Percutaneous ablation treatment in metastatic lung tumors: a single-center experience.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, many studies have proven that percutaneous thermal ablation is an effective second-line treatment method with low complication rates in early-stage non-small cell lung carcinoma and lung metastases. Radiofrequency ablation and microwave ablation are commonly used for this purpose. PURPOSE: To evaluate the factors affecting the success of the percutaneous thermal ablation treatment with technical success, complication rates, and long-term follow-up results in metastatic lung lesions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous ablation was performed for 70 metastatic lung lesions in 35 patients (22 men, 13 women; mean age = 61.34 years; age range = 41-75 years). Radiofrequency ablation was performed in 53/70 (75.7%) lesions and microwave ablation in 17/70 (24.3%) lesions. RESULTS: The technical success rate was 98.6%. Median overall survival, progression-free survival, and local recurrence-free survival of the patients were 33.9 months (range=25.6-42.1 months), 12 months (range=4.9-19.2 months), and 24.2 months (range=8.2-40.1 months), respectively. One- and two-year overall survival rates were 84% and 74%, respectively. Median progression-free survival times were 20.3 months and 11.4 months, respectively, according to the number of metastatic lung lesions being single and multiple, and the difference was statistically significant (P = 0.046). According to the number of lesions ≤3 and >3, the difference was also found statistically significant (P = 0.024) (14.3 months and 5.7 months, respectively). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, CT-guided percutaneous thermal ablation is a safe and effective treatment method in metastatic lung lesions. The number of lesions is the most important factor in predicting treatment success.

Evaluation of the self-expanding effect of carotid stents in the early postoperative period.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the expansion effect of self-expandable stents during the first week after carotid artery stenting (CAS) procedure and to examine the variation of the effect according to the carotid plaque type. METHODS: Seventy stenotic carotid arteries of 69 patients were stented by using self-expanding Wallstents with diameters of 7 and 9 mm, after detection of stenosis and plaque type by Doppler ultrasonography. Post-stent aggressive ballooning was avoided and residual stenosis rates were measured with digital subtraction angiography. After the stenting procedure, the caudal, narrowest, and cranial diameters of stents were measured with ultrasonography at 30 min, first day and first week. Stent diameter increase and change according to plaque type were evaluated. Two-way repeated measure ANOVA test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: A significant increase was observed in the mean stent diameter in the three stent regions (caudal, narrow, and cranial) from the 30th minute to the first and seventh days (p < 0.001). The most prominent stent expansion occurred in the cranial and narrow segments within the first day. In the narrow stent region; Stent diameter increase between 30th minute-first day, 30th minute-first week, and first day-first week were all significant (p < 0.001). At 30 min, first day, and first week, no significant difference was detected between plaque type and stent expansion in caudal, narrow, and cranial regions (p = 0.286). CONCLUSION: We think that keeping the lumen patency limited to 30% residual stenosis after CAS procedure by applying minimal post-stenting balloon dilatation and leaving the remaining lumen expansion to the self-expanding feature of the Wallstent might be a sensible approach in order to avoid embolic events and excessive carotid sinus reactions (CSR).

Placement of hemodialysis catheters with the help of the micropuncture technique in patients with central venous occlusion and limited access

Background/aim: This study aims to describe the technical success of the micropuncture technique, which is performed in placement of tunneled hemodialysis catheters in patients with central venous occlusion and limited access. Materials and methods: A total of 25 patients with central venous occlusion and in need of catheter placement for hemodialysis between 2012 and 2018 were included in this study and analyzed retrospectively. Technical success was defined as the placement of tunneled dialysis catheters with optimal position and function. Results: Internal jugular vein access in 16 patients (14 right and 2 left) and right subclavian vein access in 3 patients were successfully performed in placement of the tunneled dialysis catheter. Although internal jugular and subclavian vein access was attempted bilater- ally, the procedure failed in 6 patients. The overall technical success of recanalization of the occluded central veins was 76% (19/25). No minor or major complications were encountered. Conclusion: Tunneled dialysis catheter placement through the occluded internal jugular and subclavian veins with the micropuncture technique is effective and safe in patients with limited vascular access. The recanalization of the occluded conventional access routes should always be kept in mind to allow for the preservation of vascular accesses for future requirements.

Endovascular management of the carotid blowout syndrome: a single-center experience.

PURPOSE: It is aimed to present endovascular treatment of carotid blowout syndrome (CBS) in patients with head and neck cancer. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed on patients with carotid blowout syndrome between 2012 and 2018 in our hospital. A total of ten patients with prior history of head and neck cancer surgery and radiation therapy were investigated with clinical, postoperative and follow-up findings as well as technical outcome. Digital subtraction angiography of the carotid arteries was performed in all the cases for the diagnosis of the source of bleeding. Detachable coils and covered stents were used in endovascular treatment of carotid blowout syndrome. After the procedures, all patients were admitted to the intensive care unit for the follow-up of both hemodynamic and neurologic conditions. RESULTS: Thirteen diagnostic and endovascular treatment sessions were performed in 10 patients. Seven patients had major surgery for head and neck cancer and all patients were treated with chemoradiotherapy. Head and neck cancers in seven of the ten patients were persistent and pharyngocutaneous fistula developed in five patients. Two patients had impending CBS and eight patients had acute CBS. A total number of 19 vascular lesions in 10 patients were detected and 4 patients had multiple lesions. In three patients, additional endovascular treatment of stent-graft deployment had required due to recurrent hemorrhage after a mean time of 5.33 days (range 1-11 days). CONCLUSIONS: As a conclusion, covered stent application with or without coil embolization is a safe and efficient technique in treatment of CBS secondary to head and neck cancers.

A promising method for the salvage of thrombosed native hemodialysis fistulas: percutaneous ultrasound-guided thrombolytic injection

Background/aim: It was aimed to describe the technical aspects and outcomes of percutaneous ultrasound-guided recanalization of thrombosed hemodialysis fistulas by thrombolytic injection. Materials and methods: A retrospective review was performed on patients with thrombosed native hemodialysis fistula who were treated using the percutaneous ultrasound-guided thrombolytic agent injection technique at the interventional radiology department. A total of 17 patients [7 women (41.2%) and 10 men (58.8%)] were included in this study. All of the data, including demographic information and clinical findings, were obtained from the patients' medical records and follow-up form of the procedure. Results: The mean fistula age was 5.6 years (range: 1­15 years). The mean diameter of the thrombosed segment was 5.53 cm (2­10 cm). Localization of the thrombi was in the aneurysmal segment at the level of needle insertion in 64.7% (n: 11) of patients, while it was on the venous side of the anastomosis in 35.3% (n: 6). The mean dose of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) used in all of the sessions was 8.88 mg (5­17 mg). Overall technical success after all of the administrations was 100% and clinical success was 94.1%. Conclusion: Percutaneous ultrasound-guided thrombolytic injection in native hemodialysis fistulas is a rapid, practical, repeatable treatment method that is received on an outpatient basis with low risk of bleeding, and prevents unnecessary endovascular interventions or surgical operations.

Can arteriovenous malformation prevent the diagnosis of brain death?

We present a case of a 14-year-old boy with spontaneous intracranial hemorrhage that was referred to us to confirm the diagnosis of brain death with cerebral angiography. In the left carotid angiogram, there was no arterial flow above the craniovertebral junction. But in the right carotid angiogram, there was arterial flow up to the level of posterior communicating artery. Right posterior cerebral artery was filled with contrast medium via patent posterior communicating artery and later, an opacifying arteriovenous malformation (AVM) was detected which was also seen in the vertebral angiogram. Although the angiographic findings of the patient did not confirm the angiographic criteria for the diagnosis of brain death, it could not be also excluded because the only cerebral flow was the filling of the AVM and no other cerebral perfusion was detected.

[Angiographic evaluation of branching pattern and anatomy of the aortic arch]. / Arkus aorta anatomisinin ve dallanma paternindeki varyasyonlarin anjiyografik olarak degerlendirilmesi.

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to investigate anatomical variations in branching pattern and anatomy of the aortic arch, and the prevalence of each type. METHODS: Between September 2011 and November 2013, angiographic studies of 270 patients (144 male, 126 female) were analyzed retrospectively for variations in branching pattern and anatomy of the aortic arch. Patient mean age was 59.8 years (range, 13-88). Branching variations were found and divided into subtypes. Patients were also classified according to arch anatomy. Incidence of variations and types of aortic arch were statistically analysed. RESULTS: Analysis of the 270 patients revealed six types of branching pattern. Type I, classical pattern arch with three branches (TB, LCC, LS), was observed in 198 cases (73.3%). Type II (bovine arch), the most commonly observed variation, in which LCC originates from TB, was observed in 58 cases (21.5%). Type III, in which the left vertebral artery arises from the arch, was seen in seven cases (2.6%). Type IV, a combination of types II and III, was observed in three cases (1.1%). Type V, common origin of common carotids, LS and aberrant RS, was found in three cases (1.1%). Type VI (avian type), arch with only two branches, was observed in one case (0.4%). When patients were classified according to aortic arch anatomy, Type 1, Type 2 and Type 3 were observed in 195, 40 and 35 patients respectively. CONCLUSION: Knowledge of the variations and anatomy of the aortic arch is essential during interventional procedures and neck-thorax surgery.

Covered stent-graft treatment of a postoperative common carotid artery pseudoaneurysm.

BACKGROUND: Extracranial carotid artery pseudoaneurysms are rare cases resulting from trauma, mycotic infection, head and neck carcinomas or complications related to their treatment. Trauma is the most common cause of carotid artery pseudoaneurysms. They can also present after surgery, most commonly following endarterectomy, which is a rare cause with an estimated incidence of 0.3-0.6%. CASE REPORT: A 26-year-old male patient was admitted with swelling in his left neck after left carotid endarterectomy. Angiography confirmed pseudoaneursym in the left carotid bulb and it was treated successfully with two heparin-bonded covered stent grafts. CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular treatment of carotid pseudoaneurysms with covered stent-grafts is a safe and efficient method providing definitive arterial reconstruction. But series with longer follow-up periods are needed to evaluate patient compatibility to lifelong antiplatelet theraphy.

[Subclavian steal-carotid recovery phenomenon due to innominate artery occlusion: Doppler ultrasound and digital subtraction angiography findings and endovascular treatment]. / Innominat arter tikanmasina bagli subklavyen çalma-karotis geri kazanma fenomeni: Doppler ultrasonografi, dijital subtraksiyon anjiyografi bulgulari ve damar içi yolla tedavisi.

Innominate artery occlusion is a rare condition that can cause symptoms in the anterior cerebral circulation, vertebrobasilar system and upper extremity, while it can also be asymptomatic. We report the Doppler ultrasound and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) findings of the right subclavian artery and right common carotid artery flow by retrograde flow from the ipsilateral vertebral artery due to innominate artery occlusion. We aimed to discuss the results of primary stenting together with the technical and clinical success.

Evaluation of Renal Artery Variations in Horseshoe Kidneys with Computed Tomography.

OBJECTIVE: Horseshoe kidney is the most common renal fusion anomaly, accounting for 90%. The study aims to explore the variations in the renal arteries of individuals with horseshoe kidney anomalies and contribute to the classification in the literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Computed tomography images of 145 individuals who had intravenous contrast-enhanced abdominal computed tomography for any reason and had horseshoe kidney anomalies were analyzed retrospectively, and the presence, origin, and number of accessory renal arteries were evaluated. Then, classification was performed according to the origin of the accessory arteries. RESULTS: In 145 individuals, 44 different combinations of the accessory artery according to the origin and number were obtained. Most common accessory artery combination was type 2a (M1). According to our classification, 13.1% of the patients were type 1, 57.2% were type 2, 17.2% were type 3, 10.3% were type 4, and 1.4% were type 5. CONCLUSION: The classifications of arterial variations in horseshoe kidney anomalies did not match each other in previous studies and did not comprise all patients because they were conducted with a small number of cases. A more comprehensive new classification was created in our study according to accessory artery origins with the help of previous studies.

Dosimetric investigation of radiation-induced trigeminal nerve toxicity in parotid tumor patients.

PURPOSE: We aimed to describe the association between trigeminal nerve (TN) dose and toxicity and determine a threshold value that leads to TN toxicity in patients with parotid tumors treated with adjuvant conventional fractionated radiation therapy. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Eighteen patients who underwent adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) between 2013 and 2018 were included in this retrospective study. TN and its branches were outlined subsequently on the planning CT scans. The doses received by TN were obtained based on the dose-volume histogram. The dose and toxicity relationship was investigated over the total prescribed dose. RT-related toxicity was graded according to Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events V4.0 (CTCAEv4.0). RESULTS: The median follow-up was 29.5 months. After RT, 61% of patients had Grade I-II late TN toxicity divided into Grade I in 4 (22%) and Grade II in 7 (39%) patients. TN injury symptoms were as follows: loss of sensation in the chin area in 3, difficulty in jaw movements in 3, and paresthesia in 5 patients. The total RT dose (p = 0.001), Dmax (p = 0.001), PTV-TN Dmax (p = 0.001), D1cc (p = 0.004), D0.5cc (p = 0.001), and D0.1cc (p = 0.01) had a significant effect on TN toxicity. Cut-off values leading to toxicity were determined as 66, 65.5, 65.25, 63.6, and 62.7 Gy for Dmax, PTV-TN Dmax, D0.1cc, D 0.5cc, and D1cc, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Radiation-induced TN injury in head and neck cancer patients may further be investigated in clinically prospective trials by virtue of high toxicity rates with current RT doses in our retrospectively designed dosimetric study in parotid tumors.

Percutaneous drainage of retroperitoneal abscesses: variables for success, failure, and recurrence.

PURPOSE: We aimed to evaluate the success and failure rates and minor and major complications of percutaneous drainage of retroperitoneal abscesses. METHODS: Between 1990 and 2010, percutaneously drained 170 retroperitoneal abscesses in 150 patients (83 males, 67 females, median age 44.2 years, age range, 1-86 years) were included retrospectively. Percutaneous drainage of retroperitoneal abscesses was performed under the guidance of ultrasonography and fluoroscopy or computed tomography. Six abscesses were drained via single needle aspiration whereas 164 abscesses were drained via catheters of 6-14 F calibre using the Seldinger technique. RESULTS: When all retroperitoneal abscesses are considered, success rates were found as follows: 75.3% cure (128/170), 7.7% temporization (13/170), 4.1% palliation (7/170). Failure rate was 12.9% (22/170). Recurrence rate was 10.6% (18/170), and 13 of the recurred abscesses were treated via second session percutaneous drainage. Mortality rate was 2.7% (4/150). CONCLUSION: Percutaneous drainage is the first treatment option for retroperitoneal abscesses due to procedural reliability, elimination of need for general anesthesia, better tolerability, and lower morbidity and mortality rates compared with the surgical methods. High cure, temporization, or palliation rates can be obtained via imaging-guided percutaneous drainage for all retroperitoneal abscesses with a safe access route.

Diagnostic Value of Diffusion-weighted Magnetic Resonance (MR) Imaging, MR Perfusion, and MR Spectroscopy in Addition to Conventional MR Imaging in Intracranial Space-occupying Lesions.

PURPOSE: Our aim was to determine the diagnostic performance of the combined usage of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and perfusion MR (MRP) imaging for the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant intracranial lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 30 patients with intracranial lesions who were prospectively evaluated with contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), DWI, MRS, and MRP were included in this study. The lesions were classified as benign and malignant according to the radiologic findings. All imaging data were compared with the histopathologic results and follow-up of the patients. We used the Pearson chi-square test and Fischer's exact t-test for statistical analysis. RESULTS: For the differentiation of benign and malignant brain lesions, CBV and choline/creatine (Cho/Cr) ratio at short echo time (TE) had the highest sensitivity (87%-88%), Cho/N-acetyl aspartate (NAA) at short TE had the highest specificity (86%). DWI predicted 77% sensitivity, 75% specificity; MRP presented 91% sensitivity, 88% specificity; MRS yielded 77% sensitivity, 63% specificity. The combination of either DWI and MRS, MRP and MRS or DWI+MRS+MRP revealed 100% sensitivity, 100% specificity. CONCLUSION: For the differentiation of benign and malignant brain lesions, the combination of DWI, MRS, and MRP predicted 100% sensitivity. Invasive procedures like transcranial biopsy were not required via the usage of these advanced MRI techniques.

Evaluation of subclinical atherosclerosis in migraine patients by ultrasound radiofrequency data technology: preliminary results.

OBJECTIVES: Migraine is a headache disorder affecting approximately 12% of the population, predominantly female individuals. Migraine has been associated with vascular events such as stroke and cardiovascular disease. The close connection between these vascular disorders and atherosclerosis is well known. Carotid artery intima-media thickness (CAIMT) is a marker for detection of subclinical atherosclerosis. The present study is an analysis of the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis in migraine patients. METHODS: CAIMT was evaluated in 25 female migraine patients and 27 female controls using innovative ultrasound (US) radiofrequency (RF) data technology. Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare measurements in patient and control groups. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference between mean CAIMT of migraine patients and control group (p<0.005): mean CAIMT was 701±114 µm in migraine patients and 400±64 µm in control group. CONCLUSION: Migraine patients are more prone to atherosclerosis compared to healthy individuals. CAIMT measurement with sonography can be utilized in follow-up to detect subclinical atherosclerosis.

The contribution of vacuum-assisted modified Menghini type needle to diagnosis of US-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy of the thyroid.

PURPOSE: We aimed to determine the contribution of vacuum-assisted modified Menghini type needle to diagnosis of ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) of the thyroid evaluated by a pathologist at the bedside. METHODS: A total of 147 thyroid nodules in 138 patients (122 women, 16 men) were included in this prospective study. Sonographic features of nodules, number of aspirations, pain and pain severity during the process, hemorrhage, and presence of sample obtained for cell block analysis were recorded and analyzed with the results of aspiration biopsy. RESULTS: Using the 21G modified Menghini type needle, a diagnosis could not be reached in 14.3% of nodules. Adequate samples for cell block analysis were obtained in 47 nodules (32%), 17 of which contributed to the diagnosis. While the difference between diagnostic cytopathology results and the contribution of the cell block were statistically significant, obtainability of cell block samples was not significantly correlated with the number of aspirations or the presence of a cystic component in the nodule. CONCLUSION: FNAB with 21G vacuum-assisted modified Menghini type needle is a safe procedure with very low complication rates. In addition to the cytologic smear samples, microtissue fragments obtained with this method help pathologists in the diagnosis of thyroid nodules.

Endovascular treatment for acute traumatic thoracic aortic transection.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to present our experience in patients with acute traumatic thoracic aortic transection treated by endovascular stent-graft. METHODS: From October 2011 to October 2014, eleven patients were brought to our hospitals after suffering motor vehicle accident or fall from height. Computed tomography revealed acute traumatic transection of the thoracic aorta at the aortic isthmus just distal to the left subclavian artery in nine patients, at the middle or distal thoracic aorta in two, and both aortic isthmus and middle thoracic aorta in one. Endovascular technique was preferred as the treatment modality. All patients, except one, were treated within twelve hours of diagnosis. RESULTS: Deployment of stent-grafts was successful in all cases. The stent-grafts were oversized between 10% and 20%. The origin of left subclavian artery was covered with stent-graft in six patients to achieve adequate proximal landing zone. In two of them, carotico-subclavian bypass and periscope graft placement were applied to maintain subclavian artery blood flow. There were no procedure related deaths, paraplegia or ischemic complications. A patient with cardiac arrest, on whom cardiopulmonary resuscitation and transient aortic balloon occlusion within the aorta were applied in the angiography suit died at the postoperative twelve hours. Mean hospital stay after procedures was 14.8 days (range, 4-60 days). Mean follow-up time of ten patients was 16.6 months (range, 1-36 months). CONCLUSION: Our study supports that thoracic endovascular aortic stenting for acute transection is promising in terms of short- and mid-term results similar to other studies in the literature.

Endovascular treatment of carotid artery blowout syndrome caused by oropharyngeal carcinoma.

A 64-year-old man was admitted with massive hemoptysis caused by oropharyngeal carcinoma. Angiography revealed active extravasation from the left carotid bulb. Covered stent-graft placement resolved the bleeding, but the patient presented with recurrent hemorrhage two hours later and was treated with another stent-graft.

Value of prostate gland volume measurement by transrectal US in prediction of the severity of lower urinary tract symptoms.

AIM: The aim of our study was to analyze the value of prostate gland volume measurement by transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) in prediction of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred and one patients undergoing TRUS guided core needle prostate biopsy for the investigation of prostate cancer were prospectively evaluated. All patients had filled in the international prostate symptom score (IPSS) scala, tested for PSA and prostate volume measurement was done by TRUS prior to biopsy. According to their biopsy results, patients were divided into two groups: negative and positive for malignancy. RESULTS: There was a significant but low correlation of 0.37 between IPSS and prostate volume measurement by TRUS (p=0.001). Serum free prostate specific antigen (fPSA), total PSA (tPSA), ratio of fPSA to tPSA and PSA density did not show a statistically significant correlation with IPSS (p>0.05). No statistically significant difference in IPSS between the benign and malignant groups (p=0.681) was found. In the benign group, mean IPSS was 14.59 +/- 8.73, range: 0-35 while in the malignant group, mean IPSS was 15.33 +/- 9.22, range: 3-28. CONCLUSIONS: Prostate volume measurement by TRUS is a poor predictor for the determination of the severity of LUTS and IPSS should be primarily considered for the determination of the severity of LUTS. On the other hand according to this study conducted with patients who were at their first set of prostate biopsy, IPSS cannot be used as a predictor of malignancy. PSA values are not related to IPSS.