The pandemic and changes in early career researchers' career prospects, research and publishing practices.

INTRODUCTION: As part of the Harbnger-2 project, this study aimed to discover the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on junior researchers' work-life, career prospects, research and publishing practices and networking. METHODS: An online international survey of 800 early career researchers (ECRs) was conducted in 2022. A questionnaire was developed based on three rounds of interviews and distributed using multiple channels including publishers, social media, and direct email to ECRs. RESULTS: The impact of the pandemic on career prospects, morale, job security, productivity, ability to network and collaborate, and quality and speed of peer review has on the whole been more negative than positive. A quarter of ECRs shifted their research focus to pandemic-related topics and half of those who did, benefited largely due to increased productivity and impact. The majority worked remotely/from home and more than two-thirds of those who did so benefitted from it. While virtual or hybrid conferences have been embraced by the majority of ECRs, around a third still preferred face-to-face only conferences. The use of library online platforms, Sci-Hub, ResearchGate, Google Scholar and smartphone to search and access full-text papers increased. ECRs prioritised journals with fast submission procedures for the publishing of their papers and spent more time on increasing the visibility of their research. Fees were a problem for publishing open access. CONCLUSION: Although, generally, the pandemic negatively impacted many aspects of ECRs' work-life, certain research areas and individuals benefited from being more appreciated and valued, and, in some cases, resulted in increased resources, better productivity and greater impact. Changes, such as the use of digital technologies and remote working created new opportunities for some ECRs. While continuing work flexibility and hybrid conferences might benefit some ECRs, institutions should also take measures to help those ECRs whose career and productivity have been adversely impacted.

Massive pulmonary embolism in patients with extreme bleeding risk: a case series on the successful use of ultrasound-assisted, catheter directed thrombolysis in a district general hospital.

Massive pulmonary embolism (PE), characterised by profound arterial hypotension, is a life-threatening emergency with a 90-day mortality of over 50%. Systemic thrombolysis can significantly reduce the risk of death or cardiovascular collapse in these patients, by around 50%, but these benefits are offset by a fivefold increased risk of intracranial haemorrhage and major bleeding, which may limit its use in patients at high risk of catastrophic haemorrhage. We describe a case series of 3 patients presenting with massive PE, each with extreme risk of bleeding and contra-indication to systemic thrombolysis, treated successfully with ultrasound-assisted, catheter directed thrombolysis (U-ACDT). Our experience of this novel technique using the EkoSonic Endovascular System (Ekos, BTG, London, UK) on carefully selected patients has demonstrated the potential to improve clinical status in shocked patients, with minimal bleed risk. There have been several clinical studies evaluating the Ekos system. Both the ULTIMA and SEATTLE II studies have shown significant reductions in RV/LV ratio by CT scanning when compared to standard anticoagulation in patients with intermediate-risk PE, with minimal bleeding complications. However, there is a pressing need for a randomised trial demonstrating improvement in robust clinical outcomes when comparing U-ACDT to simple anticoagulation. We believe that this case series adds new insight and highlights the potential of catheter directed thrombolysis in this high-risk patient cohort and consideration should be made to its use in cases where systemic thrombolysis is felt to be too high risk.

Catheter-based renal denervation in patients with uncontrolled hypertension in the absence of antihypertensive medications (SPYRAL HTN-OFF MED): a randomised, sham-controlled, proof-of-concept trial.

BACKGROUND: Previous randomised renal denervation studies did not show consistent efficacy in reducing blood pressure. The objective of our study was to evaluate the effect of renal denervation on blood pressure in the absence of antihypertensive medications. METHODS: SPYRAL HTN-OFF MED was a multicentre, international, single-blind, randomised, sham-controlled, proof-of-concept trial. Patients were enrolled at 21 centres in the USA, Europe, Japan, and Australia. Eligible patients were drug-naive or discontinued their antihypertensive medications. Patients with an office systolic blood pressure (SBP) of 150 mm Hg or greater and less than 180 mm Hg, office diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of 90 mm Hg or greater, and a mean 24-h ambulatory SBP of 140 mm Hg or greater and less than 170 mm Hg at second screening underwent renal angiography and were randomly assigned to renal denervation or sham control. Patients, caregivers, and those assessing blood pressure were blinded to randomisation assignments. The primary endpoint, change in 24-h blood pressure at 3 months, was compared between groups. Drug surveillance was done to ensure patient compliance with absence of antihypertensive medication. The primary analysis was done in the intention-to-treat population. Safety events were assessed at 3 months. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02439749. FINDINGS: Between June 25, 2015, and Jan 30, 2017, 353 patients were screened. 80 patients were randomly assigned to renal denervation (n=38) or sham control (n=42) and followed up for 3 months. Office and 24-h ambulatory blood pressure decreased significantly from baseline to 3 months in the renal denervation group: 24-h SBP -5·5 mm Hg (95% CI -9·1 to -2·0; p=0·0031), 24-h DBP -4·8 mm Hg (-7·0 to -2·6; p<0·0001), office SBP -10·0 mm Hg (-15·1 to -4·9; p=0·0004), and office DBP -5·3 mm Hg (-7·8 to -2·7; p=0·0002). No significant changes were seen in the sham-control group: 24-h SBP -0·5 mm Hg (95% CI -3·9 to 2·9; p=0·7644), 24-h DBP -0·4 mm Hg (-2·2 to 1·4; p=0·6448), office SBP -2·3 mm Hg (-6·1 to 1·6; p=0·2381), and office DBP -0·3 mm Hg (-2·9 to 2·2; p=0·8052). The mean difference between the groups favoured renal denervation for 3-month change in both office and 24-h blood pressure from baseline: 24-h SBP -5·0 mm Hg (95% CI -9·9 to -0·2; p=0·0414), 24-h DBP -4·4 mm Hg (-7·2 to -1·6; p=0·0024), office SBP -7·7 mm Hg (-14·0 to -1·5; p=0·0155), and office DBP -4·9 mm Hg (-8·5 to -1·4; p=0·0077). Baseline-adjusted analyses showed similar findings. There were no major adverse events in either group. INTERPRETATION: Results from SPYRAL HTN-OFF MED provide biological proof of principle for the blood-pressure-lowering efficacy of renal denervation. FUNDING: Medtronic.

Sorafenib in combination with transarterial chemoembolisation in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (TACE 2): a randomised placebo-controlled, double-blind, phase 3 trial.

BACKGROUND: Transarterial chemoembolisation (TACE) is the standard of care for patients with intermediate stage hepatocellular carcinoma, while the multikinase inhibitor sorafenib improves survival in patients with advanced disease. We aimed to determine whether TACE with sorafenib improves progression-free survival versus TACE with placebo. METHODS: We did a multicentre, randomised, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial (TACE 2) in 20 hospitals in the UK for patients with unresectable, liver-confined hepatocellular carcinoma. Patients were eligible if they were at least aged 18 years, had Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 1 or less, and had Child-Pugh A liver disease. Patients were randomised 1:1 by computerised minimisation algorithm to continuous oral sorafenib (400 mg twice-daily) or matching placebo combined with TACE using drug-eluting beads (DEB-TACE), which was given via the hepatic artery 2-5 weeks after randomisation and according to radiological response and patient tolerance thereafter. Patients were stratified according to randomising centre and serum α-fetoprotein concentration (<400 ng/mL and ≥400 ng/mL). Only the trial coordinator was unmasked to treatment allocation before patient progression during the study. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival defined as the interval between randomisation and progression according to Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors version 1.1 (RECIST v1.1) or death due to any cause, and was analysed by intention-to-treat. Safety was analysed by intention-to-treat. The trial has been completed and the final results are reported. The trial is registered at EudraCT, number 2008-005073-36, and ISRCTN, number ISRCTN93375053. FINDINGS: Between Nov 4, 2010, and Dec 7, 2015, the trial enrolled 399 patients and was terminated after a planned interim futility analysis. 86 patients failed screening and 313 remaining patients were randomly assigned: 157 to sorafenib and 156 to placebo. The median daily dose was 660 mg (IQR 389·2-800·0) sorafenib versus 800 mg (758·2-800·0) placebo, and median duration of therapy was 120·0 days (IQR 43·0-266·0) for sorafenib versus 162·0 days (70·0-323·5) for placebo. There was no evidence of difference in progression-free survival between the sorafenib group and the placebo group (hazard ratio [HR] 0·99 [95% CI 0·77-1·27], p=0·94); median progression-free survival was 238·0 days (95% CI 221·0-281·0) in the sorafenib group and 235·0 days (209·0-322·0) in the placebo group. The most common grade 3-4 adverse events were fatigue (29 [18%] of 157 patients in the sorafenib group vs 21 [13%] of 156 patients in the placebo group), abdominal pain (20 [13%] vs 12 [8%]), diarrhoea (16 [10%] vs four [3%]), gastrointestinal disorders (18 [11%] vs 12 [8%]), and hand-foot skin reaction (12 [8%] and none). At least one serious adverse event was reported in 65 (41%) of 157 patients in the sorafenib group and 50 (32%) of 156 in the placebo group, and 181 serious adverse events were reported in total, 95 (52%) in the sorafenib group and 86 (48%) in the placebo group. Three deaths occurred in each group that were attributed to DEB-TACE. Four deaths were attributed to study drug; three in the sorafenib group and one in the placebo group. INTERPRETATION: The addition of sorafenib to DEB-TACE does not improve progression-free survival in European patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Alternative systemic therapies need to be assessed in combination with TACE to improve patient outcomes. FUNDING: Bayer PLC and BTG PLC.

Amplatzer Vascular Plug 4 Insertion for the Treatment of a Left Subclavian Artery Pseudoaneurysm.

We report the case of a 74-year-old male with an incidental finding of a pseudoaneurysm at the base of his neck arising from the left subclavian artery. Initial treatment with ultrasound-guided thrombin injection was unfortunately unsuccessful with early recanalization. An Amplatzer Vascular Plug 4 device was introduced into the neck of the pseudoaneurysm endovascularly with successful thrombosis and occlusion of the pseudoaneurysm.

Lone Stent-Graft Treatment of Symptomatic Gluteal Artery Aneurysm.

We report the case of a large superior gluteal artery aneurysm treated with covered stent-graft insertion. Exclusion of the aneurysm was achieved, with resolution of symptoms and shrinkage of the sac, without the need for embolization.

Transcatheter treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma with Doxorubicin-loaded DC Bead (DEBDOX): technical recommendations.

Tranarterial chemoembolization (TACE) has been established by a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials as the standard of care for nonsurgical patients with large or multinodular noninvasive hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) isolated to the liver and with preserved liver function. Although conventional TACE with administration of an anticancer-in-oil emulsion followed by embolic agents has been the most popular technique, the introduction of embolic drug-eluting beads has provided an alternative to lipiodol-based regimens. Experimental studies have shown that TACE with drug-eluting beads has a safe pharmacokinetic profile and results in effective tumor killing in animal models. Early clinical experiences have confirmed that drug-eluting beads provide a combined ischemic and cytotoxic effect locally with low systemic toxic exposure. Recently, the clinical value of a TACE protocol performed by using the embolic microsphere DC Bead loaded with doxorubicin (DEBDOX; drug-eluting bead doxorubicin) has been shown by randomized controlled trials. An important limitation of conventional TACE has been the inconsistency in the technique and the treatment schedules. This limitation has hampered the acceptance of TACE as a standard oncology treatment. Doxorubicin-loaded DC Bead provides levels of consistency and repeatability not available with conventional TACE and offers the opportunity to implement a standardized approach to HCC treatment. With this in mind, a panel of physicians took part in a consensus meeting held during the European Conference on Interventional Oncology in Florence, Italy, to develop a set of technical recommendations for the use of DEBDOX in HCC treatment. The conclusions of the expert panel are summarized.

Liver, gastrointestinal, and cardiac toxicity in intermediate hepatocellular carcinoma treated with PRECISION TACE with drug-eluting beads: results from the PRECISION V randomized trial.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our study was to evaluate hepatic, gastrointestinal, and cardiac toxicity after PRECISION transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) with drug-eluting beads (DEB) versus conventional TACE with doxorubicin in the treatment of intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Two hundred twelve patients (185 men and 27 women; mean age, 67 years) were randomized to TACE with DEB or conventional TACE. The majority of patients (67% in both groups) presented in a more advanced stage. Safety was measured by rate of adverse events (Southwest Oncology Group criteria) and changes in laboratory parameters. Cardiotoxicity was assessed with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) mainly on MRI or echocardiography. RESULTS: The mean maximum postchemoembolization alanine transaminase increase in the DEB group was 50% less than in the conventional TACE group (p < 0.001) and 41% less in respect to aspartate transaminase (p < 0.001). End-of-study values returned to approximately baseline levels but with greater variability in conventional TACE patients. Treatment-emergent adverse events in the hepatobiliary system organ class occurred in 16.1% of DEB group patients compared with 25% of conventional TACE patients. There were fewer liver toxicity events in the DEB group. There was a small but statistically significant difference in mean change from baseline in LVEF between the two groups of 4 percentage points for the conventional TACE group (95% CI, 0.71-7.3; p = 0.018). CONCLUSION: PRECISION TACE with DEB loaded with doxorubicin offers a safe therapy option for intermediate-stage HCC, even in patients with more advanced liver disease.

Pre-uterine artery embolization MRI: beyond fibroids.

Uterine leiomyomata, or fibroids, although benign, cause debilitating symptoms in many women. Symptoms are often nonspecific and may be the presenting complaint in a number of other conditions. Furthermore, because the presence of fibroids may be coincident with other symptomatic conditions that result in similar complaints, there may be diagnostic difficulty and consequent difficulty in planning therapeutic strategy. Uterine artery embolization (UAE) is a safe and effective treatment for symptomatic fibroids and is increasingly being performed. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluation before and after treatment is routine practice with the potential to significantly alter management in up to a fifth of patients. It is well recognized that significant incidental findings may be demonstrated during imaging investigations, and in particular that abnormalities that are not directly related to the clinical question may be overlooked. Radiologists evaluating pre-UAE MRI studies must be aware of the MRI appearances of gynecological pathologies that may cause similar symptoms or that may affect the success or complication rates of UAE, and they must also be wary of "satisfaction of search," reviewing imaging thoroughly so that relevant other pathologies are not missed. We demonstrate the appearances of coincidental pathologies found on pre-UAE MRI, with the potential to change patient management.

Transhepatic assisted transoral placement of a duodenal stent in malignant gastric outlet obstruction.

Gastric outlet obstruction is a well- recognized complication of locally advanced carcinoma of the head of the pancreas. The authors report a transoral placement of a duodenal stent over a percutaneous guide wire, inserted retrogradely through a transhepatic approach via the ampulla of Vater, in a patient in whom traditional stent placement was technically not possible. This technique allows safe duodenal stent placement for different malignant gastric outlet obstruction such as pancreatic, gastric, duodenal, and metastases to the peripancreatic region.

Prospective randomized study of doxorubicin-eluting-bead embolization in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma: results of the PRECISION V study.

Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) offers a survival benefit to patients with intermediate hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A widely accepted TACE regimen includes administration of doxorubicin-oil emulsion followed by gelatine sponge-conventional TACE. Recently, a drug-eluting bead (DC Bead) has been developed to enhance tumor drug delivery and reduce systemic availability. This randomized trial compares conventional TACE (cTACE) with TACE with DC Bead for the treatment of cirrhotic patients with HCC. Two hundred twelve patients with Child-Pugh A/B cirrhosis and large and/or multinodular, unresectable, N0, M0 HCCs were randomized to receive TACE with DC Bead loaded with doxorubicin or cTACE with doxorubicin. Randomization was stratified according to Child-Pugh status (A/B), performance status (ECOG 0/1), bilobar disease (yes/no), and prior curative treatment (yes/no). The primary endpoint was tumor response (EASL) at 6 months following independent, blinded review of MRI studies. The drug-eluting bead group showed higher rates of complete response, objective response, and disease control compared with the cTACE group (27% vs. 22%, 52% vs. 44%, and 63% vs. 52%, respectively). The hypothesis of superiority was not met (one-sided P = 0.11). However, patients with Child-Pugh B, ECOG 1, bilobar disease, and recurrent disease showed a significant increase in objective response (P = 0.038) compared to cTACE. DC Bead was associated with improved tolerability, with a significant reduction in serious liver toxicity (P < 0.001) and a significantly lower rate of doxorubicin-related side effects (P = 0.0001). TACE with DC Bead and doxorubicin is safe and effective in the treatment of HCC and offers a benefit to patients with more advanced disease.

Radiofrequency ablation of renal tumors.

Development of cross-sectional imaging has led to a significant increase in diagnosis of small renal tumors. Nephron-sparing surgery has proven to be effective in the management of these small tumors. Could radiofrequency ablation be as effective in the management of these patients, after showing promising results in a selected group of patients? In this article we discuss the principles of radiofrequency ablation and present results in a selected group of patients. We also outline future perspectives of this noninvasive technique.

Percutaneous transhepatic use of a cutting balloon in the treatment of a benign common bile duct stricture.

Benign biliary strictures (BBS) are difficult to treat. The majority of them are treated either endoscopically or using percutaneous techniques either with stents or conventional angioplasty balloons. To our knowledge we present the first case of use of a cutting balloon in the treatment of BBS through a percutaneous approach.

Large-volume liver metastases from neuroendocrine tumors: hepatic intraarterial 90Y-DOTA-lanreotide as effective palliative therapy.

PURPOSE: To prospectively evaluate the safety and effectiveness of hepatic intraarterial injection of yttrium 90 ((90)Y) tetraazacyclododecane tetraacetic acid (DOTA) lanreotide as a treatment for patients with progressive large-volume somatostatin receptor-positive liver metastases from neuroendocrine tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was local ethics committee approved, and all patients gave informed consent. Twenty-three patients (13 men, 10 women; age range, 21-69 years; median age, 57 years) with histologically proved large-volume liver metastases from neuroendocrine cancers were treated. All patients had radiologic evidence of liver disease progression and high uptake of indium 111 ((111)In) pentetreotide at scintigraphy. Selective hepatic intraarterial injection of (90)Y-DOTA-lanreotide (total of 36 treatments; median activity per dose, 1 GBq) was administered with or without embolization. Treatment cycles were performed in 8-week intervals. Clinical, biologic, and radiologic tumor responses were assessed 8-12 weeks after each treatment cycle. Objective tumor response was classified according to World Health Organization response criteria as complete regression, partial response, stable disease, or disease progression. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used to calculate 1-year survivals. RESULTS: Partial response to treatment was achieved in three (16%) of 19 patients, and stable disease was achieved in 12 (63%). Four (21%) of 19 patients had continued disease progression. Clinical improvement was reported by 14 (61%) of the 23 patients, and a reduction in biologic marker levels was observed in nine (60%) of 15 patients. Reversible hematologic toxicity (National Cancer Institute common toxicity criteria grade > 2) occurred in three patients. The 1-year survival rate was 63% (median survival time, 15 months). CONCLUSION: Hepatic intraarterial injection of (90)Y-DOTA-lanreotide is a safe and effective palliative treatment for patients with progressive large-volume somatostatin receptor-positive liver metastases from neuroendocrine tumors.

Bleeding ectopic varices--treatment with transjugular intrahepatic porto-systemic shunt (TIPS) and embolisation.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Bleeding ectopic varices due to cirrhosis can be difficult to manage. We report our experience of uncontrolled bleeding from ectopic varices treated with transjugular intrahepatic porto-systemic shunt (TIPS). METHODS: We selected the 21 cirrhotics who underwent TIPS for bleeding ectopic varices from our database: Child-Pugh grade A (2), B (11) and C (8). Site of bleeding was rectal (11), colonic (2), ileal 1, jejunal 1, duodenal 1, and stomal (5). RESULTS: TIPS was performed successfully in 19/21 (90%) patients. All except 1 had either a reduction in portosystemic pressure gradient < or = 12 mmHg (n=12) or reduction by 25-50% of baseline (n=6). TIPS alone was used in 12/19: 7 of these 12 had no further bleeding; 5 (42%) rebled within 48 h, and had embolisation, 4 without further bleeding. In 7 of 19, TIPS and embolisation were performed together: 2 patients (28%) rebled; further embolisation stopped the bleeding. CONCLUSIONS: Ectopic varices do rebleed despite a reduction of porto-systemic pressure gradient < or = 12 mmHg or by 25-50% of baseline, following TIPS. Embolisation stopped bleeding in all but 1 patient. We recommend performing embolisation at the time of the initial TIPS to control bleeding from ectopic varices.

Liver transplantation in cirrhotic patients with small hepatocellular carcinoma: an analysis of pre-operative imaging, explant histology and prognostic histologic indicators.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, liver transplantation in patients with hepatocellular cancers and cirrhosis has been restricted to those with small cancers (<5 cm for solitary and <3 cm for multifocal HCC with <3 nodules). The selection of patients for liver transplantation is based on pre-operative imaging. The accuracy of imaging correlated with explant histology and the effect of tumour stage has not been evaluated in this selected population. METHODS: In this study, prospectively collected data for 30 patients who underwent orthotopic liver transplantation for cirrhosis complicated by small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) at a single centre have been reviewed with the aim of correlating radiological findings, explant histology and patient outcome. Patients who underwent orthotopic liver transplantation between 1995 and 1999 had plain and contrast-enhanced dual-phase spiral CT (DCT) scans of the liver. Patients suspected of having HCC on CT scan or due to elevated serum alpha-fetoprotein underwent iodized oil CT (IOCT). Following transplantation, the explanted liver was serially sectioned at 10-mm intervals and examined by a pathologist blinded to the results of imaging. Data collected prospectively on imaging and histology were compared with outcome data. The median period of follow-up was 1,139 days (range 690-1,955 days) after transplantation. All patients were followed up by clinical assessment, assessment of serum alpha-protein levels and imaging when indicated. RESULTS: All the patients transplanted fulfilled the selective criteria on the basis of imaging (solitary HCC <5 cm in diameter or multifocal HCC <3 cm in diameter with <3 nodules). Of the 30 patients transplanted, 46 HCCs were detected on explant histology with a median size of 24 mm (range 6-75 mm). Ten patients had multifocal disease (median number of lesions 2, range 2-4). No significant difference was observed between IOCT and DCT with regards to the sensitivity (67.4 vs. 68%) and specificity (78.97 vs. 88.6%) of detecting HCCs. IOCT had a positive predictive value of 78.9% as compared to 82.8% for DCT. IOCT had an overall sensitivity of 40% as compared to 30% for DCT in detecting multifocal disease (not significant). Histological assessment of the explanted livers showed that 8 patients had well-, 17 moderate and 5 poorly differentiated HCCs. Tumour size and the presence of multifocal disease did not influence survival in this study. Microvascular invasion was more common with larger tumours (from 38% with lesions less than 40 mm in diameter to 60% with lesions >40 mm in diameter; p < 0.01) and with moderately (29.4%) or poorly differentiated (60%) HCCs than well-differentiated HCC (12.5%) (p < 0.04 and 0.01 for well- vs. moderately and poorly differentiated HCC, respectively). Microvascular invasion on explant histology was associated with poor survival. Of the 17 transplant recipients without vascular invasion, 15 were alive at 1 and 2 years in comparison to 7 of 9 with microscopic vascular invasion (p < 0.01). Four patients died in the post-transplant period due to recurrent HCC. Overall survival [after excluding early post-transplant sepsis-induced deaths (n = 4)] at 1 year was 83.3%. CONCLUSIONS: Selective criteria for transplantation of HCC in cirrhosis are associated with a 1-year and 3-year survival rate of 73.3% (including early post-transplant sepsis-induced deaths). IOCT and DCT are similar in their ability to detect unifocal or multifocal HCC. Tumour size and number are not predictive of recurrence with these selective criteria, but microscopic vascular invasion is a bad prognostic factor.

Transjugular kidney biopsy.

BACKGROUND: Most previous studies demonstrating the feasibility of transjugular kidney biopsy have used a modified Colapinto aspiration biopsy needle. We present 25 high-risk patients, with contraindications to percutaneous renal biopsy, who underwent transjugular kidney biopsy using a transvenous side-cut needle. This technique is easier to learn and can be performed by an interventional radiologist with transjugular liver biopsy experience and equipment. The needle is designed for optimal cortical sampling but has a high incidence of capsular perforation. Elective coil embolization was used in selected patients to reduce the risk of bleeding. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the indications for obtaining renal histology, based on clinical presentation, and the specific indications for transjugular biopsy. Transjugular kidney biopsy was assessed for sampling effectiveness and adequacy, the impact of histology on patient management, and technique complication rates. RESULTS: Renal tissue was obtained in 23 cases, with diagnostic biopsies in 21 of 23 (91.3%). A mean of 3.5 cores were obtained with 9.9 glomeruli per procedure for light microscopy (range, 0 to 32), 2.2 (range, 1 to 7) for electron microscopy, and adequate tissue for immunoflorescence available in 11 of 23 biopsies. Histology influenced patient management in all 23 cases. Capsular perforation was recorded in 73.9% (17 of 23) of cases with 6 undergoing elective coil embolization. Two major complications occurred, both in patients with multiple risk factors for bleeding. One required coil embolization of an arterio-calyseal system fistula. A further patient developed renal vein thrombosis 6 days after a failed transjugular kidney biopsy. CONCLUSION: Transjugular kidney biopsy provides a histological diagnosis in high-risk patients, making an important contribution to patient management.

Diagnostic imaging of carcinoid metastases to the abdomen and pelvis.

BACKGROUND: Functional and anatomical imaging methods are currently the standard approach to the evaluation of carcinoid tumor extent. Due to the nature of carcinoid tumors ,there is not a single imaging procedure that is sufficient to detect the malignancy. The aim of the study was to compare the value of CT, MR and functional imaging study with(111) In-Octreotide (SRS) in carcinoid detection and evaluation of its extent as well as to work out the imaging studies diagnostic algorithm that could enhance diagnostic efficacy. MATERIAL/METHODS: A total of 34 patients with carcinoid tumor confirmed clinically,biochemically and/or histopathologically were enrolled into the study. Computed tomography (CT) examinations of the abdomen and pelvis were performed before and after administration of a contrast medium, the triple-phase liver scanning included. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)of the liver was performed according to the standardized protocol before and after administration of a contrast medium .Planar scintigraphy with(111) In Octreotide and SPECT were performed. In each case liver as well as lymph node metastases in the abdomen and pelvis were searched for. All results were reviewed independently. Clinical picture at follow-up and further imaging and/or histological studies confirmed or excluded the diagnosis of the disease. RESULTS: Twenty nine patients were diagnosed with carcinoid tumor. Liver metastases were found in 26 patients and lymph node metastases were detected in 18 of them. Complete diagnostic conformity as far as the diagnosis and extent of the disease are concerned was obtained only in 7 cases. Incorrect assessment of the disease extent was the source of discrepancy between the imaging studies results in most of the remaining 22 patients. The SRS and MR results of liver metastases detection were mostly consistent with one another. Both imaging modalities evaluated the extent of hepatic metastases incorrectly in 22%of the patients,as compared to 43% of the patients for CT. The highest proportion percentages of incorrect results of lymphatic involvement detection were 41%, 29%and 43%for MR, SRS and CT, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study have indicated that application of a complex imaging algorithm enables higher accuracy of hepatic and lymph nodes metastases detection in carcinoid tumor patients. Combining the results of MR and SRS in evaluating the extent of the carcinoid disease seems to represent higher diagnostic value than relying on one of this method in combination with CT images.