Improving the Odds: Intercostal Metal Coils Mark Area to Resect in Rib Lesions.

Precise localization of a rib lesion for its resection remains a challenge because of multiple factors including nonpalpable pathology, unfavorable body habitus, inaccurate clinical examination, and unreliable rib count on physical examination, unfavorable lesion location within a rib (its posterior aspect), and resection of sclerotic lesions with grossly intact rib cortex. We describe a novel rib localization technique that eliminates potential mistakes and avoids resection of an inappropriate rib. Our method of rib localization includes placement of metallic coils by interventional radiologists under computed tomography guidance where two coils are deployed within the intercostal spaces, one superior and one inferior to the rib lesion. Intraoperative use of fluoroscopy results in precise localization of rib lesions even in cases where the pathology is not grossly apparent. We implemented this approach in 2014 and have since performed it in five patients for both lytic and sclerotic lesions. Placement of markers superficial to the intercostal spaces resulted in their displacement in one case. Successfully, we removed the correct ribs in each patient without technical difficulties or complications. Our series demonstrates a novel strategy for a highly accurate and relatively easy way to identify the exact portion of the rib for surgical resection. Intercostal space positioning of the coil markers superior and inferior to the lesion prevents their dislodgement during patient transport and positioning on the operating room table, which improves rib identification accuracy and reliability. When combined with intraoperative fluoroscopy, it will greatly eliminate resection of incorrect ribs.

Intra-arterial methylprednisolone infusion in treatment-resistant graft-versus-host disease.

Acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a potentially fatal complication following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant. Standard primary therapy for acute GVHD includes systemic steroids, often in combination with other agents. Unfortunately, primary treatment failure is common and carries a high mortality. There is no generally accepted secondary therapy for acute GVHD. Although few data on localized therapy for GVHD have been published, intra-arterial injection of high-dose corticosteroids may be a viable option. We treated 11 patients with steroid-resistant GVHD using a single administration of intra-arterial high-dose methylprednisolone. Three patients (27%) died periprocedurally. Four patients (36%) had a partial response to intra-arterial treatment and were discharged on total parenteral nutrition and oral medication. Four patients (36%) had a complete response and were discharged on oral diet and oral medication. No immediate treatment or procedure-related complications were noted. Twenty-seven percent of patients survived long-term. Our preliminary results suggest that regional intra-arterial treatment of steroid-resistant GVHD is a safe and potentially viable secondary therapy in primary treatment-resistant GVHD.