Embolization in pelvic venous disorders using ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (Onyx®) and Aetoxysclerol: a prospective evaluation of safety and long-term efficacy.

OBJECTIVES: To prospectively evaluate the safety and efficacy of embolization using ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (Onyx®) and Aetoxysclerol for treatment of pelvic venous disorders (PeVD). METHODS: This prospective study was approved by the institutional ethics review board. Ten clinical parameters were retained for evaluation of PeVD (pelvic pain, dyspareunia, post-coital pain, menstruation pain, lower limbs pain, difficulty walking, aesthetic discomfort, impact on daily working life, psychological impact and impact on daily life), measured on a visual analogue scale (VAS) between 0 and 10, and a global score out of 100 was noted before embolization, after 3 months during the imaging follow-up, and at the end of follow-up by phone call. The main criterion was clinical efficacy of embolization defined by an impairment score < 40/100 and a 50% decrease in overall score. Complications were recorded. Visualization of Onyx® on MRI 3 months after embolization was noted. RESULTS: Between July 2017 and May 2019, 73 consecutive women (mean age ± SD [range]: 41 ± 11 years [25-77]) treated by embolization with Onyx® and Aetoxysclerol were included. The median follow-up was 28 months [Q1-Q3: 24.0-29.2] (range: 18.1-34.5). The median initial VAS impairment score was 39/100 [29.75-48.50] (12-58). Clinical efficacy was obtained for 70 patients (70/73, 95.9%), and the median VAS impairment score at the end of follow-up was significantly lower at 3 [0.00-7.25] (0-73) (p < 0.0001). Four minor complications occurred. Onyx® was visualized on DIXON sequence of MRI for all patients. CONCLUSION: Embolization using Onyx® and Aetoxysclerol for PeVD is safe and effective. KEY POINTS: • Embolization using Onyx® and Aetoxysclerol for pelvic venous disorders is safe and effective. • Imaging follow-up is facilitated by visualization of Onyx® on MRI DIXON sequences.

[Comprehensive review of 3D printing use in medicine: Comparison with practical applications in urology]. / Revue compréhensive de l'apport de l'impression 3D en médecine : mise en perspective des différentes applications en urologie.

INTRODUCTION: Over the past few years, 3D printing has evolved rapidly. This has resulted in an increasing number of scientific publications reporting on the medical use of 3D printing. These applications can range from patient information, preoperative planning, education, or 3D printing of patient-specific surgical implants. The objective of this review was to give an overview of the different applications in urology and other disciplines based on a selection of publications. METHODS: In the current narrative review the Medline database was searched to identify all the related reports discussing the use of 3D printing in the medical field and more specifically in Urology. 3D printing applications were categorized so they could be searched more thoroughly within the Medline database. RESULTS: Three-dimensional printing can help improve pre-operative patient information, anatomy and medical trainee education. The 3D printed models may assist the surgeon in preoperative planning or become patient-specific surgical simulation models. In urology, kidney cancer surgery is the most concerned by 3D printing-related publications, for preoperative planning, but also for surgical simulation and surgical training. CONCLUSION: 3D printing has already proven useful in many medical applications, including urology, for patient information, education, pre-operative planning and surgical simulation. All areas of urology are involved and represented in the literature. Larger randomized controlled studies will certainly allow 3D printing to benefit patients in routine clinical practice.

[Use of personalized 3D printed kidney models for partial nephrectomy]. / Utilisation de l'impression 3D avant néphrectomie partielle pour tumeur du rein.

Partial nephrectomy is a first-line treatment option for the management of renal tumors. It is a surgical procedure whose complexity and stakes vary according to the specific anatomy of the patient and his tumor. 3D modeling and 3D printing have become a means of representing and thus visualizing the tumor lesion and its anatomical relationships within the organ. This mode of visualization allows the surgeon and his team, but also the patient, to easily realize the tumor complexity, the predictable difficulty of the surgery and therefore the risks of complications. Various publications have reported the benefit to the patient in terms of pre-therapy education. Some have shown a benefit for the operator in terms of surgical planning. Finally, studies on preoperative surgical simulation showed shorter kidney lumpectomy times and less bleeding when surgeons were able to train before the operation on the corresponding 3D printed model. 3D printing therefore represents an innovative tool that would improve patient management prior to partial nephrectomy, through the information it can deliver, but also through surgical simulation.

MRI associated factors of clinical efficacy of embolization in patients with pelvic venous insufficiency.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify anatomical findings at magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) associated with successful percutaneous embolization in women with pelvic venous insufficiency (PVI). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between 2008 and 2018, 168 consecutive women (mean age, 39±9 [SD] years; range: 21-69 years) who underwent percutaneous embolization for PVI confirmed by MRI and phlebography were included. Clinical efficacy of embolization was evaluated by patients' opinion or visual analogue scale. Associated factors of success of embolization were searched by comparing MRI findings in women with successful embolization with those in women with failed embolization using univariate analyses. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 36±29 (SD) months (range: 12-138 months). Clinical efficacy of embolization was obtained in 126/168 women (75%), complete symptom improvement in 33/168 women (20%) and significant partial improvement in 92/168 women (55%). No symptom improvement and symptoms exacerbation were observed in 17/168 (10%) and 2/168 (1%) women, respectively. At univariate analysis, right ovarian vein diameter≤7mm and vulvar varicosities were associated with successful embolization (P=0.04 and P=0.01, respectively) and left ovarian vein diameter≤7mm was associated with a complete improvement of symptoms (P=0.03). At multivariate analysis, a small right ovarian vein diameter was the single MRI variable associated with clinical efficacy of embolization (P=0.04). CONCLUSION: Small ovarian vein diameters on MRI are associated with best clinical efficacy of percutaneous embolization in PVI. Right ovarian vein diameter>7mm should warrant further phlebography to exclude venous insufficiency.

Proximal embolization of splenic artery in acute trauma: Comparison between Penumbra occlusion device versus coils or Amplatzer vascular plug.

PURPOSE: To compare intervention duration and fluoroscopy time for proximal embolization of splenic arteries in acute trauma using the Penumbra occlusion device (POD®), coils or Amplatzer™ vascular plug (AVP). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 29 patients with splenic injury without vascular injury who were treated by proximal splenic artery embolization using POD® (n=12), coils (n=9) or AVP (n=8) were retrospectively included. There were 25 men and 4 women with a median age of 34 years (range: 10-69 years). To overcome bias in treatment choice, a propensity score was used using inverse probability weighting. Intervention duration and fluoroscopy time, treatment success and complications were compared. RESULTS: The median intervention duration was significantly shorter using POD® (30min) or AVP (47min) than using coils (60min) (P=0.0001 and 0.004, respectively). The median fluoroscopy time was significantly lower using POD® (11.5min) than using coils (23.6min) (P=0.0076) or AVP (16.5min) (P=0.049). The primary efficacy rate was 100% with POD® and AVP and 89% with coils (P=0.586). Six complications occurred with a mean follow-up of 12 months for POD®, 32 months for coils and 40 months for AVP, consisting in 2 abscesses treated by anti-biotherapy with POD®, one abscess with AVP, 2 material migrations with coils and 1 coil dismantled without consequence. CONCLUSION: POD® and AVP allow proximal embolization of splenic artery in acute trauma with shorter intervention duration by comparison with conventional metallic coils with similar technical success. POD® allows a shorter fluoroscopy time than coils or AVP.

In vivo percutaneous microwave ablation in kidneys: Correlation with ex vivo data and ablation work.

PURPOSE: To compare diameters of in vivo microwave ablation (MWA) performed in swine kidneys with ex vivo diameters, and to correlate with ablation work (AW), a new metric reflecting total energy delivered. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighteen in vivo MWA were performed in 6 swine kidneys successively using one or two antennas (MicroThermX®). Ablation consisted in delivering power (45-120W) for 5-15minutes. Ex vivo diameters were provided by the vendors and obtained on bovine liver tissue. AW was defined as the sum of (power)*(time)*(number of antennas) for all phases of an ablation (in kJoules). Kidneys were removed laparoscopically immediately after ablation. After sacrifice, ablations zones were evaluated macroscopically, and maximum diameters of the zones were recorded. Wilcoxon sum rank test and Pearson's correlation were used for comparisons. RESULTS: For a single antenna (n=12), the in vivo diameters ranged from 12 to 35mm, and 15-49mm for 2 antennas (n=6). The in vivo diameters remained shorter than ex vivo diameters by 8.6%±30.1 on 1 antenna and 11.7%±26.5 on 2 antennas (P=0.31 and 0.44, respectively). AW ranged from 13.5 to 108kJ. Diameters increased linearly with AW both with 1 and 2 antennas, but only moderate correlations were observed (r=0.43 [95% confidence interval: -0.19; 0.81], P=0.16; and 0.57 [-0.44; 0.95], P=0.24, respectively). CONCLUSION: Although diameters after in vivo renal MWA increased linearly with AW, the moderate correlation and wide standard deviations observed may justify a careful imaging monitoring during treatment delivery and settings adaptation, if needed, for optimal ablation.

Percutaneous image-guided biopsies of small renal tumors: Current practice and perspectives.

Percutaneous image-guided biopsies help better select patients with renal tumors smaller than 4cm. These biopsies are performed to reduce the risks of overtreatment and to discriminate between patients who need ablation therapy and those who require active surveillance. Percutaneous image-guided biopsies are effective for a definitive diagnosis with little risk of complications when cautions are observed. With the current addition of multiparametric imaging, standardized biopsy protocols may further help adapt therapeutic decisions. The aim of this review is to report the current indications and techniques of biopsy performed in case of small solid renal masses and to clarify the optimal conditions for the realization of these biopsies.

Percutaneous cryoablation of symptomatic venous malformations as a second-line therapeutic option: a five-year single institution experience.

PURPOSE: To report the mid-term outcomes of percutaneous cryoablation (PCA) performed as second-line therapeutic option of venous malformations (VM). MATERIAL AND METHODS: From 2011 to 2015, PCA was offered in 24 patients (mean age: 31 years, range: 12-64) as second-line treatment for recurrence of symptoms after sclerotherapy and when resection was not possible (due to lesion location or previous failure) or refused by the patient. Adverse effects were recorded, disease-free survival (DFS) and local tissue control (LTC) rates were calculated based on symptoms and volume evolution. RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 18.7 months (6-48). Nine (37.5%, 9/24) adverse effects occurred and three (12.5%, 3/24) were severe. Mean pain assessed by visual analog scale (VAS) was 41.7 mm (0-80) before treatment and 20.3 mm (0-80) (p=0.01) after. Mean volume decreased significantly after treatment from 22.4 cm3 (0.9-146) to 8.35 cm3 (0-81.3) (p<0.001). Pain recurred in nine patients and size of one lesion increased. The DFS and LTC rates were 54% [95%CI: 22.94-77.27] and 93.33% [61.26-99.03] at 24 months, respectively. Only VM volume >10 cm3 was associated with a higher risk of local recurrence (p=0.05). CONCLUSION: PCA as second-line treatment appears to be safe and effective for local control of VM according to mid-term results. KEY POINTS: • Percutaneous cryoablation of venous malformations appeared well tolerated. • Size of venous malformations decreased significantly after percutaneous cryoablation (p<0.001). • Pain decreased significantly after percutaneous cryoablation of venous malformations (p=0.01).

Embolization for persistent type IA endoleaks after chimney endovascular aneurysm repair with Onyx®.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine retrospectively the safety and technical success rate of embolization using ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (Onyx®) for persistent type 1A endoleaks after chimney endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) for complex aortic aneurysms. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Nine consecutive patients (6 men, 3 women) with a mean age of 78.6 years (range: 62-87 years) presenting with persistent type IA endoleaks after chimney EVAR and an increase of aneurysm size were treated using transarterial embolization with Onyx®. RESULTS: Technical success was obtained in all patients (100%) and no complications were observed. Mean follow-up was 16 months (range: 3-35 months). Primary clinical efficacy was obtained for 8/9 patients (89%) and primary technical efficacy for 6/9 patients (67%). Secondary clinical efficacy was 100%, and secondary technical efficacy was 78%. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that arterial embolization using Onyx® appears as a feasible and safe endovascular procedure of type IA endoleaks after chimney EVAR, although further validation is now required.

Percutaneous Image-Guided Cryoablation as Second-Line Therapy of Soft-Tissue Venous Vascular Malformations of Extremities: A Prospective Study of Safety and 6-Month Efficacy.

PURPOSE: To report the safety and short-term efficacy of percutaneous image-guided cryoablation performed as second-line therapy of venous vascular malformations (VVM) of extremities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this non-blinded, no-randomized trial, cryoablation was proposed in 14 patients presenting with symptomatic VVM for recurrences after treatment. Eligibility criteria were: cryoablation feasible, localization at least 5 mm from skin and nerves, absence of contra-indication for anesthesia. Safety was evaluated by the common terminology criteria for adverse events (AE). Clinical response was assessed by evaluating pain at day 7, month 2 and 6 using visual analog scale; quality of life before cryoablation and at 2 and 6 months after using questionnaire. Evolution of volume was evaluated by MRI at 6 months. Comparison was performed using the Wilcoxon test. RESULTS: A technical success was observed in all cases. While 11 patients (78.6%) presented AE (13 grade 1-2 and 3 grade 3), only two severe AE (grade 3) related to cryoablation occurred in two patients (14.3%) during the 6-month follow-up: one immediate sciatic paralysis and one delayed paresthesia. A clinical response was observed in 12 patients (85.7%) at 6 months. Pain decreased significantly from 42.5 ± 14.2 mm before the intervention to 11.8 ± 17.9 mm at 6 months (P = 0.002). A significant decrease in the mean volume from 12.8 ± 14.3 to 3 ± 2.7 cm3 was observed at 6 months (P = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Percutaneous cryoablation is a promising alternative treatment for sclerotherapy-resistant venous malformations. However, to improve safety, careful patient selection and treatment planning will be mandatory.

Safety and efficacy of embolization using Onyx® of persistent type II endoleaks after abdominal endovascular aneurysm repair.

PURPOSE: To retrospectively evaluate the safety and efficacy of embolization of persistent type II endoleaks occurring after abdominal endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) using ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (Onyx®). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between 2008 and 2016, 28 consecutives patients (25 men, 3 women) with a mean age of 75.3years±9 (SD) (range: 59-90years) were treated for 29 persistent type II endoleaks with increasing aneurysm size>5mm occurring after EVAR. A total of 35 embolization procedures were performed using Onyx®, via a transarterial route (n=25) or direct puncture (n=10), with or without additional metallic coils. The endpoints were to evaluate the clinical efficacy, corresponding to the stabilization or decrease of aneurism size, and the technical efficacy, corresponding to the ability to complete the embolization. RESULTS: No severe complications were observed during and after embolization. The primary and secondary clinical efficacies were 75% (21/28) and 96.4% (27/28), respectively. Overall primary technical efficacy rate was 58.6% (17/29), greater for transarterial technique (72.8%) than for direct puncture (14.3%) (P=0.01). Secondary technical efficacy was 72.4% (21/29), with no differences between transarterial (81.8%) and direct puncture (42.8%) (P=0.06). CONCLUSION: Embolization with Onyx® of type II endoleaks after EVAR appears a safe and effective procedure.

CT and MR imaging features of mucinous tubular and spindle cell carcinoma of the kidneys. A multi-institutional review.

Mucinous tubular and spindle cell carcinoma (MTSCC) of the kidney is a recently identified renal malignancy. Diagnosis of this rare subtype of renal tumour can be challenging for pathologists, and as such, any additional data would be helpful to improve diagnostic reliability. As imaging features of this new and rare sub-type have not yet been clearly described, the purpose of this study was to describe the main radiologic features on computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), based jointly on the literature and findings from a multi-institutional retrospective review of pathology and imaging databases. Using a combination of CT/MRI features, diagnosis of MTSCC could be suggested in many cases. A combination of slow enhancement with plateau on dynamic contrast-enhanced CT/MRI, intermediate to high T2 signal intensity contrasting with low apparent diffusion coefficient values on MRI appeared evocative of this diagnosis. KEY POINTS: • A slow enhancement with plateau is observed either on CT or MRI. • High T2 signal components but low apparent coefficient diffusion are evocative. • T2-weighted imaging features depend on the mucin components of the tumour.

Proximal Occlusion of Medium-Sized Vessels with the Penumbra Occlusion Device: A Study of Safety and Efficacy.

PURPOSE: To retrospectively investigate the safety and efficacy of hybrid proximal coiling of various medium-sized vessels (4 to 8 mm) using the Penumbra Occlusion Device (POD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: From October 2014 to February 2016, 37 proximal embolizations were performed with PODs in 36 patients (mean age: 50.8, range: 10-86; 29 male, 7 female). Vessel occlusions were achieved under fluoroscopic guidance using a 2.7 French microcatheter. Among the 36 vessels targeted, 16 were splenic arteries, 11 renal arteries, 4 mesenteric arteries, 3 arteriovenous fistulae, 1 iliac artery, and 1 gonadal vein. Intermittent follow-up angiography was performed to assess the flow for final occlusion. Outcomes and complications were assessed by clinical and/or imaging follow-up. RESULTS: To produce proximal occlusion of the intended vessels, the POD was used alone in 19 embolizations (51.4 %). In 12 procedures (32.4 %), POD was used as a coil constrainer to secure the coil construct. In 6 procedures (16.2 %), additional embolic devices were used to achieve vessel occlusion after initial POD deployment. After a mean follow-up of 3.2 months, no POD migration was observed but two complications occurred (5.4 %): one post embolic syndrome and one extensive infarction with splenic abscess. CONCLUSION: The POD system allows safe and effective proximal embolization of medium-sized vessels in a variety of clinical settings.

Tubulocystic renal cell carcinoma: a new radiological entity.

UNLABELLED: Tubulocystic renal cell carcinoma (TC-RCC) is a recently identified renal malignancy. While approximately 100 cases of TC-RCC have been reported in the pathology literature, imaging features have not yet been clearly described. The purpose of this review is to describe the main radiologic features of this rare sub-type of RCC on ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), based jointly on the literature and findings from a multi-institutional retrospective HIPAA-compliant review of pathology and imaging databases. Using a combination of sonographic and CT/MRI features, diagnosis of TC-RCC appeared to be strongly suggested in many cases. KEY POINTS: • Tubulocystic renal cell carcinoma is a new entity with typical imaging features • Diagnosis of tubulocystic renal cell carcinoma can be suggested preoperatively by imaging • Cystic renal lesions with high echogenicity may correspond to tubulocystic carcinoma.

Imaging of mesothelioma of tunica vaginalis testis.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the imaging findings in a series of patients with mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis testis. METHODS: We reviewed clinical data, imaging findings and follow-up information in a series of 10 pathology-proven cases of mesothelioma (all had US; 2 had MR) of the tunica vaginalis. RESULTS: A variety of patterns could be observed, the most common (5/10) being a hydrocele with parietal, solid and hypervascular vegetations; one patient had a septated hydrocele with hypervascular walls; one had multiple, solid nodules surrounded by a small, physiological quantity of fluid; one a cystic lesion with thick walls and vegetations compressing the testis; two had a solid paratesticular mass. MR showed multiple small nodules on the surface of the tunica vaginalis in one case and diffuse thickening and vegetations in the other one; lesions had low signal intensity on T2-w images and were hypervascular after contrast injection. CONCLUSIONS: A preoperative diagnosis of mesotheliomas presenting as solid paratesticular masses seems very difficult with imaging. On the contrary, the diagnosis must be considered in patients in whom a hydrocele with parietal vegetations is detected, especially if these show high vascularity. KEY POINTS: Mesotheliomas of the tunica vaginalis are rare, often challenging to diagnose preoperatively. Most common finding is a complex hydrocele with hypervascular parietal vegetations. Septated hydrocele, nodules without hydrocele, a thick-walled paratesticular cyst are less common. Preoperative diagnosis may allow aggressive surgical approach and, possibly, a better prognosis.

Imaging of non-traumatic abdominal emergencies in adults.

Non-traumatic abdominal pathology is one of the most common reasons for consultation in emergency care services. Abdominal pain is the presenting symptom for many diseases, which often requires urgent care. Clinical history and physical examination are rarely sufficient to establish a definite diagnosis and imaging is usually necessary. The choice of imaging modality is oriented by the clinical context and guided by the institutional capabilities, safety and cost-effectiveness of the available tests. Plain radiographs have little or no place in the evaluation of the acute abdomen. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) still has limited availability in many hospitals, thus narrowing the imaging choice to ultrasound (US) and computerized tomography (CT). No scientific evidence exists to allow the imposition of one single strategy. At the present time, the clinician may choose either routine US evaluation complemented by CT in case the US is inconclusive or first-line CT (except for the evaluation of right lower quadrant [RLQ] pain, right upper quadrant [RUQ] pain and in pregnant women where ultrasound is the first-line study).