Combination and Optimal Sequencing of Systemic and Locoregional Therapies in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Proceedings from the Society of Interventional Radiology Foundation Research Consensus Panel.

Hepatocellular carcinoma, historically, has had a poor prognosis with very few systemic options. Furthermore, most patients at diagnosis are not surgical candidates. Therefore, locoregional therapy (LRT) has been widely used, with strong data supporting its use. Over the last 15 years, there has been progress in the available systemic agents. This has led to the updated Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) algorithm's inclusion of these new systemic agents, with advocacy of earlier usage in those who progress on LRT or have tumor characteristics that make them less likely to benefit from LRT. However, neither the adjunct of LRT nor the specific sequencing of combination therapies is addressed directly. This Research Consensus Panel sought to highlight research priorities pertaining to the combination and optimal sequencing of LRT and systemic therapy, assessing the greatest needs across BCLC stages.

Voxel-based dosimetry predicting treatment response and related toxicity in HCC patients treated with resin-based Y90 radioembolization: a prospective, single-arm study.

BACKGROUND: There is an increasing body of evidence indicating Y90 dose thresholds for tumor response and treatment-related toxicity. These thresholds are poorly studied in resin Y90, particularly in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of prospective voxel-based dosimetry for predicting treatment response and adverse events (AEs) in patients with HCC undergoing resin-based Y90 radioembolization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This correlative study was based on a prospective single-arm clinical trial (NCT04172714), which evaluated the efficacy of low/scout (555 MBq) activity of resin-based Y90 for treatment planning. Partition model was used with goal of tumor dose (TD) > 200 Gy and non-tumoral liver dose (NTLD) < 70 Gy for non-segmental therapies. Single compartment dose of 200 Gy was used for segmentectomies. Prescribed Y90 activity minus scout activity was administered for therapeutic Y90 followed by Y90-PET/CT. Sureplan® (MIM Software, Cleveland, OH) was used for dosimetry analysis. Treatment response was evaluated at 3 and 6 months. Receiver operating characteristic curve determined TD response threshold for objective response (OR) and complete response (CR) as well as non-tumor liver dose (NTLD) threshold that predicted AEs. RESULTS: N = 30 patients were treated with 33 tumors (19 segmental and 14 non-segmental). One patient died before the first imaging, and clinical follow-up was excluded from this analysis. Overall, 26 (81%) of the tumors had an OR and 23 (72%) had a CR. A mean TD of 253 Gy predicted an OR with 92% sensitivity and 83% specificity (area under the curve (AUC = 0.929, p < 0.001). A mean TD of 337 Gy predicted a CR with 83% sensitivity and 89% specificity (AUC = 0.845, p < 0.001). A mean NTLD of 81 and 87 Gy predicted grade 3 AEs with 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity in the non-segmental cohort at 3- and 6-month post Y90, respectively. CONCLUSION: In patients with HCC undergoing resin-based Y90, there are dose response and dose toxicity thresholds directly affecting outcomes. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: NCT04172714.

Yttrium-90 Radiation Segmentectomy of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Comparative Study of the Effectiveness, Safety, and Dosimetry of Glass-Based versus Resin-Based Microspheres.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the differences in safety, effectiveness, and dosimetry between glass-based and resin-based ablative yttrium-90 (90Y) transarterial radioembolization (TARE) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using the modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors and Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, both tumor response and adverse events (AEs) were assessed at 3 months after 90Y-TARE. Post procedure 90Y-bremsstrahlung single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography voxel-based dosimetry analysis was used to create tumor dose (TD) and normal tissue dose (NTD) volume histograms, and to calculate tumor particle loading and specific activity. The TD and NTD receiver operating characteristic curves evaluated the dose threshold able to predict objective (partial or complete) and complete tumor responses in addition to any-grade and grade ≥3 AE incidences. The chi-square test and Student t-test were used to assess variable differences where appropriate. RESULTS: Between 2019 and 2020, 81 patients with HCC (20 in the resin-based cohort and 61 in the glass-based cohort) underwent ablative 90Y-TARE. The resin-based cohort had more males (89% vs 65%, P = .03), lower tumor-to-normal ratio (1.81 ± 0.39 vs 2.22 ± 0.94, P = .03), higher tumor particle loading (40,172 particles/mL ± 28,039 vs 17,081 particles/mL ± 12,555, P = .0001), lower specific activity (158 Bq/particle ± 3 vs 1,058 Bq/particle ± 331, P = .001), and lower mean TD (308 Gy ± 210 vs 794 Gy ± 523, P = .0002) than the glass-based cohort. No significant differences in baseline characteristics or posttreatment AEs were noted. The overall objective and complete response rates were 85% (95% resin-based vs 82% glass-based; P = .1) and 65% (95% resin-based vs 56% glass-based; P = .003), respectively. The mean TD thresholds able to predict the objective and complete responses were 176 Gy and 247 Gy for resin-based radioembolization and 290 Gy and 481 Gy for glass-based radioembolization, respectively. A maximum NTD of 999 Gy predicted any-grade AEs in glass-based ablative 90Y-TARE. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with glass-based ablative 90Y-TARE, resin-based ablative 90Y-TARE can offer comparable safety and effectiveness profiles for patients with HCC. The impact of the significantly different tumor particle loading, particle specific activities, and delivered TDs on tumor response outcomes merits further investigation.

New Frontiers in the Role of Locoregional Therapies in Breast Cancer: Proceedings from the Society of Interventional Radiology Foundation Research Consensus Panel.

Emerging evidence regarding the effectiveness of locoregional therapies (LRTs) for breast cancer has prompted investigation of the potential role of interventional radiology (IR) in the care continuum of patients with breast cancer. The Society of Interventional Radiology Foundation invited 7 key opinion leaders to develop research priorities to delineate the role of LRTs in both primary and metastatic breast cancer. The objectives of the research consensus panel were to identify knowledge gaps and opportunities pertaining to the treatment of primary and metastatic breast cancer, establish priorities for future breast cancer LRT clinical trials, and highlight lead technologies that will improve breast cancer outcomes either alone or in combination with other therapies. Potential research focus areas were proposed by individual panel members and ranked by all participants according to each focus area's overall impact. The results of this research consensus panel present the current priorities for the IR research community related to the treatment of breast cancer to investigate the clinical impact of minimally invasive therapies in the current breast cancer treatment paradigm.

Contemporary Management of Blunt Liver Trauma: An Analysis of the Trauma Quality Improvement Program Registry (2007-2019).

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of management strategies for blunt liver injuries in adult patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients aged ≥18 years with blunt liver injuries registered via the Trauma Quality Improvement Program (2007-2019) were identified. Management strategies initiated within 24 hours of hospital presentation were classified as nonoperative management (NOM), embolization, surgery, or combination therapy. Patients were stratified by injury grade. Linear models estimated each strategy's effect on hospital length of stay (LOS), intensive care unit (ICU) LOS, ventilator dependence, and mortality. RESULTS: Of 78,127 included patients, 88.7%, 8.7%, 1.8%, and 0.8% underwent NOM, surgery, embolization, and combination therapy, respectively. Among patients with low-grade (n = 62,237) and high-grade (n = 15,890) injuries and compared with all other management strategies, NOM was associated with the shortest hospital LOS and ICU LOS. Among patients with low-grade injuries and compared with surgery, embolization was associated with a shorter hospital LOS (9.7 days; P < .001; Cohen d = 0.32) and ICU LOS (5.3 days; P < .001; Cohen d = 0.36). Among patients with high-grade injuries and compared with surgery, embolization was associated with a shorter ICU LOS (6.0 days; P < .01; Cohen d = 0.24). Among patients with low- and high-grade injuries and compared with embolization, surgery was associated with higher odds of mortality (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Among patients presenting with blunt liver injuries and compared with surgery, embolization was associated with a shorter ICU LOS and lower risk of mortality.

Survival and Toxicities after Yttrium-90 Transarterial Radioembolization of Cholangiocarcinoma in the RESiN Registry.

PURPOSE: To report outcomes in patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma treated with yttrium-90 resin microspheres (transarterial radioembolization [TARE]) from a multicenter, prospective observational registry. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-five patients (median age, 67 years [interquartile range {IQR}, 59-74]; 50 men) were treated in 27 centers between July 2015 and August 2020. Baseline demographic characteristics included imaging findings, performance status, and previous systemic or locoregional treatments. Dosimetry method was tracked. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. The best imaging response was calculated using the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors v1.1. Grade ≥3 toxicities were assessed using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v5. Cox regression analysis was performed. RESULTS: Fifty-two of 86 (60%) patients had multifocal tumors, and 24/89 (27%) had extrahepatic tumors. The median index tumor diameter was 7.0 cm (IQR, 4.9-10 cm). The activity calculation method was reported in 59/95 (62%) patients, with body surface area being the most frequently used method (45/59, 76%). Median OS for the cohort was 14 months (95% confidence interval, 12-22). OS at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months was 94%, 80%, 63%, and 34%, respectively. Median OS was longer in patients without cirrhosis (19.1 vs 12.2 months, P = .05). Cirrhosis, previous chemotherapy (OS, 19.1 vs 10.6 months for treatment-naïve; P = .07), and imaging response at 6 months (OS, 16.4 vs 9.5 months for no response; P = .06) underwent regression analysis. Imaging response predicted OS at regression (hazard ratio, 0.39; P = .008). Grade 3-4 bilirubin toxicities were noted in 5 of 72 (7%) patients. Grade 3 albumin toxicity was noted in 1 of 72 (1.4%) patients. CONCLUSIONS: Objective response at 6 months predicted longer OS after TARE for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. The incidence of liver function toxicity was <10%.

REBOA: Expanding Applications From Traumatic Hemorrhage to Obstetrics and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, From the AJR Special Series on Emergency Radiology.

Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) has emerged over the past decade as a technique to control life-threatening hemorrhage and treat hemorrhagic shock, being increasingly used to treat noncompressible traumatic torso hemorrhage. Reports during this time also support the use of a REBOA device for an expanding range of indications including nontraumatic abdominal hemorrhage, postpartum hemorrhage, placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorder, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The strongest available evidence supports REBOA as a lifesaving adjunct to definitive surgical management in trauma and as a method to help avoid hysterectomy in select patients with postpartum hemorrhage or PAS disorder. In comparison with initial descriptions of complete REBOA inflation, techniques for partial REBOA inflation have been introduced to achieve hemodynamic stability while minimizing adverse events relating to reperfusion injuries. Fluoroscopy-free REBOA has been described in various settings, including trauma, obstetrics, and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. As the use of REBOA expands outside the trauma setting and into nontraumatic abdominal hemorrhage, obstetrics, and CPR, it is imperative for radiologists to become familiar with this technology, its proper placement, and its potential adverse sequelae.

Using Deep Learning to Predict Treatment Response in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treated with Y90 Radiation Segmentectomy.

Treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with Y90 radioembolization segmentectomy (Y90-RE) demonstrates a tumor dose-response threshold, where dose estimates are highly dependent on accurate SPECT/CT acquisition, registration, and reconstruction. Any error can result in distorted absorbed dose distributions and inaccurate estimates of treatment success. This study improves upon the voxel-based dosimetry model, one of the most accurate methods available clinically, by using a deep convolutional network ensemble to account for the spatially variable uptake of Y90 within a treated lesion. A retrospective analysis was conducted in patients with HCC who received Y90-RE at a single institution. Seventy-seven patients with 103 lesions met the inclusion criteria: three or fewer tumors, pre- and post treatment MRI, and no prior Y90-RE. Lesions were labeled as complete (n = 57) or incomplete response (n = 46) based on 3-month post treatment MRI and divided by medical record number into a 20% hold-out test set and 80% training set with 5-fold cross-validation. Slice-wise predictions were made from an average ensemble of models and thresholds from the highest accuracy epochs across all five folds. Lesion predictions were made by thresholding all slice predictions through the lesion. When compared to the voxel-based dosimetry model, our model had a higher F1-score (0.72 vs. 0.2), higher accuracy (0.65 vs. 0.60), and higher sensitivity (1.0 vs. 0.11) at predicting complete treatment response. This algorithm has the potential to identify patients with treatment failure who may benefit from earlier follow-up or additional treatment.

Utilization and Comparative Effectiveness of Uterine Artery Embolization versus Hysterectomy for Severe Postpartum Hemorrhage: A National Inpatient Sample Study.

PURPOSE: To identify differences in mortality or length of hospital stay for mothers treated with uterine artery embolization (UAE) or hysterectomy for severe postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), as well as to analyze whether geographic or clinical determinants affected the type of therapy received. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This National Inpatient Sample study from 2005 to 2017 included all patients with live-birth deliveries. Severe PPH was defined as PPH that required transfusion, hysterectomy, or UAE. Propensity score weighting-adjusted demographic, maternal, and delivery risk factors were used to assess mortality and prolonged hospital stay. RESULTS: Of 9.8 million identified live births, PPH occurred in 31.0 per 1,000 cases. The most common intervention for PPH was transfusion (116.4 per 1,000 cases of PPH). Hysterectomy was used more frequently than UAE (20.4 vs 12.9 per 1,000 cases). The following factors predicted that hysterectomy would be used more commonly than UAE: previous cesarean delivery, breech fetal position, placenta previa, transient hypertension during pregnancy without pre-eclampsia, pre-existing hypertension without pre-eclampsia, pre-existing hypertension with pre-eclampsia, unspecified maternal hypertension, and gestational diabetes (all P < .001). Delivery risk factors associated with greater utilization of hysterectomy over UAE included postterm pregnancy, premature rupture of membranes, cervical laceration, forceps vaginal delivery, and shock (all P < .001). There was no difference in mortality between hysterectomy and UAE. After balancing demographic, maternal, and delivery risk factors, the odds of prolonged hospital stay were 0.38 times lower with UAE than hysterectomy (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Despite similar mortality and shorter hospital stays, UAE is used far less than hysterectomy in the management of severe PPH.

Accuracy and Safety of Scout Dose Resin Yttrium-90 Microspheres for Radioembolization Therapy Treatment Planning: A Prospective Single-Arm Clinical Trial.

PURPOSE: To compare the accuracy and safety of 0.56 GBq resin yttrium-90 (90Y) (scout90Y) microspheres with those of technetium-99m macroaggregated albumin (MAA) in predicting the therapeutic 90Y (Rx90Y) dose for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective single-arm clinical trial (Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT04172714) recruited patients with HCC. Patients underwent same-day mapping with MAA and scout90Y. Rx90Y activity was administered 3 days after mapping. Using paired t test and Pearson correlation, the tumor-to-normal ratio (TNR), lung shunt fraction (LSF), predicted mean tumor dose (TD), and nontumoral liver dose (NTLD) by MAA and scout90Y were compared with those by Rx90Y. Bland-Altman plots compared the level of agreement between the TNR and LSF of scout90Y and MAA with that of Rx90Y. The safety of scout90Y was evaluated by examining the discrepancy in extrahepatic activity between MAA and scout90Y. RESULTS: Thirty patients were treated using 19 segmental and 14 nonsegmental (ie, 2 contiguous segments or nonsegmental) therapies. MAA had weak LSF, moderate TNR, and moderate TD linear correlation with Rx90Y. Scout90Y had a moderate LSF, strong TNR, strong TD, and very strong NTLD in correlation with those of Rx90Y. Furthermore, the TNR and LSF of scout90Y had a stronger agreement with those of Rx90Y than with those of MAA. In the nonsegmental subgroup, MAA had no significant correlation with the TD and NTLD of Rx90Y, whereas scout90Y had a very strong correlation with both of these factors. In the segmental subgroup, both MAA and scout90Y had a strong linear correlation with the TD and NTLD of Rx90Y. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with MAA, scout90Y is a more accurate surrogate for Rx90Y biodistribution for nonsegmental therapies.

Cooled Radiofrequency Ablation for Chronic Joint Pain Secondary to Hip and Shoulder Osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis (OA) of the shoulder and hip is a leading cause of physical disability and mental distress. Traditional nonsurgical management alone is often unable to completely address the associated chronic joint pain. Moreover, a large number of patients are not eligible for joint replacement surgery owing to comorbidities or cost. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of articular sensory nerve fibers can disrupt the transmission of nociceptive signals by neurolysis, thereby providing long-term pain relief. A subtype of RFA, cooled RFA (CRFA), utilizes internally cooled electrodes to generate larger ablative zones compared with standard RFA techniques. Given the complex variable innervation of large joints such as the glenohumeral and hip joints, a larger ablative treatment zone, such as that provided by CRFA, is desired to capture a greater number of afferent nociceptive fibers. The suprascapular, axillary, and lateral pectoral nerve articular sensory branches are targeted during CRFA of the glenohumeral joint. The obturator and femoral nerve articular sensory branches are targeted during CRFA of the hip. CRFA is a promising tool in the interventionalist's arsenal for management of OA-related pain and symptoms, particularly in patients who cannot undergo, have long wait times until, or have persistent pain following joint replacement surgery. An invited commentary by Tomasian is available online. ©RSNA, 2022.

International recommendations for personalised selective internal radiation therapy of primary and metastatic liver diseases with yttrium-90 resin microspheres.

PURPOSE: A multidisciplinary expert panel convened to formulate state-of-the-art recommendations for optimisation of selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) with yttrium-90 (90Y)-resin microspheres. METHODS: A steering committee of 23 international experts representing all participating specialties formulated recommendations for SIRT with 90Y-resin microspheres activity prescription and post-treatment dosimetry, based on literature searches and the responses to a 61-question survey that was completed by 43 leading experts (including the steering committee members). The survey was validated by the steering committee and completed anonymously. In a face-to-face meeting, the results of the survey were presented and discussed. Recommendations were derived and level of agreement defined (strong agreement ≥ 80%, moderate agreement 50%-79%, no agreement ≤ 49%). RESULTS: Forty-seven recommendations were established, including guidance such as a multidisciplinary team should define treatment strategy and therapeutic intent (strong agreement); 3D imaging with CT and an angiography with cone-beam-CT, if available, and 99mTc-MAA SPECT/CT are recommended for extrahepatic/intrahepatic deposition assessment, treatment field definition and calculation of the 90Y-resin microspheres activity needed (moderate/strong agreement). A personalised approach, using dosimetry (partition model and/or voxel-based) is recommended for activity prescription, when either whole liver or selective, non-ablative or ablative SIRT is planned (strong agreement). A mean absorbed dose to non-tumoural liver of 40 Gy or less is considered safe (strong agreement). A minimum mean target-absorbed dose to tumour of 100-120 Gy is recommended for hepatocellular carcinoma, liver metastatic colorectal cancer and cholangiocarcinoma (moderate/strong agreement). Post-SIRT imaging for treatment verification with 90Y-PET/CT is recommended (strong agreement). Post-SIRT dosimetry is also recommended (strong agreement). CONCLUSION: Practitioners are encouraged to work towards adoption of these recommendations.

Tumor-to-Normal Ratio Relationship between Planning Technetium-99 Macroaggregated Albumin and Posttherapy Yttrium-90 Bremsstrahlung SPECT/CT.

PURPOSE: To quantify the relationship of the tumor-to-normal ratio (TNR) attained from the technetium-99m macroaggregated albumin (MAA) and posttreatment yttrium-90 bremsstrahlung (Y90-Brem) single-photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT)/computer tomography (CT) studies in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated with glass microspheres. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospectively, a total of 190 consecutive patients with HCC who underwent 204 MAA and Y90-Brem SPECT/CT for glass microsphere Y90 radiation segmentectomy (Y90-RS) or lobar treatment (Y90-RLT) between 2013 and 2018 were included. Semi-automated regions-of-interests were drawn around the targeted tumor and nontumoral liver tissue on the SPECT/CT studies. TNR values from MAA and Y90-Brem SPECT/CT were compared using paired t-tests, Pearson correlation, and median with interquartile ranges (IQR). RESULTS: The mean TNR for MAA and Y90-Brem SPECT/CT was 2.96 ± 1.86 (median, 2.64; IQR, 2.50) and 2.29 ± 1.10 (median, 2.06; IQR, 1.05), respectively (P < .0001). The mean Y90-RLT TNR was 2.88 ± 1.67 (median, 2.59; IQR, 0.83) and 2.17 ± 0.89 (median, 1.98; IQR, 0.81) for MAA and Y90-Brem SPECT/CT, respectively (P < .0001). The mean Y90-RS TNR was 3.02 ± 2.01 (median, 2.87; IQR, 3.01) and 2.39 ± 1.25 (median, 2.11; IQR, 1.28) for MAA and Y90-Brem SPECT/CT, respectively (P = .0003). TNR attained from MAA and Y90 SPECT/CT studies showed a moderate correlation in a positive linear fashion for the overall (r = 0.54; P < .001), Y90-RLT (r = 0.66, P < .001), and Y90-RS cohorts (r = 0.48, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The TNR attained from Y90-Brem SPECT/CT is often underestimated, positively correlated, and less variable than that attained from MAA SPECT/CT.

Contemporary Management of Pediatric Blunt Splenic Trauma: A National Trauma Databank Analysis.

PURPOSE: To quantify changes in the management of pediatric patients with isolated splenic injury from 2007 to 2015. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients under 18 years old with registered splenic injury in the National Trauma Data Bank (2007-2015) were identified. Splenic injuries were categorized into 5 management types: nonoperative management (NOM), embolization, splenic repair, splenectomy, or a combination therapy. Linear mixed models accounting for confounding variables were used to examine the direct impact of management on length of stay (LOS), intensive care unit (ICU) days, and ventilator days. RESULTS: Of included patients (n = 24,128), 90.3% (n = 21,789), 5.6% (n = 1,361), and 2.7% (n = 640) had NOM, splenectomy, and embolization, respectively. From 2007 to 2015, the rate of embolization increased from 1.5% to 3.5%, and the rate of splenectomy decreased from 6.9% to 4.4%. Combining injury grades, NOM was associated with the shortest LOS (5.1 days), ICU days (1.9 days), and ventilator days (0.5 day). Moreover, splenectomy was associated with longer LOS (10.1 days), ICU days (4.5 days), and ventilator days (2.1 days) than NOM. The average failure rate of NOM was 1.5% (180 failures/12,378 cases). Average embolization failure was 1.3% (6 failures/456 cases). Splenic artery embolization was associated with lower mortality than splenectomy (OR: 0.10, P <.001). No statistically significant difference was observed in mortality between embolization and NOM (OR: 0.96, P = 1.0). CONCLUSIONS: In pediatric splenic injury, NOM is the most utilized and associated with favorable outcomes, most notably in grades III to V pediatric splenic injury. If intervention is needed, embolization is effective and increasingly utilized most significantly in lower grade injuries.

Safety and efficacy comparison of three- vs four-needle technique in the management of moderate to severe osteoarthritis of the knee using cooled radiofrequency ablation.

PURPOSE: To analyze the safety and efficacy of image-guided genicular nerve cooled radiofrequency ablation (C-RFA) for the treatment of pain in non-surgical candidates with moderate to severe knee osteoarthritis (OA) and to compare three- vs four-needle technique. METHOD: This retrospective study included 50 consecutive patients with pain from moderate to severe knee OA refractory to anti-inflammatory analgesia that failed multiple intra-articular lidocaine-steroid injections and who were non-surgical total knee arthroplasty candidates because of comorbidities. Patients initially underwent anesthetic blocks of the superior medial/lateral femoral and inferior medial tibial genicular nerve branches and in some cases the suprapatellar genicular nerve branch. Radiofrequency ablations of the same nerve branches were performed 1-2 weeks after the nerve blocks. Follow-up outcome was collected at approximately 2 weeks, 1, 3, and 6 months after the C-RFA procedure utilizing VAS and clinically validated questionnaires. RESULTS: A total of 77 knees were treated. The mean total KOOS score improved significantly from baseline at 24.7 ± 14.1 to 59.4 ± 26.5 at 6 months after treatment (p < 0.0001), with significant improvement in mean pain score from 25.5 ± 15.2 to 64.5 ± 25.2 (p < 0.0001) and mean stiffness score from 35.1 ± 21.9 to 65.8 ± 24.9 (p < 0.0001). At 6 months, 65% of all patients demonstrated decreased opiate medication usage, 79% of patients in the four-needle, and 45% of patients in the three-needle arms (p = 0.03). No complications were reported. CONCLUSIONS: The four-needle treatment approach offers an advantage in the overall efficacy in treating stiffness and pain in patients with moderate-to-severe OA refractory to conservative treatments leading to decreased opiate usage without complications.

Hospital Charges Associated with Central Venous Stenosis in Pediatric Patients Requiring Long-Term Central Venous Access.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the hospital charges associated with central venous stenosis in pediatric patients requiring long-term central venous catheters, via associated charges and hospital length of stay (LOS). STUDY DESIGN: This institutional review board-approved retrospective review identified pediatric patients with central venous catheters and either short bowel syndrome (SBS) or end-stage renal disease (ESRD) diagnosed between 2008 and 2015 using the Pediatric Health Information System. These 2 cohorts were selected because long-term central venous access is commonly required for survival. Prevalence of central venous stenosis, total number of admissions, procedures, LOS, and associated charges were recorded. Statistical analysis performed with Wilcoxon nonparametric and 2-sample t test with a significance of P < .05. RESULTS: Of 4952 patients with SBS and 4665 patients with ESRD, 169 (3.4%) patients with SBS and 191 (4.1%) patients with ESRD were diagnosed with central venous stenosis (360 patients total [3.7%]). The cumulative median admissions and LOS was higher in patients with SBS with central venous stenosis (15 admissions and 156 days) vs those without central venous stenosis (5 admissions and 110 days) (P < .001). The cumulative median number of admissions and LOS was higher in patients with ESRD with central venous stenosis (13 admissions and 72 days) vs those without central venous stenosis (7 admissions and 42 days) (P < .001). The mean cumulative charges for patients with SBS with central venous stenosis were higher than for those without central venous stenosis ($1.89 million vs $1.11 million, respectively) (P < .001). Similarly, the mean cumulative charges for patients with ESRD with central venous stenosis were higher than for those without central venous stenosis ($1.17 millions vs $702 000, respectively) (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric patients with central venous stenosis have significantly higher total charges, imaging charges, number of admissions, and longer LOS. Attention to mitigate the incidence of central venous stenosis in pediatric patients requiring long-term central venous access is warranted.

Predictors of Survival after Yttrium-90 Radioembolization of Chemotherapy-Refractory Hepatic Metastases from Breast Cancer.

PURPOSE: To determine predictors of survival after transarterial radioembolization of hepatic metastases from breast cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four patients with chemotherapy-refractory hepatic metastases from breast cancer who underwent radioembolization from 2013 to 2018 were evaluated based on various demographic and clinical factors before and after treatment. Overall survival (OS) was estimated by Kaplan-Meier method. Log-rank analysis was performed to determine predictors of prolonged OS from the time of first radioembolization and first hepatic metastasis diagnosis. RESULTS: Median OS times were 35.4 and 48.6 months from first radioembolization and time of hepatic metastasis diagnosis, respectively. Radioembolization within 6 months of hepatic metastasis diagnosis was a positive predictor of survival from first radioembolization, with median OS of 38.9 months vs 22.1 months for others (P = .033). Estrogen receptor (ER)-positive status predicted prolonged survival (38.6 months for ER+ vs 5.4 months for ER-; P = .005). The presence of abdominal pain predicted poor median OS: 12.8 months vs 38.6 months for others (P < .001). The presence of ascites was also a negative predictor of OS (1.7 months vs 35.4 months for others; P = .037), as was treatment-related grade ≥ 2 toxicity at 3 months (5.4 months vs 38.6 months for others; P = .017). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with metastatic breast cancer, radioembolization within 6 months of hepatic metastasis diagnosis and ER+ status appear to be positive predictors of prolonged survival. Conversely, baseline abdominal pain, baseline ascites, and treatment-related grade ≥ 2 toxicity at 3 months after treatment appear to be negative predictors of OS.

Efficacy of Intraprocedural Superior Hypogastric Nerve Block in Reduction of Postuterine Artery Embolization Narcotic Analgesia Use.

PURPOSE: Uterine artery embolization (UAE) is an effective treatment for the management of symptomatic uterine fibroids. We aim to evaluate the efficacy of superior hypogastric nerve block (SHNB) in reducing narcotic analgesia use for postprocedural pain after UAE. METHODS: A retrospective review of 88 consecutive patients with symptomatic fibroids who underwent UAE between August 2015 and August 2018 was performed. A total of 44 patients had intraprocedural SHNB and 44 patients had no SHNB. They were placed on a morphine patient-controlled anesthesia (PCA) pump after the procedure and were admitted for overnight observation. The total amount of PCA narcotic analgesia received was recorded for each patient. Additional factors including fibroid size, fibroid location, and patient age were evaluated to determine the predictors of narcotic use reduction after SHNB. RESULTS: The mean amount of postprocedural morphine use was 51.7 mg in patients who did not receive an SHNB versus 35.9 mg in patients who did receive an SHNB (P = .008), resulting in a 47.2% reduction in narcotic analgesia use in the SHNB cohort. A significant reduction in morphine use with SHNB was associated with fibroid size greater than 5 cm (P = .009), intramural fibroid location (P = .04), and patients 45 years or younger (P = .006). CONCLUSION: The use of SHNB could significantly reduce the amount of narcotic analgesia required for pain control after UAE with larger intramural fibroids and younger patients as predictors of increased efficacy.

The resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of aorta (REBOA) device-what radiologists need to know.

Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) is a novel device approved by the Food and Drug administration (FDA) in 2017 as an alternative to resuscitative emergent thoracotomy (RET). Due to advancements in placement of REBOA, including newly validated placement using anatomic landmarks, REBOA is now widely used by interventional radiologists and emergency physicians in acute subdiaphragmatic hemorrhage. Increased use of REBOA necessitates that radiologists are familiar with verification of proper REBOA placement to minimize complications. This review describes the REBOA device, indications, placement, and complications, summarizing the current available literature.

Ablation versus Resection for Stage 1A Renal Cell Carcinoma: National Variation in Clinical Management and Selected Outcomes.

Purpose To compare patients in a national U.S. database who underwent thermal ablation or nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in terms of demographic differences, perioperative outcomes, and survival. Materials and Methods This National Cancer Database study included patients who underwent thermal ablation or nephrectomy for biopsy-proven T1aN0M0 RCC between 2004 and 2013. Demographic factors were analyzed as treatment predictors. Unplanned hospital readmission, mean hospital stay, 30- and 90-day postoperative mortality, and survival were analyzed in a propensity score-matched cohort by using χ2 tests, Cox proportional hazards models, and Renyi family tests. Results Included were 4817 of 56 065 patients (8.6%) who underwent thermal ablation and 51 248 of 56 065 patients (91.4%) who underwent nephrectomy. Patients who underwent thermal ablation skewed older (mean, 52 years vs 44 years, respectively) with more comorbidities (9% vs 7.6% Charlson Comorbidity Index score of ≥2, respectively). Male sex, white race, nonprivate insurance, therapy at academic centers, and south Atlantic state urban residence with lower income and education were associated with higher thermal ablation treatment likelihood (P < .001). After matching, perioperative outcomes were superior for thermal ablation: unplanned hospital readmission, mean hospital stay, and 30- and 90-day postoperative mortality were lower for thermal ablation (2% vs 3.3%, 1.3 days vs 4.3 days, 0% vs 0.9%, and 0% vs 1.4%, respectively; each P < .001). Survival was comparable for thermal ablation and nephrectomy in patients older than 65 years, and during the 1st postoperative year for all patients. Conclusion Thermal ablation for RCC varied by national region and with multiple clinical and nonclinical demographic factors. Thermal ablation demonstrates superior perioperative outcomes with short mean hospital stay, low unplanned hospital readmission, and 30- and 90-day mortality. In selected patients, thermal ablation survival may be comparable to nephrectomy.