Cement leakage during vertebroplasty: comparison between intact and wall disruption in spinal metastases.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) is an effective measure for painful metastases or impending pathological fractures of the spine with cement leakages being the most frequent complication. Posterior extrusion of cement into the spinal canal may result in neurological symptoms and deficits. PURPOSE: To compare the occurrence of intraspinal canal cement leakage between vertebrae with posterior wall disruption and vertebrae without posterior wall disruption. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A single-center retrospective study was conducted of all PVP for spine metastases between June 2020 and November 2021. All leaks were analyzed by a postprocedural computed tomography scan or cone-beam computed tomography. RESULTS: A total of 77 patients with 143 vertebrae treated by PVP were included. Posterior wall disruption was observed in 64 (44.8%) vertebrae while 79 (55.2%) had a complete posterior wall. Spinal canal cement leakage occurred in 36 (25.2%) vertebrae and was comparable in both groups, occurring in 16 (25.0%) vertebrae with posterior wall disruption and 20 (25.3%) vertebrae without posterior wall disruption (P = 1). No risk factors for spinal canal leakage were found in the univariate and multivariate analyses. One spinal leak was symptomatic with intercostal neuralgia. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that an incomplete vertebral posterior wall does not increase the rate of spinal canal cement leakage during PVP.

Bronchial artery embolization for hemoptysis in adult patients with cystic fibrosis: a single-center retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Hemoptysis is a severe complication of cystic fibrosis (CF) for which bronchial artery embolization (BAE) is an efficient primary therapeutic option. However, recurrence is more frequent than for other etiologies of hemoptysis. PURPOSE: To assess the safety and efficacy of BAE in patients with CF and hemoptysis and predictive factors for recurrent hemoptysis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective study reviewed all adult patients with CF treated by BAE for hemoptysis in our center from 2004 to 2021. The primary endpoint was the recurrence of hemoptysis after bronchial artery embolization. Secondary endpoints were overall survival and complications. We introduced the vascular burden (VB) defined as the sum of all bronchial artery diameters measured on pre-procedural enhanced computed tomography (CT) scans. RESULTS: A total of 48 BAE were performed in 31 patients. A total of 19 recurrences occurred with a median recurrence-free survival of 3.9 years. In univariate analyzes, percentage of unembolized VB (%UVB) (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.034, 95% confidence interval [CI=1.016-1.052; P < 0.001) and %UVB vascularizing the suspected bleeding lung (%UVB-lat) (HR = 1.024, 95% CI=1.012-1.037; P < 0.001) were associated with recurrence. In multivariate analyzes, only %UVB-lat remained significantly associated with recurrence (HR = 1.020, 95% CI=1.002-1.038; P = 0.030). One patient died during follow-up. No complication of grade 3 or higher was reported according to the CIRSE classification system for complications. CONCLUSION: When possible, unilateral BAE seems sufficient in patients with CF with hemoptysis even in such a diffuse disease involving both lungs. The efficiency of BAE could be improved by thoroughly targeting all arteries vascularizing the bleeding lung.

Anterior epidural carbon dioxide dissection during spine cryoablation.

PURPOSE: Spine cryoablation (SC) of posterior vertebral lesions exposes to neuronal damages and incomplete treatment due to the proximity of the spinal canal. Carbon dioxide (CO2) dissection is a nerve protective method that can be used during spine cryoablation that tends to distribute in non-dependent areas. The purpose of this technical note was to expose the feasibility of anterior epidural CO2 dissection during SC in prone decubitus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three consecutives patients underwent SC of metastases abutting the posterior wall of the vertebra with anterior epidural CO2 dissection. A post-ablation MRI was performed after each cryoablation to state if the treatment was complete or incomplete. Complications were reported using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v5.0 (CTCAE). RESULTS: Peri-procedural anterior epidural injection of CO2 was successful in all 3 procedures. Treatment was considered complete on all post-ablation MRI with ablation margins encompassing the targeted metastasis. No complication according to the CTCAE was reported. CONCLUSION: CO2 dissection of the anterior epidural space was successful in all 3 procedures allowing complete treatment on all post-ablation MRI.

Trans-arterial embolization for hemoptysis in lung transplant recipients.

INTRODUCTION: Hemoptysis isn't rare in lung transplant recipients (LTR). Yet, trans-arterial embolization (TAE) in LTR has been rarely reported in the literature. The aim of the study was to present the feasibility and outcomes of TAE for hemoptysis in LTR. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective study of all LTR who underwent TAE for hemoptysis in our single institution between 2005 and 2020. RESULTS: A total of 787 patients underwent lung transplantation between 2005 and 2020. Fifteen LTR underwent 21 TAE for hemoptysis in a median delay of 42 days after LT. TAE was performed within a year after LT in 13 patients (86.7%) with 12 of those patients having concomitant severe ischemic airway injury with necrosis and anastomotic dehiscence. Bronchoscopy confirmed bronchial anastomoses has being the source of the bleeding in 11 LTR (84.6%). Restoration of bronchial vascularization was highlighted in 13 patients (87%). Despite TAE, bronchial anastomosis healing was observed in all surviving patients with anastomotic dehiscence in a median delay of 43 days. CONCLUSION: In our experience, hemoptysis requiring TAE in LTR was rare, frequently occurring in the first weeks after LT, and seemed associated with anastomotic ischemia and dehiscence. Bleeding mainly originated from ischemic bronchial anastomosis through the restoration of the bronchial artery circulation. Our results suggest that bronchial arteriography should be routinely proposed in such patients in the event of hemoptysis.

Giant multiple and bilateral presacral Tarlov cysts mimicking adnexal mass - imaging features.

Perineural or Tarlov cysts (TCs) are nerve root cysts. They are usually incidental findings on MRI and are most frequently observed in the sacral spine. A 49-year-old woman presented with lower abdominal discomfort for several months. Physical examination demonstrated a cyst-like mass. An ultrasonographic examination revealed a cystic mass near the right ovary. MRI (3-Tesla unit) showed multiple, bilateral, and almost symmetric giant TCs with presacral space and endopelvic extension and minime scalloping. TCs originated from the right and left L5, S1, S2, and S3 nerve root sleeves entered the presacral space and extended into the pelvis.