Simultaneous quantification of Gadoxetic acid and Cisplatin in hepatocellular carcinomas using laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry.

The gadolinium-based contrast agent Gadoxetic acid and the platinum-based antitumor agent Cisplatin were quantitatively imaged in liver and liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma, HCC) tissue of rats by means of laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. HCC bearing rats simultaneously received a tail vein injection of the hepatocyte-specific magnetic resonance imaging contrast agent Gadoxetic acid and a transarterial injection of Cisplatin 15 min before sacrifice and liver removal. Resecting HCC with adjacent liver tissue allows the comparison of Gd, Pt, and endogenous elements like Fe, Cu, and Zn in the various tissue types. Region of interest analysis reveals lower concentrations of Gd in HCC and higher Gd content in the adjacent liver, fitting the selective uptake of Gadoxetic acid into hepatocytes. Furthermore, two malignancy grades and their possible impact on the Gadoxetic acid and Cisplatin uptake are compared. For this, four high grade (G3) and two moderate grade (G2) HCCs were analysed, including a control sample each. Gd concentrations were lower in HCC irrespective of the grade of dedifferentiation (G2, G3) compared to adjacent liver. Despite local arterial Cisplatin injection, concentrations of Pt were similar or also reduced in HCC compared to liver tissue. In addition, endogenous Fe, Cu, and Zn were quantified. While Zn was homogenously distributed, higher Fe concentrations were determined in liver tissue compared to HCC. Hotspots of Cu suggest a deregulated copper homeostasis in certain liver lesions. The Gd and Fe distributions are compared in detail with cellular alterations examined by hematoxylin and eosin staining.

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt creation (TIPS) in the angio-CT-a hybrid intervention with image fusion.

OBJECTIVE: For transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) creation, ultrasound guidance for portal vein puncture is strongly recommended. However, outside regular hours of service, a skilled sonographer might be lacking. Hybrid intervention suites combine CT imaging with conventional angiography allowing to project 3D information into the conventional 2D imaging and further CT-fluoroscopic puncture of the portal vein. The purpose of this study was to assess whether TIPS using angio-CT facilitates the procedure for a single interventional radiologist. METHODS: All TIPS procedures from 2021 and 2022 which took place outside regular working hours were included (n = 20). Ten TIPS procedures were performed with just fluoroscopy guidance and ten procedures using angio-CT. For the angio-CT TIPS, a contrast-enhanced CT was performed on the angiography table. From the CT, a 3D volume was created using virtual rendering technique (VRT). The VRT was blended with the conventional angiography image onto the live monitor and used as guidance for the TIPS needle. Fluoroscopy time, area dose product, and interventional time were assessed. RESULTS: Hybrid intervention with angio-CT did lead to a significantly shorter fluoroscopy time and interventional time (p = 0.034 for both). Mean radiation exposure was significantly reduced, too (p = 0.04). Furthermore, the mortality rate was lower in patients who underwent the hybrid TIPS (0% vs 33%). CONCLUSION: TIPS procedure in angio-CT performed by only one interventional radiologist is quicker and reduces radiation exposure for the interventionalist compared to mere fluoroscopy guidance. The results further indicate increased safety using angio-CT. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of using angio-CT in TIPS procedures during non-standard working hours. Results indicated that the use of angio-CT significantly reduced fluoroscopy time, interventional time, and radiation exposure, while also leading to improved patient outcomes. KEY POINTS: • Image guiding such as ultrasound is recommended for transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt creation but might be not available for emergency cases outside of regular working hours. • Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt creation using an angio-CT with image fusion is feasible for only one physician under emergency settings and results in lower radiation exposure and faster procedures. • Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt creation using an angio-CT with image fusion seems to be safer than using mere fluoroscopy guidance.

Safety of sheathless vascular access using braided 4 F selective catheters for common body interventions - a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Besides other factors, complication rate of transarterial interventions depends on the size of the vascular access. Therefore, the vascular access is mostly chosen as small as possible while still allowing all planned parts of the intervention. This retrospective analysis is to evaluate the safety and feasibility of sheathless arterial interventions for a broad spectrum of interventions in daily practice. METHODS: All sheathless interventions using a 4 F main catheter between May 2018 and September 2021 were included in the evaluation. Additionally, intervention parameters such as type of catheter, use of microcatheter and required change of main catheters were assessed. Information about the use about sheathless approach and catheters were obtained from the material registration system. All catheters were braided. RESULTS: 503 sheathless interventions with 4 F catheters from the groin were documented. The spectrum comprised bleeding embolization, diagnostic angiographies, arterial DOTA-TATE-therapy, uterine fibroid embolization, transarterial chemotherapy, transarterial radioembolization and others. In 31 cases (6 %) a change of the main catheter was required. In 381 cases (76 %) a microcatheter was utilized. No clinically relevant adverse events were observed (grade 2 or higher [CIRSE AE-classification]). None of the cases later required conversion to a sheath-based intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Sheathless interventions with a 4 F braided catheter from the groin are safe and feasible. It allows for a broad spectrum of interventions in daily practice.

Efficacy of ultrasound assisted catheter-directed thrombolysis compared to catheter-directed thrombolysis in vitro.

BACKGROUND: Catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) is an effective and safe endovascular method used in critical limb ischemia and many other thromboembolic events. Ultrasound-assisted catheter-directed thrombolysis (US-CDT) is an emerging technique considered to accelerate thrombolysis and therefore is supposed to improve outcome. PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of US-CDT in comparison to standard CDT in vitro. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 69 sets of human venous blood were evaluated, each comprising a tube just treated with CDT, a tube treated with US-CDT, and a control tube. All tubes were kept under physiological conditions. Except for the controls, in all tubes 5 mg of tissue-type plasminogen activator was administered over the predetermined treatment interval. Thrombus mass was weighted at the end of the lysis intervals at 6 h or 24 h, respectively. RESULTS: CDT led to a mean thrombus reduction of 32% and ultrasound-assisted lysis led to a mean thrombus reduction of 41% (P < 0.001 for both). Thrombus reduction was significantly higher after US-CDT compared to CDT (P = 0.001). The better efficacy of US-CDT was mostly already apparent at early phases during thrombolysis and did further mildly increase over time (r = 0.24; P = 0.047). CONCLUSION: In vitro US-CDT is significantly superior to standard CDT; this effect is apparent at an early timepoint of lysis and slightly further increases over time.

Nationwide Provision of Radiologically-guided Interventional Measures for the Supportive Treatment of Tumor Diseases in Germany - An Analysis of the DeGIR Registry Data. / Flächendeckende Versorgung mit radiologisch-interventionellen supportiven Maßnahmen bei Tumorerkrankungen und anderen Erkrankungen (DeGIR-Modul C) in Deutschland ­ Eine Analyse der DeGIR-Registerdaten.

PURPOSE: In addition to direct oncologic therapy, interventional radiology plays an important supportive role in oncologic therapy primarily guided by other disciplines. These supporting measures include diagnostic punctures, drainages, biliary interventions, central venous access including port implantations, osteoplasties, pain therapies etc.). This study investigated the extent to which these radiologically guided supportive measures are available in Germany. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All interventional procedures documented in the DeGIR-registry (excluding transhepatic portosystemic shunts) of the years 2018 and 2019 were recorded (DeGIR-module C). A breakdown of the documented interventions was performed based on federal states as well as 40 individual regions (administrative districts and former administrative districts). RESULTS: A total of 136,328 procedures were recorded at 216 centers in DeGIR Module C in 2018 and 2019. On average, 389 cases were documented per hospital in 2018 and 394 cases in 2019; the increase per hospital from 2019 is not statistically significant but is relevant in the aggregate when new participating centers are included, with an overall increase of 10 % (6,554 more cases than the previous year). Normalized to one million inhabitants, an average of 781 procedures took place across Germany in 2018 and 860 in 2019. Districts with no registered procedures are not found for Module C.Indications for Module C interventions were mostly interdisciplinary in 2018 and 2019. In this context, the quality of outcome was very high; for the procedures drain placement, marking and biopsy the technical success was 99 %, while the complication rate was lower than 1 %. CONCLUSION: The structural analysis of this work concludes that in Germany there is good nationwide availability of radiologically guided supportive measures in oncological therapy. Accordingly, the training situation for prospective interventional radiologists is good, as the distribution to centers with high experience is excellent. In addition, the overall outcome quality of radiology-guided interventions is very high. KEY POINTS: · In Germany, there is good nationwide coverage of radiologically guided supportive interventions in oncological therapy.. · The training situation for prospective interventional radiologists is good, as the distribution to centers with high experience is excellent.. · The overall outcome quality of radiology-guided interventions is very high.. CITATION FORMAT: · Nadjiri J, Schachtner B, Bücker A et al. Nationwide Provision of Radiologically-guided Interventional Measures for the Supportive Treatment of Tumor Diseases in Germany - An Analysis of the DeGIR Registry Data. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2022; 194: 993 - 1002.

[Imaging of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma : Reliable diagnosis according to the new S3 guideline]. / Bildgebung beim intrahepatischen Cholangiokarzinom : Richtige Diagnostik nach der neuen S3-Leitlinie.

The S3 guideline on hepatocellular carcinoma has been expanded to include malignant biliary carcinoma (synonym cholangiocarcinoma [CCA]). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with additional magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is the imaging modality of choice to evaluate local findings. Use of gadolinium ethoxybenzyl diethylenetriamine penta-acetic acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA)-based contrast agent increases its diagnostic value. Histologic confirmation is always required when diagnosing intrahepatic CCA (iCCA) because using imaging alone there is a risk of confusion with HCC subtypes.

Outcome and Safety after 103 Radioembolizations with Yttrium-90 Resin Microspheres in 73 Patients with Unresectable Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma-An Evaluation of Predictors.

Trans-arterial radioembolization (TARE) is increasingly evaluated for unresectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). Not all ICC patients benefit equally well from TARE. Therefore, we sought to evaluate variables predicting progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Patients with non-resectable ICC underwent TARE and were treated with 90Y resin microspheres. Baseline characteristics, biochemical/clinical toxicities, and response were examined for impact on PFS and OS. A total of 103 treatments were administered to 73 patients without major complications or toxicity. Mean OS was 18.9 months (95% confidence intervals (CI); 13.9-23.9 months). Mean and median PFS were 10.1 months (95% CI; 7.9-12.2) and 6.4 months (95% CI; 5.20-7.61), respectively. Median OS and PFS were significantly prolonged in patients with baseline cholinesterase (CHE) ≥ 4.62 kU/L (OS: 14.0 vs. 5.5 months; PFS: 6.9 vs. 3.2 months; p < 0.001). Patients with a tumor burden ≤ 25% had a significantly longer OS (15.2 vs. 6.6 months; p = 0.036). Median PFS was significantly longer for patients with multiple TARE cycles (24.4 vs. 5.8 months; p = 0.04). TARE is a considerable and safe option for unresectable ICC. CA-19-9, CHE, and tumor burden have predictive value for survival in patients treated with TARE. Multiple TARE treatments might further improve survival; this has to be confirmed by further studies.

International recommendations for personalised selective internal radiation therapy of primary and metastatic liver diseases with yttrium-90 resin microspheres.

PURPOSE: A multidisciplinary expert panel convened to formulate state-of-the-art recommendations for optimisation of selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) with yttrium-90 (90Y)-resin microspheres. METHODS: A steering committee of 23 international experts representing all participating specialties formulated recommendations for SIRT with 90Y-resin microspheres activity prescription and post-treatment dosimetry, based on literature searches and the responses to a 61-question survey that was completed by 43 leading experts (including the steering committee members). The survey was validated by the steering committee and completed anonymously. In a face-to-face meeting, the results of the survey were presented and discussed. Recommendations were derived and level of agreement defined (strong agreement ≥ 80%, moderate agreement 50%-79%, no agreement ≤ 49%). RESULTS: Forty-seven recommendations were established, including guidance such as a multidisciplinary team should define treatment strategy and therapeutic intent (strong agreement); 3D imaging with CT and an angiography with cone-beam-CT, if available, and 99mTc-MAA SPECT/CT are recommended for extrahepatic/intrahepatic deposition assessment, treatment field definition and calculation of the 90Y-resin microspheres activity needed (moderate/strong agreement). A personalised approach, using dosimetry (partition model and/or voxel-based) is recommended for activity prescription, when either whole liver or selective, non-ablative or ablative SIRT is planned (strong agreement). A mean absorbed dose to non-tumoural liver of 40 Gy or less is considered safe (strong agreement). A minimum mean target-absorbed dose to tumour of 100-120 Gy is recommended for hepatocellular carcinoma, liver metastatic colorectal cancer and cholangiocarcinoma (moderate/strong agreement). Post-SIRT imaging for treatment verification with 90Y-PET/CT is recommended (strong agreement). Post-SIRT dosimetry is also recommended (strong agreement). CONCLUSION: Practitioners are encouraged to work towards adoption of these recommendations.

[Comparison of radiation exposure in common hepatic interventions : A retrospective analysis of DeGIR registry data]. / Strahlenexposition bei häufigen interventionellen Eingriffen der Leber im Vergleich : Retrospektive Analyse von DeGIR-Registerdaten.

BACKGROUND: Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) and biliary interventions are common procedures. OBJECTIVES: In this retrospective study, the radiation exposure of patients undergoing hepatic intervention will be analyzed and compared depending on the type and objective of the intervention. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is an analysis of 7003 data sets of performed TACEs and biliary interventions from the DeGIR registry for the years 2016, 2017, and 2018. The dose area product (DAP), fluoroscopy time (FT), type of intervention, and anatomically defined target were recorded. RESULTS: Data with documented radiation doses were available for 4985 TACEs and for 2018 biliary interventions. For biliary interventions the median DAP was 2594 (interquartile range [IQR] = 1174-5858) cGycm2. For TACE, the median DAP was 11,632 [IQR = 5530-22,800] cGycm2 and significantly higher compared to biliary interventions (p < 0.0001). Biliary interventions with the highest DAP take place at the common hepatic duct; procedures with the longest FT were registered at the hepatic duct bifurcation. CONCLUSIONS: The individual radiation exposure during liver interventions is less dependent of the complexity of the procedure or the fluoroscopy time, but rather on the type of intervention and the anatomic target. The presented data can help to approximately estimate the radiation exposure in advance when planning an intervention.

Association between objective response rate and overall survival in metastatic neuroendocrine tumors treated with radioembolization: a systematic literature review and regression analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are a heterogeneous group of cancers arising from neuroendocrine cells. The aim was to evaluate objective response rate (ORR) as a predictor of overall survival (OS) in patients with metastatic NETs (mNETs) treated with radioembolization (RE). METHODS: Randomized controlled trials and observational studies of RE treatment of mNETs were identified by systematic literature review (SLR). Pooled ORR and OS estimates were calculated and a weighted generalized linear model (GLM) of ORR as a predictor of OS was derived, stratified by ORR assessment criteria and RE type (Yttrium-90 resin or glass microspheres). RESULTS: The SLR identified 32 observational studies. Mean ORR was 41% (95% confidence interval 38-45%). The Yttrium-90 resin and glass microsphere GLMs accounted for 59% and 57% of OS deviance, respectively. ORR was a significant predictor of OS in the resin microspheres model (p < 0.001), but not the glass microspheres model (p = 0.11). CONCLUSIONS: A weighted GLM showed a significant relationship between ORR and OS in patients with mNETs treated with Yttrium-90 resin microspheres. ORR could therefore potentially be an OS surrogate in future trials of Yttrium-90 resin microspheres. Further research is needed to confirm the relationship between ORR and OS and the difference between resin and glass microspheres.

Availability of Transcatheter Vessel Occlusion Performed by Interventional Radiologists to Treat Bleeding in Germany in the Years 2016 and 2017 - An Analysis of the DeGIR Registry Data. / Flächendeckende Versorgung mit radiologisch durchgeführten gefäßverschließenden Maßnahmen zur interventionellen Behandlung von Blutungen in Deutschland in den Jahren 2016 und 2017 ­ Eine Analyse der DeGIR-Registerdaten.

PURPOSE: Acute bleeding is a life-threatening condition that can be effectively treated minimally invasively by interventional radiologists using transcatheter vessel occlusion (TCVO). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the availability of TCVO performed by interventional radiologists in Germany based on the DeGIR registry. MATERIALS AND METHODS: TCVO interventions from the years 2016 and 2017 were included (DeGIR module B). The number of interventions was assessed by state and region. RESULTS: TCVO interventions were reported by 242 clinics in Germany. 16 763 module B interventions were reported in 2016 and 16 399 in 2017. DeGIR requirements for certification as a training center were fulfilled by 160 facilities in 2016 and by 162 facilities in 2017. Normalized to one million citizens, an average of 211 TCVO interventions were performed in 2016 and 200 in 2017 (standard deviation was 101 and 109); the median was 202 and 222, respectively. In all regions TCVO interventions were reported. Only a minimal number of small regions showed a lower number of clinics offering TCVO interventions. CONCLUSION: The results from the DeGIR registry indicate comprehensive nationwide availability of TCVO performed by interventional radiologists with the necessary experience in Germany on the state level for the treatment of acute bleeding. Furthermore, the distribution of facilities fulfilling the requirements of training centers allows for good educational possibilities for young interventional radiologists in Germany. Only the distribution of clinics offering TCVO in a few small regions might lead to increased transfer times in the case of acute bleeding. KEY POINTS: · As a treatment for life-threatening acute bleeding in Germany, transcatheter vessel occlusion led by interventional radiologists is readily available on the state level.. · Furthermore, the distribution of facilities fulfilling the requirements of training centers allows for good educational possibilities for young interventional radiologists in Germany.. · Due to the good training conditions in Germany, it might be possible to further improve the situation in smaller regions by training more interventional radiologists and employing them in regions with less coverage.. CITATION FORMAT: · Nadjiri J, Schachtner B, Bücker A et al. Availability of Transcatheter Vessel Occlusion Performed by Interventional Radiologists to Treat Bleeding in Germany in the Years 2016 and 2017 - An Analysis of the DeGIR Registry Data. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2020; 192: 952 - 960.

CT Fluoroscopy-Guided Drain Placement to Treat Infected Gastric Leakage after Sleeve Gastrectomy: Technical and Clinical Outcome of 31 Procedures.

PURPOSE: To observe the technical and clinical outcome as well as safety of CT fluoroscopy-guided drain placement in the multimodal clinical complication management of superinfected gastric leakage after sleeve gastrectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All consecutive patients who underwent CT fluoroscopy-guided drain placement to treat superinfected postoperative leakage after sleeve gastrectomy in our department between 2007 and 2014 were included in this retrospective study. All interventions were performed on a 16- or 128-row CT scanner under intermittent CT fluoroscopy guidance (15-25 mAs, 120 kV). The technical and clinical success rates as well as complications, additional therapies and patient radiation dose were analyzed. RESULTS: 14 patients (mean age: 43.8 ±â€Š11.3 years, mean BMI: 52.9 ±â€Š13.5, 7 women) who underwent a total of 31 CT fluoroscopy-guided drain placement procedures were included. 30 of 31 interventions (96.8 %) were technically successful. 7 patients underwent more than one intervention due to drain obstruction or secondary dislocation or as further treatment. During and after the intervention no procedure-associated complications occurred. In all patients, inflammation parameters decreased within days after the CT-guided intervention. The total interventional dose length product (DLP) was 1561 ±â€Š1035 mGy*cm. CONCLUSION: CT fluoroscopy-guided drain placement has been shown to be a safe minimally invasive procedure that rarely leads to complications for treating superinfected gastric leakage occurring after sleeve gastrectomy. We assume that operative revisions in a high-risk patient group can be avoided using this procedure. KEY POINTS: · CT fluoroscopy-guided drain placement in obese - often medically highly complex - patients is a technically feasible procedure.. · Multimodal treatment (CT intervention, endoscopy and surgery) is required to successfully treat gastric leakage after bariatric surgery.. · High-risk surgery might be avoided by the CT-guided drain placement.. CITATION FORMAT: · Schwarz J, Strobl FF, Paprottka PM et al. CT Fluoroscopy-Guided Drain Placement to Treat Infected Gastric Leakage after Sleeve Gastrectomy: Technical and Clinical Outcome of 31 Procedures. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2020; 192: 163 - 170.

Prognostic Factors for Overall Survival in Advanced Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma Treated with Yttrium-90 Radioembolization.

PURPOSE: To evaluate factors associated with survival following transarterial 90Y (yttrium) radioembolization (TARE) in patients with advanced intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). METHODS: This retrospective multicenter study analyzed the outcome of three tertiary care cancer centers in patients with advanced ICC following resin microsphere TARE. Patients were included either after failed previous anticancer therapy, including relapse after surgical resection, or for having a minimum of 25% of total liver volume affected by ICC. Patients were stratified and response was assessed by the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) criteria at 3 months. Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to analyze survival followed by cox regression to determine independent prognostic factors for survival. RESULTS: 46 patients were included (19 male, 27 female), median age 62.5 years (range 29-88 years). A total of 65% of patients had undergone previous therapy, while 63% had a tumor volume > 25% of the entire liver volume. Median survival was 9.5 months (95% CI: 6.1-12.9 months). Due to loss in follow-up, n = 37 patients were included in the survival analysis. Cox regression revealed the extent of liver disease to one or both liver lobes being associated with survival, irrespective of tumor volume (p = 0.041). Patients with previous surgical resection of ICC had significantly decreased survival (3.9 vs. 12.8 months, p = 0.002). No case of radiation-induced liver disease was observed. DISCUSSION: Survival after 90Y TARE in patients with advanced ICC primarily depends on disease extent. Only limited prognostic factors are associated with a general poor overall survival.

Retrospective outcome analysis of rates and types of complications after 8654 minimally invasive radiological port implantations via the subclavian vein without ultrasound guidance.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the rate and types of complications after minimally invasive radiological central vein port implantation without ultrasound guidance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 8654 patients who underwent port implantations in the subclavian vein without ultrasound guidance in our institution from 1998 to 2014 with regard to types and rates of peri-, early and late post-interventional complications according to the common classification for complications published by the Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR). Additionally, the impact of the training level of the operators on the rate of complications was analyzed. RESULTS: Successful port implantations were performed in 99.8% (8636/8654 procedures). From 1998 to 2014, a total of 565 (6.52%) complications were recorded. The overall percentage of the peri-, early and late post-interventional complications according to the SIR criteria was 1.69, 0.15 and 4.68, respectively. Significant differences due to the training level of the performing physician could be seen for the rates of pneumothorax, arterial puncture and hematoma. CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive radiological interventional port implantation is a safe treatment option with a low rate of complications even without ultrasound guidance.

The Munich-Transarterial Chemoembolisation Score Holds Superior Prognostic Capacities Compared to TACE-Tailored Modifications of 9 Established Staging Systems for Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The recently proposed Munich-transarterial chemoembolisation-score (M-TACE) was tailored to suit hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) patients evaluated for TACE. M-TACE outperformed the established HCC-staging-systems and successfully passed external validation. Modifications of staging-systems through the rearrangement of stages or by adding prognostic factors are methods of improving prognostic power. M-TACEs performance compared to scores modified this way should be tested. METHODS: Seven well-known HCC staging-systems (including Cancer of the Liver Italian Program-score [CLIP] and Barcelona Clinic liver cancer [BCLC]) and 2 TACE-specific scores (Selection for Transarterial Chemoembolisation Treatment [STATE] and Hepatoma Arterial embolisation Prognostic [HAP]) were rearranged in a cohort of 186 TACE-patients through score-point-analysis and subsequent linking of non-significant adjacent score-points. Additionally, a new score was constructed by combining the top established staging-system in TACE patients (CLIP-TACE) and the prognostic parameter with the highest hazard ratio for death in the TACE-cohort [C-reactive protein (CRP)]. Additionally, the TACE-tailored-scores were applied to an external TACE-cohort (n = 71). -Results: Rearrangement resulted in optimal stratification and monotonicity. CLIP-TACE demonstrated the best prognostic capability of all rearranged scores (c-index 0.668, AIC 1294) and the addition of CRP yielded further prognostic improvement (c-index 0.680, AIC 1289). However, superiority over M-TACE could not be achieved by any of the new scores in the internal and external cohort. CONCLUSION: M-TACE outperforms TACE-tailored modifications of all relevant HCC-staging-systems. Prospective validation of M-TACE to promote its role as the preferred staging-system for TACE-patients is therefore justified.

CT fluoroscopy-guided percutaneous osteoplasty with or without radiofrequency ablation in the treatment of painful extraspinal and spinal bone metastases: technical outcome and complications in 29 patients.

PURPOSE: We aimed to assess the safety and technical outcome of computed tomography (CT) fluoroscopy-guided osteoplasty with or without prior percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in patients with painful osteolyses. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of 29 patients with painful extraspinal and spinal osteolyses (16 women, 13 men; 63.1±14.4 years) who underwent CT fluoroscopy-guided osteoplasty (10-20 mAs tube current) with or without RFA (26 and 14 lesions, respectively), in 33 consecutive procedures from 2002 to 2016. Technical success was defined as at least one complete RFA cycle and subsequent polymethyl metacrylate (PMMA) bone cement injection covering ≥75% of longest diameter of extraspinal osteolysis on axial plane or of distance between vertebral endplates. Procedure-related complications within 30 days and dose-length-product (DLP) were also evaluated. RESULTS: Osteolyses were located in the pelvis (acetabulum, n=10; iliac bone, n=4), spine (thoracic, n=6; lumbar, n=5; sacral, n=8), long bones (femur, n=3; tibia, n=1), sternum (n=2) and glenoid (n=1). Mean size of the treated osteolysis was 4.0±1.2 cm (range, 1.9-6.9 cm). Of 40 osteolyses, 31 (77.5%) abutted neighboring risk structures (spinal canal or neuroforamen, n=18; neighboring joint, n=11; other, n=8). Mean number of RFA electrode positions and complete ablation cycles was 1.5±0.9 and 2.1±1.7, respectively. Mean PMMA filling volume was 7.7±5.7 mL (range, 2-30 mL). Small asymptomatic PMMA leakages were observed in 15 lesions (37.5%). Mean total DLP was 850±653 mGy*cm. Six minor complications were observed, without any major complications. CONCLUSION: CT fluoroscopy-guided percutaneous osteoplasty with or without concomitant RFA for the treatment of painful extraspinal and spinal osteolyses can be performed with a low complication rate and high technical success.

Combined [18F]-Fluoroethylcholine PET/CT and 99mTc-Macroaggregated Albumin SPECT/CT Predict Survival in Patients With Intermediate-Stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

AIM: The aim of this study was to retrospectively analyze the prognostic value of combined Tc-macroaggregated albumin (MAA) SPECT/CT and [F]-fluoroethylcholine (FEC) PET/CT before radioembolization for survival of patients with intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma. METHODS: Twenty-four patients with known hepatocellular carcinoma Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage B were eligible for this analysis. All patients were scheduled for radioembolization and received a pretherapeutic [F]FEC PET/CT scan as well as Tc-MAA SPECT/CT for hepatopulmonary shunting. Laboratory and semiquantitative PET parameters and morphologic and metabolic (intersection) volumes of MAA and FEC were evaluated. Spearman correlation with overall survival, receiver operating curve analyses, univariate and multivariate Cox regression, and Kaplan-Meier-analysis was applied. RESULTS: All patients (5 female/19 male) are deceased within the observational period. Median survival was 395 days (±51 days; range, 23-1122 days). The percentage of hypervascularized metabolically active tumor volume (vascularized tumor ratio; defined as high MAA and FEC uptake) correlated significantly with survival. Vascularized tumor ratio was a significant predictor in univariate and multivariate analyses (P = 0.026; hazard ratio, 11.65; 95% confidence interval, 1.62-83.73; P = 0.015). Statistical significance was not reached by all other variables in multivariate analysis. Receiver operating curve analysis for 1-year survival revealed an area under the curve of 0.77 (P = 0.024) for vascularized tumor ratio. At a cutoff value of 9%, sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative prediction were 83%, 67%, and 71% and 80% (P = 0.036). Patients with a higher tumor vascularization had a median survival of 274 ± 80 versus 585 ± 284 days (P = 0.015). CONCLUSIONS: Hepatocellular carcinoma with high vascularization in metabolic active areas as assessed by combined FEC PET/CT and Tc-MAA SPECT/CT represents an unfavorable subgroup with reduced overall survival after radioembolization.

Radioembolisation in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma that have previously received liver-directed therapies.

PURPOSE: Radioembolisation is part of the multimodal treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) at specialist liver centres. This study analysed the impact of prior treatment on tolerability and survival following radioembolisation. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of 325 consecutive patients with a confirmed diagnosis of HCC, who received radioembolisation with yttrium-90 resin microspheres at eight European centres between September 2003 and December 2009. The decision to treat was based on the clinical judgement of multidisciplinary teams. Patients were followed from the date of radioembolisation to last contact or death and the nature and severity of all adverse events (AEs) recorded from medical records. RESULTS: Most radioembolisation candidates were Child-Pugh class A (82.5%) with multinodular HCC (75.9%) invading both lobes (53.1%); 56.3% were advanced stage. Radioembolisation was used first-line in 57.5% of patients and second-line in 34.2%. Common prior procedures were transarterial (chemo)embolisation therapies (27.1%), surgical resection/transplantation (17.2%) and ablation (8.6%). There was no difference in AE incidence and severity between prior treatment subgroups. Median (95% confidence interval [CI]) survival following radioembolisation was similar between procedure-naive and prior treatment groups for Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage A: 22.1 months (15.1-45.9) versus 30.9 months (19.6-46.8); p = 0.243); stage B: 18.4 months (11.2-19.4) versus 22.8 months (10.9-34.2); p = 0.815; and stage C: 8.8 months (7.1-10.8) versus 10.8 months (7.7-12.6); p = 0.976. CONCLUSIONS: Radioembolisation is a valuable treatment option for patients who relapse following surgical, ablative or vascular procedures and remain suitable candidates for this treatment.

Quantification of Adipose Tissue and Muscle Mass Based on Computed Tomography Scans: Comparison of Eight Planimetric and Diametric Techniques Including a Step-By-Step Guide.

BACKGROUND: Recent scientific work proved that knowledge about body composition beyond the body mass index is essential. Both adipose tissue and muscular status are determining risk factors of morbidity and mortality. Analysis of single cross-sectional computed tomography (CT) images, acquired during routine care only to prevent additional radiation exposure, provide a detailed insight into the body composition of chronically and critically ill patients. METHODS: This retrospective study included 490 trauma patients of whom a whole-body multiple detector CT scan was acquired at admission. From a single cross-sectional CT, we compared eight diametric and planimetric techniques for the assessment of core muscle mass as well as visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue. Furthermore, we derived formulas for converting the measurement results of various techniques into each other. RESULTS: For intra- and interobserver reliability, we obtained intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) ranging from 0.947 to 0.997 (intraobserver reliability) and from 0.850 to 0.998 (interobserver reliability) for planimetric measurements. Diametric techniques conferred lower ICCs with 0.851-0.995 and 0.833-0.971, respectively. Overall, area-based measurements of abdominal adipose tissue yielded highly correlated results with diametric measures of obesity. For example, the Pearson correlation of visceral adipose tissue and sagittal abdominal diameter was 0.87 for male and 0.82 for female patients. Planimetric and diametric muscle measurements correlated best for lean psoas area and bilateral diametric measurement of the psoas with a Pearson correlation of 0.90 and 0.93 for male and female patients, respectively. CONCLUSION: Planimetric measurements should remain the gold standard to describe fat and muscle compartments. Diametric measurements could however serve as a surrogate if planimetric techniques are not readily available or feasible as for example in large registries.