CT Imaging Computed Tomography/Computed Tomography Angiography/Perfusion in Acute Ischemic Stroke and Vasospasm.

Computed tomography (CT), CT angiography (CTA), and CT perfusion (CTP) play crucial roles in the comprehensive evaluation and management of acute ischemic stroke, aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), and vasospasm. CTP provides functional data about cerebral blood flow, allowing radiologists, neurointerventionalists, and stroke neurologists to more accurately delineate the volume of core infarct and ischemic penumbra allowing for patient-specific treatment decisions to be made. CTA and CTP are used in tandem to evaluate for vasospasm associated with aneurysmal SAH and can help provide an insight into the physiologic impact of angiographic vasospasm, better triaging patients for medical and interventional treatment.

Vessel Wall Characterization Using Quantitative MR Imaging.

MR imaging's exceptional capabilities in vascular imaging stem from its ability to visualize and quantify vessel wall features, such as plaque burden, composition, and biomechanical properties. The application of advanced MR imaging techniques, including two-dimensional and three-dimensional black-blood MR imaging, T1 and T2 relaxometry, diffusion-weighted imaging, and dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging, wall shear stress, and arterial stiffness, empowers clinicians and researchers to explore the intricacies of vascular diseases. This array of techniques provides comprehensive insights into the development and progression of vascular pathologies, facilitating earlier diagnosis, targeted treatment, and improved patient outcomes in the management of vascular health.

Dual-Energy Computed Tomography in the Evaluation and Management of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage, Intracranial Hemorrhage, and Acute Ischemic Stroke.

Dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) has emerged as a valuable imaging modality in the diagnosis and management of various cerebrovascular pathologies, including subarachnoid hemorrhage, intracranial hemorrhage, and acute ischemic stroke. This article reviews the principles of DECT and its applications in the evaluation and management of these conditions. The authors discuss the advantages of DECT over conventional computed tomography, as well as its limitations, and provide an overview of current research and future directions in the field.

Case of postoperative mitral and tricuspid valve repair with large vessel occlusion ischaemic stroke: successfully treated with mechanical thrombectomy extracting subocclusive thrombus containing foreign material.

A woman in her 60s with a history of prior ischaemic stroke developed acute onset slurring of speech, left-sided facial droop and left-sided weakness and was found on CT angiography to have a subocclusive thrombus multiple days after undergoing mitral and tricuspid valve repair surgery. A stent retriever and aspiration catheter were used to successfully remove the subocclusive material which was identified as 'foreign material' on histology. Ultimately, the patient demonstrated clinical improvement.Foreign material embolism is a rare but serious complication that can occur during or after mitral and tricuspid valve repair surgery. It can cause ischaemic stroke and prompt recognition and immediate intervention are necessary to prevent serious complications.The case report highlights the successful use of stent retriever-mediated suction thrombectomy to remove a foreign material embolism in a patient. It emphasises the importance of timely intervention to prevent serious complications and shows the potential benefits of this technique.

The interplay among a dental procedure, infective endocarditis, and an acute ischemic stroke.

BACKGROUND: This case report highlights the rare association among a dental procedure, infective endocarditis, and an acute ischemic stroke. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 54-year-old woman who experienced an acute ischemic stroke 5 weeks after a tooth extraction is described. The initial symptoms of this patient included mild to moderate word-finding difficulty and right facial droop. Computed tomographic angiography revealed a left M1 segment middle cerebral artery occlusion (thrombolysis in cerebral infarction scale, 0) with reconstitution of the distal middle cerebral branches through arterial collaterals. After initial administration of tissue plasminogen activator, endovascular thrombectomy was successfully performed with thrombolysis in cerebral infarction scale 3 (complete) recanalization. After the procedure, the patient showed improvement in language and neurologic deficits. Imaging showed multifocal, bilateral, cortical, and deep brain hemorrhages. Blood cultures grew Streptococcus mitis, ultimately leading to the diagnosis of endocarditis. Echocardiographic imaging revealed moderate to severe aortic insufficiency, a mitral valve vegetation, and mild mitral valve regurgitation. After evaluation by the cardiothoracic surgery team, the patient was discharged with intravenous antibiotics and short-term outpatient follow-up with the cardiothoracic surgery team. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Dental procedures, although generally safe, can introduce oral bacteria into the bloodstream, leading to bacterial seeding of cardiac valves and subsequent infective endocarditis. Recognizing infective endocarditis subsequent to a dental procedure, including a tooth extraction, as a potential cause of an acute ischemic stroke is vital so that prompt treatment can be initiated.

The potential of 3D models and augmented reality in teaching cross-sectional radiology.

What was the educational challenge?The complexity and variability of cross-sectional imaging present a significant challenge in imparting knowledge of radiologic anatomy to medical students.What was the solution?Recent advancements in three-dimensional (3D) segmentation and augmented reality (AR) technology provide a promising solution. These advances allow for the creation of interactive, patient-specific 3D/AR models which incorporate multiple imaging modalities including MRI, CT, and 3D rotational angiography can help trainees understand cross-sectional imaging.How was the solution implemented?To create the model, DICOM files of patient scans with slice thicknesses of 1 mm or less are exported to a computer and imported to 3D Slicer for registration. Once registered, the files are segmented with Vitrea software utilizing thresholding, region growing, and edge detection. After the creation of the models, they are then imported to a web-based interactive viewing platform and/or AR application.What lessons were learned that are relevant to a wider global audience?Low-resource 3D/AR models offer an accessible and intuitive tool to teach radiologic anatomy and pathology. Our novel method of creating these models leverages recent advances in 3D/AR technology to create a better experience than traditional high and low-resource 3D/AR modeling techniques. This will allow trainees to better understand cross-sectional imaging.What are the next steps?The interactive and intuitive nature of 3D and AR models has the potential to significantly improve the teaching and presentation of radiologic anatomy and pathology to a medical student audience. We encourage educators to incorporate 3D segmentation models and AR in their teaching strategies.

Diaphragmatic Injury with Empyema Development after Microwave Ablation of a Liver Dome Lesion.

Percutaneous microwave ablation (MWA) of the liver is a minimally invasive procedure that utilizes high frequency electromagnetic waves to generate heat and induce tumor necrosis. MWA has been proven to be a safe and effective treatment option for primary and metastatic liver tumors. The treatment of liver dome lesions can present a technical challenge due to the proximity of the hepatic dome to the diaphragm and lung parenchyma. In this report, we present a case of diaphragmatic injury and subsequent empyema following MWA of a liver dome lesion.

Successful retrieval of ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) from the left middle cerebral artery during preoperative embolization of a juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA).

Preoperative embolization of a juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA) using ethyl vinyl alcohol (EVOH) is an effective adjunctive treatment prior to surgical resection. While liquid embolic agents are safe to use, we present a unique case involving the migration of EVOH into the left middle cerebral artery (MCA) through an external carotid artery-internal carotid artery (ECA-ICA) collateral during preoperative embolization using a dual-lumen balloon catheter. A 16-year-old male presented with left-sided nasal congestion, new nasal intonation in voice, and epistaxis. CT imaging showed a hypervascular mass centered within the left posterior nasal cavity and nasopharynx with expansion of the ipsilateral sphenopalatine foramen. A JNA was diagnosed, and preoperative embolization was performed prior to surgical resection. During the embolization procedure, EVOH migrated into the intracranial circulation through a hypertrophied ECA-ICA collateral. Angiography confirmed embolic material at the left MCA bifurcation. The embolic material was successfully removed using a balloon guide catheter and stentriever. This case is presented to highlight potential complications and rescue techniques used in the setting of non-target embolization occurring during JNA embolization.

Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) following Yttrium-90 (90Y) selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT): a feasibility planning study using90Y delivered dose.

Objective.90Y selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) can potentially underdose lesions, as identified on post-therapy PET/CT imaging. This study introduces a methodology and explores the feasibility for selectively treating SIRT-underdosed HCC lesions, or lesion subvolumes, with stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) following post-SIRT dosimetry.Approach. We retrospectively analyzed post-treatment PET/CT images of 20 HCC patients after90Y SIRT. Predicted tumor response from SIRT was quantified based on personalized post-therapy dosimetry and corresponding response models. Predicted non-responding tumor regions were then targeted with a hypothetical SBRT boost plan using a framework for selecting eligible tumors and tumor subregions. SBRT boost plans were compared to SBRT plans targeting all tumors irrespective of SIRT dose with the same prescription and organ-at-risk (OAR) objectives. The potential benefit of SIRT followed by a SBRT was evaluated based on OAR dose and predicted toxicity compared to the independent SBRT treatment.Main results. Following SIRT, 14/20 patients had at least one predicted non-responding tumor considered eligible for a SBRT boost. When comparing SBRT plans, 10/14 (71%) SBRTboostand 12/20 (60%) SBRTaloneplans were within OAR dose constraints. For three patients, SBRTboostplans were within OAR constraints while SBRTaloneplans were not. Across the 14 eligible patients, SBRTboostplans had significantly less dose to the healthy liver (decrease in mean dose was on average ± standard deviation, 2.09 Gy ± 1.99 Gy, ) and reduced the overall targeted PTV volume (39% ± 21%) compared with SBRTalone.Significance. A clinical methodology for treating HCC using a synergized SIRT and SBRT approach is presented, demonstrating that it could reduce normal tissue toxicity risk in a majority of our retrospectively evaluated cases. Selectively targeting SIRT underdosed HCC lesions, or lesion subvolumes, with SBRT could improve tumor control and patient outcomes post-SIRT and allow SIRT to function as a target debulking tool for cases when SBRT is not independently feasible.

Neuroendovascular Procedures in Patients with Ehlers-Danlos Type IV: Multicenter Case Series and Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Ehlers-Danlos type IV or vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (vEDS) is a rare inherited disorder characterized by profound vascular fragility resulting from defective production of type III procollagen. Cerebrovascular diseases including spontaneous dissections, cerebral aneurysms, and cavernous carotid fistulae are common. Endovascular therapies in this patient population are known to be higher risk, although many studies (before 2000) involved older techniques and equipment. The purpose of this study is to investigate the safety and efficacy of modern neuroendovascular techniques in the treatment of cerebrovascular diseases in patients with vEDS. METHODS: We combined a multi-institutional retrospective case series at 3 quaternary-care centers with a systematic literature review of individual case reports and case series spanning 2000-2021 to evaluate the safety and efficacy of neuroendovascular procedure in patients with vEDS with cerebrovascular diseases. RESULTS: Fifty-nine patients who underwent 66 neuroendovascular procedures were evaluated. Most of the patients had direct cavernous carotid fistulas (DCCF). Neuroendovascular procedures had a 94% success rate, with a complication rate of 30% and a mortality of 7.5%. CONCLUSIONS: Neuroendovascular procedures can be performed with a high rate of success in the treatment of cerebrovascular diseases in patients with vEDS, although special care is required because complication rates and mortality are high. Access site and procedure-related vascular injuries remain a significant hurdle in treating vEDS with cerebrovascular diseases, even with modern techniques.

Iatrogenic pseudoaneurysm of the middle meningeal artery during embolization of bilateral chronic subdural hematomas.

Summary/AbstractMiddle meningeal artery embolization has become an important treatment option for chronic subdural hematomas. While the treatment is safe, we present a unique case of development of an iatrogenic middle meningeal artery pseudoaneurysm during endovascular embolization with use of a dual-lumen balloon catheter used for injection of a liquid embolic agent. A 62-year-old man on Coumadin for portal vein thrombosis presented to the hospital with headache and supratherapeutic INR. Imaging revealed bilateral acute on chronic subdural hematomas. Given his medical comorbidities he underwent endovascular middle meningeal artery embolization. During the embolization, angiography revealed a pseudoaneurysm of the middle meningeal artery related to use of a dual-lumen balloon catheter. This pseudoaneurysm was successfully treated with ethylene vinyl alcohol embolization. Intracranial pseudoaneurysm related to balloon catheter use is a rare cause of iatrogenic pseudoaneurysm and could lead to life-threatening intracranial bleeding. Therefore, recognition and timely treatment are important.

Imaging to intervention: a review of what the Interventionalist needs to Know about Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia.

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is a disorder that affects 1 in 5000-10,000 people worldwide and can result in devastating complications such as cerebral abscess, stroke, massive hemorrhage, and even death. HHT is an autosomal dominant disorder that leads to the formation of abnormal communication between the arteries and veins with a resultant spectrum of vascular anomalies. The disorder affects many organ systems and thus requires a dedicated multidisciplinary approach. Interventional radiologists are vital members of this team providing expertise not only in disease management, but in complex embolotherapy, helping to maintain the health of these patients. This article reviews clinical manifestations, screening guidelines, diagnostic criteria, and endovascular management of HHT.

Skull Base Neurointerventional Techniques.

Neurodiagnostic and neurointerventional radiology (NIR) play a central role in the diagnosis and treatment of skull base disorders. Noninvasive imaging modalities, including computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, are important in lesion localization, evaluation of lesion extent, and diagnosis, but cannot always be definitive. Image-guided skull base biopsy and percutaneous and endovascular treatment options are important tools in the diagnosis and treatment of head, neck, and skull base disorders. NIR plays an important role in the treatment of vascular disorders of the skull base. This article summarizes the imaging evaluation and interventional therapies pertinent to the skull base.

Thrombus Histology as It Relates to Mechanical Thrombectomy: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Appropriate thrombus-device interaction is critical for recanalization. Histology can serve as a proxy for mechanical properties, and thus inform technique selection. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the value of histologic characterization, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis on the relationship between thrombus histology and recanalization, technique, etiology, procedural efficiency, and imaging findings. METHODS: In this meta-analysis, we identified studies published between March 2010 and March 2020 reporting findings related to the histologic composition of thrombi in large vessel occlusion stroke. Studies with at least 10 patients who underwent mechanical thrombectomy using stent retriever or aspiration were considered. Only studies in which retrieved thrombi were histologically processed were included. Patient-level data were requested when data could not be directly extracted. The primary outcome assessed was the relationship between thrombus histology and angiographic outcome. RESULTS: A total of 22 studies encompassing 1623 patients met inclusion criteria. Clots associated with good angiographic outcome had higher red blood cell (RBC) content (mean difference [MD] 9.60%, 95% CI 3.85-15.34, P = .008). Thrombi retrieved by aspiration had less fibrin (MD -11.39, 95% CI -22.50 to -0.27, P = .046) than stent-retrieved thrombi. Fibrin/platelet-rich clots were associated with longer procedure times (MD 13.20, 95% CI 1.30-25.10, P = .037). Hyperdense artery sign was associated with higher RBC content (MD 14.17%, 95% CI 3.07-25.27, P = .027). No relationship was found between composition and etiology. CONCLUSION: RBC-rich thrombi were associated with better recanalization outcomes and shorter procedure times, suggesting that preinterventional compositional characterization may yield important prognostic and therapeutic guidance.

Endoscopic and fluoroscopic-guided closure of the eustachian tube using a biliary cytology brush and liquid embolic agent for a persistent CSF leak after schwannoma resection.

Vestibular schwannoma is a known cause of progressive sensorineural hearing loss. Treatment options include observation, radiation therapy and surgical resection. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistula is a known postsurgical complication that can lead to CSF otorrhoea, rhinorrhoea or CSF leakage from the surgical wound. We present a case report of a patient who underwent vestibular schwannoma resection and postoperatively developed CSF rhinorrhoea, which was refractory to multiple attempts at surgical repair. This was successfully treated under endoscopic and fluoroscopic guidance using a biliary cytology brush to disrupt the surface of the eustachian tube followed by injection of n-Butyl cyanoacrylate.