MRI-Based Risk Factors for Adverse Maternal Outcomes in Prophylactic Aortic Balloon Occlusion for Placenta Accreta Spectrum and Placenta Previa.

PURPOSE: We previously reported that T2 dark bands and placental bulges observed in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can predict adverse maternal outcomes in patients with placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) and placenta previa undergoing prophylactic balloon occlusion of the internal iliac artery. On the other hand, the risk factors associated with the use of prophylactic aortic balloon occlusion (PABO) have not been sufficiently investigated. This retrospective study aimed to identify MRI-based risk factors associated with adverse maternal outcomes in the context of PABO during a cesarean section (CS) for PAS and placenta previa. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ethical approval was obtained for a data analysis of 40 patients diagnosed with PAS and placenta previa undergoing PABO during a CS. Clinical records, MRI features, and procedural details were examined. The inclusion criteria for the massive bleeding group were as follows: an estimated blood loss (EBL) > 2500 mL, packed red blood cell (pRBC) transfusion (>4 units), and the need for a hysterectomy or transcatheter arterial embolization after delivery. The massive and nonmassive bleeding groups were compared. RESULTS: Among the 22 patients, those in the massive bleeding group showed significantly longer operative durations, a higher EBL (p < 0.001), an increased number of pRBC transfusions (p < 0.001), and prolonged postoperative hospital stays (p < 0.05). T2 dark bands on MRI were significant predictors of adverse outcomes (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: T2 dark bands on MRI were crucial predictors of adverse maternal outcomes in patients undergoing PABO for PAS or placenta previa during a CS. Recognizing these MRI features proactively indicates the need for effective management strategies during childbirth and emphasizes the importance of further prospective studies to validate and enhance these findings.

Wernicke encephalopathy with atypical imaging findings in a depressed patient: A case report.

This case report highlights the rare occurrence of Wernicke encephalopathy caused by malnutrition in a depressed patient with atypical imaging findings. A 60-year-old female with depression developed a disturbance of consciousness owing to Wernicke encephalopathy. Magnetic resonance imaging showed abnormal signals in the thalamus and mammillary bodies around the third ventricle, cerebral aqueduct, and fourth ventricle. Abnormal signals were also present in the cerebral cortex around the central sulcus, and an intracranial hemorrhage from the thalamus was observed. Therefore, clinicians should consider Wernicke encephalopathy in the differential diagnosis of altered consciousness in depressed patients. Early assessment of nutritional status and prompt intervention are crucial in cases of prolonged depression-related malnutrition.

rSO2 Measurement Using NIRS for Lower-Limb Blood Flow Monitoring and Estimation of Safe Balloon Occlusion/Deflation Time in Patients with PAS Who Underwent PBOA during CS.

We examined the utility of regional oxygen saturation (rSO2) measurement using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) for monitoring lower-limb blood flow and estimate the safe balloon occlusion/deflation time in patients with PAS who underwent prophylactic balloon occlusion of the abdominal artery (PBOA) during cesarean section (CS). During CS, the NIRS probes were positioned on either of the anterior tibial muscles. rSO2 was measured continuously during balloon occlusion/deflation. A cycle consisted of inflating the aortic balloon for 30 min and deflating it for 5 min. The rSO2 before/during balloon occlusion and after 5 min of balloon deflation were evaluated. Sixty-two lower limbs (fifteen women and data from 31 sessions of balloon inflation/deflation) were evaluated. rSO2 during balloon occlusion was significantly lower than rSO2 before balloon occlusion (57.9% ± 9.6% vs. 80.3% ± 6.0%; p < 0.01). There were no significant differences between rSO2 before balloon occlusion and rSO2 after 5 min of balloon deflation (80.3% ± 6.0% vs. 78.7% ± 6.6%; p = 0.07). Postoperatively, the lower limbs showed no ischemic symptoms. NIRS can assess lower-limb rSO2 during PBOA for PAS in real time to determine ischemia severity, duration, and recovery capacity.

Hypothermic death resulting from extreme freezing with characteristic postmortem computed tomography findings: A case report and review of the literature.

We report a case of hypothermic death that resulted from extreme freezing, with characteristic postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) findings. A 75-year-old man died in a deeply frozen state. In PMCT, there was a lack of increase in the bilateral lung-field attenuation. Urinary retention, with a hypodense area of frozen urine, was observed in the bladder. Changes that appeared to involve the crystallization of serum in frozen blood were observed in the aorta. Based on the scene and his circumstances, it was speculated that he died of hypothermia. Present case and our review revealed that although PMCT findings from hypothermic death that resulted from deep freezing are very rare, the characteristic PMCT findings may help determine the cause of death.

Risk factors of MRI findings for predicting patient outcomes of placenta accreta spectrum and placenta previa after prophylactic balloon occlusion of the internal iliac artery.

PURPOSE: Our study aimed to identify the risk factors of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings for predicting patient outcomes of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) and placenta previa after prophylactic balloon occlusion of the internal iliac artery (PBOIIA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective analysis was performed using the clinical records of 46 patients diagnosed with PAS and placenta previa who underwent PBOIIA during caesarean section (CS). The possible clinical risk factors for adverse maternal outcomes were evaluated by consulting patients' clinical records. The inclusion criteria for the massive bleeding group were as follows: estimated blood loss (EBL) > 2500 mL, packed red blood cell (pRBC) transfusion (>4 units), and need for hysterectomy or transcatheter arterial embolization after delivery. The MRI features were compared between the massive and non-massive bleeding groups. RESULTS: Patients in the massive bleeding group (n = 22) had a significantly longer operation time (p < 0.001), more EBL (p < 0.001), more pRBC transfusions (p < 0.001), and a prolonged postoperative hospital stay (p < 0.05). MRI features showed a T2 dark bands, placenta bulge, and abnormal blood vessels in the placental bed more frequently in the massive bleeding group (p < 0.05). In the multiple logistic regression analysis, T2 dark bands (odds ratio 9.1, p = 0.048) and placental bulge (odds ratio 5.1, p = 0.014) remained statistically significant. CONCLUSION: T2 dark bands and placental bulges observed on an MRI can predict adverse maternal outcomes in patients with PAS and placenta previa undergoing PBOIIA. If these findings are observed on a preoperative MRI, effective management strategies should be prepared for the possibility of massive hemorrhage during CS.

Successful Interventional Management of Life-Threatening Bleeding after Oocyte Retrieval: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Life-threatening bleeding after oocyte retrieval is unusual. We report a case of massive vaginal bleeding requiring transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) after transvaginal US-directed follicle aspiration for oocyte retrieval and provide a brief review of cases in which the pseudoaneurysm of the injured artery was managed with a TAE approach. A 40-year-old woman presented massive vaginal bleeding after transvaginal ultrasonography-directed follicle aspiration for oocyte retrieval. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed active bleeding from the uterine ostium. Transcatheter arterial embolization was performed for a pseudoaneurysm of the right pudendal artery to manage the hemorrhage. Potentially life-threatening bleeding should be recognized as a rare complication after oocyte retrieval to promptly establish the diagnosis and preserve the uterus.

Usefulness of dual isotope 123I-IMP and 201Tl SPECT for the diagnosis of primary central nervous system lymphoma and glioblastoma.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative differential diagnosis between primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) and glioblastoma (GBM) is important because these tumors require different surgical strategies. This study investigated the usefulness of dual isotope, iodine-123-labeled N-isopropyl-p-iodo-amphetamine (123I-IMP) and thallium-201 chloride single-photon emission computed tomography (201Tl SPECT) for the differential diagnosis. METHODS: Twenty-five PCNSL patients and 27 GBM patients who underwent dual isotope imaging, 123I-IMP and 201Tl SPECT, are included. Tumor-to-normal (T/N) ratio was calculated from the ratio of maximum tracer counts in the lesion to the mean counts in the contralateral cerebral cortex. The mean and minimum apparent diffusion coefficient values (ADCmean and ADCmin, respectively) on magnetic resonance imaging were also analyzed. RESULTS: Delayed phase 123I-IMP SPECT was the most useful imaging examination for the differentiation between PCNSL and GBM compared with early phase 123I-IMP SPECT, early and delayed phase 201Tl SPECT, ADCmean, and ADCmin. However, the median T/N ratios of PCNSL and GBM were 1.32 and 0.83, respectively, in the delayed phase 123I-IMP SPECT. On the other hand, the median T/N ratios of PCNSL and GBM were 3.10 and 2.34, respectively, in the delayed phase 201Tl SPECT, with excellent tumor detection. CONCLUSION: Delayed phase 123I-IMP SPECT could differentiate between PCNSL and GBM with high accuracy, but T/N ratio was low and tumor detection was poor. 201Tl SPECT was useful for estimation of the malignancy and localization of the tumors with high T/N ratio. Dual isotope 123I-IMP and 201Tl SPECT was useful for the preoperative diagnosis of PCNSL and GBM.

Effectiveness of a flow confirmation study of a central venous port of the upper arm versus the chest wall in patients with suspected system-related mechanical complications.

BACKGROUND: If mechanical complications associated with a central venous port (CVP) system are suspected, evaluation with a flow confirmation study (FCS) using fluorescence fluoroscopy or digital subtraction angiography should be performed. Evaluations of mechanical complications related to CVP of the chest wall using FCS performed via the subclavian vein have been reported. However, the delayed complications of a CVP placed in the upper arm have not been sufficiently evaluated in a large population. We evaluated the effectiveness of FCS of CVPs implanted following percutaneous cannulation of the subclavian (chest wall group) or brachial (upper arm group) vein. METHODS: A CVP was implanted in patients with advanced cancer requiring chemotherapy. FCS was performed if there were complaints suggestive of CVP dysfunction when initiating chemotherapy. RESULTS: CVPs were placed in the brachial vein in 390 patients and in the subclavian vein in 800 patients. FCS was performed in 26/390 (6.7%) patients in the upper arm group and 40/800 (5.0%) patients in the chest wall group. The clinical characteristics of the patients were similar in both groups. The duration of CVP implantation until FCS was significantly shorter in the upper arm group (136 ± 96.6 vs. 284 ± 260, p = 0.022). After FCS, the incidence of CVP removal/reimplantation being deemed unnecessary was higher in the upper arm group (21/26 [80.8%] vs. 26/40 [65.0%], p = 0.27). In the upper arm group, no cases of catheter kinking or catheter-related injury were observed, and the incidence of temporary obstruction because of blood clots that could be continued using CVP was significantly higher than that in the chest wall group (10/26 [38.5%] vs. 4/40 [10.0%], p = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS: FCS was effective in evaluating CVP system-related mechanical complications and deciding whether removal and reimplantation were required in both groups.

Detection of child abuse on computed tomography imaging due to presence of severe caries: a case report.

Child abuse can result from physical, verbal, or sexual harm. While child abuse often involves an action that harms the child, inaction, such as neglect, can also cause harm. We present a case in which child abuse was detected through computed tomography imaging findings of severe dental caries. This case was a 5-year-old girl who fell down the stairs and hit her head. The computed tomography of her head showed no abnormalities; however, severe dental caries was detected. The mother's incomplete history and inadequate explanation of injuries further made us suspect abuse. A whole-body computed tomography was conducted for child abuse screening, which showed an unnatural fracture in the left arm. Through these imaging findings, we were able to identify and help a victim of child abuse. Physicians should be aware that severe dental caries may be a sign of child abuse.

Characteristic postmortem computed tomography findings of ingestion of benzine.

There are some reports investigating the cause of death by examining the contents of the stomach and duodenum using postmortem computed tomography, but most of these have been based on radiopaque contents. Here, we report a case of suicide after ingesting a large amount of benzine. Although the gastric contents were radiolucent, the characteristic postmortem computed tomography imaging findings helped to determine the cause of death.

Comparison of the safety and efficacy of PABO above or below the ovarian artery during cesarean delivery in patients with coexisting placenta accreta and placenta previa.

PURPOSE: To determine the effect of ovarian arteries on the use of prophylactic abdominal aortic balloon occlusion (PABO) in patients with coexisting placenta accreta and placenta previa. METHODS: Thirty-two pregnant women with coexisting placenta accreta and placenta previa treated with PABO in our hospital during 2013-2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups: one with infra-renal abdominal aortic balloon occlusion above the ovarian artery (Group A, n = 15) and the other with occlusion below the ovarian artery (Group B, n = 17). Medical records and relevant imaging of all patients were reviewed. All Cesarean deliveries were scheduled and we decided to perform hysterectomy based on the surgical findings. RESULTS: Patients in both groups were similar in terms of age, gravidity history, and status of placenta. Regarding their outcomes, estimated blood loss was not significantly different in both groups, although it was lower in Group B than in Group A (3949.5 vs. 4333.8 ml). The other tested parameters did not show any difference. The uterus was preserved in 13 (41%) patients. No access-related or balloon occlusion-related complications occurred in either group. CONCLUSIONS: PABO was safe. However, the balloon location (above or below the ovarian arteries) did not influence the outcomes. Further evaluation and prospective studies are required to evaluate the safety and efficacy of balloon occlusion above or below the ovarian artery in patients with coexisting placenta accreta and placenta previa.

Unexpected -[18F] fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose accumulation in subarachnoid hemorrhage due to an aneurysm rupture.

A 79-year-old Asian man with paranasal cancer underwent 2-[18F] fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose-positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) to evaluate metastatic lesions. Unexpected FDG accumulation during subarachnoid hemorrhage due to an aneurysm rupture visualized with FDG-PET/CT. It is rare to encounter life-threatening diseases in FDG-PET/CT because FDG-PET/CT is usually scheduled beforehand. However, an immediate response is warranted in unexpected conditions. Physicians who perform FDG-PET/CT should be familiar with life-threatening FDG-PET findings.

Safety and Efficacy of Aortic Vs Internal Iliac Balloon Occlusion for Cesarean Delivery in Coexisting Placenta Accreta and Placenta Previa.

PURPOSE: To investigate safety and efficacy of intra-aortic balloon occlusion (IABO) versus internal iliac artery balloon occlusion (IIABO) for cesarean delivery in coexisting placenta accreta and placenta previa. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 2006 to 2019, 60 pregnant women who had undergone preoperative IABO (n = 28) and IIABO (n = 32) for cesarean delivery in coexisting placenta accreta and placenta previa were retrospectively identified, and their medical records and relevant imaging were reviewed. RESULTS: Maternal characteristics (age, gravidity, previous cesarean delivery, gestational age, and neonatal weight) were similar in both groups. Estimated blood loss, volume of blood transfusion, length of hospitalization, and rate of hysterectomy were not significantly different between the groups. Operation time (the duration of cesarean delivery and hysterectomy, p < 0.05), total time of balloon occlusion (p < 0.01), and fetal radiation dose (p < 0.001) in the IABO group were less than in the IIABO group. No severe complications related to the balloon occlusion procedure were noted in either group. CONCLUSION: IABO and IIABO are safe and effective options for cesarean delivery in patients with combined placenta accreta and placenta previa. The average operation time, balloon occlusion time, and fetal radiation dose in patients with IABO are less than in patients with IIABO. There were no complications related to balloon occlusion of the aorta or internal iliac artery.

Prognostic significance of semi-quantitative FDG-PET parameters in stage I non-small cell lung cancer treated with carbon-ion radiotherapy.

PURPOSE: Prognostic significance of volumetric 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography/computer tomography (PET/CT) parameters in carbon-ion radiotherapy (C-ion RT) treated stage I non-small cell lung cancer, and need of histology-wise separate cut-off values for risk stratification were assessed. METHODS: Thirty-nine patients (29 men and 10 women, 71.9 ± 8.3 years) who underwent FDG PET/CT examinations before C-ion RT were retrospectively evaluated. FDG-PET parameters: standardized uptake values (SUVmax, SUVpeak, and SUVmean), metabolic tumor volume (MTV), and total lesion glycolysis (TLG), and clinicopathological variables were assessed for prognosis using Cox proportional hazards regression analysis. Mann-Whitney test compared medians of significant parameters between adenocarcinoma (AC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and Kaplan-Meier curves were plotted for median-based low- and high-risk groups. RESULTS: Median follow-up period was 44.8 months. 1/2/3-year overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS) and local control (LC) rates were 94.9/84.3/70.8, 82.1/69.2/58.4 and 97.3/85.7/82.3%. Multivariate analysis revealed age (hazard ratio, HR: 1.09; 95% confidence interval, CI: 1.0-1.19, p < 0.05) and MTV (HR 4.83, 95% CI 1.21-19.27, p < 0.03) predicted OS, and only MTV predicted PFS (HR 5.3, CI 1.32-21.35, p < 0.02) independently. Compared with AC, SCC had higher MTV (median, 6.625cm3 vs 0.2 cm3, p < 0.01). Single MTV cut-off based on overall cohort was insignificant in SCC for PFS (p > 0.02); separate cut-offs of MTV, 0.2 cm3 for AC (p < 0.03) and 6.625 cm3 for SCC (p < 0.05) were relevant. CONCLUSION: Among all FDG PET/CT parameters, only MTV beared prognostic ability for stage I NSCLC treated with C-ion RT, and its histological variation may need consideration for risk-adapted therapeutic management.

Unexpected magnetic resonance imaging burn injuries from jogging pants.

During magnetic resonance imaging, thermal burns are a potential cause of injury. We experienced a rare case of magnetic resonance imaging burn injury caused by jogging pants. The list of materials of the jogging pants did not indicate any metal. However, light, thin metal fibers were used. Changing to suitable magnetic resonance imaging-compatible clothing is important before undergoing magnetic resonance imaging. To minimize the risk of magnetic resonance imaging burns, it is necessary to increase staff awareness and communicate and comply with pretreatment safety checks.

Risk factors for massive bleeding based on angiographic findings in patients with placenta previa and accreta who underwent balloon occlusion of the internal iliac artery during cesarean section.

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the risk factors for massive bleeding based on angiographic findings in patients with placenta previa and accreta who underwent balloon occlusion of the internal iliac artery (BOIA) during cesarean section. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis using the clinical records of 42 patients with placenta previa and accreta who underwent BOIA during cesarean section between 2006 and 2017 in Gunma university hospital. We reviewed incidence of collateral arteries to the uterus on the initial aortography. We evaluated the visualization of the ovarian artery arising directly from the abdominal aorta, round ligament artery arising from the external iliac artery/inferior epigastric artery, and the iliolumbar artery. In addition, the clinical characteristics were reviewed. Patients with an estimated blood loss during delivery of >2500 ml, >4 packed red blood cell transfusions, uterine artery embolization after delivery, or hysterectomy were defined as the massive bleeding group. We compared between the massive and non-massive bleeding groups. RESULTS: 20 patients (48%) had a massive bleeding. No procedure-related severe complications were observed. The massive and non-massive bleeding groups differed in terms of operation time (p < 0.001), hysterectomy (p < 0.001), post-operative hospital stay (p < 0.05), and visualization of round ligament arteries to the uterus [15/20 (75%) patients, p < 0.01]. CONCLUSION: The incidence of collateral blood supply from a round ligament artery to the uterus may be a risk factor for massive bleeding in patients with placenta previa and accreta who have undergone BOIA during cesarean section. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: Angiographic visualization of collateral circulation from the round ligament artery to the uterus may be a risk factor for massive bleeding in patients with placenta previa and accreta who have undergone BOIA during cesarean section.

Clinical and Biological Significance of PD-L1 Expression Within the Tumor Microenvironment of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression in tumor cells is regulated by a close interrelation between tumor and stromal cells within the tumor microenvironment. Our aim was to evaluate the clinical and biological significance of PD-L1 expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: PD-L1, cluster of differentiation (CD)4, CD8, and forkhead box P3 (FOXP3) expression in tumor tissues obtained from 77 patients with OSCC was evaluated by immunohistochemical staining, and then analyzed for associations with clinical and biological factors. RESULTS: Among the clinicopathological factors tested, only vascular invasion showed a trend toward lower PD-L1 expression (p=0.05). Metabolic tumor volume (MTV), and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) significantly positively correlated with PD-L1 expression (MTV, p=0.04; TLG, p=0.03). In patients with OSCC with high PD-L1 expression, those whose tumors had abundant infiltrating CD4+ T-cells showed a longer progression-free survival than those with low CD4+ T-cell infiltration (p=0.0452). CONCLUSION: As regulation of PD-L1 expression is complex, its evaluation combined with other markers may be useful to determine clinical applications of PD-L1 expression.

18F-FDG and 18F-FAMT PET-derived metabolic parameters predict outcome of oral squamous cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVES: L-3-[18F]-Fluoro-α-methyl tyrosine (FAMT), an amino acid positron emission tomography (PET) tracer, complements [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) in the diagnosis of malignancies. We compared the predictive ability of FAMT PET versus FDG PET regarding metastatic oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) outcomes for distant metastasis, including lymph node metastasis, and identified the relevant metabolic parameters for each. METHODS: We enrolled 160 patients with OSCC who underwent PET/computed tomography using FDG and FAMT before treatment. Outcomes were assessed using clinicopathological characteristics such as the standardized uptake value (SUVmax, SUVpeak), metabolic tumor volume (MTV), and total lesion glycolysis or total lesion retention. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were used to identify the independent predictors of disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) during an average follow-up time of 1401.7 and 1646.0 days, respectively. Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves were analyzed for the accuracy and predictive value of imaging parameters. RESULTS: Clinical parameters (excluding age) and PET metabolic parameters were significantly associated with OS. Multivariate analysis showed that an infiltrative growth pattern [p = 0.034, hazard ratio (HR) = 2.30], and the FDG-measured SUVpeak (p = 0.045, HR = 2.45) were independent risk factors for DFS and that lymph node metastasis (p = 0.03, HR = 2.57) and the FAMT-measured MTV (p = 0.004, HR = 3.65) were independent risk factors for OS. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with OSCC, FDG PET predicted DFS, whereas FAMT predicted OS. The two PET tracers, combined with clinical parameters, provide complementary, outcome-related diagnostic information in OSCC.

Prognostic value of metabolic tumor volume of pretreatment 18F-FAMT PET/CT in non-small cell lung Cancer.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine the prognostic value of positron emission tomography (PET) metabolic parameters-namely metabolic tumor volume (MTV), total lesion glycolysis (TLG), and total lesion retention (TLR)-on fluorine-18 (18F) fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) and L- [3-18F]-α-methyltyrosine (18F-FAMT) PET/CT in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS: The study group comprised 112 NSCLC patients who underwent 18F-FDG and 18F-FAMT PET/CT prior to any therapy. The MTV, TLG, TLR, and maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of the primary tumors were determined. Automatic MTV measurement was performed using PET volume computer assisted reading software. (GE Healthcare). Cox proportional hazards models were built to assess the prognostic value of MTV, TLG (for 18F-FDG), TLR (for 18F-FAMT), SUVmax, T stage, N stage, M stage, clinical stage, age, sex, tumor histological subtype, and treatment method (surgery or other therapy) on overall survival (OS). RESULTS: Higher TNM, higher clinical stage, inoperable status, and higher values for all PET parameters (both 18F-FAMT and 18F-FDG PET) were significantly associated (P < 0.05) with shorter OS. Multivariate analysis revealed that a higher MTV of 18F-FAMT (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.88, CI: 1.63-5.09, P < 0.01) and advanced clinical stage (HR: 5.36, CI: 1.88-15.34, P < 0.01) were significant predictors of shorter OS. CONCLUSIONS: MTV of 18F-FAMT is of prognostic value for OS in NSCLC cases and can help guide decision-making during patient management.

Analysis of the time course of changes in imaging findings of small arteries embolized with the N-Butyl cyanoacrylate-lipiodol mixture.

BACKGROUND: There are no reports analyzing imaging findings of arteries embolized with N-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA)-Lipiodol. To evaluate the time course of changes in the imaging findings of small arteries embolized with NBCA-Lipiodol. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Selective transcatheter arterial embolization procedures via the inferior phrenic artery (right IPA, n = 25; left IPA, n = 5) were performed in 30 patients (25 males, 5 females; mean age 63 years, range: 45-78) at our institution. The NBCA-Lipiodol mixture was used as an embolic agent. The ratio of NBCA to Lipiodol was 1:4 (Group-A, n = 16) or 1:8 (Group-B, n = 14).We retrospectively reviewed the computed tomography (CT) findings and outcomes of small arteries embolized with the NBCA-Lipiodol mixture. The residual lipiodol was compared between Group-A and Group-B. The Student's t-test and Chi-square test were used for statistical analyses. In addition, the residual lipiodol rate was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared using the log-rank test. RESULTS: The mean observation period was 264 ± 84 days (range: 104-425). Lipiodol completely disappeared in 20 arteries (66%) during follow-up. Recanalization of arterial flow was not seen in CT images, even when Lipiodol disappeared. Group-B showed a shorter period of progression to disappearance of Lipiodol than Group-A (P < 0.05). On follow up, the rate of residual Lipiodol in Group-A was higher than that in Group-B (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Residual Lipiodol was expected to gradually disappear. Lipiodol disappeared early when the density of NBCA was low in the NBCA-Lipiodol mixture. Further evaluations of various arteries and ratios of NBCA to Lipiodol are needed.