Three-dimensional MDCT angiography of splanchnic arteries: pearls and pitfalls.

Fast scanning along with high resolution of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) have expanded the role of non-invasive imaging of splanchnic arteries. Advancements in both MDCT scanner technology and three-dimensional (3D) imaging software provide a unique opportunity for non-invasive investigation of splanchnic arteries. Although standard axial computed tomography (CT) images allow identification of splanchnic arteries, visualization of small or distal branches is often limited. Similarly, a comprehensive assessment of the complex anatomy of splanchnic arteries is often beyond the reach of axial images. However, the submillimeter collimation that can be achieved with MDCT scanners now allows the acquisition of true isotropic data so that a high spatial resolution is now maintained in any imaging plane and in 3D mode. This ability to visualize the complex network of splanchnic arteries using 3D rendering and multiplanar reconstruction is of major importance for an optimal analysis in many situations. The purpose of this review is to discuss and illustrate the role of 3D MDCT angiography in the detection and assessment of abnormalities of splanchnic arteries as well as the limitations of the different reconstruction techniques.

[Uterine fibroids. Embolization: state-of-the-art]. / Les fibromes utérins. Embolisation: pratiques actuelles.

Uterine artery embolization is a radiological procedure consisting in occluding the perifibroid arterial plexus to induce fibroid ischemia. To date, with more than 50,000 women treated worldwide, embolization seems to be a valuable alternative to hysterectomy and multiple myomectomies particularly in women with severe menorrhagia. Embolization should ideally be performed in case of intramural or submucosal uterine fibroids. It must be preferrably realized in case of multiple fibroids, be they intramural or submucosal (when hysteroscopic resection is not feasible). Complication rates are low if large calibrated microspheres are used to perform embolization and if pedunculated subserosal fibroids are excluded. In case of associated adenomyosis clinical recurrence seems more frequent. The role of embolization as an alternative to a single myomectomy, particularly in young women desiring future pregnancy remains a matter of debate and should be evaluated with clinical randomized trials. Pluridisciplinary management of women is the key to a widespread acceptance of uterine artery embolization in the management of uterine fibroids.

Ovarian artery: angiographic appearance, embolization and relevance to uterine fibroid embolization.

PURPOSE: To describe the angiographic appearance of the ovarian artery and its main variations that may be relevant to uterine fibroid embolization. METHODS: The flush aortograms of 294 women who had been treated by uterine artery embolization for fibroids were reviewed. Significant arterial supply to the fibroid, and the origin and diameter of identified ovarian arteries were recorded. In patients with additional embolization of the ovarian artery, the follow-up evaluation also included hormonal levels and Doppler imaging of the ovaries. RESULTS: A total of 75 ovarian arteries were identified in 59 women (bilaterally in 16 women and unilaterally in 43 women). All ovarian arteries originated from the aorta below the level of the renal arteries with a characteristic tortuous course. Fifteen women had at least one enlarged ovarian artery supplying the fibroids. Fourteen women (14/15, 93%) presented at least one of the following factors: prior pelvic surgery, tubo-ovarian pathology or large fundal fibroids. CONCLUSION: We advocate the use of flush aortography in women with prior tubo-ovarian pathology or surgery or in cases of large fundal fibroids. In the case of an ovarian artery supply to the fibroids, superselective catheterization and embolization of the ovarian artery should be considered.

Whole-body (201)Tl scintigraphy can detect exercise lower limb perfusion abnormalities in asymptomatic diabetic patients with normal Doppler pressure indices.

Significant lower limb arterial obstruction is usually detected by Doppler ankle-brachial pressure index (ABPI) measurement. However, ABPI is non-contributory in cases of diabetic medial sclerosis or calcifications and is unsuitable for the detection of small vessel involvement. Thallium-201, a perfusion agent, is frequently used for the investigation of coronary artery disease, and whole-body (201)Tl scintigraphy (WBS) has also been reported to be useful in the assessment of peripheral artery disease (PAD). Thus, we evaluated the clinical feasibility of simultaneous myocardial and lower limb perfusion assessment. WBS was performed after treadmill exercise and myocardial scintigraphy, and again 4 h later. Calf (201)Tl fractional activities (percentage of whole-body (201)Tl uptake) were calculated. We determined a threshold value of normal post-exercise calf (201)Tl uptake (mean of the (201)Tl fractional uptakes minus 2 SD) in a control group of nine healthy volunteers. We checked its accuracy in a pilot group of 25 diabetic patients with proven PAD. This method permitted the detection of lower limb perfusion abnormalities in 38% of 47 asymptomatic diabetic patients with no evidence of PAD. In conclusion, for asymptomatic diabetic patients, whole-body (201)Tl scintigraphy after a treadmill test seems an efficient method of showing lower limb perfusion abnormalities not detected by ABPI measurement. It allows the evaluation of vascular status with no additional inconvenience for patients when performed after myocardial scintigraphy.

Pregnancy after embolization of uterine myoma: report of 12 cases.

OBJECTIVE: To treat uterine myomas with embolization, to look for pregnancy-induced myoma recurrences, and to assess pregnancy course and outcome after embolization. DESIGN: Observational clinical study. SETTING: University of Paris VII hospital. PATIENT(S): Nine women had embolization for symptomatic myoma, with 12 pregnancies observed. INTERVENTION(S): Embolizations were highly selective and performed bilaterally through the uterine arteries with polyvinyl alcohol. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Pregnant women were evaluated by physical and sonographic examinations. RESULT(S): Before embolization, the mean uterine volume was 450 cm(3), and in six patients polymyomas were present. The median age at embolization was 40 years; the median delay before pregnancy was 9 months; and the median age at first pregnancy outcome was 41 years. Five early miscarriages occurred. The seven other pregnancies were uneventful, although three premature births and one case of late toxemia occurred unrelated to previous embolization. Three women delivered vaginally and four by cesarean section. Neither myoma recurrence nor abnormality in uterine function was observed. CONCLUSION(S): The results of this first series of 12 pregnancies after myoma embolization are promising. If these preliminary results are confirmed, embolization could be a major breakthrough in the management of myoma and could replace conventional medical and surgical treatments.

Fibroid-related menorrhagia: treatment with superselective embolization of the uterine arteries and midterm follow-up.

PURPOSE: To prospectively evaluate the effectiveness and safety of selective embolization of the uterine arteries in the management of symptomatic uterine leiomyoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty consecutive women (mean age, 44.7 years) with symptomatic uterine leiomyoma, none of whom desired future pregnancy, underwent superselective embolization of the uterine arteries with polyvinyl alcohol particles. In all women, arterial embolization was performed because of persistent, fibroid-related menorrhagia after failure of hormonal therapy. Follow-up consisted of office visits at 2, 6, 12, and 24 months and of ultrasonography at 2 and 6 months after the procedure. RESULTS: Bilateral embolization of the uterine arteries was performed in 76 women; unilateral embolization, in four women. Menorrhagia disappeared in 72 (90%) women. In five (6%) women (including three women with unilateral embolization), clinical improvement was not observed, and myomectomy was needed. In one woman with a large submucosal uterine leiomyoma, hysterectomy was needed because of septic uterine necrosis. Normal menstruation resumed in all but six women. Full-term pregnancy occurred in three women after the procedure. CONCLUSION: Superselective arterial embolization of the uterine arteries is an effective means of controlling symptomatic uterine leiomyoma. However, the ideal embolic regimen remains to be determined.

[Uterine artery embolization: anatomical and technical considerations, indications, results, and complications]. / Embolisation Utérine. Anatomie, technique, indications, résultats et complications.

The first reported use of transcatheter arterial embolization in the management of intractable bleeding related to pelvic trauma appeared in the literature in 1973. Other indications for pelvic embolization in women include postoperative and postpartum hemorrhage and bleeding related to gynecologic malignancy. Recently, the use of uterine artery embolization in the management of symptomatic leiomyoma has been reported as an alternative to surgery. The widespread acceptance of this procedure necessitates greater knowledge of the arterial anatomy of the female genital tract. In this paper, main arterial variations in uterine vascularization and procedure-relevant technical considerations will be discussed. Indications, results and potential complications of uterine artery embolization will be listed and explained.

Selective arterial embolization of the uterine arteries in the management of intractable post-partum hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of selective arterial embolization in the management of intractable post-partum hemorrhage. METHODS: Thirty-five consecutive women with severe post-partum hemorrhage (primary, n=25; secondary, n=10) were treated by selective embolization of the uterine arteries. The main cause of immediate post-partum hemorrhage was atonic uterus. Retained placental fragments with endometritis was the main cause of delayed hemorrhage. In all cases, hemostatic embolization was performed because of intractable hemorrhage. Hysterectomy had been performed in two cases before embolization but it had also failed to stop the bleeding. RESULTS: Angiography revealed extravasation in ten cases, spasm of the internal iliac artery in four cases, false aneurysm in two cases and arteriovenous fistula in one case. After embolization, immediate cessation or dramatic diminution of bleeding was observed in all cases. Two patients required repeated embolization the following day. No major complication related to embolization was found. In one patient with placenta accreta, delayed hysterectomy was necessary. Normal menstruation resumed in all women but two who had hysterectomy. One woman became pregnant after embolization. CONCLUSION: Selective emergency arterial embolization is an effective means of controlling severe post-partum hemorrhage. This procedure avoids high risk surgery and maintains reproductive ability.

Secondary postpartum hemorrhage: treatment with selective arterial embolization.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of selective arterial embolization of the uterine arteries in the management of intractable delayed postpartum hemorrhage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fourteen consecutive women with secondary postpartum hemorrhage were treated with selective embolization of the uterine arteries. In all cases, hemostatic embolization was performed because of intractable hemorrhage that could not be controlled with the administration of uterotonic drugs or with uterine curettage. RESULTS: The causes of bleeding included genital tract tears in four women and endometritis in eight women; the endometritis was associated with proved, retained portions of placenta in four women. In two women, no evident cause of bleeding was found before angiography. Angiography revealed extravasation in three women. A false aneurysm of the uterine artery was found in two women. In one patient, an arteriovenous fistula was observed. Immediate resolution of external bleeding was observed in all women. No complication related to embolization was found. Normal menstruation resumed in all women. CONCLUSION: Selective arterial embolization of the uterine arteries is a safe and effective means of controlling secondary postpartum hemorrhage.

[Management of severe post-partum hemorrhage using selective arterial embolization]. / Prise en charge des hémorragies graves du post-partum par embolisation artérielle sélective.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of uterine embolization in the management of intractable post-partum hemorrhage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From July 1994 to December 1997, 51 patients with severe primary (n = 37) or secondary (n = 14) post-partum hemorrhage were treated by arterial uterine embolization. In all cases, hemostatic uterine embolization was performed because of persistent hemorrhage despite adapted obstetrical measures and early introduction of uterotonic drugs. RESULTS: In case of immediate post-partum hemorrhage, primary and secondary success rates were 89% et 97% respectively. In one patient with placenta accreta, delayed hysterectomy was necessary. One patient died of associated cerebral hemorrhage while vaginal bleeding had stopped. The success rate reached 100% in case of secondary post-partum hemorrhage. CONCLUSION: Emergency arterial embolization is a safe and effective means of controlling severe post-partum hemorrhage after failure with medical treatment.

Uterine arteries: bilateral catheterization with a single femoral approach and a single 5-F catheter--technical note.

In 197 patients, uterine embolization with a single femoral approach and a single 5-F cobra catheter was successful in 362 of 394 (92%) uterine arteries. In six patients (12 arteries), distal embolization with a coaxial 3-F microcatheter was safer. In 10 patients with a life-threatening condition, embolization was performed at the anterior division of both internal iliac arteries. Bilateral selective embolization of the uterine arteries can be performed with a single catheter.

Life-threatening primary postpartum hemorrhage: treatment with emergency selective arterial embolization.

PURPOSE: To prospectively evaluate the efficacy and safety of emergency selective arterial embolization in the management of intractable primary postpartum hemorrhage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-seven consecutively seen women with life-threatening primary postpartum hemorrhage underwent uterine embolization. In all cases, hemostatic embolization was performed because of intractable hemorrhage that could not be controlled with vaginal packing and administration of uterotonic drugs. The mean hemoglobin level before embolization was 7.48 g/dL +/- 2.39 (74.8 g/L +/- 23.9) (1 standard deviation). Hysterectomy performed in two patients before embolization failed to stop the bleeding. RESULTS: Angiography revealed extravasation in nine patients and spasm of the branches of the internal iliac artery in five. The procedure consisted of embolization of uterine (n = 46), vaginal (n = 5), or ovarian (n = 2) arteries or anterior division of internal iliac arteries (n = 8). Immediate disappearance or dramatic diminution of external bleeding was observed in all cases. Two patients needed repeated embolization the next day. No major complication related to embolization was found. In one patient with placenta accreta, delayed hysterectomy was necessary. Normal menstruation resumed in all women except the two who underwent hysterectomy. One woman became pregnant after embolization. CONCLUSION: Emergency arterial embolization is a safe and effective means of control of primary postpartum hemorrhage. The procedure obviates high-risk surgery and allows maintenance of reproductive ability.

New report of severe coronary artery disease in an eighteen-year-old girl with pseudoxanthoma elasticum. Case report and review of the literature.

An eighteen-year-old woman with pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) suffered from mild angina pectoris over a ten-year period. Severe triple-vessel disease with mild left ventricular dysfunction was demonstrated on angiography. No revascularization was feasible. Despite a reported high frequency of angina pectoris among patients with PXE, only 10 convincing reports have appeared in the literature. Careful coronary artery evaluation is required in young patients with PXE, even though asymptomatic, because coronary artery disease (CAD) seems to be frequent and because no precise feature can be distinguished between types with or without severe vascular disease. Through very rare reports, surgical revascularization appears feasible and beneficial in a less severe form of CAD in patients with PXE. The risk of premature and severe diffuse CAD in PXE does not seem to be explained only by the combination of increased Lp [a] (or any other risk factor) and PXE.

Permanent Electronic Storage of Angiographic Images in the Catheterization Laboratory: High-Resolution and Real-Time Acquisition on Optical Laserdiscs.

The use of electronic ÒfilmlessÓ media for long-term archiving of coronary angiograms has been impeded by the problems of image storage and data transfer among institutions. Although long-term analogue storage of the images is presently feasible, and much less costly than digital storage, processing has been limited to a 625 lines video format, not optimal for high quality images. We developed a bi-directional 1249/625 lines converter, able to store and to replay high resolution (1249 lines) video images, from Component Record Video (CRV) Optical Laser (Analogue) Videodisks. Image quality and medical relevance were evaluated five ways: 1) Outside experts compared 593 static images stored on CRV discs to the same images stored in a high-resolution digital format blinded to source of image. The four experts found no visual or medical difference in 98% of evaluated images and minor differences in the remainder. The differences in the remaining images were not consistent among experts. 2) Two of the experts also compared the enhanced CRV optically stored image to the image obtained on simultaneously recorded 35mm cine film, and found the enhanced CRV stored image to be superior or similar, but never inferior to the film image. 3) 90 representatives from 63 outside institutions compared images from both a digital hard drive and the enhanced CRV optical (analogue) storage displayed at a Windows based digital workstation. During the test they were blinded as to the source of the images. The representatives found no difference in image resolution, quality, diagnostic accuracy, and medical relevance. 4) We evaluated quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) on standard coronary test phantoms using enhanced CRV stored images digitally processed. The correlation of the enhanced CRV image to the actual size of the phantom vessels was similar to the results obtained in the literature from digitally stored images. 5) 78 arterial measurements ranging 0.65 to 4.85 mm were evaluated both from the digital hard disc (D) and the CRV optical disc (CRV), using the same QCA analytical package. The correlation coefficient and the Standard Error of the Estimate between D and CRV values were respectively 0.997 and 0.076, no systematic over or underestimation occurred, and the mean variability was inferior to 0.1 mm. CONCLUSION: High-Resolution CRV-optical storage represents a cost-effective solution for excellent image quality equivalent to digitally stored images, permitting permanent electronic archiving inside the cath-lab, and allowing digital image processing and digital image communication.