Therapeutic management of in-stent thrombosis after thoracic endovascular aortic repair for blunt thoracic aortic injury in a coronavirus disease 2019 patient.

A 27-year-old man underwent thoracic endovascular aortic repair for blunt thoracic aortic injury. Fourteen months later, he presented with intermittent paraplegia, congestive heart failure, and a decline of kidney function as a result of high-grade aortic stenosis caused by in-stent thrombosis. He had a concurrent infection with coronavirus disease 2019. The patient was successfully treated using axillofemoral bypass, followed by stent relining 2 weeks later. The possible risk factors and the optimal therapeutic approach for in-stent thrombosis remain unknown, because only a limited number of cases describing this rare complication have been reported.

Learning Curve Analysis of Complex Endovascular Aortic Repair.

BACKGROUND: When introducing new techniques, attention must be paid to learning curve. Besides quantitative outcomes, qualitative factors of influence should be taken into consideration. This retrospective cohort study describes the quantitative learning curve of complex endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) in a nonhigh-volume academic center and provides qualitative factors that were perceived as contributors to this learning curve. With these factors, we aim to aid in future implementation of new techniques. METHODS: All patients undergoing complex EVAR in the Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC) between July 2013 and April 2021 were included (n = 90). Quantitative outcomes were as follows: operating time, blood loss, volume of contrast, hospital stay, major adverse events (MAE), 30-day mortality, and complexity. Patients were divided into 3 temporal groups (n = 30) for dichotomous outcomes. Regression plots were used for continuous outcomes. In 2017, the treatment team was interviewed by an external researcher. These interviews were reanalyzed for factors that contributed to successful implementation. RESULTS: Length of hospital stay (P = 0.008) and operating time (P = 0.010) decreased significantly over time. Fewer cardiac complications occurred in the third group (3: 0% vs. 2: 17% vs. 1: 17%, P = 0.042). There was a trend of increasing complexity (P = 0.076) and number of fenestrations (P = 0.060). No significant changes occurred in MAE and 30-day mortality. Qualitative factors that, according to the interviewees, positively influenced the learning curve were as follows: communication, mutual trust, a shared sense of responsibility and collective goals, clear authoritative structures, mutual learning, and team capabilities. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to factors previously identified in the literature, new learning curve factors were found (mutual learning and shared goals in the operating room (OR)) that should be taken into account when implementing new techniques.

Study Protocol: Adjuvant Holmium-166 Radioembolization After Radiofrequency Ablation in Early-Stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients-A Dose-Finding Study (HORA EST HCC Trial).

PURPOSE: To investigate the biodistribution of holmium-166 microspheres (166Ho-MS) when administered after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim is to establish a perfused liver administration dose that results in a tumoricidal dose of holmium-166 on the hyperaemic zone around the ablation necrosis (i.e. target volume). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a multicentre, prospective, dose-escalation study in HCC patients with a solitary lesion 2-5 cm, or a maximum of 3 lesions of ≤ 3 cm each. The day after RFA patients undergo angiography and cone-beam CT (CBCT) with (super)selective infusion of technetium-99 m labelled microalbumin aggregates (99mTc-MAA). The perfused liver volume is segmented from the CBCT and 166Ho-MS is administered to this treatment volume 5-10 days later. The dose of holmium-166 is escalated in a maximum of 3 patient cohorts (60 Gy, 90 Gy and 120 Gy) until the endpoint is reached. SPECT/CT is used to determine the biodistribution of holmium-166. The endpoint is met when a dose of ≥ 120 Gy has been reached on the target volume in 9/10 patients of a cohort. Secondary endpoints include toxicity, local recurrence, disease-free and overall survival. DISCUSSION: This study aims to find the optimal administration dose of adjuvant radioembolization with 166Ho-MS after RFA. Ultimately, the goal is to bring the efficacy of thermal ablation up to par with surgical resection for early-stage HCC patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT03437382.

Study Protocol PROMETHEUS: Prospective Multicenter Study to Evaluate the Correlation Between Safety Margin and Local Recurrence After Thermal Ablation Using Image Co-registration in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

PURPOSE: The primary objective is to determine the minimal ablation margin required to achieve a local recurrence rate of < 10% in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing thermal ablation. Secondary objectives are to analyze the correlation between ablation margins and local recurrence and to assess efficacy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study is a prospective, multicenter, non-experimental, non-comparative, open-label study. Patients > 18 years with Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage 0/A hepatocellular carcinoma (or B with a maximum of two lesions < 5 cm each) are eligible. Patients will undergo dual-phase contrast-enhanced computed tomography directly before and after ablation. Ablation margins will be quantitatively assessed using co-registration software, blinding assessors (i.e. two experienced radiologists) for outcome. Presence and location of recurrence are evaluated independently on follow-up scans by two other experienced radiologists, blinded for the quantitative margin analysis. A sample size of 189 tumors (~ 145 patients) is required to show with 80% power that the risk of local recurrence is confidently below 10%. A two-sided binomial z-test will be used to test the null hypothesis that the local recurrence rate is ≥ 10% for patients with a minimal ablation margin ≥ 2 mm. Logistic regression will be used to find the relationship between minimal ablation margins and local recurrence. Kaplan-Meier estimates are used to assess local and overall recurrence, disease-free and overall survival. DISCUSSION: It is expected that this study will result in a clear understanding of the correlation between ablation margins and local recurrence. Using co-registration software in future patients undergoing ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma may improve intraprocedural evaluation of technical success. Trial registration The Netherlands Trial Register (NL9713), https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/9713 .

Perfusion Parameters in Near-Infrared Fluorescence Imaging with Indocyanine Green: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

(1) Background: Near-infrared fluorescence imaging is a technique capable of assessing tissue perfusion and has been adopted in various fields including plastic surgery, vascular surgery, coronary arterial disease, and gastrointestinal surgery. While the usefulness of this technique has been broadly explored, there is a large variety in the calculation of perfusion parameters. In this systematic review, we aim to provide a detailed overview of current perfusion parameters, and determine the perfusion parameters with the most potential for application in near-infrared fluorescence imaging. (2) Methods: A comprehensive search of the literature was performed in Pubmed, Embase, Medline, and Cochrane Review. We included all clinical studies referencing near-infrared perfusion parameters. (3) Results: A total of 1511 articles were found, of which, 113 were suitable for review, with a final selection of 59 articles. Near-infrared fluorescence imaging parameters are heterogeneous in their correlation to perfusion. Time-related parameters appear superior to absolute intensity parameters in a clinical setting. (4) Conclusions: This literature review demonstrates the variety of parameters selected for the quantification of perfusion in near-infrared fluorescence imaging.

Functional Performance After Complex Endovascular Aortic Repair: A Single-Center Retrospective Cohort Study.

PURPOSE: Complex endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) procedures provide a treatment option for patients with aortic aneurysms involving visceral branches. Good technical results and short-term outcomes have been reported. Whether complex EVAR provides acceptable functional outcomes is not clear. The current study aims to describe postoperative functional outcomes in complex EVAR patients-an older and relatively frail patient group. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A single-center retrospective cohort study was performed, using data from a computerized database of consecutive patients who underwent complex EVAR in the Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC, The Netherlands) between July 2013 and September 2020. As of May 2017, patients scheduled for complex EVAR were referred to a geriatric care pathway to determine (Instrumental) Activities of Daily Living ((I)ADL) scores at baseline and, if informed consent was given, after 12 months. For the total patient group, adverse functional performance outcomes were: discharge to a nursing home and 12-month mortality. For the patients included in geriatric follow-up, the additional outcome was the incidence of functional decline (defined by a ≥2 point increase in (I)ADL-score) at 12-month follow-up. RESULTS: Eighty-two patients underwent complex EVAR, of which 68 (82.9%) were male. Mean age was 73.3 years (SD=6.3). Within 30 days postsurgery, 6 patients (7.3%) died. Mortality within 12 months for the total patient group was 14.6% (n=12). After surgery, no patients had to be discharged to a nursing home. Fifteen patients (18.3%) were discharged to a rehabilitation center. Twenty-three patients gave informed consent and were included in geriatric follow-up. Five patients (21.7%) presented functional decline 12 months postsurgery and 4 patients had died (17.4%) by that time. This means that 39.1% of the patients in the care pathway suffered an adverse outcome. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the only study that examined functional performance after complex EVAR, using a prospectively maintained database. No patients were newly discharged to a nursing home and functional performance results at 12 months are promising. Future multidisciplinary research should focus on determining which patients are most prone to deterioration of function, so that efforts can be directed toward preventing postoperative functional decline.

Efficacy of Sclerotherapy With Polidocanol (Ethoxysclerol) in Primary Aneurysmal Bone Cysts in Children and Adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Aneurysmal bone cysts (ABC) are rare benign osseous lesions that can be locally aggressive. Traditionally, curettage with or without bone grafting is the treatment of choice. Recent data suggest that percutaneous sclerotherapy is a safe alternative to surgery. We present our experience with percutaneous sclerotherapy. Primary study aims were success rate, risk factors for treatment failure, and complications. METHODS: In this single-center retrospective study (January 2003 to June 2019), 70 patients were treated with percutaneous sclerotherapy for primary ABC at various skeletal sites. Median age was 11 years (range: 3 to 17 y). Median follow-up was 40 months (range 18 to 144 mo). Clinical and radiologic assessments were performed until cyst healing. RESULTS: Successful healing was seen in 58 of 70 patients (83%) after 1 or more injections with polidocanol. In 12 patients (17%), definitive curettage was performed after previous sclerotherapy, which was considered failure of primary sclerotherapy treatment. Trends toward increased risk for >3 treatments or treatment failure included age younger than 5, epiphyseal plate involvement, and lower leg lesions. The only complication was anaphylaxis in 1 patient shortly after injection of polidocanol/contrast agent and ropivacaine, with full recovery after short resuscitation. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that percutaneous sclerotherapy with polidocanol has high efficacy in the treatment of primary ABC, with a low complication rate. Our only complication may have been an immediate allergic reaction to polidocanol/contrast agent or ropivacaine. Trends toward increased risk for treatment failure were age younger than 5, epiphyseal plate involvement, and lower leg lesions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV-therapeutic study.

Rupture of a Median Sacral Artery Aneurysm in a Patient with Vascular Ehlers Danlos Syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Vascular Ehlers Danlos syndrome is a rare connective tissue disease that is associated with various arterial complications. REPORT: A 25 year old man with vascular Ehlers Danlos syndrome presented with acute lower back pain as a result of a ruptured aneurysm of the median sacral artery (MSA). Prior medical history included several vascular events resulting in a right iliac occlusion. The unusual location of aneurysmal disease of the MSA might be explained by extensive collateral flow recruitment due to this occlusion. CONCLUSION: Previous vascular events inducing collateral recruitment might justify a more frequent follow up in patients with connective tissue disorders.

Is Gorlin-Chaudhry-Moss syndrome associated with aortopathy?

Gorlin-Chaudhry-Moss syndrome (GCMS) is a rare disorder consisting of craniofacial dysostosis, hypertrichosis, underdeveloped genitalia, and ocular and dental anomalies. Recently, GCMS has been reclassified together with Fontaine syndrome as Fontaine progeroid syndrome (FPS), after a common genetic basis was found. It was previously thought that GCMS/FPS was not associated with aortopathy, but in recent years 3 patients with aortic disease have been described. We describe the fourth case, who is the oldest patient with GCMS/FPS reported in the medical literature: a 45-year-old patient who presented with acute aortic dissection. We therefore recommend screening patients previously diagnosed with GCMS/FPS for aortic pathology to aid early detection and avoid patient presentation in an acute setting.

European multicentre study on technical success and long-term clinical outcome of radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of spinal osteoid osteomas and osteoblastomas.

PURPOSE: To evaluate technical success and long-term outcome of CT-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of spinal osteoid osteomas (OO) and osteoblastomas (OB) in six different European centres. METHODS: Eighty-seven patients with spinal OO (77) or OB (10) were treated with CT-guided RFA, after three-dimensional CT-guided access planning. Patient's long-term outcome was assessed by clinical examination and questionnaire-based evaluation including 10-point visual analogue scales (VAS) regarding the effect of RFA on severity of pain and limitations of daily activities. Clinical success was defined as a reduction of > 30% in the VAS score and patient's satisfaction. RESULTS: Overall, RFA was technically successful in 82/87 cases (94.3%) with no major complications; clinical success was achieved in 78/87 cases (89.7%). The OO/OB were localized in the cervical (n = 9/3), the thoracic (n = 27/1), the lumbar (n = 29/4), and the sacral spine (n = 12/2). A decrease in severity of pain after RFA was observed in 86/87 patients (98.9%) with a persistent mean reduction of overall pain score from 8.04 ± 0.96 to 1.46 ± 1.95 (p < 0.001) after a median follow-up time of 29.35 ± 35.59 months. VAS scores significantly decreased for limitations of both daily (5.70 ± 2.73 to 0.67 ± 1.61, p < 0.001) and sports activities (6.40 ± 2.58 to 0.67 ± 1.61, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In a multicentric setting, this trial proves RFA to be a safe and efficient method to treat spinal OO/OB and should be regarded as first-line therapy after interdisciplinary case discussion.

Correction to: European multicentre study on technical success and long-term clinical outcome of radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of spinal osteoid osteomas and osteoblastomas.

The original version of this paper contained an error: the Acknowledgements were dropped during early manuscript editing.

Clinical Evaluation of the Spinal Instability Neoplastic Score in Patients Treated With Radiotherapy for Symptomatic Spinal Bone Metastases.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. OBJECTIVE: To determine the predictive value of the Spinal Instability Neoplastic Score (SINS) in a cohort of patients treated with radiotherapy for spinal bone metastases. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Assessment of spinal stability in metastatic disease is challenging and is mostly done by relying on clinical experience, in the absence of validated guidelines or an established predetermined set of risk factors. The SINS provides clinicians with a tool to assess tumor-related spinal instability. METHODS: A total of 110 patients were included in this retrospective study. Time to event was calculated as the difference between start of radiotherapy and date of occurrence of an adverse event or last follow-up, with death being considered a competing event. A competing risk analysis was performed to estimate the effect of the SINS on the cumulative incidence of the occurrence of an adverse event. RESULTS: Sixteen patients (15%) experienced an adverse event during follow-up. The cumulative incidence for the occurrence of an adverse event at 6 and 12 months was 11.8% (95% confidence interval 5.1%-24.0%) and 14.5% (95% confidence interval 6.9%-22.2%), respectively. Competing risk analysis showed that the final SINS classification was not significantly associated with the cumulative incidence of an adverse event within the studied population. CONCLUSION: The clinical applicability of the SINS as a tool to assess spinal instability seems limited. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

Adherence to Guidelines for Adult (Non-GIST) Soft Tissue Sarcoma in the Netherlands: A Plea for Dedicated Sarcoma Centers.

INTRODUCTION: Optimal management of soft tissue sarcoma (STS) remains a challenge. A nationwide survey assessed the quality of STS care in the Netherlands, thereby aiming to identify potentialities for improvement through more centralized disease management. METHODS: From the Netherlands Cancer Registry (NCR), data were obtained on 3317 adult STS patients (excluding gastrointestinal stromal tumor, GIST) diagnosed in 2006-2011. Logistic regression models were employed to compare outcomes on selected clinical indicators reflecting prevailing STS guidelines between high-volume (≥10 resections annually) and low-volume (<10 resections) hospitals, between academic and general hospitals, and between sarcoma research centers and other hospitals, adjusted for case mix. Analyses were performed on imputed datasets (m = 50), generated through multiple imputations by chained equations. RESULTS: Overall, 89% of patients underwent surgical resection. Resection status remained unknown in 24% (excluding those with metastasized disease), and grade was not documented for one-third of tumors. Microscopic residual disease was detected in 20% with an increased risk for older patients, larger and deeply located tumors, and those located in the (retro)peritoneum or upper extremity. Almost half of patients with an R1 resection received adjuvant radiotherapy. Following adjustment for case mix factors, patients treated in high-volume hospitals less often had macroscopic residual disease (R2 resection; adjusted odds ratio: 0.54). A strongly skewed distribution of surgical volumes was observed. CONCLUSIONS: These survey results indicate a potential for improving Dutch STS care. More centralized sarcoma management should improve definitive pathology reporting on tumor characteristics, adherence to treatment guidelines and overall disease outcome.

The clinical approach toward giant cell tumor of bone.

We provide an overview of imaging, histopathology, genetics, and multidisciplinary treatment of giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB), an intermediate, locally aggressive but rarely metastasizing tumor. Overexpression of receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL) by mononuclear neoplastic stromal cells promotes recruitment of numerous reactive multinucleated giant cells. Conventional radiographs show a typical eccentric lytic lesion, mostly located in the meta-epiphyseal area of long bones. GCTB may also arise in the axial skeleton and very occasionally in the small bones of hands and feet. Magnetic resonance imaging is necessary to evaluate the extent of GCTB within bone and surrounding soft tissues to plan a surgical approach. Curettage with local adjuvants is the preferred treatment. Recurrence rates after curettage with phenol and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA; 8%-27%) or cryosurgery and PMMA (0%-20%) are comparable. Resection is indicated when joint salvage is not feasible (e.g., intra-articular fracture with soft tissue component). Denosumab (RANKL inhibitor) blocks and bisphosphonates inhibit GCTB-derived osteoclast resorption. With bisphosphonates, stabilization of local and metastatic disease has been reported, although level of evidence was low. Denosumab has been studied to a larger extent and seems to be effective in facilitating intralesional surgery after therapy. Denosumab was recently registered for unresectable disease. Moderate-dose radiotherapy (40-55 Gy) is restricted to rare cases in which surgery would lead to unacceptable morbidity and RANKL inhibitors are contraindicated or unavailable.

A multidisciplinary approach to giant cell tumors of tendon sheath and synovium--a critical appraisal of literature and treatment proposal.

Giant cell tumors deriving from synovium are classified into a localized (GCT of tendon sheath; GCT-TS) and diffuse form (diffuse-type GCT, Dt-GCT). We propose a multidisciplinary management based upon a systematic review and authors' opinion. Open excision for GCT-TS and open synovectomy (plus excision) for Dt-GCT is advised to reduce the relatively high recurrence risk. External beam radiotherapy should be considered in severe cases, as Dt-GCT commonly extends extra-articular.

Three new chondrosarcoma cell lines: one grade III conventional central chondrosarcoma and two dedifferentiated chondrosarcomas of bone.

BACKGROUND: Chondrosarcoma is the second most common primary sarcoma of bone. High-grade conventional chondrosarcoma and dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma have a poor outcome. In pre-clinical research aiming at the identification of novel treatment targets, the need for representative cell lines and model systems is high, but availability is scarce. METHODS: We developed and characterized three cell lines, derived from conventional grade III chondrosarcoma (L835), and dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma (L2975 and L3252) of bone. Proliferation and migration were studied and we used COBRA-FISH and array-CGH for karyotyping and genotyping. Immunohistochemistry for p16 and p53 was performed as well as TP53 and IDH mutation analysis. Cells were injected into nude mice to establish their tumorigenic potential. RESULTS: We show that the three cell lines have distinct migrative properties, L2975 had the highest migration rate and showed tumorigenic potential in mice. All cell lines showed chromosomal rearrangements with complex karyotypes and genotypic aberrations were conserved throughout late passaging of the cell lines. All cell lines showed loss of CDKN2A, while TP53 was wild type for exons 5-8. L835 has an IDH1 R132C mutation, L2975 an IDH2 R172W mutation and L3252 is IDH wild type. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the stable culturing properties of these cell lines and their genotypic profile resembling the original tumors, these cell lines should provide useful functional models to further characterize chondrosarcoma and to evaluate new treatment strategies.

The intravertebral cleft in painful long-standing osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures treated with percutaneous vertebroplasty: diagnostic assessment and clinical significance.

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective follow-up study. OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of the diagnostic assessment and clinical significance of the intravertebral cleft in painful, long-standing osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) treated with percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Patients with painful OVCFs with intravertebral clefts provide a unique and possibly superior indication for PVP. However, comparative studies are scarce, and the results are conflicting. The extent of the difference attributable to interobserver variation in the identification of an intravertebral cleft is currently unknown. METHODS: A total of 102 patients received PVP for 197 painful long-standing OVCFs and were prospectively observed, using a pain-intensity numerical-rating scale for back pain, the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey quality-of-life questionnaire, and routine spinal radiographs. Three experienced examiners retrospectively examined all preoperative radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) T1-weighted and short-tau-inversion-recovery (STIR) sequences and the direct postoperative computed tomographic scans for the presence of an intravertebral cleft. Disagreements were re-examined and discussed for consensus. RESULTS: Interobserver agreement for the detection of an intravertebral cleft was moderate on preoperative radiography (κ, 0.55-0.59) and substantial on preoperative MRI (κ, 0.71-0.79) and postoperative computed tomography (κ, 0.67-0.85). On the basis of consensus, 42 (21.3%) clefts were detected. The associated sensitivity of preoperative radiography was low (31.7%-48.8%), but the specificity was high (94.7%-99.3%). The diagnostic performance of preoperative MRI T1-weighted and STIR sequences was excellent, with both high sensitivity (85.7%-88.1%) and high specificity (89.7%-98.1%). Pain decrease and increase in quality of life obtained from PVP were ultimately comparable with patients without intravertebral clefts but was obtained more gradually during the first postoperative year. An intravertebral cleft was a strong risk factor for the occurrence of cortical cement leakage (odds ratio, 4.29; 95% confidence interval, 1.51-12.2; P = 0.006). CONCLUSION: There is variation between observers in the identification of an intravertebral cleft, and the identification of an intravertebral cleft is not always straightforward. For preoperative assessment, we recommend MRI with T1-weighted and STIR sequences. Regarding patient-reported outcome, patients with long-standing OVCFs with intravertebral clefts benefit from PVP, but, compared with patients with OVCFs without intravertebral clefts, the benefit obtained was not superior and may be delayed.