New technique for in-continuity axillary and supraclavicular lymphadenectomy for advanced metastatic melanoma using intraoperative image guidance: a case report.

Simultaneousinvolvement of the supraclavicular and axillary lymphatic basins is known to occur in metastatic skin cancers. We present the case of a 35-year-old male with metastatic melanoma present in the right neck and axillary lymph nodes. He underwent a combined, in-continuity dissection of both basins using intraoperative ultrasound to ensure full clearance of lymph nodes from the cervicoaxillary canal, which otherwise would have been impossible to achieve without clavicle osteotomy. This allowed us to avoid a division of the clavicle and related morbidity. Postoperative imaging confirmed no residual disease, and no local recurrence subsequently. We conclude that intraoperative use of ultrasound can help guide surgeons trying to achieve clearance of metastatic disease in anatomically complex regions, avoiding unnecessary morbidity.

COVID-19-Related Incidental Pancreatitis Detected on FDG-PET Scan.

Although severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)/coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection predominantly affects the respiratory system, it has also been found to be responsible for several gastrointestinal effects due to its capability to attack angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) type 2 cells in various parts of the body. Several cases of radiologically confirmed thyroiditis, axillary lymphangitis, and acute pancreatitis related to COVID-19 infection have been reported, which seem to arise from a direct cytotoxic effect of the virus itself. This case report presents an incidental 18-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) computed tomography (CT) finding of mild pancreatic inflammation/pancreatitis in an otherwise asymptomatic patient undergoing routine imaging as part of the staging process following stem cell transplant, who had recently recovered from a severe form of COVID infection. This case highlights the fact that COVID can trigger insidious inflammatory processes in a variety of organs often remaining clinically undetectable until resultant end-organ damage causes incipient clinical symptoms.

Major Haemorrhage Following a Transjugular Liver Biopsy: A Case Report and a Discussion of Complications and Learning Points.

Liver biopsy can be performed percutaneously, or via a transjugular approach. Transjugular liver biopsy (TJLB) is usually used in patients who are suffering from severe coagulation disorders (prolonged prothrombin time or low platelets), ascites, severe obesity, or failure of a previous non-targeted percutaneous liver biopsy. In TJLB, the biopsy needle is inserted into the liver parenchyma via the hepatic vein, avoiding transgression of the hepatic capsule and peritoneum. Unlike a percutaneous biopsy, a transjugular approach reduces the risk of bleeding as any bleeding from the biopsy site should be returned into the venous system. It is a safe, well-tolerated procedure, with a major complication rate of less than 0.6%. This case report describes the rare occurrence of a severe intraperitoneal haemorrhage post-TJLB, and describes and discusses the technique, complication profile, and learning points from this complication.

Ambulatory Same-Day Map-and-Treat Angiography for Selective Internal Radiation Therapy Using a Transradial Approach.

Historically, selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) with yttrium-90 (Y-90) requires a two-week interval between workup and treatment (map and treat). The intervening gap between workup and treatment is used to plan for the dose required and obtain delivery of the radioactive Y-90. During the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, the delivery of a robust SIRT service was challenging due to unprecedented demands on all hospital services. Emergent practice changes were required to ensure this service could still be delivered to patients while retaining sufficient inpatient hospital beds and services for acutely unwell patients. In response to this, the interventional radiology team proposed the retention of a full SIRT service by removing the historical two-week interval between map and treat, delivering both components of the SIRT procedure on the same day. A traditional approach using femoral access would require a prolonged period of immobility and potentially an overnight stay. By adopting a transradial approach without sedo-analgesia, an ambulatory day-case map and treat SIRT with no post-procedure immobilisation was performed. This case report demonstrates the technical feasibility of same-day 'map-and-treat' SIRT, highlighting a paradigm shift from the conventional femoral access method and immobilisation to an 'ambulatory' approach with immediate mobilisation post-procedure.

Changes in treatment pattern and costs in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

INTRODUCTION: While essential for cost-effectiveness analyses, there are no current resource use and cost data available for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT). The study aims to assess current resource use and costs in HCC and for SIRT compared to historical survey data. AREAS COVERED: To address this data gap, resource use was elicited via surveys and interviews with medical professionals experienced with HCC and SIRT in the United Kingdom. Unit costs were from publicly available databases. Resource use and costs were estimated and compared to prior surveys. EXPERT OPINION: From eleven responses, pre-progression costs for SIRT and systemic therapy were £256.77 and £292.27/month, respectively. One-off progression and post-progression costs were £209.98 and £522.84/month. Monthly costs were 54%-79% lower than in previous surveys, due to reduction in hospitalizations and funded social care. Furthermore, substantial differences in resource use associated with SIRT between clinical practice and clinical trials were found. In conclusion, increased availability and familiarity with systemic treatments has led to important changes in HCC care and SIRT administration. The uncertainty from the use of expert opinion and the limited number of hospitals with SIRT experience can be addressed with future research using large databases, registries.

Radial Artery Access for Hepatic Chemosaturation: The First Description of Technical Feasibility.

Chemosaturation with percutaneous hepatic perfusion (CS-PHP; Hepatic CHEMOSAT® Delivery System, Delcath Systems Inc, Wilmington, Delaware) is an interventional radiology procedure that delivers high doses of melphalan, a chemotherapeutic agent, directly to the liver in patients with unresectable primary and secondary liver tumours. Traditionally, CS-PHP is delivered by arterial access via the femoral artery. However, there can be many risks and adverse effects associated with femoral artery punctures, such as retroperitoneal haemorrhage and haematoma formation. The monitoring and bed rest required following the removal of a femoral arterial catheter may also cause significant distress to patients as they remain immobile, potentially prolonging their stay in hospital. The radial artery is an alternative access point, with fewer reported adverse events and increased patient tolerance when compared with femoral access. This case report details the first reported use of Hepatic CHEMOSAT® therapy being delivered via the radial artery. Two patients received hepatic chemosaturation with no reported complications. This report demonstrates that access via the radial artery is a feasible alternative for the delivery of chemotherapy, which may reduce morbidity and the risks usually associated with femoral access.

Retrograde Radiological Gastrostomy Technique and Retrograde Stent Placement in a Completely Occluded Cervical Esophagus.

Malignant obstruction of the cervical esophagus presents some anatomical and technical challenges when considering radiologic or endoscopic intervention. This case report describes the failure of antegrade access to place a gastrostomy tube and stent due to complete luminal occlusion from an esophageal tumor. The ultrasound-guided percutaneous gastric puncture was performed to achieve retrograde pneumodistension to allow radiologic gastrostomy insertion. Subsequently, the cervical esophagus was retrogradely cannulated via insertion of a guidewire from the gastrostomy site. A distal release esophageal stent was then inserted over the wire and deployed from the mouth in an antegrade manner. However, due to the unpredictable proximal shortening of distal release stents, this stent was eventually shortened and displaced so that it no longer covered the top of the tumor stricture, and further antegrade access failed. Once more, a retrograde access approach was adopted via the gastrostomy stoma, a guidewire and catheter were passed retrogradely through the original stent and out through the mouth. A distal release stent system was then inserted in a retrograde manner via the gastrostomy stoma, effectively making it a proximal release stent which enabled more precise positioning of the stent above the tumor. Palliation was achieved until death, and beyond expected mean survival.

Anomalous Branch of the Left Hepatic Artery With Pericardial, Diaphragmatic, Splenic and Gastric Supply During Selective Internal Radiotherapy (SIRT).

Selective internal radiotherapy (SIRT) is an established modality for the treatment of hepatic malignancy. The procedure is normally carried out in two parts. The first part involves a planning or "work-up" angiogram to delineate anatomy and plan safe yttrium-90 (Y90) delivery, and the second part for the administration of the Y90 microspheres. The work-up angiogram has three main purposes including delineation of hepatic and tumor vascular anatomy, which might influence the administration of the microbeads, identification, and embolization of blood vessels, which may complicate treatment or contribute to non-target Y90 microsphere deposition and administration of technetium 99 (metastable) labeled macroaggregated albumin (99mTcMAA) at the planned administration points prior to the same day single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) or planar SPECT to identify sites of 99mTcMAA uptake. We present the case of a SIRT procedure that demonstrated an anomalous artery arising from the left hepatic artery with supply to the pericardium, diaphragm, fundus of the stomach, and spleen. This is a rare vascular variant that highlights the importance of thorough assessment of both the planning angiograms and SPECT CT for the presence of anatomical variants and abnormal extrahepatic 99mTcMAA uptake to help reduce the need to recall patients for repeat work-up procedures.

Cost-utility analysis of selective internal radiation therapy with Y-90 resin microspheres in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Background: The study assessed the cost-utility of selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) with Y-90 resin microspheres versus sorafenib in UK patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma ineligible for transarterial chemoembolization. Materials & methods: A lifetime partitioned survival model was developed for patients with low tumor burden (≤25%) and good liver function (albumin-bilirubin grade 1). Efficacy, safety and quality of life data were from a European Phase III randomized controlled trial and published studies. Resource use was from registries and clinical surveys. Results: Discounted quality-adjusted life-years were 1.982 and 1.381, and discounted total costs were £29,143 and 30,927, for SIRT and sorafenib, respectively. Conclusion: SIRT has the potential to be a dominant (more efficacious/less costly) or cost-effective alternative to sorafenib in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma.

Spontaneous Aortic Haematoma in a Patient Receiving Adjuvant Folinic Acid, 5-Fluorouracil, Irinotecan, and Oxaliplatin Chemotherapy Following Resection of a Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma.

This case report describes the finding of a spontaneous aortic haematoma in a patient receiving adjuvant folinic acid, 5-fluorouracil, irinotecan, and oxaliplatin (FOLFIRINOX) chemotherapy following resection of a pancreatic adenocarcinoma. The haematoma was thought to have arisen secondary to a chemotherapy-induced vasculitis affecting the aorta, as the patient had no other risk factors for de novo aortitis or aortic haematoma. There have been several previously documented cases of associations between chemotherapy agents (in particular platinum-based agents) and vasculitis. This report includes computed tomography (CT) images and a discussion of the literature of related cases. This case is a good example of rare vascular toxicities arising from chemotherapy, the impact such rare complications have upon further chemotherapy options, and how these should be discussed when consenting patients for chemotherapy due to the potentially life-threatening complications.

Safety and Efficacy of Venting Gastrostomy in Malignant Bowel Obstruction: A Systematic Review.

Malignant bowel obstruction (MBO) is a common manifestation in patients with advanced intra-abdominal malignancy. It is especially common with bowel or gynecological cancers and produces distressing symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, and pain. Medical management options are less effective than decompressive strategies for symptom control. Surgery is the gold-standard treatment but is unsuitable for most patients with high complication rates. Consensus guidelines recommend nonsurgical management with a venting gastrostomy in those unsuitable for surgery or for whom medical management is ineffective. The aim of this systematic review is to establish the safety and efficacy of percutaneous venting gastrostomy in relieving symptoms of MBO. Twenty-five studies were included in this review comprising 1194 patients. Gastrostomy insertion was successful at first attempt in 91% of cases and reduction in symptoms of nausea and vomiting was reported in 92% of cases. Mean survival following the procedure ranged from 35 to 147 days. Major complications were rare, with most complications classed as minor wound infections or leakage of fluid around the tube. Studies suggest that the presence of ascites is not an absolute contraindication to the insertion of percutaneous venting gastrostomy in patients with MBO; however, these studies lack longitudinal outcomes and complication rates related to this. However, it is reasonable to suggest that ascitic drainage is performed to reduce potential complications. There is a relative lack of good quality robust data on the utilization of percutaneous venting gastrostomy in MBO, but overall, the combination of being a safe and efficacious procedure alongside the known complication profile suggests that it should be considered a suitable management option.

Use of a novel atlas for muscles of mastication to reduce inter observer variability in head and neck radiotherapy contouring.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S): Trismus is caused by injury to the masticatory muscles resulting from cancer or its treatment. Contouring these muscles to reduce dose and radiation related trismus can be problematic due to interobserver variability. This study aimed to evaluate the reduction in interobserver variability achievable with a new contouring atlas. MATERIALS/METHODS: The atlas included: medial and lateral pterygoids (MP, LP), masseter (M) and temporalis (T) muscles, and the temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ). Seven clinicians delineated five paired structures on CT scans from 5 patients without the atlas. After ≥5 weeks, contouring was repeated using the atlas. Using contours generated by the clinicians on the same 5 CT scans as reference, dice similarity coefficient (DSC), mean distance-to-agreement (DTA) and centre of mass (COM) difference were compared with and without the atlas. Comparison was also performed split by training grade. Mean and standard deviation (SD) values were measured. RESULTS: The atlas reduced interobserver variability for all structures. Mean DTA significantly improved for MP (p = 0.01), M (p < 0.01), T (p < 0.01) and TMJ (p < 0.01). Mean DTA improved using the atlas for the trainees across all muscles, with the largest reduction in variability observed for the T (4.3 ±â€¯7.1 v 1.2 ±â€¯0.4 mm, p = 0.06) and TMJ (2.1 ±â€¯0.7 v 0.8 ±â€¯0.3 mm, p < 0.01). Distance between the COM and interobserver variability reduced in all directions for MP and T. CONCLUSION: A new atlas for contouring masticatory muscles during radiotherapy planning for head and neck cancer reduces interobserver variability and could be used as an educational tool.

Update on Treatment Options for Advanced Bile Duct Tumours: Radioembolisation for Advanced Cholangiocarcinoma.

Cholangiocarcinoma is a rare form of gastrointestinal cancer with a poor prognosis. Patients often present with biliary obstruction or non-specific abdominal pain, and a high proportion of patients have advanced disease at initial diagnosis. The goal of this review is to discuss treatment options for patients with advanced bile duct tumours focusing on radioembolisation (RE) and its impact on overall survival. RE provides a therapeutic option for patients with unresectable cholangiocarcinoma. However, although systemic chemotherapy has demonstrated a survival benefit in randomised controlled trials, there is limited supporting evidence for the use of RE in this setting. Studies are mostly limited to single-centre, small cohorts with variable outcome measures. Additionally, patients included in these studies received a variety of previous therapies including chemotherapy, surgery or alternative intra-arterial therapy; therefore, a true assessment of overall survival benefit is difficult.

Contrast CT-scan for preoperative planning of VSLN (vascularized submental lymph-node) transfer.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Vascularized submental lymph-node (VSLN) transfer is gaining popularity as a reliable donor-site in microsurgical treatment of lymphedema. However, variations in number, location, and blood supply to submental lymph-nodes as well as associate skin-paddle make a predictable flap harvest a challenging task. We analyzed this region on preoperative imaging, to improve accuracy of VSLN transfers. METHODS: Contrast CT-scan analysis of VSLN-flap areas was performed in 58 patients. Number and location of visibly vascularized lymph nodes as well as submental artery perforators were identified, documented, and compared. RESULTS: About 409 lymph-nodes were found in 50 patients. No significant difference was found in the number of nodes between the right and left side. Significantly more lymph-nodes were found in zones 1B than zones 1A. In eight patients nodes were not identified. In the remaining 50 patients position of the visibly vascularized submental lymph-node was predictable. CONCLUSION: Significantly less lymph-nodes can be found in zone 1a then zone 1b. Location of visibly vascularized lymph nodes can be identified predictably in relation to bony landmarks. Blood supply to 1a nodes and particularly location of dominant skin perforator is unpredictable due to potential crossover. Contrast CT scan can help identify location and blood supply to submental lymph-nodes in most patients. J. Surg. Oncol. 2017;115:23-26. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The assessment of local response using magnetic resonance imaging at 3- and 6-month post chemoradiotherapy in patients with anal cancer.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the use of MRI-determined tumour regression grading (TRG) in local response assessment and detection of salvageable early local relapse after chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in patients with anal squamous cell carcinoma (ASCC). METHODS: From a prospective database of patients with ASCC managed through a centralised multidisciplinary team, 74 patients who completed routine post-CRT 3- and 6-month MRIs (2009-2012) were reviewed. Two radiologists blinded to the outcomes consensus read and retrospectively assigned TRG scores [1 (complete response) to 5 (no response)] and related these to early local relapse (within 12 months) and disease-free survival (DFS). RESULTS: Seven patients had early local relapse. TRG 1/2 scores at 3 and 6 months had a 100 % negative predictive value; TRG 4/5 scores at 6 months had a 100 % positive predictive value. All seven patients underwent salvage R0 resections. We identified a novel 'tram-track' sign on MRI in over half of patients, with an NPV for early local relapse of 83 % at 6 months. No imaging characteristic or TRG score independently prognosticated for late relapse or 3-year DFS. CONCLUSIONS: Post-CRT 3- and 6-month MRI-determined TRG scores predicted salvageable R0 early local relapses in patients with ASCC, challenging current clinical guidelines. KEY POINTS: • Post-chemoradiotherapy MRI (3 and 6 months) helps local response assessment in ASCC. • The MRI-TRG system can be used reproducibly in patients with ASCC. • The TRG system facilitates patient selection for examination under anaesthesia and biopsy. • The use of MRI-TRG predicts for detection of salvageable early local relapses. • The TRG system allows for a standardised follow-up pathway.