Radiofrequency Ablation Combined with Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization Therapy Versus Surgical Resection for Hepatocellular Carcinoma within the Milan Criteria: A Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE: To meta-analytically compare combined transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) plus radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and surgical resection (SR) for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) within the Milan criteria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: PubMed, Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched for studies comparing these two therapies that were published between January 2006 and August 2017. Overall survival rate (OS), recurrence-free survival rate (RFS), major complications and the average length of hospital stay were compared between these two therapies. Meta-analytic pooled odds ratio (OR) was calculated using TACE plus RFA as the base category. RESULTS: Seven case-control studies and one randomized trial were identified. Meta-analytic results revealed that, compared with SR, TACE plus RFA had significantly higher 1-year OS (OR for survival = 0.50, p = 0.009) and lower major complications (OR = 1.88, p = 0.02) after therapy. Three studies reported on the length of hospital stay. The average length ± standard deviation reported in individual studies for SR and TACE plus RFA groups was 19.8 ± 8.4 days and 7.4 ± 2.2 days, respectively; 18.7 ± 4.9 days and 11.5 ± 6.9 days, respectively; and 16.6 ± 6.7 days and 8.5 ± 4.1 days, respectively (p < 0.0001 for all studies). Three or 5-year OS and 1-, 3-, or 5-year RFS did not significantly differ between the two therapies. CONCLUSION: Combined TACE plus RFA may be an alternative to SR for the treatment of patients with HCC within Milan the criteria. Non-randomized design in most of the original studies was a limitation.

Endovascular repair with covered stent for the treatment of ruptured carotid artery pseudoaneurysms / 介入放射学杂志

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of endovascular repair with covered stent in treating ruptured carotid artery pseudoaneurysms.Methods The clinical data of 15 patients with ruptured carotid artery pseudoaneurysm,who were admitted to Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital of Zhongshan University during the period from July 2009 to July 2015 to receive emergency rescue with endovascular covered stent implantation,were retrospectively analyzed.Of the 15 patients,the rupture of common carotid artery pseudoaneurysm caused by direct trauma was seen in one and caused by cervical operation was observed in one,the rupture of internal carotid artery pseudoaneurysm caused by cervical operation was found in 3,and the rupture of internal carotid artery pseudoaneurysm due to radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma was seen in 10.Results Successful rescue with endovascular repair using covered stent implantation was obtained in all 15 patients.No immediate procedure-related complications or death occurred.The mean follow-up time was 11 months.During the follow-up period,no re-bleeding or cerebral ischemic complications occurred.Conclusion For the treatment of ruptured carotid artery pseudoaneurysms,endovascular repair with covered stent is minimally invasive,safe and effective with less complications;and along with the occlusion of carotid artery rupture,the blood supply of the head and neck returns to normal.However,further clinical researches with larger samples are needed before its long-term efficacy can be completely clarified.

Clinical observation on coil embolization in treatment of hepatic arterial pseudoaneurysm / 介入放射学杂志

Objective To discuss the method,mid-long term clinical therapeutic effect and safety of coil embolization in treating patients with hepatic arterial pseudoaneurysm(HAPA).Methods Seven patients with repeatedly massive hemorrhage of gastrointestinal tract were undertaken DSA of celiac arteries and hepatic arteries and embolization of the feeding artery by coils or microcoils after correct diagnosis.All cases underwent follow-up from 6 to 60 months(mean 38).Results The blood loss before angiography was ranged from 1200 to 4000(mean 2385)ml.There were 3 cases with normal hepatic function and 4 with hepatic dysfunction including ALT increase in 2 and obstructive jaundice in another.Digital substraction angiography(DSA)clearly showed the location,shape and feeding arteries of HAPA.There were 2 types of HAPA namely intrahepatic (n=3)and extrahepatic(n=4),adding one case with arteriovenous fistula(AVF).Embolization was successful in all cases by coils(n=13)or microeoils(n=12).No recurrence and any definite clinical complication occurred during follow-up.Conclusion Coil embolization in treating HAPA is safe and effective with mid-long term positive clinical therapeutic efficiency without severe complications.(J Intervent Radiol, 2007,16:803-806)