North American Practice-Based Recommendations for Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunts in Portal Hypertension.

Complications of portal hypertension, including ascites, gastrointestinal bleeding, hepatic hydrothorax, and hepatic encephalopathy, are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Despite few high-quality randomized controlled trials to guide therapeutic decisions, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) creation has emerged as a crucial therapeutic option to treat complications of portal hypertension. In North America, the decision to perform TIPS involves gastroenterologists, hepatologists, and interventional radiologists, but TIPS creation is performed by interventional radiologists. This is in contrast to other parts of the world where TIPS creation is performed primarily by hepatologists. Thus, the successful use of TIPS in North America is dependent on a multidisciplinary approach and technical expertise, so as to optimize outcomes. Recently, new procedural techniques, TIPS stent technology, and indications for TIPS have emerged. As a result, practices and outcomes vary greatly across institutions and significant knowledge gaps exist. In this consensus statement, the Advancing Liver Therapeutic Approaches group critically reviews the application of TIPS in the management of portal hypertension. Advancing Liver Therapeutic Approaches convened a multidisciplinary group of North American experts from hepatology, interventional radiology, transplant surgery, nephrology, cardiology, pulmonology, and hematology to critically review existing literature and develop practice-based recommendations for the use of TIPS in patients with any cause of portal hypertension in terms of candidate selection, procedural best practices and, post-TIPS management; and to develop areas of consensus for TIPS indications and the prevention of complications. Finally, future research directions are identified related to TIPS for the management of portal hypertension.

Final Two-Year Outcomes for the Sentry Bioconvertible Inferior Vena Cava Filter in Patients Requiring Temporary Protection from Pulmonary Embolism.

PURPOSE: To report final 2-year outcomes with the Sentry bioconvertible inferior vena cava (IVC) filter in patients requiring temporary protection against pulmonary embolism (PE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a prospective multicenter trial, the Sentry filter was implanted in 129 patients with documented deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and/or PE (67.5%) or who were at temporary risk of developing DVT/PE (32.6%). Patients were monitored and bioconversion status ascertained by radiography, computed tomography (CT), and CT venography through 2 years. RESULTS: The composite primary 6-month endpoint of clinical success was achieved in 97.4% (111/114) of patients. The rate of new symptomatic PE was 0% (n = 126) through 1 year and 2.4% (n = 85) through the second year of follow-up, with 2 new nonfatal cases at 581 and 624 days that were adjudicated as not related to the procedure or device. Two patients (1.6%) developed symptomatic caval thrombosis during the first month and underwent successful interventions without recurrence. No other filter-related symptomatic complications occurred through 2 years. There was no filter tilting, migration, embolization, fracture, or caval perforation and no filter-related deaths through 2 years. Filter bioconversion was successful for 95.7% (110/115) of patients at 6 months, 96.4% (106/110) of patients at 12 months, and 96.5% (82/85) of patients at 24 months. Through 24 months of follow-up, there was no evidence of late-stage IVC obstruction or thrombosis after filter bioconversion or of thrombogenicity associated with retracted filter arms. CONCLUSIONS: The Sentry IVC filter provided safe and effective protection against PE, with a high rate of intended bioconversion and a low rate of device-related complications, through 2 years of follow-up.

Percutaneous Cholecystolithotomy Using Cholecystoscopy.

The morbidity and mortality of cholecystectomy can increase to 10% in high surgical risk patients. The technique for percutaneous cholecystolithotomy consists of 3 steps: (1) percutaneous cholecystostomy, (2) tract dilation and cholecystolithotomy, and (3) tract evaluation and catheter removal. Cholecystoscopy is critical in guiding the lithotripsy probe for fragmentation of large stones and is useful for locating small stone fragments not seen in cholangiography. Cholecystoscopy is also useful for assessing ambiguous lesions and in distinguishing between stone vs debris or mass. Technical success rate of percutaneous cholecystolithotomy using cholecystoscopy ranges from 93% to 100%. Procedure related complication rate has been reported as 4%-15%. The most common complication is bile leak during the procedure or after catheter removal. Although recurrence rate of gallstones has been reported up to 40%, the symptom recurrence rate is much lower. Therefore, percutaneous cholecystolithotomy using cholecystoscopy can be an alternative to cholecystectomy in high surgical risk patients with symptomatic gallstones.

Cryoablation of low-flow vascular malformations.

PURPOSE: We aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of cryoablation in the treatment of low-flow malformations, specifically venous malformation (VM) and fibroadipose vascular anomaly (FAVA). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of 11 consecutive patients with low-flow malformations (14 lesions; 9 VM, 5 FAVA), median lesion volume 10.8 cm3, (range, 1.8-55.6 cm3) with a median age of 19 years (range, 10-50 years) who underwent cryoablation to achieve symptomatic control. Average follow-up was at a median of 207 days postprocedure (range, 120-886 days). Indications for treatment included focal pain and swelling. Technical success was achieved if the cryoablation ice ball covered the region of the malformation that corresponded to the patient's symptoms. Clinical success was considered complete if all symptoms resolved and partial if some symptoms persisted but did not necessitate further treatment. RESULTS: The technical success rate was 100%. At 1-month follow-up, 13 of 14 lesions (93%) had a complete response and one (7%) had a partial response. At 6-month follow-up 12 of 13 (92%) had a complete response and 1 (8%) had a partial response. A total of 6 patients underwent primary cryoablation. Out of 9 VM cases, 7 had prior sclerotherapy and 2 had primary cryoablation. Out of the 5 FAVA cases, 1 had prior sclerotherapy and the remaining 4 cases underwent primary cryoablation. There were 3 minor complications following cryoablation including 2 cases of skin blisters and 1 case of transient numbness. These complications resolved with conservative management. CONCLUSION: Cryoablation is safe and effective in the treatment of low-flow vascular malformations, either after sclerotherapy or as primary treatment.

One-Year Analysis of the Prospective Multicenter SENTRY Clinical Trial: Safety and Effectiveness of the Novate Sentry Bioconvertible Inferior Vena Cava Filter.

PURPOSE: To prospectively assess the Sentry bioconvertible inferior vena cava (IVC) filter in patients requiring temporary protection against pulmonary embolism (PE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: At 23 sites, 129 patients with documented deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or PE, or at temporary risk of developing DVT or PE, unable to use anticoagulation were enrolled. The primary end point was clinical success, including successful filter deployment, freedom from new symptomatic PE through 60 days before filter bioconversion, and 6-month freedom from filter-related complications. Patients were monitored by means of radiography, computerized tomography (CT), and CT venography to assess filtering configuration through 60 days, filter bioconversion, and incidence of PE and filter-related complications through 12 months. RESULTS: Clinical success was achieved in 111 of 114 evaluable patients (97.4%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 92.5%-99.1%). The rate of freedom from new symptomatic PE through 60 days was 100% (n = 129, 95% CI 97.1%-100.0%), and there were no cases of PE through 12 months for either therapeutic or prophylactic indications. Two patients (1.6%) developed symptomatic caval thrombosis during the first month; neither experienced recurrence after successful interventions. There was no filter tilting, migration, embolization, fracture, or caval perforation by the filter, and no filter-related death through 12 months. Filter bioconversion was successful for 95.7% (110/115) at 6 months and for 96.4% (106/110) at 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: The Sentry IVC filter provided safe and effective protection against PE, with a high rate of intended bioconversion and a low rate of device-related complications, through 12 months of imaging-intense follow-up.

Modified Balloon-Occluded Retrograde Transvenous Obliteration (BRTO) Techniques for the Treatment of Gastric Varices: Vascular Plug-Assisted Retrograde Transvenous Obliteration (PARTO)/Coil-Assisted Retrograde Transvenous Obliteration (CARTO)/Balloon-Occluded Antegrade Transvenous Obliteration (BATO).

Gastric varices in the setting of portal hypertension occur less frequently than esophageal varices but occur at lower portal pressures and are associated with more massive bleeding events and higher mortality rate. Balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO) of gastric varices has been well documented as an effective therapy for portal hypertensive gastric varices. However, BRTO requires lengthy, higher-level post-procedural monitoring and can have complications related to balloon rupture and adverse effects of sclerosing agents. Several modified BRTO techniques have been developed including vascular plug-assisted retrograde transvenous obliteration, coil-assisted retrograde transvenous obliteration, and balloon-occluded antegrade transvenous obliteration. This article provides an overview of various modified BRTO techniques.

Hemobilia Due to Cystic Artery Pseudoaneurysm: A Rare Late Complication of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy.

We discuss a patient with late presentation of hemobilia following cholecystectomy, which is unusual because pseudoaneurysm caused by vascular injury during surgery typically presents soon after surgery. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography revealed a large blood clot arising from the biliary orifice with subsequent computed tomography angiography diagnosing a large pseudoaneurysm in the region of the cystic artery adjacent to the cholecystectomy clips. Embolization was performed via direct percutaneous puncture of the pseudoaneurysm.

Laparoscopic Nephrectomy: Initial Case Report.

A tumor-bearing right kidney was completely excised from an 85-year-old woman using a laparoscopic approach. A newly devised method for intra-abdominal organ entrapment and a recently developed laparoscopic tissue morcellator made it possible to deliver the 190 gm. kidney through an 11 mm. incision.

Arterial Embolization for the Treatment of Renal Masses and Traumatic Renal Injuries.

Renal artery embolization (RAE) for a variety of indications has been performed for several decades. RAE techniques have been refined over time for clinical efficacy and a more favorable safety profile. Owing to improved catheters, embolic agents for precise delivery, and clinical experience, RAE is increasingly used as an adjunct to, or as the preferred alternative to surgical interventions. The indications for RAE are expanding for many urologic and medical conditions. In this article, we focus on the role and technical aspects of RAE in the treatment of renal masses and traumatic renal injuries.

US-Guided, Direct Puncture Retrograde Thoracic Duct Access, Lymphangiography, and Embolization: Feasibility and Efficacy.

PURPOSE: To describe technical details, success rate, and advantages of direct puncture of the thoracic duct (TD) under direct ultrasound (US) guidance at venous insertion in the left neck. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients who underwent attempted thoracic duct embolization (TDE) via US-guided retrograde TD access in the left neck were retrospectively reviewed. Indications for lymphangiography were iatrogenic chyle leak, pulmonary lymphangiectasia, and plastic bronchitis. Ten patients with mean age 41.4 years (range, 21 d to 72 y) underwent US-guided TD access via the left neck. Technical details, procedural times, and clinical outcomes were evaluated. TD access time was defined as time from start of procedure to successful access of TD, and total procedural time was defined from start of procedure until TDE. RESULTS: All attempts at TD access via the neck were successful. Technical and clinical success of TDE was 60%. There were no complications. Mean TD access time was 17 minutes (range, 2-47 min), and mean total procedure time was 49 minutes (range, 25-69 min). Mean follow-up time was 5.4 months (range, 3-10 months). CONCLUSIONS: TDE via US-guided access in the left neck is technically feasible and safe with a potential decrease in procedure time and elimination of oil-based contrast material.

Technically Successful Geniculate Artery Embolization Does Not Equate Clinical Success for Treatment of Recurrent Knee Hemarthrosis after Knee Surgery.

PURPOSE: To evaluate technical details, clinical outcomes, and complications in patients undergoing geniculate artery embolization for treatment of spontaneous hemarthrosis after knee surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: During 2009-2014, 10 consecutive patients (seven women; mean age, 57.4 y) underwent geniculate artery embolization at a single tertiary care center. All patients except one had hemarthrosis after total knee replacement (TKR). One patient presented with hemarthrosis after cartilage surgery. Two patients in the TKR group had a history of TKR revisions before the embolization. Embolization was performed with polyvinyl alcohol particles (range, 300-700 µm). In one patient requiring repeat embolization, N-butyl cyanoacrylate/ethiodized oil was used. The endpoint for embolization was stasis in the target artery and elimination of the hyperemic blush. RESULTS: In 10 patients, 14 embolizations were performed with 100% technical success. Hemarthrosis resolved in six patients. Four patients required repeat embolization for recurrent hemarthrosis, which subsequently resolved in two of four patients. Three of the four patients who required repeat embolization had serious comorbidities, either blood dyscrasias or therapeutic anticoagulation. There were two minor skin complications that resolved with conservative management. The average length of follow-up after embolization was 545 days (range, 50-1,655 d). One patient was lost to follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Geniculate artery embolization is a safe, minimally invasive treatment option for spontaneous and refractory knee hemarthrosis after knee surgery with 100% technical success. However, limited clinical success and higher repeat embolization rates were noted in patients with serious comorbidities.

Sclerotherapy of Diffuse and Infiltrative Venous Malformations of the Hand and Distal Forearm.

PURPOSE: Venous malformations (VM) involving the hand and forearm often lead to chronic pain and dysfunction, and the threshold for treatment is high due to the risk of nerve and skin damage, functional deterioration and compartment syndrome. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate that sclerotherapy of diffuse and infiltrative VM of the hand is a safe and effective therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients with diffuse and infiltrative VM of the hand and forearm treated with sclerotherapy from 2001 to 2014 was conducted. All VM were diagnosed during the clinical visit by a combination of physical examination and imaging. Sclerotherapy was performed under imaging guidance using ethanol and/or sodium tetradecyl sulfate foam. Clinical notes were reviewed for signs of treatment response and complications, including skin blistering and nerve injury. RESULTS: Seventeen patients underwent a total of 40 sclerotherapy procedures. Patients were treated for pain (76%), swelling (29%) or paresthesias (6%). Treatments utilized ethanol (70%), sodium tetradecyl sulfate foam (22.5%) or a combination of these (7.5%). Twenty-four percent of patients had complete resolution of symptoms, 24% had partial relief of symptoms without need for further intervention, and 35% had some improvement after initial treatment but required additional treatments. Two skin complications were noted, both of which resolved. No motor or sensory loss was reported. CONCLUSION: Sclerotherapy is a safe and effective therapy for VM of the hand with over 83% of patients experiencing relief.

Percutaneous Antegrade Varicocele Embolization Via the Testicular Vein in a Patient with Recurrent Varicocele After Surgical Repair.

This is a case report of an adolescent male who underwent surgical ligation for a left-sided varicocele that recurred 2 years later. Standard retrograde embolization via the left renal vein was not possible, because there was no connection from the renal vein to the gonadal vein following surgical ligation. The patient was treated via antegrade access of the spermatic vein at the inguinal level with subsequent coil embolization.

Endovascular treatment of superior mesenteric artery pseudoaneurysms using covered stents in six patients.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of our study was to evaluate our experience with the use of endovascular treatments for superior mesenteric artery (SMA) pseudoaneurysms using covered stents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2002 and 2011, six patients (mean age, 41.7 years; range, 23-65 years) with SMA pseudoaneurysms were treated percutaneously with the placement of covered stents at our institution. The causes of SMA pseudoaneurysms were penetrating trauma (n = 2), blunt trauma (n = 1), and previous surgical procedures (n = 3). The mean diameter of the SMA pseudoaneurysms was 16 mm (range, 4-24 mm). Technical success and clinical success were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: Immediate technical success, defined as exclusion of the pseudoaneurysm and lack of active extravasation, was achieved in all six patients. Secondary balloon angioplasty was needed in one patient with residual narrowing. There was a small dissection of the proximal SMA necessitating placement of a second bare stent across the dissection. A second covered stent (Fluency stent, 8 mm) was placed in the same patient because of recurrent bleeding due to a type II endoleak 5 days after the first covered stent had been placed. This patient had no subsequent episodes of bleeding or bowel ischemia. Follow-up CT in the remaining five patients (mean, 21 months; range, 1-58 months) confirmed stent patency and preserved distal arterial flow to the bowel without episodes of bleeding or bowel ischemia during follow-up (mean, 27 months; range, 11-58 months). CONCLUSION: Percutaneous endovascular treatment using a covered stent may be a safe and feasible tool for SMA pseudoaneurysms.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria radiologic management of benign and malignant biliary obstruction.

The optimal treatment for patients with biliary obstruction varies depending on the underlying cause of the obstruction, the clinical condition of the patient, and anticipated long-term effects of the procedure performed. Endoscopic and image-guided procedures are usually the initial procedures performed for biliary obstructions. Various options are available for both the radiologist and endoscopist, and each should be considered for any individual patient with biliary obstruction. This article provides an overview of the current status of radiologic procedures performed in the setting of biliary obstruction and describes multiple clinical scenarios that may be treated by radiologic or other methods. The ACR Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed every 2 years by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and review include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer-reviewed journals and the application of a well-established consensus methodology (modified Delphi) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures by the panel. In those instances in which evidence is lacking or not definitive, expert opinion may be used to recommend imaging or treatment.

Management of iatrogenic bile duct injuries: role of the interventional radiologist.

Bile duct injuries are infrequent but potentially devastating complications of biliary tract surgery and have become more common since the introduction of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The successful management of these injuries depends on the injury type, the timing of its recognition, the presence of complicating factors, the condition of the patient, and the availability of an experienced hepatobiliary surgeon. Bile duct injuries may lead to bile leakage, intraabdominal abscesses, cholangitis, and secondary biliary cirrhosis due to chronic strictures. Imaging is vital for the initial diagnosis of bile duct injury, assessment of its extent, and guidance of its treatment. Imaging options include cholescintigraphy, ultrasonography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography, and fluoroscopy with a contrast medium injected via a surgically or percutaneously placed biliary drainage catheter. Depending on the type of injury, management may include endoscopic, percutaneous, and open surgical interventions. Percutaneous intervention is performed for biloma and abscess drainage, transhepatic biliary drainage, U-tube placement, dilation of bile duct strictures and stent placement to maintain ductal patency, and management of complications from previous percutaneous interventions. Endoscopic and percutaneous interventional procedures may be performed for definitive treatment or as adjuncts to definitive surgical repair. In patients who are eligible for surgery, surgical biliary tract reconstruction is the best treatment option for most major bile duct injuries. When reconstruction is performed by an experienced hepatobiliary surgeon, an excellent long-term outcome can be achieved, particularly if percutaneous interventions are performed as needed preoperatively to optimize the patient's condition and postoperatively to manage complications.

Pancreaticoportal fistula and disseminated fat necrosis after revision of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt.

A 59-year old man with alcohol related cirrhosis and portal hypertension was referred for transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) to treat his refractory ascites. Ten years later, two sequential TIPS revisions were performed for shunt stenosis and recurrent ascites. After these revisions, he returned with increased serum pancreatic enzyme levels and disseminated superficial fat necrosis; an iatrogenic pancreaticoportal vein fistula caused by disruption of the pancreatic duct was suspected. The bare area of the TIPS was subsequently lined with a covered stent-graft, and serum enzyme levels returned to baseline. In the interval follow-up period, the patient has clinically improved.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria radiologic management of hepatic malignancy.

Management of hepatic malignancy is a challenging clinical problem involving several different medical and surgical disciplines. Because of the wide variety of potential therapies, treatment protocols for various malignancies continue to evolve. Consequently, development of appropriate therapeutic algorithms necessitates consideration of medical options, such as systemic chemotherapy; surgical options, such as resection or transplantation; and locoregional therapies, such as thermal ablation and transarterial embolization. The authors discuss treatment strategies for the 3 most common subtypes of hepatic malignancy treated with locoregional therapies: hepatocellular carcinoma, neuroendocrine metastases, and colorectal metastases. The ACR Appropriateness Criteria(®) are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed every 2 years by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and review include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer-reviewed journals and the application of a well-established consensus methodology (modified Delphi) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures by the panel. In those instances in which evidence is lacking or not definitive, expert opinion may be used to recommend imaging or treatment.