Safety of oil-based contrast medium for hysterosalpingography: a systematic review.

Recent meta-analyses have shown that a hysterosalpingography (HSG) with oil-based contrast increases pregnancy rates in subfertile women. However, the frequency of complications during or after an HSG with oil-based contrast in subfertile women and/or their offspring is still unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis, without restrictions on language, publication date or study design, was performed to fill this knowledge gap. The results show that the most frequently reported complication was intravasation of contrast, which occurred in 2.7% with the use of oil-based contrast (31 cohort studies and randomized controlled trials [RCT], 95% CI 1.7-3.8, absolute event rate 664/19,339), compared with 2.0% with the use of water-based contrast (8 cohort studies and RCT, 95% CI 1.2-3.0, absolute event rate 18/1006). In the cohort studies and RCT there were 18 women with an oil embolism (18/19,339 HSG), all without serious lasting consequences. Four cases with serious consequences of an oil embolism were described (retinal oil embolism [n = 1] and cerebral complaints [n = 3]); these reports did not describe the use of adequate fluoroscopy guidance during HSG. In conclusion, the most frequently reported complication after an HSG with oil-based contrast is intravasation occurring in 2.7%. In total four cases with serious consequences of oil embolisms in subfertile women were published.

Neoadjuvant transcatheter arterial chemoembolization and systemic chemotherapy for treatment of clear cell sarcoma of the kidney in children.

BACKGROUND: Clear cell sarcoma of the kidney (CCSK) is a rare and aggressive malignant renal tumor. We describe our experience with neoadjuvant transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) and systematic chemotherapy for the treatment of advanced CCSK in children. METHODS: Between January 2010 and December 2016, seven patients (3 boys and 4 girls; median 2.2 years) with advanced CCSK received preoperative TACE of renal artery and systemic chemotherapy. The chemoembolic emulsion for TACE consisted of cisplatin, pirarubicin, vindesine, and iodized oil. Preoperative systemic chemotherapy with vindesine, ifosfamide, and etoposide was administered three weeks after TACE. Nephrectomy was performed three weeks after systemic chemotherapy. After surgery, patients received radiotherapy and postoperative chemotherapy. RESULTS: No cardiotoxicity, renal insufficiency, or hepatic dysfunction was found in any patients. Grade II-III marrow suppression developed in four patients. One patient with tumor progress during neoadjuvant therapy failed to successfully undergo surgery and died. Six patients underwent nephrectomy after neoadjuvant therapy. Median follow-up period was 49.5 months (range, 11-83 months). Five patients have recurrence-free survival. One patient is still in postoperative chemotherapy after nephrectomy, radiotherapy and thoracoscopic resection of lung metastases. CONCLUSIONS: Neoadjuvant TACE and systemic chemotherapy appeared to be feasible in the treatment of advanced CCSK in this pilot study. THE TYPE OF STUDY: A case series with no comparison group. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Computed tomography and histopathological findings after embolization with inherently radiopaque 40µm-microspheres, standard 40µm-microspheres and iodized oil in a porcine liver model.

PURPOSE: The present study compared standard computed tomography (CT) and histopathological findings after endovascular embolization using a prototype of inherently radiopaque 40µm-microspheres with both standard 40µm-microspheres and iodized oil in a porcine liver model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve pigs were divided into six study groups, of two pigs each. Four pigs were embolized with iodized oil alone and four with radiopaque microspheres; two animals in each group were sacrificed at 2 hours and two at 7 days. Two pigs were embolized with radiopaque microspheres and heparin and sacrificed at 7 days. Two pigs were embolized with standard microspheres and sacrificed at 2 hours. CT was performed before and after segmental embolization and before sacrifice at 7 days. The distribution of embolic agent, inflammatory response and tissue necrosis were assessed histopathologically. RESULTS: Radiopaque microspheres and iodized oil were visible on standard CT 2 hours and 7 days after embolization, showing qualitatively comparable arterial and parenchymal enhancement. Quantitatively, the enhancement was more intense for iodized oil. Standard microspheres, delivered without contrast, were not visible by imaging. Radiopaque and standard microspheres similarly occluded subsegmental and interlobular arteries and, to a lesser extent, sinusoids. Iodized oil resulted in the deepest penetration into sinusoids. Necrosis was always observed after embolization with microspheres, but never after embolization with iodized oil. The inflammatory response was mild to moderate for microspheres and moderate to severe for iodized oil. CONCLUSION: Radiopaque 40µm-microspheres are visible on standard CT with qualitatively similar but quantitatively less intense enhancement compared to iodized oil, and with a tendency towards less of an inflammatory reaction than iodized oil. These microspheres also result in tissue necrosis, which was not observed after embolization with iodized oil. Both radiopaque and standard 40µm-microspheres are found within subsegmental and interlobar arteries, as well as in hepatic sinusoids.

Use of Iodized Oil and Gelatin Sponge Embolization in Splenic Artery Coiling Reduces Bleeding from Laparoscopic Splenectomy for Cirrhotic Portal Hypertension Patients with Complicating Hypersplenic Splenomegaly: A Comparative Study.

OBJECTIVE: Laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) is relatively contraindicated in cirrhotic portal hypertension (CPH) patients with complicating hypersplenic splenomegaly (HS). This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of incorporation of iodized oil and gelatin sponge embolization to conventional splenic artery embolization (cSAE) with coiling in CPH/HS patients undergoing LS. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between April 2012 and March 2014, eligible CPH/HS patients (n = 56) were assigned to preoperative modified SAE (mSAE) with LS (mSAE+LS group, n = 16), cSAE with LS (cSAE+LS group, n = 20) or LS alone (LS group, n = 20). Main outcome measures included frequency of conversion to laparotomy, operative time, intraoperative bleeding, and transfusion. RESULTS: The three groups had similar baseline characteristics (all P > .05). mSAE and cSAE similarly decreased LS conversion frequency (mSAE+LS versus cSAE+LS versus LS, 0.0% versus 10.0% versus 30.0%, P = .030) and operative time (155 ± 23 minutes versus 170 ± 26 minutes versus 221 ± 42 minutes, P < .001) compared with LS alone. mSAE significantly reduced bleeding (178 ± 22 mL versus 250 ± 27 mL versus 328 ± 67 mL, P < .001) compared with cSAE and LS alone. The three groups had similar postoperative recovery times and surgical morbidities (all P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: In CPH/HS patients, preoperative SAE reduced LS conversion frequency and reduced operative time compared with LS alone, while mSAE further decreased volume of blood loss.

Experimental study on ablation of leiomyoma by combination high-intensity focused ultrasound and iodized oil in vitro.

AIM: The aim of the current study was to investigate whether iodized oil (IO) enhances high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) ablation of uterine leiomyoma and to determine the features of hyperechoic changes in the target region. METHODS: Forty samples of uterine leiomyoma were randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group. In the experimental group, the leiomyoma was ablated by HIFU 30 min after 1 mL of iodized oil had been injected into the center of the myoma. The hyperechoic values and areas in the target region were observed by B-modal ultrasound after HIFU ablation. The samples were cut successively into slices and stained by triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) solution within 1 h after HIFU ablation. The diameters of TTC-non-stained areas were measured and tissues in the borderline of the TTC-stained and -non-stained areas were observed pathologically. All procedures in the control group were the same as those in the experimental group except IO was replaced by physiological saline. RESULTS: The hyperechoic value in the target region in the experimental group was higher than that in the control group 4 min after HIFU ablation (P < 0.05). Hyperechoic areas in the target region as well as TTC-non-stained volumes in the experimental group were greater than those in the control group (P < 0.05). Routine pathologic observation showed that coagulation necrosis of leiomyoma occurred in the target region in both groups. CONCLUSION: IO causes coagulation necrosis, enlarges tissue damage, and postpones the attenuation of hyperechoic changes in the target region when HIFU ablation is carried out for leiomyoma in vitro.

Sclerosing cholangitis secondary to bleomycin-iodinated embolization for liver hemangioma.

Sclerosing cholangitis (SC) is a rarely reported morbidity secondary to transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) with bleomycin-iodinated oil (BIO) for liver cavernous hemangioma (LCH). This report retrospectively evaluated the diagnostic and therapeutic course of a patient with LDH who presented obstructive jaundice 6 years after TACE with BIO. Preoperative imaging identified a suspected malignant biliary stricture located at the convergence of the left and right hepatic ducts. Operative exploration demonstrated a full-thickness sclerosis of the hilar bile duct with right hepatic duct stricture and right lobe atrophy. Radical hepatic hilar resection with right-side hemihepatectomy and Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy was performed because hilar cancer could not be excluded on frozen biopsy. Pathological results showed chronic pyogenic inflammation of the common and right hepatic ducts with SC in the portal area. Secondary SC is a long-term complication that may occur in LCH patients after TACE with BIO and must be differentiated from hilar malignancy. Hepatic duct plasty is a definitive but technically challenging treatment modality for secondary SC.

Efficacy and nontarget effects of transarterial chemoembolization in bridging of hepatocellular carcinoma patients to liver transplantation: a histopathologic study.

PURPOSE: To histologically evaluate the efficacy and nontarget effects induced by transarterial chemoembolization as a "bridge" treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) before liver transplantation (LT) and its relation to patient survival. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between October 2003 and January 2011, 51 patients with HCC underwent LT after chemoembolization with iodized oil, small spherical particles, and carboplatin. The decision for LT was made according to national guidelines. The efficacy and nontarget effects of chemoembolization were determined histologically in explanted livers, and their impact on patients' survival after LT was analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 126 chemoembolization procedures were performed in 51 patients; the median number of procedures per patient was three (range, one to six). The extent of HCC necrosis was less than or equal to 50% in 32% of treated HCCs, more than 50% and less than or equal to 90% in 17%, and more than 90%-99% in 14%; 38% showed complete necrosis of the lesion. The most common nontarget effects were focal necrosis of the liver parenchyma adjacent to the embolized HCC nodule (28%), intralesional (micro)abscess (26%), intralesional hemorrhage (22%), and peritumoral bile duct necrosis (12%). Based on histopathologic examination, 35% of patients had HCC that did not meet Milan criteria. None of these findings was significantly associated with patient survival after LT. CONCLUSIONS: Transarterial chemoembolization induces histopathologically confirmed HCC necrosis with a high degree of efficacy, but histologically proven complete HCC necrosis was not predictive of survival in this cohort of patients. Although histopathologic examination revealed (clinically relevant) nontarget effects in a subset of patients, they did not impair survival.

Hypersensitivity reactions to transcatheter chemoembolization with cisplatin and Lipiodol suspension for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma.

PURPOSE: To assess the predictors of hypersensitivity reaction to chemoembolization procedures with cisplatin and Lipiodol suspension for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between February 2005 and December 2008, 434 patients with HCC were treated with chemoembolization with a cisplatin and Lipiodol suspension. This retrospective cohort study analyzed the incidence of hypersensitivity reactions as an adverse effect and their predictors by multivariate logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: In total, 847 chemoembolization procedures were carried out in 434 patients. The median number of procedures per patient was 2 (range, 1-12). Mean dose of cisplatin per chemoembolization session was 27 mg (range, 15.0-80.0 mg), and the median total dose of cisplatin per patient was 55 mg (range, 5.0-560.0 mg). Hypersensitivity reactions occurred in 14 patients (1.7%). The median number of chemoembolization procedures in these patients was 7 (range, 3-10). Mean dose of cisplatin per session was 22 mg (range, 9.2-35.7 mg), and the median total dose of cisplatin was 134 mg (range, 37-286 mg). On multivariate analysis, the only parameter that showed an independent association with hypersensitivity reactions was the performance of 3 or more than three chemoembolization procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Performance of more than three chemoembolization procedures with a cisplatin and Lipiodol suspension was found to be independently associated with hypersensitivity reactions. Patients undergoing repeated chemoembolization procedures with cisplatin and Lipiodol suspension may experience hypersensitivity reactions as an adverse effect.

Iodized oil pleural effusion in a patient previously treated with transarterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma.

Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is a nonsurgical therapeutic option for the control of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with cirrhosis. Although less invasive than surgical approaches, this procedure can have severe side effects, with both local and extrahepatic complications, mostly related to treatment-induced ischemic damage. Here, we describe the case of a cirrhotic female patient affected by multinodular HCC, who presented with sudden onset dyspnea and chest pain. After a thorough follow-up, her condition was found to be due to iodinized oil pleural effusion following diaphragm rupture by a fistula. This had developed from a sterile abscess formed on the site of a previously performed TACE. We discuss the differential diagnosis and the management of this case, which, to our knowledge, has never been described as a late side effect of TACE.

Pancreatitis after transcatheter embolization of a splenic aneurysm.

A 52-year-old woman was treated for a splenic aneurysm that was found on abdominal computed tomography (CT) during a preoperative assessment for rectal cancer. The aneurysm was embolized using the "double coil-delivered microcatheter technique," and 4 ml of a mixture of N-butyl 2-cyanoacrylate (NBCA) and iodized oil (Lipiodol) (NBCA/Lipiodol = 1.0: 2.5) were injected into the aneurysm. The patient complained of left upper quadrant abdominal pain immediately after the procedure. A blood test 2 days after the procedure showed an increased white blood cell count (13,100/microl), C-reactive protein (13.36 mg/dl), and pancreatic amylase (428 U/l). Abdominal CT scan showed a huge cystic lesion at the pancreatic tail, in the center of which was a highly enhanced area due to accumulated NBCA-Lipiodol. Postembolization pancreatitis was diagnosed, and treatment with fasting and a drip infusion of nafamostat mesilate was started. The patient's abdominal pain became less severe within 3 days, and the pancreatic enzyme level had normalized 14 days after treatment. On CT, the cystic lesion at the pancreatic tail was smaller 20 days after the procedure, and it had disappeared completely 75 days after the procedure.

Effect of sodium thiosulfate on cisplatin removal after intra-arterial embolization with a lipiodol-platinum suspension for hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Cisplatin is one of the most effective chemotherapeutic agents against a variety of human cancers. Its usefulness is limited by its toxicity to normal tissues, including cells of kidney proximal tubules. PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of sodium thiosulfate (STS) on cisplatin clearance after transcatheter embolization (TAE) with a lipiodol-platinum suspension (LPS) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was performed prospectively in a randomized manner. HCC patients underwent intra-arterial LPS embolization with (n=17) and without (n=15) an intravenous STS infusion. Renal toxicity was estimated and free and total platinum concentrations were assessed for 7 days after treatment. RESULTS: After treatment without STS, there was a mild elevation of serum creatinine and a decrease in creatinine clearance. With STS, there was no significant difference before and after treatment in mean serum creatinine and creatinine clearance; free platinum disappeared completely within 120 min. In patients treated without STS, free platinum decreased rapidly within 120 min; this was followed by a gradual decrease during the next 7 days. CONCLUSION: STS seems effective against the renal toxicity of cisplatin. However, in the presence of STS, the anticancer effect of cisplatin may be decreased due to the accelerated disappearance of platinum.

Cerebral lipiodol embolism proven by dual-energy computed tomography: a case report.

We report a case of cerebral lipiodol embolism after transarterial chemoembolization of hepatocellular carcinoma, which was confirmed by dual-energy computed tomography (CT). A 44-year-old male patient developed left leg weakness after transarterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma. The noncontrast CT scan of his brain revealed multiple high-attenuating lesions scattered along the gyral surface of the both cerebral hemispheres; meanwhile, the lesions disappeared on the iodine-removed virtual noncontrast images generated from dual-energy CT.

Cerebral lipiodol embolism following transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma.

Cerebral lipiodol embolism (CLE) is an extremely rare complication of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The authors present a case of CLE that occurred after the second hepatic arterial chemoembolization for HCC, and attempt to introduce several plausible mechanisms of CLE, after reporting the clinical and radiological findings and reviewing the medical literature.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization of hepatocellular carcinomas.

BACKGROUND: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) associated with pulmonary lipiodol embolism is a rare complication of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE). We performed a survey of ARDS associated with pulmonary lipiodol embolism after TACE. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the cases of all patients with hepatic tumors who received transcatheter arterial embolization or TACE between January 2006 and December 2006 was performed. The diagnosis of pulmonary lipiodol embolism was confirmed by chest computed tomography (CT). RESULTS: The diagnosis of ARDS associated with pulmonary lipiodol embolism was confirmed in 4 patients. All had large (> or =5 cm) and hypervascular tumors. There was no evidence of hepatocellular carcinoma arteriovenous shunting in any of our patients as determined by angiography and multidetector CT. The volumes of lipiodol infused in the 4 patients were 50, 20, 30, and 20 mL. Only 2 patients received injections of carcinostatic agents. The onset of respiratory symptoms occurred between 1 hour and 4 days after TACE. Respiratory symptoms consisted of dyspnea and tachypnea. Chest CT scans revealed linear high-density shadows, suggestive of lipiodol retention in both lungs of all patients. CONCLUSION: Pulmonary lipiodol embolism after TACE can occur within a short time frame. Whether or not there is intrahepatic arteriovenous shunting detected by multidetector CT and angiography, clinicians should avoid high doses of iodized oil and carcinostatic agents. We suggest that CT should be used for the diagnosis of pulmonary lipiodol embolism.

Efficacy of transarterial embolization with arsenic trioxide oil emulsion in a rabbit VX2 liver tumor model.

PURPOSE: To investigate the anticancer activity of transarterial embolization with arsenic trioxide (As(2)O(3)) oil emulsion, as well as its hepatic and renal toxicity, in a rabbit VX2 liver model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: VX2 carcinomas were grown in rabbit livers, followed by transarterial embolization with high-dose As(2)O(3) (5 mg/kg with 0.2 mL Lipiodol, n = 7), low-dose As(2)O(3) (1 mg/kg with 0.2 mL Lipiodol, n = 7), or control (0.2 mL Lipiodol, n = 7). The growth ratios and residual viable proportions of the tumors were estimated by multi-detector row computed tomography and histopathologic examination, respectively. Hepatic and renal toxicity was evaluated by means of blood biochemical analysis. RESULTS: The growth ratios of the tumors differed significantly among the three groups (P = .008). The high-dose As(2)O(3) group showed significantly lower tumor growth ratios than the control group (mean +/- SD, 14.8% +/- 78.6 vs 794.0% +/- 156.2; P = .008). The residual viable proportions of the tumors were significantly lower in the high-dose (9.5% +/- 8.8) and low-dose (13.0% +/- 9.1) As(2)O(3) groups than in the control group (44.5% +/- 5.2; P < .017). Blood chemical concentrations indicating hepatic and renal toxicity did not differ among the three groups before or after transarterial embolization (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Transarterial embolization with As(2)O(3) iodized oil emulsion in rabbit VX2 liver tumors has anticancer effects without significant increase in hepatic and renal toxicity.

[Cerebral lipiodol embolism after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization of hepatocellular carcinoma].

Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) is the mainstay of treatment for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Although various complications of TACE have been reported, cerebral lipiodol embolism after TACE is rare. We report a 67-year-old man, who had patent foramen ovale and developed cerebral lipiodol embolism after TACE via the inferior phrenic artery. At 20 months after third TACE of 3 cm sized HCC in the left hepatic lobe, computed tomography (CT) revealed about 1.6 cm newly developed HCC in the anterior superior segment of right hepatic lobe. The angiogram revealed the HCC was supplied from the right inferior phrenic artery. Toward the end of TACE, there were accumulations of the iodized oil in the pulmonary vasculature. Immediately after TACE, he complained of weakness in right upper and lower limbs and sensory decrease in right limbs and right hemitrunk. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a cerebral lipiodol embolism. Transesophageal echocardiography revealed no visible thrombi but contrast-echocardiography using hand agitated saline revealed an intracardiac right to left shunt consistent with patent foramen ovale. Motor weakness and sensory decrease were gradually improved, and all neurological symptoms disappeared over 4 weeks.