Embolization of the Superior Rectal Arteries versus Closed Hemorrhoidectomy (Ferguson Technique) in the Treatment of Hemorrhoidal Disease: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

PURPOSE: To compare short-term and medium-term results of superior rectal artery embolization versus surgical hemorrhoidectomy in the treatment of patients with hemorrhoidal disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study was a prospective randomized clinical trial following 33 patients with symptomatic hemorrhoidal disease Grades 2 and 3 who were randomly assigned to 2 different groups: the superior rectal artery embolization group (n = 15) and Ferguson closed hemorrhoidectomy surgical group (n = 14). Four patients were excluded from the analysis. Pain using the visual analog scale and the use of analgesics were evaluated 3 times daily during the first 7 days of the postoperative period. Recurrent symptoms and satisfaction with treatment were also evaluated in the subsequent first, third, sixth, and twelfth months. RESULTS: The mean pain during the first bowel movement after the procedure was 6.08 ± 4.41 in the surgery group and 0 in the embolization group (P = .001). The mean use of pain medication was higher in the surgery group (28.92 doses ± 15.78 vs 2.4 doses ± 5.21; P < .001). In the embolization group, the most prevalent preprocedural symptom was bleeding in 14 patients, with complete improvement in 12 (83.3%) patients. Mucus, skin tag, and pruritus were symptoms that showed little improvement in both groups. The frequency of symptoms (bleeding, pain, prolapse, and pruritus) was similar between the groups at 12 months (P = .691). No severe adverse events were observed in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Despite no difference in outcomes, embolization of the superior rectal arteries for the treatment of hemorrhoidal disease showed pain levels lower than those observed after surgical treatment.

Percutaneous retrieval of intravascular foreign body in children: a case series and review.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous retrieval of intravascular foreign bodies has recently increased as a treatment option. PURPOSE: To report our single-center experience of the percutaneous retrieval of 14 intravascular embolized catheter fragments in children and to conduct a literature review. MATERIAL AND METHODS: MEDLINE databases were searched for case reports and series including children and iatrogenic catheter fragments or guidewires retrieved through percutaneous techniques. We also conducted a retrospective analysis of 14 cases from our institution over a 14-year period. A total of 27 studies were selected comprising 74 children, plus our 14 unpublished cases. Statistical analyses were performed using Microsoft Excel version 2016. RESULTS: Port catheter fragments and peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) were the most embolized foreign bodies and the pulmonary artery was the most common site of embolization in 44.1% of cases. Analysis of the retrieval technique demonstrated a preference for extraction through the femoral vein (81.7%) and using snare techniques (93.5%). The success rate of percutaneous retrieval was 96.6% with only 1.1% of procedure-related complications. Patients were asymptomatic in 77.2% of cases, presented septic complications in 2.3%, and no deaths were reported. Median fluoroscopy time was 10 min (range = 1.7-80 min) and median procedure length was 60 min (range = 35-208 min). CONCLUSION: Percutaneous retrieval of intravascular foreign bodies is a feasible, safe, and efficient technique in children and should be considered the preferred treatment option.

Evaluation of Morphological and Clinical Factors Related to Failure of Percutaneous Treatment with Thrombin Injection of Femoral Pseudoaneurysms from Cardiac Catheterization.

BACKGROUND: Ultrasound-guided thrombin injection (UGTI) has become the method of choice in the treatment of pseudoaneurysm caused by endovascular procedures because it is minimally invasive, costs less, and effective, with short hospitalization time. The objective was identify the morphological aspects of femoral pseudoaneurysms and clinical aspects of patients that may lead to the failure of UGTI in femoral pseudoaneurysms after cardiac catheterization. POPULATION AND METHOD: From December 2012 to December 2016, 60 patients with pseudoaneurysms caused by cardiac catheterization were referred to the interventional radiology unit to be treated with UGTI. Medical charts were retrospectively reviewed for comorbidities, use of antiplatelet agents, anticoagulation, indication of cardiac catheterization, and so forth. Morphological aspects of the pseudoaneurysms such as volume, diameter (anteroposterior, laterolateral, and longitudinal), length, and diameter of the neck were analyzed. RESULTS: Technical success of UGTI was achieved in 100%. No clinical aspects of the patients were statistically significant for UGTI failure in occlusion of the pseudoaneurysms. For morphological aspects of pseudoaneurysm: anteroposterior (P = 0.029), longitudinal (P = 0.020), and neck diameters (P = 0.004) were statistically significant for UGTI failure. Logistic regression analysis for longitudinal diameter showed that for each centimeter, there was a 2.66 chance of failure of pseudoaneurysm thrombosis in a single thrombin injection session (95% confidence interval: 1.33-5.30). For longitudinal and neck diameters greater than 1.8 cm and 0.55 cm, respectively, there is a greater probability of needing more than one UGTI session for complete thrombosis. CONCLUSIONS: Among variables, the longitudinal dimension was more significant, and in a larger diameter, the treatment with thrombin injection presented greater complexity.

Role of Lock Therapy for Long-Term Catheter-Related Infections by Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria.

The management of long-term central venous catheter (LTCVC) infections by multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria in cancer patient is a challenge. The objectives of this study were to analyze outcomes in cancer patients with LTCVC-associated infection, identify risks for unfavorable outcomes, and determine the impact of MDR bacteria and antibiotic lock therapy (ALT) in managing such infections. We evaluated all LTCVC-associated infections treated between January 2009 and December 2016. Infections were reported in accordance with international guidelines for catheter-related infections. The outcome measures were 30-day mortality and treatment failure. We analyzed risk factors by Cox forward-stepwise regression. We identified 296 LTCVC-associated infections; 212 (71.6%) were classified as bloodstream infections (BSIs). The most common agent was Staphylococcus aureus Forty-six (21.7%) infections were due to MDR Gram-negative bacteria. ALT was used in 62 (29.2%) patients, with a 75.9% success rate. Risk factors identified for failure of the initial treatment were having a high sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score at diagnosis of infection and being in palliative care; introduction of ALT at the start of treatment was identified as a protective factor. Risk factors identified for 30-day mortality after LTCVC-associated infection were a high SOFA score at diagnosis, infection with MDR bacteria, and palliative care; introduction of ALT at the start of treatment, hematological malignancies, and adherence to an institutional protocol for the management of LTCVC-associated infection were identified as protective factors. Despite the high incidence of infection with MDR bacteria, ALT improves the outcome of LTCVC-associated infection in cancer patients.

Tracheoinnominate Fistula: Endovascular Treatment with a Stent Graft in a 4-Year-Old Child.

A 4-year-old boy presented with acute and profuse bleeding at the tracheostomy site. An emergency angiography was performed and identified a pseudoaneurysm at the innominate artery. A selective catheterization of the artery was executed and 2 Advanta V12 balloon-expandable covered stents were implanted in an overlapping manner to occlude the pseudoaneurysm. Final angiography demonstrated patency of the innominate artery and no signs of bleeding. The patient had no postoperative complications and no further bleeding during follow-up. A contrasted computed tomography scan was performed after 20 days and demonstrated no signs of pseudoaneurysm or bleeding. After 4 months, the patient was readmitted to tracheal dilatation and change of T-tube and died of respiratory complications.

Systematic Literature Review on Evaluation and Management of Isolated Spontaneous Celiac Trunk Dissection.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to perform a systematic literature review of isolated spontaneous celiac trunk dissection (ISCTD), to evaluate initial clinical and diagnostic aspects, treatment modalities, and outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective search of MEDLINE, Cochrane, and SciELO databases was performed, using the terms celiac artery dissection, celiac trunk dissection, hepatic artery dissection, splenic artery dissection, or left gastric artery dissection to identify instances of ISCTD. Patients with associated aortic and/or other visceral artery dissection were excluded. When available, the following information was collected from each case: gender, age, associated risk factor, symptoms, diagnostic method, treatment modality, and outcome. RESULTS: A total of 60 publications were identified between 1987 and 2015, with 11 cases series and 49 case reports, achieving a total of 169 patients identified with ISCTD. Such information was collected: 99 patients were male and 17 female, with an average age of 53.1 years and the most common symptom was abdominal pain. Diagnosis was mainly made with computed tomography. The most common associated conditions were hypertension and smoking in 31% and 23% of the cases, respectively. Conservative treatment was performed in 79% of the cases. CONCLUSIONS: The profile of patients with ISCTD is male, middle aged, and almost all suffer from abdominal pain. Initial conservative treatment seems adequate for most cases, but a few patients will require interventional treatment. Clinical and radiological long-term follow-up is mandatory, owing to the risk of later progression to aneurysm.

Retrograde Proximal Anterior Tibial Artery Access for Treating Femoropopliteal Segment Occlusion: A Novel Approach.

Some challenges have been detected when there are long and complex lesions of femoropopliteal arterial occlusive disease, even with descriptions of the retrograde pedal approaches. The aim of this article is to describe the retrograde proximal anterior tibial artery access for treatment of femoropopliteal segment occlusion when antegrade recanalization failed (retrograde recanalization and rearranging the system into an antegrade position). Technical and clinical success was achieved in 100% of 4 cases, with an improvement of at least 2 Rutherford classes. Minor complication, small hematoma in an anterior compartment of the limb, occurred in 1 patient. No sign of compartmental syndrome was observed.

Evaluation and management of symptomatic isolated spontaneous celiac trunk dissection.

The purpose of this study is to describe 10 cases of symptomatic isolated spontaneous celiac trunk dissection (ISCTD) in order to evaluate the initial clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment modalities and outcomes. A retrospective search was performed from 2009 to 2014 and 10 patients with ISCTD were included in the study. Patients with associated aortic and/or other visceral artery dissection were excluded. The following information was collected from each case: sex, age, associated risk factors, symptoms, diagnostic method, anatomic dissection pattern, treatment modality and outcome. Most patients were male (90%), with an average age of 44.8 years, and the most common symptom was abdominal pain (100%). Hypertension and vasculitis (polyarteritis nodosa) were the most frequent risk factors (40% and 30%, respectively). Diagnosis was made in all patients with computed tomography. Dissection was limited to the celiac trunk in three patients and extended to celiac branches in the other seven. Initial conservative treatment was attempted in every case and was successful in nine patients. In one case, initial conservative treatment was unsuccessful and arterial stenting with coil embolization of the false lumen was performed. After successful initial treatment, late progression of the dissection to aneurysmal dilatation was observed in two patients and it was decided to perform endovascular treatment. Mean follow-up was 19 months, ranging from 2 to 59 months. In conclusion, initial conservative treatment seems adequate for most patients with ISCTD. Long-term follow-up is mandatory, owing to the risk of later progression to aneurysm.

Variation of mechanical properties and quantitative proteomics of VSMC along the arterial tree.

Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are thought to assume a quiescent and homogeneous mechanical behavior after arterial tree development phase. However, VSMCs are known to be molecularly heterogeneous in other aspects and their mechanics may play a role in pathological situations. Our aim was to evaluate VSMCs from different arterial beds in terms of mechanics and proteomics, as well as investigate factors that may influence this phenotype. VSMCs obtained from seven arteries were studied using optical magnetic twisting cytometry (both in static state and after stretching) and shotgun proteomics. VSMC mechanical data were correlated with anatomical parameters and ultrastructural images of their vessels of origin. Femoral, renal, abdominal aorta, carotid, mammary, and thoracic aorta exhibited descending order of stiffness (G, P < 0.001). VSMC mechanical data correlated with the vessel percentage of elastin and amount of surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM), which decreased with the distance from the heart. After 48 h of stretching simulating regional blood flow of elastic arteries, VSMCs exhibited a reduction in basal rigidity. VSMCs from the thoracic aorta expressed a significantly higher amount of proteins related to cytoskeleton structure and organization vs. VSMCs from the femoral artery. VSMCs are heterogeneous in terms of mechanical properties and expression/organization of cytoskeleton proteins along the arterial tree. The mechanical phenotype correlates with the composition of ECM and can be modulated by cyclic stretching imposed on VSMCs by blood flow circumferential stress.

Cost-effectiveness of selective internal radiation therapy with Y-90 resin microspheres for intermediate- and advanced-stage hepatocellular carcinoma in Brazil.

AIMS: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a severe condition with poor prognosis that places a significant burden on patients, caregivers, and healthcare systems. Selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) is a treatment available to patients with HCC which addresses some of the limitations of alternative treatment options. A cost-effectiveness analysis was undertaken into the use of SIRT using Y-90 resin microspheres for the treatment of unresectable intermediate- and late-stage HCC in Brazil. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A partitioned-survival model was developed, including a tunnel state for patients downstaged to receive treatments with curative intent. Sorafenib was the selected comparator, a common systemic treatment in Brazil and for which comparative evidence exists. Clinical data were extracted from published sources of pivotal trials, and effectiveness was measured in quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) and life-years (LYs). The analysis was conducted from the Brazilian private payer perspective and a lifetime horizon was implemented. Comprehensive sensitivity analyses were conducted. RESULTS: LYs and QALYs were higher for SIRT with Y-90 resin microspheres versus sorafenib (0.27 and 0.20 incremental LYs and QALYs, respectively) and costs were slightly higher for SIRT (R$15,864). The base case incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was R$77,602 per QALY. The ICER was mostly influenced by parameters defining the sorafenib overall survival curve and SIRT had a 73% probability of being cost-effective at a willingness-to-pay threshold of R$135,761 per QALY (3-times the per-capita gross domestic product in Brazil). Overall, sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the results indicating that SIRT with Y-90 resin microspheres is cost-effective compared with sorafenib. LIMITATIONS: A rapidly evolving treatment landscape in Brazil and worldwide, and the lack of local data for some variables were the main limitations. CONCLUSIONS: SIRT with Y-90 resin microspheres is a cost-effective option compared with sorafenib in Brazil.

Diagnostic Yield of Computed Tomography-Guided Procedures for Spondylodiscitis.

PURPOSE: To identify the diagnostic yield and predictive factors for microbiological diagnosis in patients with spondylodiscitis through computed tomography (CT)-guided biopsy or aspiration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of 102 patients with suspected spondylodiscitis who underwent CT-guided procedures in an 8-year period was conducted. Analyzed variables were demographic data, C-reactive protein, pre-biopsy MRI findings, prior antibiotic use, site of biopsy/aspiration, histopathological findings, culture results and radiation dose. RESULTS: The culture yield among all sites was 56%, 85.6% for paravertebral/discal fluid aspiration, 66.7% for disk-only biopsy, 52.9% for paravertebral soft tissue biopsy, and 39.6% for endplate bone-disk unit. Patients with paravertebral/disk collection on MRI had better yields when submitted to fluid aspiration instead of biopsy of other sites (78.9% vs. 36.6%; p = 0,006). Pyogenic etiology corresponded to 68.3% of cases and Staphylococcus aureus was the most common agent. Prior antibiotics exposure was associated with a lower yield (66.2% vs. 40.9%, p = 0,016). CONCLUSIONS: CT-guided procedures are safe and well-tolerated in patients with suspected spondylodiscitis, with good microbiologic yield particularly in the presence of paravertebral/discal abscess.

Long-term results of oversized balloon dilation for benign anastomotic biliary strictures: initial two-center experience.

Objective: To describe, assess the feasibility of, and quantify the long-term patency achieved with percutaneous transhepatic biliary dilation using the anastomotic biliary stricture (ABS) oversized balloon dilation technique as a single-step procedure for the treatment of benign anastomotic biliary strictures following hepatobiliary surgery. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective, two-center study including 16 consecutive cases of symptomatic benign biliary-enteric strictures. After assessment of the diameter of the bile duct by computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging, the strictures were dilated with oversized balloons (40-50% larger than the bile duct diameter) and an external biliary-enteric drain was placed. After drain removal, clinical symptoms and laboratory test results were evaluated every three months, whereas follow-up magnetic resonance imaging was performed at 30 days out and follow-up computed tomography was performed at 6 and 12 months out. Results: The mean follow-up time was 31.8 ± 8.15 months. Kaplan-Meier-estimated 1-, 2-, and 3-year patency rates were 88.2%, 82.4%, and 82.4%, respectively. There was one major complication-a small dehiscence of the anastomosis-which extended the catheter dwell time. Minor complications occurred in two cases-one small perihepatic hematoma and one segmental thrombosis of the left portal branch-neither of which required further intervention. Conclusion: The single-step ABS oversized balloon dilation technique is a feasible treatment for benign anastomotic biliary-enteric strictures. The technique appears to be associated with high rates of long-term clinical success and patency.

Objetivo: Descrever o procedimento, avaliar a viabilidade e perviedade em longo prazo da dilatação biliar trans-hepática percutânea usando a técnica de dilatação por balão superdimensionado para o tratamento em uma única etapa de estenose biliar anastomótica benigna após cirurgia hepatobiliar. Materiais e Métodos: Este estudo retrospectivo de dois centros incluiu 16 casos consecutivos de estenoses bilioentéricas benignas sintomáticas. A dilatação das estenoses com superdimensionamento do balão de 40-50% foi realizada após avaliação pré-procedimento do diâmetro do ducto biliar por tomografia computadorizada ou ressonância magnética e um dreno externo foi colocado. Os sintomas clínicos e exames laboratoriais foram avaliados a cada três meses após a remoção do dreno, enquanto o acompanhamento radiológico foi realizado com ressonância magnética em 30 dias e tomografia computadorizada em 6 e 12 meses. Resultados: O tempo médio de seguimento foi de 31,8 ± 8,15 meses. As estimativas de perviedade em um, dois e três anos foram 88,2%, 82,4% e 82,4%; respectivamente. Houve uma complicação importante, com pequena deiscência da anastomose biliodigestiva, que exigiu prolongamento do tempo de permanência do dreno externo. Complicações menores ocorreram em dois casos, um pequeno hematoma peri-hepático e uma trombose segmentar do ramo portal esquerdo e nenhum deles necessitou de intervenção adicional. Conclusão: A técnica de dilatação com balão superdimensionado para o tratamento de estenoses biliares anastomóticas benignas foi viável para o tratamento de estenoses anastomóticas bilioentéricas benignas. A técnica parece estar associada a altas taxas de perviedade e de sucesso clínico no longo prazo.

Long-term results of the percutaneous transhepatic venoplasty of portal vein stenoses after pediatric liver transplantation.

This paper has the objective to evaluate retrospectively the long-term results of transhepatic treatment of PV stenoses after pediatric LT. During an eight-yr period, 15 children with PV stenoses underwent PTA with balloon dilation or stent placement in case of PTA failure after LT. Patients' body weights ranged from 9.3 to 46kg (mean, 15.5kg). PV patency was evaluated in the balloon dilation and in the stent placement groups. Technical and clinical successes were achieved in all cases with no complication. Eleven patients (11/15; 73.3%) were successfully treated by single balloon dilation. Four patients (4/15; 26.7%) needed stent placement. One patient was submitted to stent placement during the same procedure because of PTA failure. The other three developed clinical signs of portal hypertension because of PV restenoses two, eight, and twenty-eight months after the first PTA. They had to be submitted to a new procedure with stent placement. The follow-up time ranged from 3 to 8.1 yr (mean, 6.3 yr). In conclusion, transhepatic treatment of PV stenoses after pediatric LT with balloon dilation or stent placement demonstrated to be a safe and effective treatment that results in long-term patency.

Infusion of recombinant human tissue plasminogen activator through the superior mesenteric artery in the treatment of acute mesenteric venous thrombosis.

Acute mesenteric venous thrombosis is an uncommon condition that is usually treated with systemic anticoagulation. Catheter-directed thrombolysis through the superior mesenteric artery may be a viable adjunct to treat this morbid condition. In the present article, we have described a case of superior mesenteric venous thrombosis treated with catheter-directed infusion of tissue plasminogen activator through the superior mesenteric artery.

Percutaneous transhepatic placement of plastic biliary stents: technical description and preliminary results.

PURPOSE: To describe a novel technique of percutaneous transhepatic (PTH) placement of a plastic biliary stent (PBS), report the feasibility and safety of the technique, and present the preliminary results of a pilot study that included 32 patients with symptomatic obstructive jaundice (SOJ) treated with the technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective, single-arm, single-center, pilot study of a cohort of patients with the diagnosis of benign or malignant obstructive jaundice that underwent PTH placement of a PBS to relieve the obstruction. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients were included, 16 men and 16 women (age range, 35-88 years). There were 26 malignant and six benign lesions. Cholangiocarcinoma was the most common tumor (n=13, 40.6%), followed by pancreatic adenocarcinoma (n=6, 18.75%) and metastasis (n=5, 15.6%). A total of 35 PBSs were placed in 32 procedures. The bile duct was accessed and drained to the right side in 18 cases, to the left side in 14 cases, and bilaterally in three cases. Technical success was achieved in 100% and clinical success in 93.7% of cases. Using a modified Bismuth-Cortelle classification system, type I was observed in nine patients, type II in nine patients, type III in six patients, and type IV in eight patients. The mean follow-up was 426.1 days for the total sample, and 349.4 days for patients with malignancy. Two complications were observed: transient hemobilia and cholangitis. CONCLUSION: PTH placement of a PBS in patients with SOJ is feasible, safe, and effective.

Chemotherapy taste and bronchospasm: a consequence of a fistula between the superior vena cava and the right main bronchi.

A 56-year-old female patient with upper lobe neoplasia of the right lung and superior vena cava syndrome. The patient complained about the taste of the medications during the chemotherapy sessions. Interventional radiology diagnosed cava-bronchial fistula when it injected contrast into the inferior and superior vena cava.

Endovascular management of giant common iliac artery pseudoaneurysm after complications in simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplant: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic transplantation is a definitive treatment for selected patients with insulin-dependent diabetes. It is a technically challenging surgery, and vascular complications are the most common cause of pancreatic graft failure. Although rare, pancreas transplants present higher rates of pseudoaneurysms at the vascular anastomosis than other visceral transplants. We present a case of a simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplant complicated with graft failure and common iliac artery pseudoaneurysm that was successfully treated through endovascular techniques. CASE PRESENTATION: A 34-year-old White woman presented with abdominal pain and a history of type 1 diabetes mellitus, end-stage renal disease, and two previous pancreas transplantation failures. The first was a simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation performed 7 months prior that was complicated by pancreas graft thrombosis within 1 month and required graft resection. Five months later, she underwent a second pancreas transplantation with another pancreatic graft thrombosis requiring graft resection. Abdominal angiotomography revealed a pseudoaneurysm in the right common iliac artery at the point of the previous graft anastomosis. The patient was successfully treated endovascularly with a covered stent in the common iliac artery. CONCLUSION: Stent graft implantation for the treatment of common iliac artery pseudoaneurysm as a complication of simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation is a safe and feasible procedure.

Subclavian vein an unusual access for the removal of intravascular foreign bodies.

Catheter migration or catheter fracture and consequent migration of a fragment is a rare complication that occurs in 1% of the patients. Despite the low incidence, embolization may cause severe and potentially fatal complications, with the mortality rates varying between 24 and 60%. The gold standard treatment for this condition is the extraction of the fragmented catheter by the intravascular percutaneous route, through the common femoral vein. If it is not available, the extraction procedure must be performed through an alternative access. This article describes a fully successful removal of a fragmented catheter by percutaneous intravascular access obtained through the right subclavian vein.

Transesplenic access in the treatment of varicose gastrointestinal bleeding. Case and technical report.

Varicose gastrointestinal bleeding is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic liver disease. Endoscopic treatment is the first therapeutic line for these patients, however, for those whom this therapeutic modality fail, a broad knowledge of alternative treatment options may improve the prognosis. We describe a case of a patient who were successfully embolized from gastroesophageal varices via transsplenic access.