Predictors and Clinical Outcomes of Fibroid Expulsion After Uterine Artery Embolization.

PURPOSE: To evaluate rates of fibroid expulsion after uterine artery embolization (UAE) and risk factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Single-center retrospective study of UAEs for fibroids between 2016 and 2020. Preoperative UAE and patients with incomplete follow-up were excluded. Patients underwent MRI before and 3 months after UAE and/or as indicated. Medical records were reviewed, and patient demographics, fibroid characteristics and clinical events were recorded. Fibroid expulsion included fibroid exposure to the endometrial cavity on MRI, and tissue loss/passage as observed clinically or on MRI. Symptoms were considered major if requiring additional clinic visits or treatment. Statistical tests included Chi-square, Fisher's exact test, and logistic regression models. RESULTS: One hundred ninety-nine women were included. Symptomatic fibroid expulsion occurred after 31 (16%) procedures: 16 minor and 15 major. Symptoms included vaginal discharge (n = 23), bleeding (n = 9), tissue passage (n = 9), cramping/pain (n = 3), and fever (n = 4). Fifteen women (8%) needed additional care, of whom 6 (3%) required invasive procedures (4 elective hysterectomies, 1 hysteroscopic resection, 1 transvaginal removal of passing tissue). The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) classification was significantly associated with symptomatic fibroid expulsion (p = 0.001). Odds ratio for symptomatic expulsion and expulsion requiring additional care for FIGO 3-7 versus 0-2 fibroids was 0.32 (95% confidence interval, 0.14-0.71, p = 0.005) and 0.28 (95% confidence interval, 0.10-0.83, p = 0.02), respectively. Other factors were not consistently associated with expulsion. CONCLUSION: Fibroid expulsion after uterine artery embolization was more common than previously reported but mostly asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic. Women with FIGO ≤ 2 fibroids should be appropriately counseled regarding risk for expulsion.

Preoperative CT-guided Fiducial Marker Placement for Surgical Localization of Pulmonary Nodules.

Purpose: To assess the technical success and complication rates of CT-guided fiducial marker placement for the localization of pulmonary nodules and to assess the surgical localization failure rate. Materials and Methods: This was a single-center, retrospective analysis of consecutive patients who underwent CT-guided fiducial marker placement procedures between 2014 and 2020. End points included the technical success of the fiducial marker placement, procedural complications, and the surgical localization failure rate. A two-sample t test and a Fisher exact test were used to compare continuous and categorical variables, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify independent risk factors for complications. Results: A total of 198 preoperative CT-guided fiducial marker placement procedures were performed in 190 patients (mean age, 64 years ± 12 [standard deviation]; 121 women) to localize 205 nodules (mean size, 10 mm ± 4; mean distance to the pleura, 10 mm ± 9). The technical success rate was 98.5% (195 of 198). There were no major complications. A total of 202 nodules were resected during 193 procedures performed 5 days ± 13 after the fiducial marker placement (range, 0-123 days). Surgical localization failure occurred in one patient (0.5%). Of the resected nodules, 146 were lung cancers, 26 nodules were metastases, two were carcinoid tumors, and 28 were benign. Conclusion: The CT-guided fiducial marker placement of pulmonary nodules was safe, effective, and resulted in a low surgical localization failure rate.Keywords: CT, Percutaneous, Thorax, Lung.

Free-breathing dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance of interstitial lung fibrosis.

PURPOSE: Computed tomography (CT) imaging is the standard to assess interstitial lung disease. Magnetic resonance (MR) is potentially advantageous due to superior tissue characterization and better assessment of blood flow dynamics. This study aimed to evaluate idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) using prototype 4D Stack of Stars GRE (StarVIBE) MR and compare it to CT. METHOD: This IRB-approved prospective study included 13 patients [5F:8M; average age 66 ±â€¯8.1 years] with pulmonary fibrosis, and 12 healthy controls [3F:9M; average age 55 ±â€¯3.6 years]. MR of the chest included noncontrast steady-state free precession imaging (SSFP) and free-breathing 4D StarVIBE sequence with intravenous contrast administration up to 160 s. The images were assessed for quality and artifacts. The image resolution was evaluated based on the visibility of the smallest bronchi, vessels, lymph nodes, and pleural fissures. Independent assessment of reticulation, ground-glass opacity, and traction bronchiectasis was performed and compared to CT. RESULTS: The StarVIBE images had fewer artifacts and higher spatial resolution. The findings associated with IPF were significantly better seen with StarVIBE, with superior CT correlation. CONCLUSION: Contrast-enhanced free-breathing StarVIBE MR can generate high quality images with good correlation to CT in patients with IPF, and with high spatial and temporal resolution to generate rapid sequential dynamic images.

Evaluation of model performance to predict survival after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt placement.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The MELD score was developed to predict survival after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) placement. Given changes in practice patterns and development of new prognostic tools in cirrhosis, we aimed to evaluate common models to predict mortality after TIPS placement. METHODS: Analysis of consecutive patients who underwent TIPS placement for ascites or bleeding. Performance to predict 90-day mortality was assessed by C statistic for six models (MELD, MELD-Na, CLIF-C ACLF, Child-Pugh, Platelet-Albumin-Bilirubin, and Emory score). Added predictive value to MELD score was assessed for univariate predictors of 90-day mortality. Stratified analysis by TIPS indication, emergent placement status, and TIPS stent type was performed. RESULTS: 413 patients were analyzed (248 with variceal bleeding, 165 with refractory ascites). 90-day mortality was 27% (113/413). Mean MELD score was 15 ± 7.9. MELD score best predicted mortality for all patients (c = 0.779), for variceal bleeding (c = 0.844), and for emergent TIPS (c = 0.817). CLIF-C ACLF score best predicted mortality for refractory ascites (c = 0.707). Addition of sodium to the MELD score did not improve predictive value across multiple strata. Addition of hemoglobin improved MELD score's predictive value in variceal bleeding. Addition of age improved MELD score's predictive value in refractory ascites. CONCLUSIONS: MELD score best predicted 90-day mortality. Addition of sodium to the MELD score did not improve its performance, though mortality prediction was improved using Age-MELD for ascites and Hemoglobin-MELD for bleeding. An individualized risk stratification approach may be best when considering candidates for TIPS placement.

Local Control and Survival after Image-Guided Percutaneous Ablation of Adrenal Metastases.

PURPOSE: To evaluate local control and survival after image-guided ablation of adrenal gland metastases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Image-guided ablations of adrenal metastases measuring < 5 cm performed at 2 academic medical centers between July 2002 and June 2016 were analyzed. There were 51 procedures performed on 46 tumors (mean diameter 2.8 cm ± 1.1; range, 0.7-4.9 cm) in 38 patients (mean age 66 y; range, 41-80 y) with renal cell carcinoma (n = 17 patients; 45%), non-small cell lung cancer (n = 10 patients; 26%), and other primary malignancies (n = 11 patients; 29%). Treatment modalities included cryoablation (n = 30 procedures; 59%), radiofrequency ablation (n = 12 procedures; 24%) and microwave ablation (n = 9 procedures; 18%). Technical success, primary and secondary efficacy, local progression rate, local progression-free survival, and overall survival were assessed. Mean follow-up was 37 months (range, 2-128 months). Statistical analysis was performed with univariate Cox hazards regression and Kaplan-Meier analyses. RESULTS: Technical success, primary efficacy, and secondary efficacy were 96%, 72%, and 76%. Local progression rate during all follow-up was 25%. Local tumor progression-free survival at 1, 3, and 5 years was 82%, 69%, and 55%. Overall survival at 1, 3, and 5 years was 82%, 44%, and 34%. In 16 patients with isolated adrenal metastasis, median disease-free survival was 8 months; 4 patients had no evidence of disease during follow-up. Lung cancer was associated with decreased survival (hazard ratio 4.41, P = .002). CONCLUSIONS: Image-guided ablation can achieve local control for adrenal metastases < 5 cm.

Image-Guided Percutaneous Omental and Mesenteric Biopsy: Assessment of Technical Success Rate and Diagnostic Yield.

PURPOSE: To assess biopsy technique, technical success rate, and diagnostic yield of image-guided percutaneous biopsy of omental and mesenteric lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 186 patients (89 men, 97 women; mean [SD] age, 63 [13.8] y) who underwent percutaneous image-guided biopsy of omentum and mesentery between March 2007 and August 2015. Biopsies were performed with computed tomography (CT) (n = 172) or ultrasound (US) (n = 14) guidance using coaxial technique yielding core and fine-needle aspiration (FNA) specimens. Biopsy results were classified as diagnostic (neoplastic or nonneoplastic) or nondiagnostic based on histopathology and cytology. Technical success rate and diagnostic yield of omental and mesenteric lesions were calculated. RESULTS: There were 186 image-guided percutaneous biopsies of omental (n = 95) and mesenteric (n = 91) lesions performed. Technical success rate was 99.5% for all biopsies, 100% for omental biopsies, and 98.9% for mesenteric biopsies. Overall sensitivity was 95.5%, specificity was 100%, negative predictive value was 78.3%, and positive predictive value was 100%, which was comparable for omental and mesenteric biopsies. Core biopsies had higher diagnostic yields compared with FNA: 98.4% versus 84% overall, 99% versus 88% for omental biopsies, and 97.7% versus 80% for mesenteric biopsies. Spearman rank correlation showed no correlation between lesion size and diagnostic yield (P = .14) and lesion depth and diagnostic yield (P = .29) for both groups. There were 5 complications. CONCLUSIONS: Image-guided percutaneous omental and mesenteric biopsies have high technical success rates and diagnostic yield regardless of lesion size or depth from the skin for both omental and mesenteric specimens.

High-Content Biopsies Facilitate Molecular Analyses and Do Not Increase Complication Rates in Patients With Advanced Solid Tumors.

PURPOSE: Precision oncology relies on frequent pathologic, molecular, and genomic assessments of tumor tissue to guide treatment selection, evaluate pharmacodynamic effects of novel agents, and determine drug resistance mechanisms. Newer forms of analyses such as drug screens in cell lines and patient-derived xenografts demand increasing amounts of tissue material. It remains unknown how the need for serial biopsies with large numbers of tumor cores relates to tissue yields and biopsy complication rates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, we performed a retrospective analysis of 199 focal liver biopsies performed in 143 patients in the setting of oncologic research protocols (research biopsy group) over a 4-year period at a single-intervention oncology service. Practice patterns and complication rates were compared with those related to 1,522 consecutive biopsies performed in 1,154 patients in whom two cores were obtained for standard clinical management of patients (standard biopsy). RESULTS: In the research biopsy group, 1,100 tissue cores (average, 5.5 cores per procedure) were harvested and distributed to trial sponsors, internal research laboratories, and pathology services. The complication rate in this cohort was 0.5% for major complications (one of 199) and 1.0% for minor complications managed conservatively (two of 199). In the standard biopsy control group, major complications were observed in 1.4% of procedures (22 of 1,522) and minor complications in 0.2% (three of 1,522). These complication rates were not statistically different. CONCLUSION: Harvesting extra tissue cores through coaxial needles during focal liver biopsies does not increase complication rates and yields valuable tissue for additional experimental testing.

MRI findings after prostatic artery embolization for treatment of benign hyperplasia.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to assess and describe the MRI findings after prostatic artery embolization for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 17 patients who underwent prostatic artery embolization as part of different prospective studies to evaluate this alternative treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Clinical results were evaluated by assessment of urinary catheterization and International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS). Serial MRI examinations were performed, and the prostatic central gland and peripheral zone were evaluated for signal intensity changes and the presence and characteristics of infarcted areas. Statistical analysis was performed with ANOVA for repeated measures and Student t test. RESULTS: All patients had clinical success, as defined by the removal of indwelling urinary catheter or decreased IPSS after embolization. Infarcts were seen in 70.6% of the subjects, exclusively in the central gland, were almost always characterized by hyperintensity on T1-weighted images and predominant hypointensity on T2-weighted images, and became smaller (mean reduction, p < 0.001) and isointense to the remaining of the central gland over time. Volume reduction of the prostate after embolization was significant (averaging 32.0% after 12-18 months; p < 0.001) only in patients with infarcts. No statistically significant association was seen between the development of infarcts and IPSS. CONCLUSION: MRI can be used for assessing the development of infarcts and volume reduction in the prostate after embolization. Further studies are needed to correlate these findings to clinical outcome.