteen patients showed complete response, and six showed incomplete response. The ADC value ranged from 0.842 to 1.346 × 10(-3) mm(2)/s (mean 1.075 ± 0.117). The mean ADC was 1.043 ± 0.237 in the complete response group and 1.176 ± 0.429 in the incomplete response group (0.012). Using a threshold of <1.147 × 10(-3) mm(2)/s, the sensitivity and specificity of the ADC to predict success after UAE were 83.3 % and 84.2 %. CONCLUSION: The ADC of adenomyosis may potentially predict a successful response to UAE for adenomyosis. KEY POINTS: • Pre-procedural MRI might help clinicians predict response of UAE in adenomyosis • ADC might help predict UAE outcomes in adenomyosis • MR predictors might be used to counsel patients with symptomatic adenomyosis.