The role of interventional radiology in obstetric and gynaecology practice.

Interventional radiology is continuing to reshape current practice in many specialties of clinical care. It is a relatively new and innovative branch of medicine in which physicians treat diseases non-operatively through small catheters guided to the target by fluoroscopic and other imaging modalities. The aim is to provide image-guided, minimally invasive alternatives to traditional surgical and medical procedures in suitable cohorts of patients. Procedures which previously required major surgery can now be performed by interventional radiologists, sometimes on an outpatient basis, with little patient discomfort. In this review, we highlight the importance of interventional radiology in treating a comprehensive range of obstetric and gynaecological pathologies.

Computed tomographic appearances of hepatic vascular lesions.

Improvements in Imaging technology have revolutionized liver imaging and allowed the recognition of abnormalities arising from various architectural components such as vessels and biliary ducts of the liver. A spectrum of various hepatic vascular disorders as demonstrated by multidetector CT (MDCT) is presented in this review article.

Vascular closure devices: a comparative overview.

The use of closure devices is widespread and becoming more common. Radiologists performing arterial access procedures should be aware of when and how to use them, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of various devices, and any complications that may occur. This review intends to provide an overview of these devices, focusing on how they work, their efficacy in achieving hemostasis, any risks associated with their use, and our view as to which should be used for particular indications. There are three main categories of vascular closure devices: collagen based, suture based, and staples and clips. Newer generation devices use the same technique of closure and there are some that utilize newer techniques. Vascular closure devices have been demonstrated to reduce time to hemostasis, facilitate ambulation, and potentially decrease length of stay. The choice of a device would depend on the availability of that particular device, operator preference, anticipation of repeat arterial access, and size of the arteriotomy hole.

Superior vena caval stenting for SVC obstruction: current status.

Symptomatic obstruction of the superior vena cava is a debilitating and potentially life-threatening condition. Conventional surgery and radiation therapy have a historical role in the management of patients with malignant superior vena cava obstruction. Interventional radiologists can relieve these symptoms rapidly and safely in the vast majority of patients. The technical and clinical success rates are high and compare very favorably with currently available medical and surgical treatments. Although recurrent obstruction may occur, most patients can be treated by re-intervention.

Gluteal nodules in patients with metastatic midgut carcinoid disease treated with depot somatostatin analogs.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVES: We were referred a patient with metastatic well-differentiated endocrine tumor of the small intestine (midgut carcinoid) in whom asymptomatic sc gluteal nodules had been identified on routine abdominal computed tomography and labeled as metastases. This prompted us to assess the prevalence and cause of these nodules. DESIGN AND SETTING: This was a retrospective, cross-sectional study at a university teaching hospital. METHODS: Routine abdominal computed tomography scans of 56 patients with metastatic midgut carcinoid were analyzed by two independent radiologists, blinded to treatment status (depot somatostatin analogs). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Number of patients with nodules, number of injections, and duration and total cumulative dose per patient were assessed. RESULTS: No nodules were detected in 13 patients not on depot somatostatin therapy. Nodules were found in 29 of 43 patients (67%) on somatostatin analog therapy: 16 of 22 patients on lanreotide Autogel, five of 12 patients on octreotide LAR only, and eight of nine patients who had been treated with both somatostatin analogs. There was no difference in the clinical state of those with or without nodules. Per patient, the average number was seven, and average size was 1 cm. Presence of nodules was significantly associated with total number of injections (P = 0.024), duration on treatment (P = 0.022), and cumulative dose of lanreotide Autogel (P < 0.001). Nodules underwent involution on follow-up imaging. CONCLUSION: Patients with metastatic midgut carcinoid tumors have large numbers of asymptomatic sc nodules in the gluteal area when on either depot somatostatin analog, but these resolve over time. This clear observation gives reassurance to patients and those managing them that such nodules are unlikely to represent metastases.

Hepatic arterial infusion of chemotherapy: the role of diagnostic and interventional radiology.

Hepatic arterial infusion of chemotherapy (HAIC) delivers higher local drug concentration to unresectable liver tumors with fewer significant systemic side-effects. It has been shown to produce better response rates than systemic chemotherapy and remains an important treatment option in patients with advanced, inoperable primary or metastatic hepatic tumors. Traditionally, catheters for HAIC were inserted surgically under general anesthesia. The advancement and expansion of interventional radiology have made it possible for catheter-port systems to be inserted percutaneously under local anesthesia with no significant increase in morbidity. A comprehensive review of the literature, techniques and complications of percutaneous placement of catheter-port systems for HAIC is presented in this article.

Chronic pelvic pain due to pelvic congestion syndrome: the role of diagnostic and interventional radiology.

Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is a common cause of gynecologic referral. Pelvic congestion syndrome, which is said to occurs due to ovarian vein incompetence, is a recognized cause of CPP. The aim of this paper is to briefly describe the clinical manifestations, and to review the role of diagnostic and interventional radiology in the management of this probably under-diagnosed condition.

Oxygen: Can we prescribe it correctly?

INTRODUCTION: Oxygen is one of the most common drugs used in secondary care. It is often used incorrectly on hospital wards, and it has been suggested that prescribing oxygen would facilitate correct administration. However, the knowledge of hospital doctors who would prescribe oxygen, and that of nurses who administer it, has not been tested. METHODS: A questionnaire was prepared to test a person's knowledge of oxygen delivery devices and their use in different clinical scenarios. This questionnaire was given to 30 junior doctors and 53 nurses working on an acute medical ward in a district general hospital. RESULTS: The majority of doctors and nurses could not identify less commonly used oxygen delivery devices, such as a non-rebreathing mask with reservoir bag. A quarter of the doctors and nearly half the nurses were unable to select the correct dose and method of administration of oxygen in the event of cardiorespiratory arrest. The majority prescribed oxygen wrongly in the various clinical scenarios that dealt with respiratory failure. CONCLUSION: Junior doctors and nurses do not have sufficient knowledge and understanding of oxygen therapy to be able to prescribe the drug appropriately and safely.