RESUMO
Leiomyosarcomas of the inferior vena cava (IVC) are uncommon malignancies. There is limited research detailing optimal diagnostic and clinical management. Here, we present 2 unique cases of IVC leiomyosarcoma including one in which the mass was partially ruptured through the vessel at initial presentation. We detail radiologic findings, 2 different transvenous approaches for biopsy of these masses, and subsequent oncological management.
RESUMO
A patient who post-operatively develops hyperkalemia is treated with sodium zirconium cyclosilicate (Lokelma®), a novel agent used for the treatment of non-life-threatening hyperkalemia with reduced side effects as compared with its predecessors. On CT imaging of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis, a radiopaque fluid is noticed despite the patient not having received any oral or intravenous contrast nor any medications or supplements that may appear radiopaque. Based on previous CT imaging of zirconium-based tooth implants and their radiopaque appearance on images, it is hypothesized that the sodium zirconium cyclosilicate that the patient was administered is the explanation of the radiopacity on CT imaging. We performed an in-vitro experiment to confirm that Lokelma is radiopaque to support our hypothesis. It is important to fully understand the differential of what may cause different appearances on imaging as well as to eliminate potential sources of artifact prior to imaging, or alternatively, to potentially be able to use medications with known radiopaque properties as alternatives to contrast agents.