Resección por videotoracoscopía de nódulos pulmonares marcados con lipiodol: experiencia en dos centros universitarios / Videotoracoscopy resection of pulmonary nodules marked with lipiodol: experience in two university centers

INTRODUCCIÓN: Para facilitar la localización intraoperatoria de los nódulos pulmonares existe la alternativa de marcarlos previamente con lipiodol. OBJETIVO: Describir los resultados quirúrgicos de los pacientes sometidos a resección por videotoracoscopía de nódulos pulmonares marcados previamente con lipiodol. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio descriptivo. Se incluyeron los pacientes que fueron sometidos a resección por videotoracoscopía de nódulos pulmonares marcados con lipiodol, en Clínica Las Condes e Instituto Nacional del Tórax, entre junio de 2012 y junio de 2019. Se consideraron variables demográficas, radiológicas, quirúrgicas e histológicas. RESULTADOS: Se estudió un total de 93 pacientes. La edad promedio fue 63,5 (± 11,9) años. El tamaño promedio de los nódulos fue de 10,7 (± 5,8) mm. Se identificó y extrajo el 100% de los nódulos marcados. Los días de hospitalización promedio fueron 4,7 (± 6,9). Solo se registró un fallecimiento de causa no quirúrgica. CONCLUSIONES: La resección videotoracoscópica de nódulos pulmonares marcados previamente con lipiodol, es una técnica segura y eficaz.

BACKGROUND: To facilitate the intraoperative location of lung nodules there is the alternative of pre-marking them with lipiodol. OBJECTIVE: To describe the surgical results of patients undergoing videotoracoscopy resection of pulmonary nodules previously marked with lipiodol. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Descriptive study. Patients who underwent videotorcoscopy resection of pulmonary nodules marked with lipiodol were included at Clínica Las Condes and Instituto Nacional del Tórax between June 2012 and June 2019. Demographic, radiological, surgical and histological variables were considered. RESULTS: A total of 93 patients were studied. The average age was 63,5 (± 11.9) years. The average size of the nodules was 10.7 (± 5.8) mm. 100% of the marked nodules were identified and extracted. The average hospitalization days were 4.7 (± 6.9). Only one death of non-surgical cause was recorded. CONCLUSIONS: Videotoracoscopic resection of pulmonary nodules previously marked with lipiodol is a safe and effective technique.

A Canine Model for Lymphangiography and Thoracic Duct Access

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the technical feasibility of intranodal lymphangiography and thoracic duct (TD) access in a canine model.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five male mongrel dogs were studied. The dog was placed in the supine position, and the most prominent lymph node in the groin was accessed using a 26-gauge spinal needle under ultrasonography (US) guidance. If the cisterna chyli (CC) was not opacified by bilateral lymphangiography, the medial iliac lymph nodes were directly punctured and Lipiodol was injected. After opacification, the CC was directly punctured with a 22-gauge needle. A 0.018-in microguidewire was advanced through the CC and TD. A 4-Fr introducer and dilator were then advanced over the wire. The microguidewire was changed to a 0.035-in guidewire, and this was advanced into the left subclavian vein through the terminal valve of the TD. Retrograde TD access was performed using a snare kit.RESULTS: US-guided lymphangiography (including intranodal injection of Lipiodol [Guerbet]) was successful in all five dogs. However, in three of the five dogs (60%), the medial iliac lymph nodes were not fully opacified due to overt Lipiodol extravasation at the initial injection site. In these dogs, contralateral superficial inguinal intranodal injection was performed. However, two of these three dogs subsequently underwent direct medial iliac lymph node puncture under fluoroscopy guidance to deliver additional Lipiodol into the lymphatic system. Transabdominal CC puncture and cannulation with a 4-Fr introducer was successful in all five dogs. Transvenous retrograde catheterization of the TD (performed using a snare kit) was also successful in all five dogs.CONCLUSION: A canine model may be appropriate for intranodal lymphangiography and TD access. Most lymphatic intervention techniques can be performed in a canine using the same instruments that are employed in a clinical setting.

Avaliação clínica e endoscópica em pacientes com sintomas gastroesofágicos / Clinical and endoscopic evaluation in patients with gastroesophageal symptoms

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: The gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the most common esophageal disease in medical practice, and it is suspected according to patients' symptoms. GERD can be classified in erosive esophagitis (EE) according to the presence of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy findings. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate endoscopic findings in patients with symptoms suggestive of GERD comparing epicemiological and risk factors. METHODS: Upper endoscopy reports were examined retrospectively from patients with symptoms of GERD such as heartburn, regurgitation, cough, throat clearing, globus and chest pain. EE was determined based on Los Angeles classification. Comparisons between risk factors in EE and non-EE groups were done with statistical analysis. RESULTS: A total of 984 endoscopic reports were examined and 676 selected for analysis (281 with EE and 395 with non-EE form). Most were female 381 (56.36%) with a mean age of 44.01±15.40 years. Hiatal hernia was present in 47(6.96%) and smoking in 41(6.07%). Univariate logistic regression showed that male (OR=2.24, CI 95%, 1.63-3.06) and hiatal hernia (OR=4.52, CI 95%, 2.30-8.89) were independent predictors of erosions in the EE group. The presence of hiatal hernia (OR=12.04, CI 95%, 3.57-40.62), smoking (OR=8.46, CI 95%, 3.28-31.32) and aged patients (OR=8.01, CI 95%, 2.42-26.49) were also indicated as a risk factor for severe EE (grades C and D of Los Angeles). CONCLUSION Male gender and hiatal hernia were associated with EE. Aged patients, smoking and hiatal hernia were related to severe EE. It is suggested that the risk factors for EE and non-EE types are different. Cohort studies are necessary to identify the exact mechanisms involved in each disease form.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: A doença do refluxo gastroesofágico (DRGE) é uma das doenças digestivas mais comuns na prática médica e deve ser suspeitada de acordo com os seus sintomas clínicos, podendo ser classificada em esofagite erosiva (EE) de acordo com os achados de endoscopia. OBJETIVO: Avaliar os achados endoscópicos em pacientes com sintomas sugestivos de DGRE comparando fatores de risco e epidemiológicos. MÉTODOS: Resultados de endoscopias digestiva foram examinados retrospectivamente de pacientes com sintomas relacionados com DRGE como pirose, regurgitação, tosse, pigarro, globus e dor torácica. EE foi determinada de acordo com a classificação de Los Angeles. Comparação de fatores de risco entre os grupos EE e não-EE foram feitos com análise estatística. RESULTADOS: Um total de 984 endoscopias foram examinadas e 676 endoscopias selecionadas para análise (281 com EE e 395 sem EE). A maioria dos pacientes era do sexo feminino 381 (56,36%) com uma idade média de 44,01±15,40 anos. Hérnia hiatal esteve presente em 47 (6,96%) e tabagismo em 41 (6,07%). Regressão logística uni variada mostrou que sexo masculino (OR=2,24 - IC 95%: 1,63-3,06) e hérnia hiatal (OR=4,52 - CI 95%: 2,30-8,89) foram fatores de risco independentes de EE. A presença de hérnia hiatal (OR=12,04 - CI 95%: 3,57-40,62), tabagismo (OR=8,46 - CI 95%: 3,28-31,32) e pacientes idosos (OR=8,01 - CI 95%, 2,42-26,49) foram fatores de risco no grupo de EE grave (classes C e D de Los Angeles). CONCLUSÃO: Sexo masculino e hérnia hiatal foram associados com EE. Idade avançada, tabagismo e hérnia hiatal foram relacionados à forma grave de EE. É sugerido que os fatores de risco de pacientes com e sem EE sejam diferentes. Estudos de coorte são necessários para identificar os mecanismos exatos envolvidos em cada forma da doença.

Segurança e eficácia do uso de cianoacrilato + coil guiado por ultrassom endoscópico versus técnica convencional de cianoacrilato no tratamento de varizes gástricas: um ensaio clínico randomizado / Safety and efficacy of eus-guided coil plus cyanoacrylate versus conventional cyanoacrylate technique in the treatment of gastric varices: a randomized controlled trial

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: One of the most feared complications with the use of cyanoacrylate for treatment of gastric varices is the occurrence of potentially life-threatening systemic embolism. Thus, endoscopists are turning towards new techniques, including endoscopic coiling, as a potentially safer and more effective treatment option. However, no studies have been performed comparing the two techniques. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to compare the safety and efficacy of endoscopic ultrasound guided coil and cyanoacrylate injection versus the conventional technique of injection of cyanoacrylate alone. DESIGN: A pilot randomized controlled trial. METHODS: Patients randomized into group I were treated with coil and cyanoacrylate, and those in group II with cyanoacrylate alone. Flow within the varix was evaluated immediately after the treatment session and one month following initial treatment. If thrombosis was confirmed, additional follow-up was performed 4 and 10 months following initial treatment. All patients underwent a thoracic computerized tomography scan after the procedure. RESULTS: A total of 32 patients, 16 in each group, were followed for an average of 9.9 months (range 1-26 months). Immediately after the procedure, 6 (37.5%) group-I patients and 8 (50%) group-II patients presented total flow reduction in the treated vessel (P=0.476). After 30 days, 11 (73.3%) group-I patients and 12 (75%) group-II patients were found to have varix thrombosis. In both groups, the majority of patients required only one single session for varix obliteration (73.3% in group I versus 80% in group II). Asymptomatic pulmonary embolism occurred in 4 (25%) group-I patients and 8 (50%) group-II patients (P=0.144). No significant difference between the groups was observed. CONCLUSION: There is no statistical difference between endoscopic ultrasound guided coils plus cyanoacrylate versus conventional cyanoacrylate technique in relation to the incidence of embolism. However, a greater tendency towards embolism was observed in the group treated using the conventional technique. Both techniques have similar efficacy in the obliteration of varices. Given the small sample size of our pilot data, our results are insufficient to prove the clinical benefit of the combined technique, and do not yet justify its use, especially in light of higher cost. Further studies with larger sample size are warranted.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: Uma das complicações mais temidas com o uso de cianoacrilato para tratamento de varizes gástricas é a ocorrência de embolia sistêmica potencialmente fatal. Assim, os endoscopistas estão se aprimorando com novas técnicas, incluindo o uso de coils endoscópico, como uma opção de tratamento potencialmente mais segura e eficaz. No entanto, nenhum estudo foi realizado comparando as duas técnicas. OBJETIVO: Este estudo tem como objetivo comparar a segurança e eficácia da injeção de coil com cianoacrilato guiados por ultrassom endoscópico versus a técnica convencional de injeção de cianoacrilato. DESIGN: Um ensaio piloto controlado aleatoriamente. MÉTODOS: Os pacientes randomizados para o grupo I foram tratados com coil + cianoacrilato e os do grupo II apenas com cianoacrilato. O fluxo dentro da variz foi avaliado imediatamente após a sessão de tratamento e um mês após o tratamento inicial. Se a trombose foi confirmada, o acompanhamento adicional era realizado em 4 e 10 meses após o tratamento inicial. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos a uma tomografia computadorizada torácica após o procedimento. RESULTADOS: Um total de 32 pacientes, 16 em cada grupo, foram acompanhados por uma média de 9,9 meses (variação de 1-26 meses). Imediatamente após o procedimento, 6 (37,5%) pacientes do grupo I e 8 (50%) pacientes do grupo II apresentaram redução total do fluxo no vaso tratado (P=0,476). Após 30 dias, 11 (73,3%) pacientes do grupo I e 12 (75%) pacientes do grupo II apresentaram trombose da variz. Em ambos os grupos, a maioria dos pacientes necessitou de apenas uma única sessão para obliteração da variz (73,3% no grupo I versus 80% no grupo II). Embolia pulmonar assintomática ocorreu em 4 (25%) pacientes do grupo I e em 8 (50%) pacientes no grupo II (P=0,144). Nenhuma diferença significativa entre os grupos foi observada. CONCLUSÃO Apesar de não haver diferença estatística entre os dois grupos em relação à incidência de embolia neste estudo piloto, observou-se maior tendência de embolia no grupo tratado pela técnica convencional.

Marcación de nódulos pulmonares con lipiodol bajo tomografía computada: experiencia local y correlación anatomopatológica / Marking of pulmonary nodules with lipiodol by computerized tomography: local experience and anatomopathological correlation

El objetivo de este estudio es la descripción de la novedosa y poco invasiva técnica de marcación de pequeños nódulos pulmonares con lipiodol, guiado con TAC para su posterior resección por cirugía videotoracoscópica con apoyo radioscópico. Se trata de un estudio retrospectivo que incluye 51 pacientes consecutivos en un tiempo comprendido entre junio del 2012 a septiembre del 2017, obteniendo el diagnóstico final mediante la correlación anatomopatológica, representando los procesos malignos el 81% y los benignos el 19%. Mediante esta técnica se lograron identificar y extraer con éxito el 100% de los nódulos marcados, demostrándose la efectividad y seguridad del procedimiento por las mínimas complicaciones relacionadas.

The purpose of this study is describing a novel and minimally invasive technique of CT-guided marking of small pulmonary nodules with lipiodol prior to resection by videothoracoscopic surgery with radioscopic support. This is a retrospective study that includes 51 consecutive patients between June 2012 and September 2017, with the final diagnosis confirmed by pathology. Malignant nodules represented 81% of the cases with the remaining 19% being benign nodules. Through this technique, 100% of the marked nodules were successfully identified and extracted with few procedure related complications and no adverse clinical outcome, demonstrating the effectiveness and safety of the procedure.

Focal change of the pancreatic texture using a direct injection mixture of N-butyl cyanoacrylate and lipiodol in the pig model: a strategy for preventing pancreatic leakage during pancreatic surgery

PURPOSE: A soft texture of the pancreas is one of the most important predisposing factors for a pancreatic fistula. Thus, in a porcine model, we investigated a method to harden the pancreas locally by directly injecting an artificial material. METHODS: During the laparotomy, 51 samples from 17 pigs, including 13 survival models, were randomly divided into 3 groups and either received a direct injection into the pancreas of MHL (1:4 mixture of histoacryl [n-butyl cyanoacrylate] and lipiodol) (group E) or saline (group C) or only received a pinprick into the pancreas without injecting a substance (sham). We measured the change in the pancreatic hardness after the injection using a durometer and examined the histological change of the pancreas using the fibrosis grade in the survival model. RESULTS: The postinjection hardness of the pancreas was significantly increased in group E compared to group C and the sham group (P < 0.001). Pathologically, all cases in group E showed a severe fibrotic change, whereas the other groups demonstrated mild to no fibrosis (P < 0.001). The fibrosis in group E was localized to the area of the injection, while the surrounding areas were preserved. CONCLUSION: The direct injection of MHL could induce focal hardening and fibrotic changes in the pancreas of the porcine model.

Lipiodol brain embolism through right inferior phrenic artery-pulmonary vein shunt after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization

Lipiodol brain embolism is a rare complication associated with transcatheter arterial cheomoembolization (TACE). The present case describes a patient with lipiodol brain embolism who presented with several symptoms, including drowsy mental state, right facial palsy, and weakness in the right upper and lower limbs. The patient's non-enhanced computed tomography scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings revealed multifocal lipiodol deposition and an acute infarction of the brain. A retrospective review of the angiography findings revealed a right inferior phrenic artery-pulmonary vein shunt, which was not observed during the previous TACE. Three days after TACE, the patient's symptoms improved; however, the extent of the brain hyperintensity had widened further on the following MRI. The patient gradually recovered and was finally discharged.

Selection of Proper Modality in Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

BACKGROUND/AIMS: As the optimal stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) modality for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has not been confirmed, we aimed herein to provide a practical guideline by our retrospective review. METHODS: Thirty-nine patients with primary HCC who underwent liver SBRT via 3 modalities (helical tomotherapy [HT]: 22, volumetric modulated arc therapy [VMAT]: 13, Cyberknife: 4) at our institution between July 2014 and July 2015 were included. Modalities were compared with regard to dose conformity index (CI), homogeneity index (HI), clinical results, and patient compliance. RESULTS: VMAT SBRT had favorable conformity (CI: 0.7±0.2), homogeneity (HI: 1.1±0.0), and shortest treatment time (100.2±26.1 seconds). HT SBRT yielded good dosimetric outcomes, especially in conformity (CI: 1.0±0.2). Although the Cyberknife SBRT synchrony system allowed real-time tumor targeting, the treatment time was longest (3,015.0±447.3 seconds), invasive pre-treatment procedures were required, and the HI (1.3±0.0) was lowest. CONCLUSIONS: All 3 modalities yielded competent dosimetric planning parameters. VMAT SBRT was most appropriate for tumors with residual lipiodol or patients with poor conditions. HT SBRT is available for multiple or irregular targets. Cyberknife SBRT is recommended for carefully selected patients and tumors indicated for sono-guided fiducial insertion.

Presence of bilirubin in bronchobiliary fistula easily confirmed with urinary dipstick test and treated with embolization

No abstract available.

Embolización portal hepática preoperatoria con lipiodol y gelatina absorbible / Preoperative hepatic portal vein embolisation with lipiodol and absorbable gelatin

Objetivo: Describir los resultados de la embolización portal hepática (EPH) preoperatoria con lipiodol y gelatina absorbible para generar hipertrofia hepática y permitir la hepatectomía derecha en pacientes con tumores hepáticos e hígado remanente futuro insuficiente. Materiales y métodos: Entre marzo de 2002 y abril de 2014, en 18 pacientes candidatos a hepatectomía derecha se realizó EPH con lipiodol y esponja de gelatina absorbible mezclada con contraste yodado. La estimación de los volúmenes hepáticos preembolización se hizo por tomografía computada con contraste endovenoso. Los pacientes fueron abordados mediante punción percutánea bajo guía ecográfica, seguida de angiografía. El control de la hipertrofia con estimación del volumen se realizó a la cuarta semana posembolización y el seguimiento se llevó a cabo ambulatoriamente o mediante historia clínica. Resultados: La mediana de edad fue de 58 años (relación hombre/mujer de 1:0,8) y el volumen hepático total estimado (mediana) de 1587,75 cm³. La estimación previa del volumen hepático y su relación con la porción futura remanente pre-EPH fue de 19,9%, mientras que el promedio absoluto de crecimiento del parénquima hepático remanente futuro pos-EPH se encontró entre los 306,2 y 475,2 cm³, con un 43,5% de aumento. La mediana de incremento de la relación volumen hepático total y la porción remanente pos-EPH fue de 8,5% (p< 0,001). Como complicaciones, se registró un hematoma y una necrosis aséptica. Conclusión: La EPH con lipiodol y esponja de gelatina absorbible es un procedimiento seguro y efectivo, que surge como alternativa a otros materiales de embolización.

Objective: To evaluate outcomes of preoperative hepatic portal vein embolisation with lipiodol and absorbable gelatin in order to generate liver hypertrophy and enable right hepatectomy in selected patients with liver tumours and future insufficient residual liver. Materials and methods: Portal vein embolisation (PVE) with lipiodol and absorbable gelatin sponge mixed with iodine based contrast was performed in 18 patient candidates for right hepatectomy between March 2002 and April 2014. The preembolisation liver volume evaluations were performed by computed tomography with intravenous contrast. Patients underwent an ultrasound-guided percutaneous puncture, followed by angiography. The controls of hypertrophy and volume estimation were performed in the 4 th week after portal embolisation. The patients were followed-up on an outpatient basis or by using their medical records. Results: The median age was 58 years, with a 1:0.8 male: female ratio. The total estimated liver volume, excluding the tumour, of all patients evaluated prior to surgery was 1587.75 cm³ (median). The previous estimated liver volume and its relation to the future remaining portion before PVE was 19.9%. The absolute median growth of future residual liver parenchyma post-PVE was 306.2 to 475.2 cm³, being an increase of 43.5%, and the mean growth of liver volume and remaining portion ratio post-PVE was 8.5% (P<.001). Complications were one haematoma and one aseptic necrosis. Conclusión: The selection of patients is of paramount importance, and PVE with lipiodol and absorbable gelatin in our environment is a safe and effective procedure.

MRI Findings of Lipiodol Uptake in Hepatocellular Carcinomas: A Focus on Signal Intensity / 이화의대지

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate MRI findings of non-recurrent hepatocellular carcinomas with lipiodol uptake (LHCCs) treated with transarterial chemoembolization. METHODS: 28 LHCCs were divided into two groups according to amount of lipiodol uptake and tumor size, retrospectively. According to amount of lipiodol uptake, HCCs were classified into group A with dense lipiodol uptake (more than 90%) and group B with partial lipiodol uptake (between 50% and 90%). For HCC size analysis, group I was defined by a longest diameter of less than 2 cm, and group II was defined by a longest diameter of greater than or equal to 2 cm. RESULTS: In group A (n=16), eight LHCCs showed high signal intensity (SI) on T2-weighted images (T2WI), ten LHCCs showed low SI on T1-weighted imaged (T1WI), six LHCCs showed decreased SI at higher b value of diffusion-weighted images (DWI). In group B (n=12), six LHCCs revealed high SI on T2WI, six LHCCs revealed low SI on T1WI, ten LHCCs decreased SI at higher b value of DWI. As compared with tumor size and SI, six of 12 LHCCs in group I and eight of 16 LHCCs in group II showed high SI on T2WI. Six LHCCs in group I and ten LHCCs in group II showed low SI on T1WI. All LHCCs were not enhanced. CONCLUSION: Signal intensities of LHCCs were variable, but more than half of LHCCs showed high SI on T2WI, low SI on T1WI, decreased SI at higher b value of DWI, regardless of lipiodol uptake or tumor size.

Differentiation between tuberculosis and leukemia in abdominal and pelvic lymph nodes: evaluation with contrast-enhanced multidetector computed tomography

PURPOSE: To compare the characteristics of tubercular vs. leukemic involvement of abdominopelvic lymph nodes using multidetector computed tomography (CT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed multidetector computed tomography features including lymph node size, shape, enhancement patterns, and anatomical distribution, in 106 consecutive patients with newly diagnosed, untreated tuberculosis (55 patients; 52%) or leukemia (51 patients; 48%). In patients with leukemia, 32 (62.7%) had chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and 19 (37.3%) had acute leukemias; of these, 10 (19.6%) had acute myeloid leukemia, and 9 (17.6%) had acute lymphocytic leukemia. RESULTS: The lower para-aortic (30.9% for tuberculosis, 63.2% for acute leukemias and 87.5% for chronic lymphocytic leukemia) and inguinal (9.1% for tuberculosis, 57.9% for acute leukemias and 53.1% for chronic lymphocytic leukemia) lymph nodes were involved more frequently in the three types of leukemia than in tuberculosis (both with p <0.017). Tuberculosis showed peripheral enhancement, frequently with a multilocular appearance, in 43 (78.2%) patients, whereas patients with leukemia (78.9% for acute myeloid leukemia and acute lymphocytic leukemia, 87.5% for chronic lymphocytic leukemia) demonstrated predominantly homogeneous enhancement (both with p <0.017). For the diagnosis of tuberculosis, the analysis showed that a peripheral enhancement pattern had a sensitivity of 78.2%, a specificity of 100%, and an accuracy of 88.7%. For the diagnosis of leukemia, the analysis showed that a homogeneous enhancement pattern was associated with a sensitivity of 84.3%, a specificity of 94.5%, and an accuracy of 89.6%. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that the anatomical distribution and enhancement patterns of lymphadenopathy seen on multidetector computed tomography are useful for differentiating between untreated tuberculosis and leukemia of the abdominopelvic lymph nodes. .

Influence of As2O3-lipiodol emulsion via transarterial embolization on a VX2 liver tumor model in rabbits / 浙江大学学报·医学版

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the anticancer efficacy and the hepatic and renal toxicity of As2O3-lipiodol emulsion via transarterial embolization in a rabbit VX2 liver tumor model.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>VX2 tumors were implanted in rabbit livers successfully, followed by transarterial embolization with high-dose As2O3(5 mg/kg with 0.2 mL lipiodol, n=10), low-dose As2O3(1 mg/kg with 0.2 mL lipiodol, n=10), and control(0.2 mL lipiodol, n=10). The growth ratios and microvessel densities(MVDs) of the tumors were estimated by multi-row spiral CT and CD34 immunohistochemical staining, respectively. Hepatic and renal function was also evaluated by means of blood biochemical analysis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The growth ratios of the tumors differed significantly among three groups(P<0.01). The high-dose and low dose group showed significantly lower tumor growth ratios[44.05%(-36.40%~64.60%), 95.20%(-11.60%~159.40%)] than control group[145.55%(98.90%~250.30%), all P<0.05]. The MVDs of the tumors were significantly lower in the high-dose(21.4±10.6) and low-dose group(34.1±12.0) than those in control group(57.9±16.1,all P<0.05). The levels of blood ALT and AST obtained 28 days after transarterial embolization were significantly lower in the high-dose[(25.50±12.37)U/L,(24.25±10.89)U/L] and low-dose group[(45.00±14.04)U/L,(35.22±11.86)U/L] than in control group[(79.12±30.52)U/L,(75.25±25.89)U/L, all P<0.05].</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>As2O3-lipiodol emulsion via transarterial embolization has anticancer effect without significant hepatic and renal functional damage in rabbit VX2 liver tumors.</p>

A Case of Management for Early Recurrence after Hepatic Resection for the Treatment of Small Hepatocellular Carcinoma

For a small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), liver resection shows most favorable outcome in case which liver transplantation is not available, although it has also substantial recurrence rate. Here, we report a case of recurred HCC with multiple intrahepatic metastasis at 5 months after surgical resection for small HCC was done. A 55-year-old man with chronic HBV infection received subsegmentectomy for HCC less than 2 cm. A follow-up computed tomography (CT) at 5 months from operation revealed that there were multiple enhancing nodules in entire remnant liver. Intra-arterial injections of adriamycin mixed lipiodol and gelfoam particles were instituted through hepatic artery. We assume that poorly differentiated cellular feature would be attributable to this kind of very early and aggressive recurrence of HCC.

An A to Z of Lipiodol Beyond the Clinical Practice in the Management of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Lipiodol based conventional transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is a standard of care for unresectable, non-invasive, and multinodular Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)s. The procedure relies on the intra-arterial administration of lipiodol/cytotoxic agent emulsion followed by the infusion of embolic material. Lipiodol, with its oily nature and radiopacifying properties, is in the center of the TACE procedure. Unstability and unpredictable therapeutic effect of hydrophilic cytotoxic drugs emulsified in the lipiodol and technical problems lie beyond the control of clinicians. Thus, interest in the properties and respective roles for lipiodol in the management of HCC is essential for the clinicians.

Does Establishing a Safety Margin Reduce Local Recurrence in Subsegmental Transarterial Chemoembolization for Small Nodular Hepatocellular Carcinomas?

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that a safety margin may affect local tumor recurrence (LTR) in subsegmental chemoembolization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 101 patients with 128 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) nodules (1-3 cm in size and < or = 3 in number), cone-beam CT-assisted subsegmental lipiodol chemoembolization was performed. Immediately thereafter, a non-contrast thin-section CT image was obtained to evaluate the presence or absence of intra-tumoral lipiodol uptake defect and safety margin. The effect of lipiodol uptake defect and safety margin on LTR was evaluated. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to indentify determinant factors of LTR. RESULTS: Of the 128 HCC nodules in 101 patients, 49 (38.3%) nodules in 40 patients showed LTR during follow-up period (median, 34.1 months). Cumulative 1- and 2-year LTR rates of nodules with lipiodol uptake defect (n = 27) and those without defect (n = 101) were 58.1% vs. 10.1% and 72.1% vs. 19.5%, respectively (p < 0.001). Among the 101 nodules without a defect, the 1- and 2-year cumulative LTR rates for nodules with complete safety margin (n = 52) and those with incomplete safety margin (n = 49) were 9.8% vs. 12.8% and 18.9% vs. 19.0% (p = 0.912). In multivariate analyses, ascites (p = 0.035), indistinct tumor margin on cone-beam CT (p = 0.039), heterogeneous lipiodol uptake (p = 0.023), and intra-tumoral lipiodol uptake defect (p < 0.001) were determinant factors of higher LTR. CONCLUSION: In lipiodol chemoembolization, the safety margin in completely lipiodolized nodule without defect will not affect LTR in small nodular HCCs.

Thoracic Duct Embolization with Lipiodol for Chylothorax due to Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair with Debranching Procedure

Chylothorax is a rare postoperative complication of a thoracic surgical procedure. Here, we report a case of chylothorax after thoracic endovascular aortic repair with debranching for the distal arch aneurysm of the aorta. First, the patient was treated by a medical method (nil per os, fat-free diet, and octreotide), but this method failed. The patient strongly refused surgical treatment. Therefore, we tried to occlude the thoracic duct by lymphangiography Lipiodol, and this line of treatment was successful.

Transarterial Chemoembolization Using Gelatin Sponges or Microspheres Plus Lipiodol-Doxorubicin versus Doxorubicin-Loaded Beads for the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively compare treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) using gelatin sponges or microspheres plus lipiodol-doxorubicin vs. doxorubicin-loaded drug-eluting beads (DEB). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 158 patients with HCC received TACE from November 2010 to November 2011 were enrolled in this study, including 64 (40.5%) received TACE with lipiodol-doxorubicin and gelatin sponges (group A), 41 (25.9%) received TACE with lipiodol-doxorubicin and microspheres (group B), and 53 (33.5%) received TACE with doxorubicin-loaded DEB (group C). Tumor response and adverse events (AEs) were evaluated. RESULTS: No significant difference was found at baseline among the three groups. The doxorubicin dosage in group C was significantly (p < 0.001) higher compared to the dose used in groups A or B (median, 50 mg vs. 31 mg or 25 mg). Significantly (p < 0.001) more patients in group C achieved complete response compared to those in groups A or B (32.1% vs. 6.3% or 2.4%). Significantly (p < 0.001) less patients in group C had progressive disease compared to those in groups A or B (34.0% vs. 57.8% or 68.3%). Minor AEs were more common in groups A and B compared to group C, with rates of 54.7%, 34.1%, and 5.7%, respectively. CONCLUSION: In patients with HCC, TACE with DEB offers better safety and efficacy profiles compared to either TACE with gelatin sponges or TACE with microspheres.

Transarterial chemoembolization using drug eluting beads for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma: Now and future

Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) using doxorubicin-eluting beads (DEBs) have been introduced as a novel device which ensures more sustained and tumor-selective drug delivery and permanent embolization compared to conventional TACE with lipiodol. Studies highlighting the use of TACE with DEBs for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have shown similar or better results compared to conventional TACE with lipiodol. TACE with DEBs is increasingly being performed interchangeably with conventional TACE. This review assessed the characteristics, clinical outcomes and future direction of TACE with DEBs compared to conventional TACE.