Effect of mild cortisol cosecretion on body composition and metabolic parameters in patients with primary hyperaldosteronism.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of simultaneous cortisol cosecretion (CCS) on body composition in computed tomography (CT)-imaging and metabolic parameters in patients with primary aldosteronism (PA) with the objective of facilitating early detection. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. PATIENTS: Forty-seven patients with PA and CCS confirmed by 1-mg dexamethasone suppression test (DST) with a cutoff of ≥1.8 µg/dL were compared with PA patients with excluded CCS (non-CCS, n = 47) matched by age and sex. METHODS: Segmentation of the fat compartments and muscle area at the third lumbar region was performed on non-contrast-enhanced CT images with dedicated segmentation software. Additionally, liver, spleen, pancreas and muscle attenuation were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Mean cortisol after DST was 1.2 µg/dL (33.1 nmol/L) in the non-CCS group and 3.2 µg/dL (88.3 nmol/L) in the CCS group with mild autonomous cortisol excess (MACE). No difference in total, visceral and subcutaneous fat volumes was observed between the CCS and non-CCS group (p = .7, .6 and .8, respectively). However, a multivariable regression analysis revealed a significant correlation between total serum cholesterol and results of serum cortisol after 1-mg DST (p = .026). Classification of the patients based on visible lesion on CT and PA-lateralization via adrenal venous sampling also did not show any significant differences in body composition. CONCLUSION: MACE in PA patients does not translate into body composition changes on CT-imaging. Therefore, early detection of concurrent CCS in PA is currently only attainable through biochemical tests. Further investigation of the long-term clinical adverse effects of MACE in PA is necessary.

Clinical benefits of MRI-guided freehand biopsy of small focal liver lesions in comparison to CT guidance.

OBJECTIVES: To compare clinical success, procedure time, and complication rates between MRI-guided and CT-guided real-time biopsies of small focal liver lesions (FLL) < 20 mm. METHODS: A comparison of a prospectively collected MRI-guided cohort (n = 30) to a retrospectively collected CT-guided cohort (n = 147) was performed, in which patients underwent real-time biopsies of small FLL < 20 mm in a freehand technique. In both groups, clinical and periprocedural data, including clinical success, procedure time, and complication rates (classified according to CIRSE guidelines), were analyzed. Wilcoxon rank sum test, Pearson's chi-squared test, and Fisher's exact test were used for statistical analysis. Additionally, propensity score matching (PSM) was performed using the following criteria for direct matching: age, gender, presence of liver cirrhosis, liver lobe, lesion diameter, and skin-to-target distance. RESULTS: The median FLL diameter in the MRI-guided cohort was significantly smaller compared to CT guidance (p < 0.001; 11.0 mm vs. 16.3 mm), while the skin-to-target distance was significantly longer (p < 0.001; 90.0 mm vs. 74.0 mm). MRI-guided procedures revealed significantly higher clinical success compared to CT guidance (p = 0.021; 97% vs. 79%) as well as lower complication rates (p = 0.047; 0% vs. 13%). Total procedure time was significantly longer in the MRI-guided cohort (p < 0.001; 38 min vs. 28 min). After PSM (n = 24/n = 38), MRI-guided procedures still revealed significantly higher clinical success compared to CT guidance (p = 0.039; 96% vs. 74%). CONCLUSION: Despite the longer procedure time, freehand biopsy of small FLL < 20 mm under MR guidance can be considered superior to CT guidance because of its high clinical success and low complication rates. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: Biopsy of small liver lesions is challenging due to the size and conspicuity of the lesions on native images. MRI offers higher soft tissue contrast, which translates into a higher success of obtaining enough tissue material with MRI compared to CT-guided biopsies. KEY POINTS: • Image-guided biopsy of small focal liver lesions (FLL) is challenging due to inadequate visualization, leading to sampling errors and false-negative biopsies. • MRI-guided real-time biopsy of FLL < 20 mm revealed significantly higher clinical success (p = 0.021; 97% vs. 79%) and lower complication rates (p = 0.047; 0% vs. 13%) compared to CT guidance. • Although the procedure time is longer, MRI-guided biopsy can be considered superior for small FLL < 20 mm.

Outcome of bleomycin electrosclerotherapy of slow-flow malformations in adults and children.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the safety and clinical outcome of bleomycin electrosclerotherapy (BEST) for treating extracranial slow-flow malformations. METHODS: In this retrospective investigation of a multicenter cohort presenting symptomatic slow-flow malformations, patient records were analyzed with respect to procedural details and complications. A treatment-specific, patient-reported questionnaire was additionally evaluated, obtained 3-12 months after the last treatment, to assess the subjective outcomes, including mobility, aesthetic aspects, and pain, as well as the occurrence of postprocedural skin hyperpigmentation. All outcome parameters were compared according to patients' age. RESULTS: Overall, 325 BEST treatments were performed in 233 patients after intralesional and/or intravenous bleomycin injection. The total complication rate was 10.2% (33/325), including 29/352 (8.9%) major complications. Patient-reported mobility decreased in 10/133 (8.8%), was stable in 30/113 (26.5%), improved in 48/113 (42.5%), and was rated symptom-free in 25/113 (22.1%) patients. Aesthetic aspects were rated impaired compared to baseline in 19/113 (16.8%), stable in 21/133 (18.6%), improved in 62/113 (54.9%), and perfect in 11/133 (9.7%) patients. Postprocedural skin hyperpigmentation occurred in 78/113 (69%) patients, remaining unchanged in 24/78 (30.8%), reduced in 51/78 (65.5%), and completely resolved in 3/78 (3.8%) patients. The median VAS pain scale was 4.0 (0-10) preprocedural and 2.0 (0-9) postprocedural. Children/adolescents performed significantly better in all parameters compared to adults (≥ 16 years) (mobility, p = 0.011; aesthetic aspects, p < 0.001; pain, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: BEST is effective for treating slow-flow vascular malformations, with few but potentially significant major complications. Regarding patient-reported outcomes, children seem to benefit better compared to older patients, suggesting that BEST should not be restricted to adults. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: Bleomycin electrosclerotherapy is a safe and effective approach and therapy should not be restricted to adults due to good clinical outcomes in children.

Efficacy and Safety of Local Liver Radioablation in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Lesions within and beyond Limits of Thermal Ablation.

INTRODUCTION: CT-guided interstitial brachytherapy (iBT) radiotherapy has been established in the treatment of liver tumors. With iBT, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) lesions can be treated beyond the limits of thermal ablation (i.e., size and location). However, a comprehensive analysis of the efficacy of iBT in patients within and beyond thermal ablation limits is lacking. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 146 patients with 216 HCC lesions have been analyzed retrospectively. Clinical and imaging follow-up data has been collected. Lesions were evaluated in terms of suitability for thermal ablation or not. The correlation between local tumor control (LTC), time to progression (TTP), overall survival (OS), and clinical and imaging parameters have been evaluated using univariable and multivariable Cox regression analyses. RESULTS: LTC rates at 12 months, 24 months, and 36 months were 87%, 75%, and 73%, respectively. 65% of lesions (n = 141) were not suitable for radiofrequency ablation (RFA). The median TTP was 13 months, and the median OS was not reached (3-year OS rate: 70%). No significant difference in LTC, TTP, or OS regarding RFA suitability existed. However, in the overall multivariable analysis, lesion diameter >5 cm was significantly associated with lower LTC (HR: 3.65, CI [1.60-8.31], p = 0.002) and shorter TTP (HR: 2.08, CI [1.17-3.70], p = 0.013). Advanced BCLC stage, Child-Pugh Stage, and Hepatitis B were associated with shorter OS. CONCLUSION: iBT offers excellent LTC rates and OS in local HCC treatment regardless of the limits of thermal ablation, suggesting further evidence of its alternative role to thermal ablation in patients with early-stage HCC.

In vivo study of the utility of selective intra-arterial injection of thiopental for neuroprotection in reversible cerebral ischemia.

BACKGROUND: Neuroprotective agents are needed to reduce cerebral damage during surgical or neurointerventional procedures including stroke patients. PURPOSE: To evaluate if thiopental can be used as a neuroprotective agent when injected intra-arterially in a transient ischemia model. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In total, 24 rabbits were studied as four groups of six animals. Group 1 served as the control group. In group 2, transient ischemia was obtained by intracarotid administration of degradable starch microspheres (DSM). Group 3 was administered thiopental intra-arterially via the carotid artery. Group 4 (experimental group) received both thiopental and DSM intra-arterially. DSM and thiopental were administered through a microcatheter placed into the common carotid artery via the central ear artery access. After sacrifice, apoptotic cells in the cerebral tissues of the animals were evaluated in H&E and TUNEL stained slides. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in the number of apoptotic glial or neuronal cells in group 2 compared to the control group and group 3. The mean number of both the apoptotic neuronal cells (6.8 ± 2.1 vs. 2.5 ± 1.3, P < 0.001) and the apoptotic glial cells (9.4 ± 3.1 vs. 4.6 ± 1.6, P < 0.001) were higher in group 2 compared to group 4. In addition, a higher level of neurological improvement was observed in group 4 compared to group 2 based on neurological assessment score. CONCLUSION: The intra-arterial administration of thiopental has a protective effect on both glial and neuronal cells during temporary cerebral ischemia in low doses.

Non-hypervascular hepatobiliary phase hypointense lesions detected in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: a post hoc analysis of SORAMIC trial to identify risk factors for progression.

OBJECTIVES: To identify clinical and imaging parameters associated with progression of non-hypervascular hepatobiliary phase hypointense lesions during follow-up in patients who received treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma. METHODS: A total of 67 patients with 106 lesions were identified after screening 538 patients who underwent gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI within the SORAMIC trial. All patients were allocated to the trial treatment according to the trial scheme, and 61 of 67 patients received systemic treatment with sorafenib (either alone or combined with locoregional therapies) during the trial period. Follow-up images after treatment according to trial scheme were reviewed for subsequent hypervascularization or > 1 cm size increase. The correlation between progression and several imaging and clinical parameters was assessed using univariable and multivariable analyses. RESULTS: On a median 178 (range, 48-1072) days follow-up period, progression was encountered in 18 (16.9%) lesions in 12 (17.9%) patients. In univariable analysis size > 12.6 mm (p = 0.070), ECOG-PS (p = 0.025), hypointensity at T1-weighted imaging (p = 0.028), hyperintensity at T2-weighted imaging (p < 0.001), hyperintensity at DWI images (p = 0.007), and cirrhosis (p = 0.065) were correlated with progression during follow-up. Hyperintensity at T2 images (p = 0.011) was an independent risk factor for progression in multivariable analysis, as well as cirrhosis (p = 0.033) and ECOG-PS (p = 0.030). CONCLUSIONS: Non-hypervascular hepatobiliary phase hypointense lesions are associated with subsequent progression after treatment in patients with HCC. T2 hyperintensity, diffusion restriction, cirrhosis, and higher ECOG-PS could identify lesions with increased risk. These factors should be considered for further diagnostic evaluation or treatment of such lesions. KEY POINTS: • Non-hypervascular hepatobiliary phase hypointense lesions have considerable risk of progression in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma receiving treatment. • T2 hyperintensity, cirrhosis, ECOG-PS, and hyperintensity at DWI are associated with increased risk of progression. • Non-hypervascular hepatobiliary phase hypointense lesions should be considered in the decision-making process of locoregional therapies, especially in the presence of these risk factors.

Development and External Validation of the Munich Sorafenib Evaluation Score for Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: In recent years, increasing options for systemic HCC treatment have become available. The development of therapy-specific prognostic scores has been encouraged. Tailoring therapy to individual patients requires prognostic scores for treatment success in addition to the Barcelona-Clinic-Liver-Cancer (BCLC) classification. We have developed and validated a prognostic score for patients treated with sorafenib. METHODS: Prognostic factors identified in a multivariate analysis of 108 sorafenib patients were used to construct the Munich Sorafenib Evaluation (M-SE) score. M-SE and 9 established HCC prognostic systems were ranked according to concordance-index and AIC. External M-SE validation was performed in an independent HCC sorafenib cohort (n = 101) derived from the prospective multicenter randomized controlled SORAMIC trial. RESULTS: Ascites (p < 0.0001; HR 2.923), tumor burden ≥50% of the liver (p = 0.0033; HR 1.946), and GOT (p < 0.0001; HR 1.716) were identified as independent prognostic parameters. All three M-SE stages were characterized by significantly different survival times (p < 0.0001). M-SE stage-A patients had a median OS of 18.7 months (95% CI: 15.6-21.8); patients in stage B and C showed a significantly shorter survival of 5.7 (2.7-8.7) and 2.0 months (1.6-2.4), respectively. M-SE (c-index 0.70; AIC 621) outperformed all other prognostic systems. External validation in a prospective cohort confirmed its superior prognostic performance. CONCLUSION: The M-SE score allows classification of sorafenib patients in three distinct prognostic stages. Provided that M-SE successfully passes prospective validation, it can help to predict the outcome of patients evaluated for sorafenib treatment.

Effect of retrobulbar prostaglandin analog injection on orbital fat in rats.

PURPOSE: Periorbital fat atrophy is a known side effect of topical prostaglandin analogs (PA). This side effect may have implications in the treatment of diseases like thyroid orbitopathy. In this in vivo study we aimed to evaluate the effects of retrobulbar injection of three different PAs on orbital fat. METHODS: Eighteen adult male Wistar-albino rats were divided into three groups of six animals. 0.1 ml of 0.03% bimatoprost, 0.005% latanoprost, or 0.005% travoprost was injected into the right orbits and saline was injected into the left orbits, as controls. Both orbits were exenterated after 3 weeks. Histological cross-sections were analyzed using ImageJ image analysis software. Intraconal adipocyte density was calculated. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the adipocyte density between the PA injected orbits and the control side in each of the three groups. When calculations from all three groups were analyzed together, again the difference in the adipocyte density between the PA injected orbits and the control side was not significant. CONCLUSION: No significant fat atrophy was noted in this rat model three weeks after retrobulbar injection of PAs. To evaluate retrobulbar injection of PA as a potential therapy for orbital diseases with fat proliferation, in vivo studies in different animal models, higher concentrations of PA, or longer follow-up duration are required.

Prognostic value of baseline imaging and clinical features in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma.

AIMS: To investigate the prognostic value of baseline imaging features for overall survival (OS) and liver decompensation (LD) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). DESIGN: Patients with advanced HCC from the SORAMIC trial were evaluated in this post hoc analysis. Several radiological imaging features were collected from baseline computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) imaging, besides clinical values. The prognostic value of these features for OS and LD (grade 2 bilirubin increase) was quantified with univariate Cox proportional hazard models and multivariate Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression. RESULTS: Three hundred and seventy-six patients were included in this study. The treatment arm was not correlated with OS. LASSO showed satellite lesions, atypical HCC, peritumoral arterial enhancement, larger tumour size, higher albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) score, liver-spleen ratio <1.5, ascites, pleural effusion and higher bilirubin values were predictors of worse OS, and higher relative liver enhancement, smooth margin and capsule were associated with better OS. LASSO analysis for LD showed satellite lesions, peritumoral hypointensity in hepatobiliary phase, high ALBI score, higher bilirubin values and ascites were predictors of LD, while randomisation to sorafenib arm was associated with lower LD. CONCLUSIONS: Imaging features showing aggressive tumour biology and poor liver function, in addition to clinical parameters, can serve as imaging biomarkers for OS and LD in patients receiving sorafenib and selective internal radiation therapy for HCC.

Addition of Y-90 radioembolization increases tumor response and local disease control in hepatocellular carcinoma patients receiving sorafenib.

PURPOSE: To compare the treatment response and progression-free survival (PFS) in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients who received sorafenib treatment either alone or combined with radioembolization (RE). METHODS: Follow-up images of the patients treated within a multicenter phase II trial (SORAMIC) were assessed by mRECIST. A total of 177 patients (73 combination arm [RE + sorafenib] and 104 sorafenib arm) were included in this post-hoc analysis. Response and progression characteristics were compared between treatment arms. Survival analyses were done to compare PFS and post-progression survival between treatment arms. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to compare survival with factors known to influence PFS in patients with HCC. RESULTS: The combination arm had significantly higher objective response rate (61.6% vs. 29.8%, p < 0.001), complete response rate (13.7% vs. 3.8%, p = 0.022), and a trend for higher disease control rate (79.2% vs. 72.1%, p = 0.075). Progression was encountered in 116 (65.5%) patients and was more common in the sorafenib arm (75% vs. 52.0%, p = 0.001). PFS (median 8.9 vs. 5.4 months, p = 0.022) and hepatic PFS were significantly better in the combination arm (9.0 vs. 5.7 months, p = 0.014). Multivariate analysis confirmed the treatment arm as an independent predictor of PFS. CONCLUSION: In advanced HCC patients receiving sorafenib, combination with RE has an additive anticancer effect on sorafenib treatment resulting in a higher and longer tumor response. However, the enhanced response did not translate into prolonged survival. Better patient selection and superselective treatment could improve outcomes after combination therapy.

Correlation of liver enhancement in gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI with liver functions: a multicenter-multivendor analysis of hepatocellular carcinoma patients from SORAMIC trial.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the correlation between liver enhancement on hepatobiliary phase and liver function parameters in a multicenter, multivendor study. METHODS: A total of 359 patients who underwent gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI using a standardized protocol with various scanners within a prospective multicenter phase II trial (SORAMIC) were evaluated. The correlation between liver enhancement on hepatobiliary phase normalized to the spleen (liver-to-spleen ratio, LSR) and biochemical laboratory parameters, clinical findings related to liver functions, liver function grading systems (Child-Pugh and Albumin-Bilirubin [ALBI]), and scanner characteristics were analyzed using uni- and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: There was a significant positive correlation between LSR and albumin (rho = 0.193; p < 0.001), platelet counts (rho = 0.148; p = 0.004), and sodium (rho = 0.161; p = 0.002); and a negative correlation between LSR and total bilirubin (rho = -0.215; p < 0.001) and AST (rho = -0.191; p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis confirmed independent significance for each of albumin (p = 0.022), total bilirubin (p = 0.045), AST (p = 0.031), platelet counts (p = 0.012), and sodium (p = 0.006). The presence of ascites (1.47 vs. 1.69, p < 0.001) and varices (1.55 vs. 1.69, p = 0.006) was related to significantly lower LSR. Similarly, patients with ALBI grade 1 had significantly higher LSR than patients with grade 2 (1.74 ± 0.447 vs. 1.56 ± 0.408, p < 0.001); and Child-Pugh A patients had a significantly higher LSR than Child-Pugh B (1.67 ± 0.44 vs. 1.49 ± 0.33, p = 0.021). Also, LSR was negatively correlated with MELD-Na scores (rho = -0.137; p = 0.013). However, one scanner brand was significantly associated with lower LSR (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The liver enhancement on the hepatobiliary phase of gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI is correlated with biomarkers of liver functions in a multicenter cohort. However, this correlation shows variations between scanner brands. KEY POINTS: • The correlation between liver enhancement on the hepatobiliary phase of gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI and liver function is consistent in a multicenter-multivendor cohort. • Signal intensity-based indices (liver-to-spleen ratio) can be used as an imaging biomarker of liver function. • However, absolute values might change between vendors.

Advances in Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology in Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths, and radiological imaging and locoregional therapies are essential for the management of patients with HCC. SUMMARY: In cirrhotic patients, a characteristic imaging pattern establishes the noninvasive diagnosis of HCC with acceptable sensitivity and high specificity. In addition to diagnosis, imaging is used in the staging of patients and treatment allocation. Multiparametric MRI with hepatospecific contrast agents improves lesion detection, characterization, and treatment allocation; recently described imaging criteria allow identification of precursor lesions. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) have been established in the treatment of patients with HCC at the early and intermediate stages, respectively. Microwave ablation has been described as an alternative to RFA in selected cases. Imaging-guided brachytherapy, a catheter-based radiotherapy technique, offers advantages to overcome some limitations of the aforementioned therapies, including the tumor location and size. Currently, no adjuvant therapy is recommended after RFA or TACE, but several new drugs are under evaluation. Furthermore, although the exact role of selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) in HCC still needs to be defined, it is an alternative to systemic agents in patients with intolerance, and additional benefit has been shown in selected subgroups. Additionally, SIRT offers an alternate to TACE with higher objective response rates in patients who needs bridging before transplantation. KEY MESSAGES: New imaging criteria improved lesion detection in patients at a risk for HCC, and advances in interventional therapies expanded the range of patients eligible for locoregional treatments.

Stent-graft placement for hepatic arterial bleeding: assessment of technical efficacy and clinical outcome in a tertiary care center.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate technical and clinical results of stent-graft (SG) placement for bleeding from the hepatic artery (HA). METHODS: All patients intended and treated with SG deployment for bleeding from the HA at single center from January 2012 to May 2020 were retrospectively identified, and procedural details, risk factors for rebleeding, SG occlusion and mortality were analyzed. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients (mean age 68.8 ± 10.1) were identified, and 25 patients underwent 26 SG procedures. Twenty-four patients had recent surgery. The technical success rate was 92.8%. Three patients (3/25) had rebleeding (88% clinical success). Intensive-care need before the procedure (p = 0.013) and smaller stent-graft size (≤4 mm, p = 0.032) were related to clinical failure. Twenty-two patients had follow-up imaging. The SG maintained patency in 10 (45.4%) patients at the most recent imaging. Only placement of SG distal to the HA bifurcation (p = 0.012) was related to occlusion. The 30-day and in-hospital mortality rate after SG was 8% and 24%. In-hospital mortality was associated with the intraabdominal septic source (p = 0.010) and revision surgery (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Stent-grafts are effective in the emergent treatment of HA bleeding. Mortality is mainly related to the general condition of the patient, and stent-grafts offer time to treat underlying medical problems sufficiently.

Angiographic prostatic arterial anatomy in a Turkish population with benign prostatic hyperplasia

Background/aim: Prostatic artery embolization (PAE) is a minimally invasive effective method in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The procedure is technically challenging, as pelvic vascular anatomy is highly prone to variations and the identification of the prostatic artery (PA) is the most time-consuming step, which can lead to increased procedure times. The aim of this study was to categorize the anatomic variations in the prostatic supply in patients with BPH treated with PAE. Materials and methods: The digital subtraction angiography findings of 68 PAE procedures were reviewed retrospectively and the age, PA origin, number, and procedure of the patients were recorded. The origin of the PA was classified into 5 subtypes using the de Assis/ Carnavale classification. The incidence of each anatomic type was calculated. Results: In the 68 PAE procedures, 119 pelvic sides were analyzed and a total of 119 PAs were classified. The most common origin was type 1 (n = 43, 36.1%), with the PA originating from the anterior division of the internal iliac artery (IIA), from a common trunk with the superior vesical artery. This was followed by type 4 (n = 34, 28.6%), with the PA originating from the internal pudendal artery; type 3 (n = 22, 18.5%), with the PA originating from the obturator artery; and type 2 (n = 13, 10.9%), with the PA originating from the anterior division of the IIA. Conclusion: Anatomic variations are common in the IIA and PA, showing racial and individual differences. Following a standard classification system to identify the origin of the PA is crucial and being aware of the most common types in each population will make PAE a faster and safer procedure.

Trapezius Port Placement in Patients with Breast Cancer: Long-Term Follow-up and Quality-of-Life Assessment.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the long-term results of and patient satisfaction with trapezius ports in breast cancer patients, as an alternative to chest ports. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included all patients who underwent trapezius port placement from December 2007 to January 2017. Seventy female patients with breast cancer, with a mean age of 54 ± 9.9 years (range, 29-76 years), were included. Indications for trapezius implantation were bilateral breast surgery or unilateral breast surgery and contralateral breast involvement. Sixty-eight of 70 patients had long-term follow-up. A retrospective, questionnaire-based survey was conducted to assess satisfaction and the trapezius port's effect on the daily life of the patient. RESULTS: All implantations were technically successful. Total catheter service time for 68 patients was 65,952 days (2 patients were lost to follow-up). Mean catheter service time was 969.8 days (range 7-3,458 days; median 570 days; 95% confidence interval, 739-1199; standard deviation, 947.7). No immediate procedural complications occurred. Port complications developed in 4 patients (5.9%); port infection developed in 2 patients (0.03/1,000 days); skin dehiscence developed in 1 patient (0.02/1,000 days); and port malfunction developed in 1 patient (0.02/1,000 days). The overall infection rate was 2.9% (2/68). All patients (n = 44) or a close relative (n = 17) who were interviewed with a phone call reported satisfaction regarding their ports. CONCLUSIONS: Trapezius ports offer a safe and feasible option to patients with breast cancer who need an alternative site to chest ports. It is also associated with high overall patient satisfaction.

Imaging findings of congenital anomalies of seminal vesicles.

The seminal vesicles are paired organs of the male reproductive tract, which produce and secrete seminal fluid. Although congenital anomalies of seminal vesicles are usually asymptomatic, they may lead to various urogenital symptoms, including infertility. Due to their embryologic relationship with other urogenital organs, congenital anomalies of seminal vesicles may accompany other urinary or genital anomalies. Congenital anomalies of seminal vesicles include agenesis, hypoplasia, duplication, fusion, and cyst. These anomalies can be diagnosed with various imaging techniques. The main purpose of this article is to summarise imaging findings and clinical importance of congenital anomalies of seminal vesicles with images of some rare and previously unreported anomalies.

Accuracy of 3D real-time MRI temperature mapping in gel phantoms during microwave heating.

BACKGROUND: Interventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can provide a comprehensive setting for microwave ablation of tumors with real-time monitoring of the energy delivery using MRI-based temperature mapping. The purpose of this study was to quantify the accuracy of three-dimensional (3D) real-time MRI temperature mapping during microwave heating in vitro by comparing MRI thermometry data to reference data measured by fiber-optical thermometry. METHODS: Nine phantom experiments were evaluated in agar-based gel phantoms using an in-room MR-conditional microwave system and MRI thermometry. MRI measurements were performed for 700 s (25 slices; temporal resolution 2 s). The temperature was monitored with two fiber-optical temperature sensors approximately 5 mm and 10 mm distant from the microwave antenna. Temperature curves of the sensors were compared to MRI temperature data of single-voxel regions of interest (ROIs) at the sensor tips; the accuracy of MRI thermometry was assessed as the root-mean-squared (RMS)-averaged temperature difference. Eighteen neighboring voxels around the original ROI were also evaluated and the voxel with the smallest temperature difference was additionally selected for further evaluation. RESULTS: The maximum temperature changes measured by the fiber-optical sensors ranged from 7.3 K to 50.7 K. The median RMS-averaged temperature differences in the originally selected voxels ranged from 1.4 K to 3.4 K. When evaluating the minimum-difference voxel from the neighborhood, the temperature differences ranged from 0.5 K to 0.9 K. The microwave antenna and the MRI-conditional in-room microwave generator did not induce relevant radiofrequency artifacts. CONCLUSION: Accurate 3D real-time MRI temperature mapping during microwave heating with very low RMS-averaged temperature errors below 1 K is feasible in gel phantoms. RELEVANCE STATEMENT: Accurate MRI-based volumetric real-time monitoring of temperature distribution and thermal dose is highly relevant in clinical MRI-based interventions and can be expected to improve local tumor control, as well as procedural safety by extending the limits of thermal (e.g., microwave) ablation of tumors in the liver and in other organs. KEY POINTS: Interventional MRI can provide a comprehensive setting for the microwave ablation of tumors. MRI can monitor the microwave ablation using real-time MRI-based temperature mapping. 3D real-time MRI temperature mapping during microwave heating is feasible. Measured temperature errors were below 1 °C in gel phantoms. The active in-room microwave generator did not induce any relevant radiofrequency artifacts.

Predictive value of platelet-to-lymphocyte and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in HCC treated with sorafenib and radioembolization.

Background & Aims: Herein we used data derived from the SORAMIC trial to explore the predictive value of systemic inflammatory markers (neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio [NLR] and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio [PLR]) in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated with sorafenib monotherapy or the combination of selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT)/sorafenib. Methods: Patients randomized to sorafenib monotherapy or SIRT/sorafenib within the per-protocol population of the SORAMIC trial were evaluated in this exploratory post hoc analysis. The median baseline values of NLR and PLR were used as cut-off values to describe subgroups. Kaplan-Meier curves with log-rank tests were used to evaluate median survival in the sorafenib and SIRT/sorafenib arms in each subgroup. Multivariable Cox regression analysis was applied to eliminate the effect of confounding factors. Results: A total of 275 patients with a median overall survival of 12.4 months were included in this analysis. The median NLR value of the cohort was 2.77 and the median PLR was 26.5. There was no significant difference in overall survival between the sorafenib and SIRT/sorafenib arms in patients with low NLR (p = 0.72) and PLR (p = 0.35) values. In patients with high NLR values, there was no statistically significant difference in median overall survival between SIRT/sorafenib and sorafenib cohorts (12.1 vs. 9.2 months, p = 0.21). In patients with high PLR values, overall survival in the SIRT/sorafenib arm was significantly longer than in the sorafenib arm (15.9 vs. 11.0 months, p = 0.029). This significant difference was preserved in the multivariable analysis (SIRT/sorafenib arm: hazard ratio 0.65, 95% CI 0.44-0.96, p = 0.03) incorporating age, Child-Pugh grade, and alpha-fetoprotein levels. Conclusions: PLR is a potential predictive factor of benefit from additional SIRT in patients with HCC receiving sorafenib therapy. The potential predictive value of PLR should be further evaluated in future trials. Impact and implications: Systemic therapies are the mainstay of treatment in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma at advanced stages. However, not all patients respond well to these treatments. In our analysis, using blood test parameters showing systemic inflammation status, we were able to identify patients who would benefit more from combined treatment with a locoregional treatment of radioembolization (or selective internal radiation therapy).