[Radiological imaging to assess individual cardiovascular risk]. / Radiologische Bildgebung zur Bestimmung des individuellen kardiovaskulären Risikos.

CLINICAL/METHODICAL ISSUE: Radiologic imaging for the assessment of individual cardiovascular risk. STANDARD RADIOLOGICAL METHODS: The correct estimation of the individual cardiovascular risk is prerequisite for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Here, extensive evidence is available for coronary calcium scans as well as coronary CT angiography (CTA). METHODICAL INNOVATIONS: Summary of the available evidence for the use of calcium score and coronary CTA. Illustration of the significance of both tests in current guidelines. PERFORMANCE: Both tests have high prognostic value, surpassing a risk-factor based assessment. In comparison with the calcium score, the CTA has higher incremental value. ACHIEVEMENTS: Results from recent trials confirm an improvement of outcomes in symptomatic patients by performing a CTA compared with standard care. PRACTICAL RECOMMENDATIONS: European and US guidelines recommend a calcium score for risk stratification of asymptomatic patients with a low to intermediate risk profile. For symptomatic patients with low to intermediate coronary artery disease pretest probability, a CTA is recommended.

ECG-gated quiescent-interval single-shot MR angiography of the lower extremities: initial experience at 3 T.

AIM: To evaluate the feasibility of unenhanced electrocardiography (ECG)-gated quiescent-interval single-shot magnetic resonance angiography (QISS-MRA) of the lower extremities at 3 T. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-five patients with known or suspected peripheral arterial disease underwent ECG-gated QISS-MRA and contrast-enhanced MRA (CE-MRA) at 3 T. Two independent readers performed a per-segment evaluation of the MRA datasets. Image quality was rated on a four-point scale (1 = excellent to 4 = non-diagnostic; presented as medians with interquartile range). Diagnostic performance of QISS-MRA was evaluated using CE-MRA as the reference standard. RESULTS: QISS-MRA and CE-MRA of all patients were considered for analysis, resulting in 807 evaluated vessel segments for each MRA technique. Readers 1 and 2 rated image quality of QISS-MRA as diagnostic in 97.3% and 97% of the vessel segments, respectively. CE-MRA was rated diagnostic in all vessel segments. Image quality of the proximal vessel segments, including the infrarenal aorta, iliac arteries, and common femoral artery, was significantly lower on QISS-MRA compared to CE-MRA [image quality score across readers: 2 (1,3) versus 1 (1,1) p < 0.001]. In the more distal vessel segments, image quality of QISS-MRA was excellent and showed no significant difference compared to CE-MRA [image quality score across readers: 1 (1,1) versus 1 (1,1) p = 0.036]. Diagnostic performance of QISS-MRA was as follows (across readers): sensitivity: 87.5% (95% CI: 80.2-92.4%); specificity: 96.1% (95% CI: 93.6-97.6%); diagnostic accuracy: 94.9% (95% CI: 92.6-96.5%). CONCLUSIONS: QISS-MRA of the lower extremities is feasible at 3 T and provides high image quality, especially in the distal vessel segments.

Predictive preoperative clinical score for patients with liver-only oligometastatic colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Resection of liver metastases from colorectal cancer (CRC) in the oligometastatic stage improves survival and is a potentially curative treatment. Thus, predictive scores that reliably identify those patients who especially benefit from surgery are essential. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this multicenter analysis, 512 patients had undergone surgery for liver metastases from CRC. We investigated distinct cancer-specific risk factors that are routinely available in clinical practice and developed a predictive preoperative score using a training cohort (TC), which was thereafter tested in a validation cohort (VC). RESULTS: Inflammatory response to the tumor, a right-sided primary tumor, multiple liver metastases, and node-positive primary tumor were significant adverse variables for overall survival (OS). Patients were stratified in five groups according to the cumulative score given by the presence of these risk factors. Median OS for patients without risk factors was 133.8 months [95% confidence interval (CI) 81.2-not reached (nr)] in the TC and was not reached in the VC. OS decreased significantly for each subsequent group with increasing number of risk factors. Median OS was significantly shorter (P < 0.0001) for patients presenting all four risk factors: 14.3 months (95% CI 10.5 months-nr) in the TC and 16.6 months (95% CI 14.6 months-nr) in the VC. CONCLUSIONS: Including easily obtainable variables, this preoperative score identifies oligometastatic CRC patients with prolonged survival rates that may be cured, and harbors potential to be implemented in daily clinical practice.

[Preoperative imaging in 78 living kidney donors using CE-MRA and DSA]. / Donor-Evaluation vor Lebendnierenspende: Vergleich von CE-MRA und DSA an 78 Patienten.

PURPOSE: To evaluate contrast-enhanced 3D magnetic resonance angiography (CE-MRA) and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in comparison with the intraoperative findings in living kidney donors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 156 kidneys in 78 potential kidney donors were prospectively examined using CE-MRA (0.2 mmol Gd/kg, voxel size 1.3 x 0.8 x 2.0) and DSA. Two experienced radiologists assessed the images in consensus regarding the renal vascular anatomy and variants. The results for the 67 candidates accepted for donation were compared to the intraoperative findings. In the other kidneys not accepted for donor nephrectomy, MRA and DSA were compared with each other. RESULTS: Nineteen arterial variants were identified intraoperatively, of which 11 (58%) were also detected by preoperative CE-MRA and 10 (53%) by preoperative DSA. Of the 10 venous variants found intraoperatively, CE-MRA detected 8 (80%) and DSA 3 (30%). The agreement (kappa test) between MRI and DSA for all 156 evaluated kidneys was 0.7 for arterial variants (McNemar p=0.12) and 0.3 for venous variants (McNemar p=0.01). The preoperative choice of kidney (right or left) made on the basis of the renal vascular anatomy seen on CE-MRA and DSA differed in 22% of the 78 potential donors (McNemar p=0.3). CONCLUSION: Our results in a large group of potential living kidney donors suggest that CE-MRA and DSA are comparable for detecting arterial renal variants while CE-MRA is superior for identifying venous variants. The preoperative choice of transplant kidney was not significantly influenced by the different results of CE-MRA and DSA.

[Endovenous treatment of primary varicose veins: an effective and safe therapeutic alternative to stripping?]. / Die endovasale Lasertherapie varikös veränderter Stammvenen: Eine effektive und komplikationsarme Alternative zum Venenstripping?

Endovenous laser therapy (EVLT) is a new, minimally invasive therapeutic option for treating primary varicose veins and provides an effective and safe alternative to conventional surgical management (stripping). Short-term and intermediate-term outcome is comparable to surgical stripping in terms of elimination of venous reflux (90 % - 98 %), resolution of visible varices (85 %), and improvement of subjective complaints such as sensations of heaviness and tension (96 %). Complications occur in 1 % - 3 % of cases, which is markedly below the rate of conventional surgical management (up to 30 %). The intermediate-term incidence of recurrent varicosis in a vein treated by EVLT depends on the laser fluence applied and is reported to range from 7 % - 9 % compared to 10 % - 20 % after surgical intervention. Based on a review of the current literature and our own experience, this survey article presents an overview of the indications and contraindications, the technique and pathophysiology of laser-induced venous occlusion, and the results and possible complications of EVLT.

[Transarterial embolization for uterine fibroids: clinical success rate and results of magnetic resonance imaging]. / Transarterielle Embolisation bei Uterus myomatosus: klinische Erfolgsrate und kernspintomographische Ergebnisse.

PURPOSE: To analyze the clinical success rate and the findings of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after uterine artery embolization of symptomatic leiomyomas (fibroids) of the uterus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a prospective single-center case study of 80 consecutively treated patients, followed for 3 - 6 months (group I), 7 - 12 months, (group II), and 13 - 25 months (group III). MRI was used to determine the uterine volume and size of the dominant leiomyoma. Symptoms and causes requiring repeat interventions were analyzed. RESULTS: Significant (p < 0.01) volume reduction of the uterus (median: 34.95 % confidence interval [CI]: 30.41 - 41.76 %) and dominant leiomyoma (median: 52.07 %, CI: 47.71 - 61.57 %) was found. The decrease in uterine volume (I-III: 22.68 %, 33.56 %, 47.93 %) and dominant leiomyoma volume (I-III: 41.86 %, 62.16 %, 73.96 %) progressed with the follow-up time. Bleeding resolved significantly (p < 0.0001) in all three follow-up groups (groups I-III: 92.86 %, 95.23 %, 96.67 %). Furthermore, urinary frequency (groups I-III: 70 %, 75 %, 82.35 %) and sensation of pelvic pressure (groups I-III: 42.86 %, 60 %, 93.75 %) improved, which was statistically significant in group III (p < 0.01). The number of leiomyomas correlated (p < 0.05) with improvement of the bleeding and the pelvic pressure. Repeat therapy was necessary for complications in four patients (5 %) and for therapeutic failure in three patients (3.8 %). Permanent amenorrhea was observed in four patients (5 %) of age 45 years or older. CONCLUSION: Uterine artery embolization of uterine leiomyomas has a high clinical success rate with an acceptable incidence of complications and repeat interventions.

Long-term survival after radical resection of a primary angiosarcoma of the innominate vein.

The case updated here demonstrates the longest survival that has been observed so far after radical resection of primary angiosarcoma of the left innominate vein, which is the second case that has ever been reported to date. Radical resection was performed after preoperative radiotherapy. The venous continuity was restored by expanded polytetrafluoroethylene graft interposition. This case underscores that the prognosis of primary venous sarcoma, though fatal in the majority of patients, may be better in individual cases when radical surgery with curative intention is achieved.

[Uterine fibroid embolization - a new therapeutic option for symptomatic leiomyomata of the uterus]. / Transarterielle Embolisation von Uterusmyomen - Eine neue Therapieoption bei symptomatischem Uterus myomatosus.

Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is a new minimal-invasive therapy for the treatment of symptomatic leiomyomata of the uterus and a uterine-sparing alternative to surgical procedures. Short-term and mid-term results indicate a high clinical success rate with improvement of fibroid-related bleeding symptoms in 80 - 100 % of cases, improvement of bulk symptoms in 60 - 100 % of cases and reduction in fibroid volume at an average of about 36 - 78 % combined with a low rate of complications and side effects. This review discusses indications and contraindications, technique and pathophysiology, choice of material, results and complications of UFE on the basis of the current literature and our own results.

Early postoperative ultrasound of kidney transplants: evaluation of contrast medium dynamics using time-intensity curves.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate kidney recipients in the early posttransplant phase by semiquantitative analysis of the arterial arrival of ultrasound (US) contrast medium using time-intensity curves. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-two kidney recipients underwent US examination after intravenous bolus administration of 2.4 ml of US contrast medium (SonoVue, Bracco Altana) 5 to 7 days after transplantation. The examinations were performed with the Aplio US system (Toshiba) and a 3.5-MHz wideband transducer using contrast harmonic imaging at a low mechanical index of 0.1. Arterial arrival was documented digitally over 60 sec (image repetition rate: 10 images per sec) for subsequent evaluation of contrast medium kinetics in the main renal artery, interlobar artery, subcapsular area, and renal vein using the system's integrated time-intensity curve (TIC) software. The increase, decrease, and percentage enhancement factor were calculated from the curves. Four patients were excluded from analysis because of perirenal hematoma (n = 3) or a polar perfusion loss demonstrated by power Doppler (n = 1). RESULTS: Twelve of the remaining 18 patients assigned to the nonrejection group showed an uneventful clinical course. These had uniform TICs with an early and steep increase of similar magnitude in the main renal artery (11.7 +/- 4.5 intensity units/sec), interlobar artery (8.7 +/- 4.6 intensity units/sec), and subcapsular area (8.3 +/- 3.7 intensity units/sec) followed by a washout and subsequent plateau phase. Six patients showed histologically proven acute rejection on day 5 or 6 after transplantation (rejection group). This group had a delayed (time to peak in the subcapsular area: 32.9 +/- 8.3 sec in the rejection group versus 20.9 +/- 4.7 sec in the nonrejection group, p < 0.05) and smaller subcapsular percentage increase (41.2 +/- 21.9 % versus 114.4 +/- 59.8 %, p < 0.05). In the rejection group the subcapsular area (3.8 +/- 2.3 intensity units/sec) showed a less pronounced increase than the main renal artery (7.9 +/- 5.9 intensity units/sec) and interlobar artery (8.7 +/- 3.8 intensity units/sec). The RI in the rejection group was in the normal range at the time of contrast-enhanced US (day 5: 0.78 +/- 0.06) and increased to abnormal levels in the further course (day 7: 0.94 +/- 0.09). CONCLUSIONS: Quantitative determination of arterial arrival of an US contrast medium in the early phase after kidney transplantation is possible. This new US procedure might identify acute rejection earlier than conventional techniques.

[Technical success rate, peri-interventional complications and radiation exposure of the transarterial embolization for leiomyomas of the uterus]. / Technische Erfolgsrate, peri-interventionelle Komplikationen und Strahlenexposition der transarteriellen Embolisation bei Uterus myomatosus.

PURPOSE: To analyze the technical success rate, incidence and type of peri-interventional complications, and radiation exposure of uterine artery embolization (UAE) in symptomatic leiomyomas of the uterus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study includes 75 patients consecutively treated with UAE from October 2000 through August 2002, with all interventions performed by the same radiologist. Technical success rate, interventional material, and incidence and type of peri-interventional complications (length of hospitalization) were recorded and categorized according to the definitions of the Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR). Fluoroscopy time (FT), dose-area product (DAP), and effective dose (ED) were determined for each intervention and the influence of the radiologist's experience on the radiation exposure analyzed. RESULTS: UAE was technically successful in 97.3 % of the cases. Peri-interventional complications occurred in 14.7 %. Four complications (5.3 %) were classified as major class C according to the SIR (post-embolization syndrome requiring prolonged drug treatment and hospitalization [n = 3] perforation of the uterine artery [n = 1]). None of the complications led to discontinuation of the intervention, subsequent surgical intervention, or permanent sequelae. FT decreased significantly (p < 0.05) until the 35th intervention. The median FT decreased from 18.8 min (13.4 - 28 min [25th to 75th percentile]) to 11.8 min (9.7 - 13.3 min [25th to 75th percentile]). The DAP decreased by 25.3 % to a median of 8.547 (6.527 - 11.590 cGy*cm (2) [25th to 75th percentile]). The median ED was 31.5 mSv from the 36th intervention onward. CONCLUSION: UAE has a high technical success rate with a low rate of peri-interventional complications. The study showed a statistically significant learning effect with a decrease in radiation exposure for the first 35 interventions. The effective dose of UAE is comparable to that of 1 to 2 small bowel enema.

Double contrast MRI of thermally ablated liver metastases.

PURPOSE: To investigate the ability of double contrast MRI (enhancement with iron oxide and gadopentetate dimeglumine) to increase the difference in contrast between various tissues after thermal ablation of liver metastases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 12 patients were imaged after MR-guided laser-induced thermotherapy (LITT). Imaging was performed with a 1.5T MR system. Nonenhanced, iron oxide-enhanced and double contrast images were acquired using T (1)-weighted GRE and T (2)-weighted TSE sequences. Iron oxide imaging was performed 10 min after injection of 1.4 ml ferucarbotran (Resovist(R), Schering AG Berlin, Germany) and double contrast imaging 60 sec after the additional injection of 0.1 mmol/kg body weight gadopentetate dimeglumine (Magnevist(R), Schering AG Berlin, Germany). Qualitative and quantitative assessment was performed on induced necroses, residual or recurrent tumor tissue and metastatic tissue untreated at the time of the study. RESULTS: Iron oxide-enhanced T (1) GRE images demonstrated the highest contrast between ablated hyperintense tissue and iron accumulating and resultant hypointense liver parenchyma. Due to Gd enhancement, double contrast T (1)-weighted GRE images displayed the highest change in signal intensity in vital tumor tissue compared to ablated tissue and iron oxide accumulating liver parenchyma (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: First observations indicate that LITT of hepatic metastases can be better followed with double contrast MRI, which displays increased contrast due to Gd enhancement of perfused tumor tissue and signal intensity loss in iron oxide accumulating hepatic parenchyma. Induced necrosis does not change its signal intensity at all after injection of iron oxide and Gd-containing contrast media.

Technical eligibility for treatment of magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound surgery.

PURPOSE: This study was designed to evaluate the technical eligibility for magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound surgery (MRgFUS) treatment of women with symptomatic fibroids. METHODS: Technical eligibility for MRgFUS treatment without mitigation techniques was evaluated retrospectively in 783 premenopausal women (median age, 44.2 years) with symptomatic fibroids who applied for uterine artery embolization (UAE) at our institution from 2001 to 2012. Technical eligibility for MRgFUS was defined as primary study endpoint. Technical ineligibility was assessed on the basis of MRI criteria, such as bowel interposition/foreign material in the ultrasound beam path, more than five fibroids, distance from fibroid to sacral bone surface, fibroid size/shape, severe concomitant adenomyosis or extensive cutaneous scars in accordance to the US Food and Drug Administration approvals. Secondary study endpoint was defined as evaluation of the most frequent exclusion criteria and differences in technical eligibility for MRgFUS and UAE. RESULTS: On the basis of MRI, 38.9% of women who applied for UAE were found to be technically eligible for MRgFUS treatment without mitigation techniques. Most frequent reason for ineligibility was bowel interposition in the ultrasound beam path (60.4%). Differences in technical eligibility for MRgFUS (38.9%) and UAE (99.2%) were significant (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: MRgFUS treatment is technically possible in up to 40% of women with symptomatic fibroids. The most frequent exclusion criterion is the presence of bowel in the ultrasound beam path.

Uterine Fibroid Embolisation - Potential Impact on Fertility and Pregnancy Outcome.

The current standard therapy to treat myomas in women wishing to have children consists of minimally invasive surgical myomectomy. Uterine artery embolisation (UAE) has also been discussed as another minimally invasive treatment option to treat myomas. This review evaluates the literature of the past 10 years on fibroid embolisation and its impact on fertility and pregnancy. Potential problems associated with UAE such as radiation exposure of the ovaries, impairment of ovarian function and the impact on pregnancy and child birth are discussed in detail. Previously published reports of at least 337 pregnancies after UAE were evaluated. The review concludes that UAE to treat myomas can only be recommended in women with fertility problems due to myomas who refuse surgery or women with an unacceptably high surgical risk, because the evaluated case reports and studies show that UAE significantly increases the risk of spontaneous abortion; there is also evidence of pathologically increased levels for other obstetric outcome parameters. There are still very few prospective studies which provide sufficient evidence for a definitive statement on the impact of UAE therapy on fertility rates and pregnancy outcomes.

Renal denervation for refractory hypertension - technical aspects, complications and radiation exposure.

PURPOSE: To analyze procedural details, complications and radiation exposure in renal denervation (RDN) using the Medtronic Symplicity® device in the treatment of refractory hypertension. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty three consecutive patients underwent RDN. The number of ablations per artery, peri-procedural complications, procedure time (PT), fluoroscopy time (FT), dose-area product (DAP) and procedure-related complications were documented. Additionally, the radiation dose was compared between obese (body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m(2)) and non-obese patients. RESULTS: Bilateral RDN was performed in 50/53 (94 %) cases and with a minimum of 4 ablations per artery in 33/50 (66 %), the mean count being 5.4 (range R: 2 - 13) on the right and 4.3 (R: 1 - 10) on the left. The FT and DAP decreased significantly over the first 12 procedures, reaching a steady state with a median FT of 11.2 min (R: 7.5 - 27) and a median DAP of 4796 cGy × cm(2) (R: 1076 - 21 371), resulting in an effective dose of 15.7 mSv. The median PT was 57 min (R: 40 - 70). Obese patients had a 3.3-fold higher radiation dose (p < 0.001). We observed one severe spasm and one imminent respiratory depression, both resolved without sequelae. CONCLUSION: For an experienced interventionalist, RDN has a short learning curve with a low risk profile. The radiation dose does not exceed that of other renal artery interventions, but is explicitly higher in obese patients, who account for a large portion of patients with refractory hypertension.

Preoperative Uterine Artery Embolisation for Large Uterine Fibroids with Subsequent Uterus Preservation - Three Case Histories and Review of the Literature.

Uterine artery embolisation (UAE) is an established procedure to treat uterine fibroids as an alternative to surgery. The combination of both approaches is reserved for only a few cases. A preoperative UAE (PUAE) contributes to reducing bleeding complications and helps preserve the uterus. We report here on 3 patients, each with very large fibroid (all > 1100 g), who were successfully treated by interdisciplinary hybrid intervention (embolisation followed by surgery). Preserving the uterus was a "sine qua non" for all 3 patients. As discussed in some articles, PUAE should be considered when treating patients who wish to preserve their uterus at all costs but who are considered preoperatively to be at increased risk of bleeding and/or patients who are considered to be at high risk of requiring a hysterectomy "for technical reasons". The additional costs of embolisation can be set against the potentially shorter hospitalisation times due to the more favourable intraoperative and postoperative course, the savings arising from the reduced need for blood transfusions, and the greater patient satisfaction.

[The balanced scorecard--applications in a radiology department]. / Die Balanced Scorecard--Anwendungsmöglichkeiten in der Radiologie.

The balanced scorecard (BSC) represents a comprehensive management tool for organizations with the aim to focus all activities on a chosen strategy. Targets for various perspectives of the environment such as the customer, financial, process, and potential perspective are linked with concrete measures, and cause-effect relationships between the objectives are analyzed. This article shows that the BSC can also be used for the comprehensive control of a radiology department and thus provides a meaningful contribution in organizing the various diagnostic and treatment services, the management of complex clinical environment and can be of help with the tasks in research and teaching.

[Change in health-related quality of life and change in clinical symptoms after uterine artery embolization in patients with symptomatic adenomyosis uteri - evaluation using a standardized questionnaire]. / Änderung der gesundheitsbezogenen Lebensqualität und der klinischen Beschwerdestärke nach Uterusarterienembolisation bei symptomatischer Adenomyosis uteri evaluiert mittels standardisiertem Fragebogen.

AIM: To evaluate the clinical response of uterine artery embolization (UAE) in women with symptomatic uterine adenomyosis by comparing health-related quality of life and symptom severity before and after UAE using a standardized questionnaire. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This longitudinal study at two time points included 17 patients with a median age of 47.1 years with symptomatic uterine adenomyosis (n = 7 pure adenomyosis; n = 10 with concomitant fibroids). The diagnosis was based on clinical symptoms and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) criteria. Data on health-related quality of life and severity of symptoms before and after UAE were obtained by the standardized "Uterine Fibroid Symptom and Quality of Life" (UFS-QOL) questionnaire and correlated in the following. Treatment failure was defined as the need for a second invasive procedure because of recurrent symptoms or persistent symptoms after UAE. RESULTS: The median interval between the evaluation of the UFS-QOL questionnaire before and after UAE was 46.0 months. 70.6 % (12/17; 95 % confidence interval 44.0 %  - 88.6 %) of the patients had therapy response with a significant improvement of health-related quality of life and clinical symptoms (p-value = 0.002). The therapy failure rate was 29.4 % (5/17; 95 % confidence interval 11.4 %  - 56.0 %). One patient underwent dilatation and curettage and four patients underwent hysterectomy because of therapy failure. CONCLUSION: UAE to treat symptomatic adenomyosis uteri can significantly improve the health-related quality of life and clinical symptoms. However, therapy failure is possible in up to one-third of patients.

Plasma levels following application of paclitaxel-coated balloon catheters in patients with stenotic or occluded femoropopliteal arteries.

PURPOSE: Paclitaxel-coated balloon catheters inhibit restenosis after coronary and peripheral angioplasty (PCI,PTA). The aim of this study was to investigate paclitaxel plasma levels and laboratory parameters following PTA with paclitaxel-coated balloons (PCB) in peripheral arteries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This single treatment arm, multicenter study included 14 patients with Rutherford stage 1 - 5 with occlusions of up to 5 cm or ≥ 70 % diameter stenosis of the superficial femoral or popliteal arteries (SFA, PA). PTA was performed using up to three PCB catheters. The paclitaxel plasma levels and safety laboratory parameters were determined by collecting blood samples pre-intervention, immediately post-intervention, at 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 24 hours and 1 and 4 weeks post-intervention (p. i.). Vital signs were monitored to assess clinical safety. RESULTS: PTA was performed successfully in all patients. Paclitaxel plasma levels were always below a level and duration known to cause systemic side effects. A mean peak paclitaxel plasma level (40 ng/ml) was reached immediately p. i. and decreased rapidly below detectable levels in more than half of the patients already 2 hours p. i. The paclitaxel plasma concentrations returned to values below detectable levels at 24 hours p. i. in all patients. Laboratory parameters and vital signs did not give any reason for safety concerns. No adverse events associated with balloon coating were observed. CONCLUSION: The results of 14 patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease show no systemic bioavailability of paclitaxel > 24 hours after PTA with one or more PCB catheters, indicating that the PCB catheter is safe with regard to possible systemic effects.

[Magnetic resonance cholangiographic (MRCP) features of ischemic-type biliary lesions (ITBL): a case-control study]. / Magnetresonanz-Cholangiografie (MRCP) bei Patienten mit Ischemic-Type Biliary Lesions (ITBL): eine Fall-Kontroll-Studie.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the spectrum of MR cholangiography (MRCP) features of ischemic-type biliary lesions (ITBL) after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 30 patients (16 m, 14 f) with an average age of 52 years (9 - 69 y) were examined in two 1.5 MR units using breath-hold 2D-SS-FSE-sequences and 3D-MRCP sequences. 20 of the 30 patients had an established ITBL, and the remaining 10 patients were post-OLT controls. MRCPs were evaluated independently by two experienced radiologists that were blinded to the clinical history as well as the results of other imaging modalities. All images were analyzed for the presence of 16 different pathological features. Differences between ITBL patients and controls were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney-U Test. Inter-rater variability was tested using the Cohen's Kappa test. RESULTS: Abnormal findings of bile ducts were seen in all patients. The most common findings were (in percentage for reader 1 / 2) intrahepatic bile duct dilatation (95 % / 95 %) and extrahepatic bile duct stenoses (95 % / 85 %), followed by intrahepatic main duct stenoses (90 % / 95 %) and segmental duct stenoses (85 % / 85 %). Differences between ITBL patients and controls were significant for most of the analyzed features (Mann-Whitney-U test, p < 0.05). For 12 of 16 features, there was substantial or almost perfect agreement (κ = 0.61 - 1.00), for 2 of 16 features moderate agreement (κ = 0.41- 0.60) and for 2 of 16 features fair agreement (κ < 0.40). CONCLUSION: In patients with ITBL, MR cholangiography reveals characteristic features that may allow differentiation from other biliary complications after liver transplantation.