Repeated percutaneous hepatic perfusion with melphalan can maintain long-term response in patients with liver cancers.

Chemosaturation (CS; CHEMOSAT®, Delcath Systems Inc.) temporarily administers melphalan into the liver by percutaneous hepatic perfusion (PHP). CS-PHP can effectively control growth in liver tumors, but efficacy and tolerability of sequential treatments are unclear. We analyzed outcomes of sequential CS-PHP treatment. Patients with either unresectable intrahepatic metastases of ocular melanoma (OM, n = 9), cholangiocarcinoma (CCA, n = 3), or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC, n = 1) were recruited retrospectively. Response was assessed by tomography imaging. Ten patients (mean age 60 years) with more than one CS-PHP treatment were included. CS-PHP was administered 2-6 times in the OM patients, 3 times in the CCA, and the HCC patient received 6 treatments. Overall response rate (ORR) to CS-PHP was 80%, and stable disease was achieved in one patient. Median hepatic progression-free survival (hPFS) was 336 days (range 0-354) for OM, 251 days for the CCA patient, and 256 days for the HCC patient. At the end of observation (153-701 days after first CS-PHP), 6/10 patients were still alive (5/9 with OM, 0 with CCA, and 1 with HCC). Death cases were not related to CS-PHP. Adverse events were mostly hematologic, grade I-IV, and self-resolving. The liver function was not deteriorated by CS-PHP. We conclude that repeated CS-PHP treatments were effective and well tolerated in the long term.

A case report of an unrecognized osteoid osteoma of the proximal femur.

We present the case of a 59-year-old male patient with unrecognized osteoid osteoma in radiography as well as in magnetic resonance imaging. Computed tomography revealed osteoid osteoma that was successfully treated with percutaneous computed tomography guided radiofrequency ablation. The osseous pathology was underestimated on magnetic resonance imaging in the presented case and bone marrow edema led to incorrect diagnosis. The particular case emphasizes the value of computed tomography scans diagnosing an osteoid osteoma.

[Laparoscopic Left Hemihepatectoy Applying Intraoperative Indocyanine Green Fluorescence Detection Counter Perfusion Method for Visualization]. / Laparoskopische Hemihepatektomie links mit intraoperativer Indocyaningrün-Perfusionsbildgebung.

Intraoperative indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence detection by the "counter perfusion method" is a useful tool to identify hepatic segments and intersegmental planes during anatomic liver resection. We report of a 54-year old patient with recurrent cholangitis due to Caroli disease, who underwent a laparoscopic hemihepatectomy. To determine the resection line and resection plane, we injected ICG intravenously after clamping/ligating the left hepatic artery and left portal vein. Before and during resection the liver was observed under visible light and under near-infrared (NIR) light. This method allowed for precise anatomical resection of non-perfused liver segments 2, 3 and 4.

[Ablative treatment options for locally advanced unresectable and borderline resectable pancreatic carcinoma]. / Ablative Therapieoptionen beim lokal fortgeschrittenen, irresektablen und grenzwertig resektablen Pankreaskarzinom.

BACKGROUND: Locally advanced unresectable (nonmetastatic) and borderline resectable pancreatic carcinomas represent a therapeutic challenge. Several minimally invasive local ablative techniques are available for local treatment in these situations. OBJECTIVE: Which interventional techniques and application options are currently available for pancreatic carcinoma and which oncological results could be achieved so far? MATERIAL AND METHODS: An analysis of reviews and studies was carried out. The selection of literature was based on searches in PubMed and the Cochrane library. The studies analyzed were reviews, meta-analyses and original articles mainly from the period between 2013 and 2018. Single case reports were not included in this review. RESULTS: Local ablative techniques are performed with various forms of energy and are associated with specific advantages and disadvantages. They have to be individually tailored to the specific patient and situation. Noninvasive thermal ablation with high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is primarily used for palliative pain relief. Solid tumors are the main indication for thermal necrosis with microwave ablation (MWA) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA). The use of irreversible electroporation (IRE) enables a selective destruction of tumor cells and can be performed in the vicinity of sensitive structures. This technique is applied for primary tumor control and also for accentuation of tumor margins during resection. CONCLUSION: With local ablative techniques an improvement in the quality of life and possibly the prognosis can be achieved in patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer; however, the latter aspect has to be viewed with caution due to a current lack of well-founded data.

In-bore biopsies of the prostate assisted by a remote-controlled manipulator at 1.5 T.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the technical and clinical utility of a fully MRI-compatible, pneumatically driven remote-controlled manipulator (RCM) for targeted biopsies of the prostate at 1.5 T. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data of the first 22 patients that were biopsied under robotic assistance were analyzed. Interventional planning relied on T2-weighted (T2w) turbo spin-echo (TSE) images (axial and sagittal) with a high-b-value diffusion-weighted acquisition added in selected cases. Alignment of the needle guide was controlled with a short balanced SSFP sequence in two oblique planes along the MR-visible sheath. Signals were acquired with a combination of elements from a 30-channel body and a 32-channel spine coil. Biopsy samples were taken with a fully automatic 18-G biopsy gun with a length of 150 or 175 mm. RESULTS: Mean age was 66.6 years and average PSA level was 11.5 ng/ml. Fourteen out of 22 patients (63%) had received prior biopsies under transrectal ultrasound guidance. Diagnostic MRI reports (before biopsy) involved 17 cases with a single suspicious finding (four PI-RADS 3, one PI-RADS 3-4, eight PI-RADS 4 and nine PI-RADS 5 cases). The median effective procedure time was 33.9 (range 25.0-55.9) min for 16 cases with one CSR and 63.4 (52.7-81.8) min for 5 cases with two CSRs. The biopsy with three CSRs took 74.0 min. Histopathologic examination revealed prostate cancer in 14 of 22 cases. CONCLUSION: MR-targeted, transrectal biopsy of the prostate could be reliably performed with a robotic manipulator at a field strength of 1.5 T. Balanced SSFP imaging is considered a viable option for fast procedural control. Follow-up work needs to evaluate to what extent in-bore adjustments and workflow enhancements will contribute to shorter procedure times or higher patient comfort.

Analysis of Patients' X-ray Exposure in 146 Percutaneous Radiologic Gastrostomies.

Purpose Analysis of patient´s X-ray exposure during percutaneous radiologic gastrostomies (PRG) in a larger population. Materials and Methods Data of primary successful PRG-procedures, performed between 2004 and 2015 in 146 patients, were analyzed regarding the exposition to X-ray. Dose-area-product (DAP), dose-length-product (DLP) respectively, and fluoroscopy time (FT) were correlated with the used x-ray systems (Flatpanel Detector (FD) vs. Image Itensifier (BV)) and the necessity for periprocedural placement of a nasogastric tube. Additionally, the effective X-ray dose for PRG placement using fluoroscopy (DL), computed tomography (CT), and cone beam CT (CBCT) was estimated using a conversion factor. Results The median DFP of PRG-placements under fluoroscopy was 163 cGy*cm2 (flat panel detector systems: 155 cGy*cm2; X-ray image intensifier: 175 cGy*cm2). The median DLZ was 2.2 min. Intraprocedural placement of a naso- or orogastric probe (n = 68) resulted in a significant prolongation of the median DLZ to 2.5 min versus 2 min in patients with an already existing probe. In addition, dose values were analyzed in smaller samples of patients in which the PRG was placed under CBCT (n = 7, median DFP = 2635 cGy*cm2), or using CT (n = 4, median DLP = 657 mGy*cm). Estimates of the median DFP and DLP showed effective doses of 0.3 mSv for DL-assisted placements (flat panel detector 0.3 mSv, X-ray image converter 0.4 mSv), 7.9 mSv using a CBCT - flat detector, and 9.9 mSv using CT. This corresponds to a factor 26 of DL versus CBCT, or a factor 33 of DL versus CT. Conclusion In order to minimize X-ray exposure during PRG-procedures for patients and staff, fluoroscopically-guided interventions should employ flat detector systems with short transmittance sequences in low dose mode and with slow image frequency. Series recordings can be dispensed with. The intraprocedural placement of a naso- or orogastric probe significantly extends FT, but has little effect on the overall dose of the intervention. Due to the significantly higher X-ray exposure, the use of a CBCT as well as PRG-placements using CT should be limited to clinically absolutely necessary exceptions with strict indication. Key Points · Fluoroscopically-guided PRG placements are interventions with low X-ray exposure.. · X-ray exposure from fluoroscopy is lower using flat panel detector systems as compared to image intensifier systems.. · The concomitant placement of an oro- or nasogastric probe extends the fluoroscopy time.. · Gastric probe placement is worthwhile to prevent the premature use of the significantly radiation-intensive CT.. · The use of the C-arm CT or the CT increases the beam exposure by 26 or 33 times, respectively.. · The PRG placement using C-arm CT and CT should only be performed in exceptional cases.. Citation Format · Petersen TO, Reinhardt M, Fuchs J et al. Analysis of Patients' X-ray Exposure in 146 Percutaneous Radiologic Gastrostomies. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2017; 189: 820 - 827.

Psoas abscess secondary to retroperitoneal distant metastases from squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix with thrombosis of the inferior vena cava and duodenal infiltration treated by Whipple procedure: A case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Psoas abscess is a rare clinical disease of various origins. Most common causes include hematogenous spread of bacteria from a different primary source, spondylodiscitis or perforated intestinal organs. But rarely some abscesses are related to malignant metastatic disease. CASE PRESENTATION: In this case report we present the case of a patient with known squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix treated with radio-chemotherapy three years prior. She now presented with a psoas abscess and subsequent complete inferior vena cava thrombosis, as well as duodenal and vertebral infiltration. The abscess was drained over a prolonged period of time and later was found to be a complication caused by metastases of the cervical carcinoma. Due to the massive extent of the metastases a Whipple procedure was performed to successfully control the local progress of the metastasis. CONCLUSION: As psoas abscess is an unspecific disease which presents with non-specific symptoms adequate therapy may be delayed due to lack of early diagnostic results. This case report highlights the difficulties of managing a malignant abscess and demonstrates some diagnostic pitfalls that might be encountered. It stresses the necessity of adequate diagnostics to initiate successful therapy. Reports on psoas abscesses that are related to cervix carcinoma are scarce, probably due to the rarity of this event, and are limited to very few case reports. We are the first to report a case in which an extensive and complex abdominal procedure was needed for local control to improve quality of life.

Navigated MRI-guided liver biopsies in a closed-bore scanner: experience in 52 patients.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate clinical effectiveness and diagnostic efficiency of a navigation device for MR-guided biopsies of focal liver lesions in a closed-bore scanner. METHODS: In 52 patients, 55 biopsies were performed. An add-on MR navigation system with optical instrument tracking was used for image guidance and biopsy device insertion outside the bore. Fast control imaging allowed visualization of the true needle position at any time. The biopsy workflow and procedure duration were recorded. Histological analysis and clinical course/outcome were used to calculate sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy. RESULTS: Fifty-four of 55 liver biopsies were performed successfully with the system. No major and four minor complications occurred. Mean tumour size was 23 ± 14 mm and the skin-to-target length ranged from 22 to 177 mm. In 39 cases, access path was double oblique. Sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy were 88 %, 100 % and 92 %, respectively. The mean procedure time was 51 ± 12 min, whereas the puncture itself lasted 16 ± 6 min. On average, four control scans were taken. CONCLUSIONS: Using this navigation device, biopsies of poorly visible and difficult accessible liver lesions could be performed safely and reliably in a closed-bore MRI scanner. The system can be easily implemented in clinical routine workflow. KEY POINTS: • Targeted liver biopsies could be reliably performed in a closed-bore MRI. • The navigation system allows for image guidance outside of the scanner bore. • Assisted MRI-guided biopsies are helpful for focal lesions with a difficult access. • Successful integration of the method in clinical workflow was shown. • Subsequent system installation in an existing MRI environment is feasible.

Selective hypertrophy of the lobus caudatus as a novel approach enabling extended right hepatectomy in the presence of a non-perfused left lateral liver lobe.

INTRODUCTION: Portal vein embolization (PVE) is a well-established technique to enhance functional hepatic reserves of segments II and III before curative extended right hepatectomy for tumors of the right liver lobe. However, an adequate hepatopetal flow of the left lateral portal vein branches is required for a sufficient PVE-associated hypertrophy. CASE REPORT: Here, we report a 65-year old patient suffering from a locally advanced intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma in the right liver lobe and segment IV. A curative extended right hepatectomy after preoperative PVE of liver segments IV-VIII was initially impossible because of partial thrombosis of the left lateral portal vein branches resulting in an ischemic-type atrophy of segments II and III. However, due to a massive hypertrophy of the caudate lobe following PVE of liver segments IV-VIII, subsequent extended right hepatectomy with intraoperative thrombectomy of segments II and III was made possible. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge this is the first case in which an extended right hepatectomy for a liver malignancy, in the presence of atrophic left lateral section, was made possible by a massive PVE-associated hypertrophy of the caudate lobe.