Proceedings From the Ice Hockey Summit III: Action on Concussion.

OBJECTIVES: The Ice Hockey Summit III provided updated scientific evidence on concussions in hockey to inform these 5 objectives: (1) describe sport related concussion (SRC) epidemiology; (2) classify prevention strategies; (3) define objective, diagnostic tests; (4) identify treatment; and (5) integrate science and clinical care into prioritized action plans and policy. METHODS: Our action plan evolved from 40 scientific presentations. The 155 attendees (physicians, athletic trainers, physical therapists, nurses, neuropsychologists, scientists, engineers, coaches, and officials) voted to prioritize these action items in the final Summit session. RESULTS: To (1) establish a national and international hockey database for SRCs at all levels; (2) eliminate body checking in Bantam youth hockey games; (3) expand a behavior modification program (Fair Play) to all youth hockey levels; (4) enforce game ejection penalties for fighting in Junior A and professional hockey leagues; (5) establish objective tests to diagnose concussion at point of care; and (6) mandate baseline testing to improve concussion diagnosis for all age groups. CONCLUSIONS: Expedient implementation of the Summit III prioritized action items is necessary to reduce the risk, severity, and consequences of concussion in the sport of ice hockey.

Superior Hypogastric Nerve Block for Pain Control after Uterine Artery Embolization: Effect of Addition of Steroids on Analgesia.

Superior hypogastric nerve block (SHNB) decreases pain and use of narcotic pain medication following uterine artery embolization (UAE). The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the effect of the addition of a corticosteroid (triamcinolone) to SHNB on analgesia following UAE. Records of 16 patients were reviewed for when pain occurred or acutely worsened after the procedure. No major complications were identified. Patients reported that pain began or worsened an average of 33.8 hours after the procedure, when their average pain increased from 0.6/10 to 5.9/10 (P < .001). This suggests that addition of triamcinolone to SHNB could result in prolonged analgesia following UAE.

CT-Guided Percutaneous Drainage Catheter Placement in the Abdomen and Pelvis: Predictors of Outcome and Protocol for Follow-up.

PURPOSE: To determine predictors of outcomes for patients who undergo computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous abdominal or pelvic drainage catheter placement and to identify which patients benefit from fluoroscopic drainage catheter interrogation (abscessogram). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of 383 patients (mean, 52 years old; range 8-89 years old; 158 males: 225 females) who underwent 442 CT-guided procedures and 489 catheter placements for fluid collections in the abdomen or pelvis from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2016 was performed. Variables including underlying disease, fluid location, number of collections drained, number of catheter exchanges and follow-up abscessograms performed, catheter size, and fistula detection were analyzed to determine factors associated with fistula formation and increased catheter dwell time. RESULTS: A single abscessogram followed by catheter removal was performed for 217 catheters (44%). An increased number of abscessograms was significantly associated with drainage catheter size (P < .001) and presence of a fistula (P < .001). Fistulae were detected in 95 cases (19%) and were significantly associated with an increased number of drain exchanges (P < .001) and an underlying diagnosis of Crohn's disease (P = .02). Based on these data, a clinical algorithm for drain management is presented. CONCLUSIONS: Abscessograms performed after CT-guided percutaneous drainage catheter placement are useful to detect catheter malposition, occluded catheters, and fistulae but are not necessary for all patients. If performed selectively, particularly in patients with an underlying diagnosis of Crohn's disease or those at high risk for developing fistulae, unnecessary examinations can be avoided, reducing cost, extra hospital visits, and radiation dose.

Proceedings from the Ice Hockey Summit III: Action on Concussion.

The Ice Hockey Summit III provided updated scientific evidence on concussions in hockey to inform these five objectives: 1) describe sport-related concussion (SRC) epidemiology, 2) classify prevention strategies, 3) define objective, diagnostic tests, 4) identify treatment, and 5) integrate science and clinical care into prioritized action plans and policy. Our action plan evolved from 40 scientific presentations. The 155 attendees (physicians, athletic trainers, physical therapists, nurses, neuropsychologists, scientists, engineers, coaches, and officials) voted to prioritize these action items in the final Summit session. 1) Establish a national and international hockey data base for SRC at all levels, 2) eliminate body checking in Bantam youth hockey games, 3) expand a behavior modification program (Fair Play) to all youth hockey levels, 4) enforce game ejection penalties for fighting in Junior A and professional hockey leagues, 5) establish objective tests to diagnose concussion at point of care (POC), and 6) mandate baseline testing to improve concussion diagnosis for all age groups. Expedient implementation of the Summit III prioritized action items is necessary to reduce the risk, severity, and consequences of concussion in the sport of ice hockey.

Initial Experience with Balloon-Occlusion Prostatic Artery Embolization.

Twelve patients underwent balloon-occlusion prostatic artery embolization (PAE) at a single center. Bilateral prostatic artery catheterization was achieved in all patients, but unilateral embolization was performed in 1 patient as a result of the presence of a prostatic arteriovenous fistula. Mean International Prostate Symptom Score and quality-of-life score decreased by 15 ± 7 (P < .01) and 4 ± 1 (P < .01) points, respectively, over a mean follow-up period of 22 weeks ± 8. Only self-limiting minor complications were encountered. The initial experience with balloon-occlusion PAE suggests that it is technically feasible and can be performed safely.

Comparison of Type II Endoleak Embolizations: Embolization of Endoleak Nidus Only versus Embolization of Endoleak Nidus and Branch Vessels.

PURPOSE: To compare outcomes of type II endoleak embolization involving embolization of the endoleak nidus only vs embolization of the endoleak nidus and branch vessels in patients treated with endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-nine consecutive patients (mean age, 77.9 y; range, 63-88 y) with type II endoleak who underwent embolization from 2004 to 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into 2 groups: embolization of endoleak nidus only (group A) and embolization of endoleak nidus and branch vessels (group B). Mean follow-up intervals were 20.5 months ± 14.7 in group A and 24.3 months ± 18.5 in group B. Outcomes were compared between groups by Mann-Whitney U and Pearson χ2 tests. RESULTS: Mean interval from endovascular aneurysm repair to embolization was 47.6 months ± 42.9, and mean presentation time of endoleak before embolization was 23.1 months ± 25.8. Coils (n = 28) and liquid embolic agents (n = 23) were used for embolization. There were no significant differences in rates of residual endoleak (50% vs 53.8%; P = .96) or sac decrease/stabilization (62.5% vs 61.5%; P = .64). Procedure time and radiation exposure in group B (132.3 min ± 78.1; 232.4 Gy·cm2 ± 130.7) were greater than in group A (63.4 min ± 11.9; 61.5 Gy·cm2 ± 35.5; P < .01). There were no procedure-related complications. CONCLUSIONS: Embolization of the endoleak nidus and branch vessels is not superior to embolization of only the nidus in terms of occlusion of type II endoleak and change in sac size despite requiring longer procedure times and resulting in greater patient radiation exposure.

Incidence and Clinical Significance of Renal Infarct After Fenestrated Endovascular Aortic Aneurysm Repair.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to determine the incidence and clinical significance of renal infarcts after fenestrated endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (FEVAR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients who underwent FEVAR with unenhanced and contrast-enhanced CT angiography during a 4-year period were retrospectively reviewed. Two staff radiologists reviewed pre- and post-FEVAR CT examinations for the presence of renal infarcts. Pre- and postoperative serum creatinine levels were examined to determine statistical significance. The incidence of renal infarct and percentage of renal volume reduction were calculated. RESULTS: Ninety patients were included for analysis. All patients had a mild progressive increase in serum creatinine level after FEVAR. Twenty-three patients (26%) had a renal infarct identified on post-FEVAR CT, nine (39%) of which were secondary to intentional exclusion of an accessory renal artery and 14 (61%) of which were presumed to be embolic. Two patients with presumed embolic infarcts and three with exclusion of an accessory renal artery had an increase in serum creatinine level of greater than 0.3 mg/dL at 1 month after FEVAR. CONCLUSION: Although renal infarcts are common after FEVAR, the clinical relevance of these events appears to be limited, with less than one-quarter of patients with renal infarcts experiencing a decline in renal function.

Short- to Midterm Safety and Efficacy of Prostatic Artery Embolization: A Systematic Review.

PURPOSE: To review the available safety and efficacy data for prostatic artery embolization (PAE) in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: PubMed was searched for publications that included PAE for the treatment of BPH through May 2015. Two independent reviewers determined the appropriateness for inclusion of each article and compiled data by using pooled weighted means and standard deviations. RESULTS: The literature search identified 161 articles, of which 7 studies, with a total of 562 patients, met all inclusion/exclusion criteria. PAEs were performed bilaterally in 85% of patients, unilaterally in 12%, and unsuccessfully in 3%. International Prostate Symptom Score decreased from 24.51 ± 6.12 at baseline to 10.42 ± 5.39 at 6 months. Quality of life score decreased from 4.76 ± 0.98 at baseline to 2.51 ± 1.13 at 6 months. Peak urinary flow rate increased from 8.41 mL/s ± 2.63 at baseline to 15.44 mL/s ± 5.64 at 6 months. Postvoid residual measurement decreased from 105.94 mL ± 76.77 at baseline to 39.57 mL ± 15 at 6 months. Prostate-specific antigen level decreased from 4.79 ng/mL ± 5.42 at baseline to 3.16 ng/mL ± 1.5 at 6 months. None of these parameters showed clinically significant changes from 6 months to 12 months. Total prostate volume decreased from 96.56 cm3 ± 35.47 at baseline to 46.73 cm3 ± 20.51 at 12 months. There were 200 minor complications and 1 major complication. CONCLUSIONS: PAE improves lower urinary tract symptoms caused by BPH, with a favorable short- to midterm safety profile.

Prostatic Artery Embolization Using Embosphere Microspheres for Prostates Measuring 80-150 cm(3): Early Results from a US Trial.

Between November 2014 and October 2015, 12 patients with prostates measuring 80-150 cm(3) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTSs) were enrolled in a prospective single-center US trial to evaluate Embosphere Microspheres for use in prostatic artery embolization (PAE). At 3 months, mean improvements in International Prostate Symptom Score and quality of life score were 18.3 points (range, 5-27) and 3.6 points (range, 1-6), respectively. One-month cystoscopies and anoscopies demonstrated no ischemic injuries. There were no major complications. In this cohort, Embosphere Microspheres, when used for PAE, were safe and effective in reducing LUTSs in the early follow-up period.

Technical Feasibility of Prostatic Artery Embolization From a Transradial Approach.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the technical feasibility of performing prostatic artery embolization (PAE) with a transradial approach (TRA). Nineteen consecutive PAEs performed using a TRA were reviewed to determine the technical success of the procedure, which was defined as bilateral embolization. Procedural details, complications, and limitations were recorded. CONCLUSION: Technical success was achieved in all 19 procedures. The associated complications were minor and included two small (< 5 cm) hematomas and one potential case of delayed radial arteritis. PAE performed with a TRA is technically feasible.

Assessing medical students' knowledge of IR at two American medical schools.

PURPOSE: To determine if there was a difference in the level of knowledge about interventional radiology (IR) between medical students in preclinical years of training compared with medical students in clinical years of training at two medical schools and to compare awareness of IR based on the curriculum at each school: one with required radiology education and one without such a requirement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An anonymous survey was distributed to students at two medical schools; the survey assessed knowledge of IR, knowledge of training pathways, and preferred methods to increase exposure. Responses of the preclinical and clinical groups were compared, and responses from the clinical groups at each school were compared. RESULTS: "Poor" or "fair" knowledge of IR was reported by 84% (n = 217 of 259) of preclinical students compared with 62% of clinical students (n = 110 of 177; P < .001). IR was being considered as a career by 11% of all students (15%, n = 40 of 259 preclinical; 5%, n = 9 of 177 clinical). The main reason respondents were not considering IR was "lack of knowledge" (65%, n = 136 of 210 preclinical; 20%, n = 32 of 162 clinical). Students in the clinical group at the institution with a required radiology rotation reported significantly better knowledge of IR than clinical students from the institution without a required clerkship (P = .017). CONCLUSIONS: There are significant differences in knowledge of IR between preclinical and clinical students. Required radiology education in the clinical years does increase awareness of IR.

Gender diversity in adolescents with polycystic ovary syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of our study was to describe the prevalence of gender diverse (GD) youth  among adolescents with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective chart review on patients who met NIH criteria for PCOS in our Multidisciplinary Adolescent PCOS Program (MAPP). We compared those with PCOS to MAPP patients who did not meet PCOS criteria as well as to non-PCOS patients from the Adolescent Specialty Clinic (ASC). Variables analyzed included gender identity, androgen levels, hirsutism scores, and mood disorders. We used chi-square, Fisher's exact, t-tests, and Wilcoxon rank sum tests to compare groups.  Gender identities self-reported as male, fluid/both or nonbinary  were pooled into the GD category. RESULTS: Within the MAPP, 7.6% (n=12) of PCOS youth self-identified as GD compared to 1.8% (n=3) of non PCOS youth (p=0.01, chi-square). When compared to non-PCOS GD adolescents from ASC (4.4%; n=3), the difference to PCOS youth was no longer significant (p=0.56). Among MAPP patients, gender diversity was associated with higher hirsutism scores (p<0.01), but not higher androgen levels. In PCOS, depression/anxiety was higher in GD vs cisgender youth (100% vs. 37.6%, p<0.01 and 77.8% vs. 35.8%, p=0.03 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Gender diversity was observed more commonly in those meeting PCOS criteria. PCOS GD youth were more hirsute and reported more depression/anxiety. Routine screening for differences in gender identity in comprehensive adolescent PCOS programs could benefit these patients, as alternate treatment approaches may be desired to support a transmasculine identity.

Temporary balloon tamponade for managing subclavian arterial injury by inadvertent central venous catheter placement.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of a temporary balloon tamponade technique for managing subclavian arterial injury secondary to inadvertent central venous catheter placement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with subclavian arterial injury caused by inadvertent placement of a central venous catheter (size range 7-F to 7.5-F) who were treated only with temporary balloon tamponade between February 2002 and October 2009 were included. A temporary balloon tamponade technique was used to treat 13 patients (6 men and 7 women; mean age 56.7 years; age range 28-80 years). Technical success, total balloon inflation time, and complications were evaluated. RESULTS: Technical success was achieved with the temporary balloon tamponade technique in 13 cases (100%). Eight patients were treated with one balloon inflation, and five patients with two inflations (mean inflations 1.4). The mean total balloon inflation time was 14 minutes ± 13. There was no recurrent bleeding, hematoma, or pseudoaneurysm that required additional interventional procedures or surgical repair. A thrombus was identified in the subclavian arterial lumen after removal of the balloon catheter in one case; however, the thrombus was nonocclusive and asymptomatic. CONCLUSIONS: Temporary balloon tamponade seems to be technically feasible and effective with a good safety profile in the management of subclavian arterial injury caused by inadvertent central venous catheter placement. Intraluminal thrombus can be an associated complication of the procedure.

Development of an animal model for radiofrequency ablation of primary, virally induced hepatocellular carcinoma in the woodchuck.

PURPOSE: To develop a consistent and reproducible method in an animal model for studies of radiofrequency (RF) ablation of primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen woodchucks were inoculated with woodchuck hepatitis virus (WHV) to establish chronic infections. When serum γ-glutamyl transpeptidase levels became elevated, the animals were evaluated with ultrasound, and, in most cases, preoperative magnetic resonance (MR) imaging to confirm tumor development. Ultimately, RF ablation of tumors was performed by using a 1-cm probe with the animal submerged in a water bath for grounding. Ablation effectiveness was evaluated with contrast-enhanced MR imaging and gross and histopathologic analysis. RESULTS: RF ablation was performed in 15 woodchucks. Modifications were made to the initial study design to adapt methodology for the woodchuck. The last 10 of these animals were treated with a standardized protocol using a 1-cm probe that produced a consistent area of tumor necrosis (mean size of ablation, 10.2 mm × 13.1 mm) and led to no complications. CONCLUSIONS: A safe, reliable and consistent method was developed to study RF ablation of spontaneous primary HCC using chronically WHV-infected woodchucks, an animal model of hepatitis B virus-induced HCC.

A prospective study of concussions among National Hockey League players during regular season games: the NHL-NHLPA Concussion Program.

BACKGROUND: In 1997, the National Hockey League (NHL) and NHL Players' Association (NHLPA) launched a concussion program to improve the understanding of this injury. We explored initial postconcussion signs, symptoms, physical examination findings and time loss (i.e., time between the injury and medical clearance by the physician to return to competitive play), experienced by male professional ice-hockey players, and assessed the utility of initial postconcussion clinical manifestations in predicting time loss among hockey players. METHODS: We conducted a prospective case series of concussions over seven NHL regular seasons (1997-2004) using an inclusive cohort of players. The primary outcome was concussion and the secondary outcome was time loss. NHL team physicians documented post-concussion clinical manifestations and recorded the date when a player was medically cleared to return to play. RESULTS: Team physicians reported 559 concussions during regular season games. The estimated incidence was 1.8 concussions per 1000 player-hours. The most common postconcussion symptom was headache (71%). On average, time loss (in days) increased 2.25 times (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.41-3.62) for every subsequent (i.e., recurrent) concussion sustained during the study period. Controlling for age and position, significant predictors of time loss were postconcussion headache (p < 0.001), low energy or fatigue (p = 0.01), amnesia (p = 0.02) and abnormal neurologic examination (p = 0.01). Using a previously suggested time loss cut-point of 10 days, headache (odds ratio [OR] 2.17, 95% CI 1.33-3.54) and low energy or fatigue (OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.04-2.85) were significant predictors of time loss of more than 10 days. INTERPRETATION: Postconcussion headache, low energy or fatigue, amnesia and abnormal neurologic examination were significant predictors of time loss among professional hockey players.

Bronchial and nonbronchial systemic artery embolization in patients with major hemoptysis: safety and efficacy of N-butyl cyanoacrylate.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of N-butyl cyanoacrylate for bronchial and nonbronchial systemic artery embolization in the management of major hemoptysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From March 2004 through March 2006, 108 patients with major hemoptysis underwent embolization with N-butyl cyanoacrylate. The common conditions causing hemoptysis were bronchiectasis (n = 34), sequelae of tuberculosis (n = 31), active tuberculosis (n = 18), lung cancer (n = 8), and aspergilloma (n = 6). A retrospective analysis of postprocedure outcomes, including immediate success, recurrence of hemoptysis, cause of recurrence, and complications, was performed. RESULTS: Immediate success was achieved in 105 patients (97.2%). During the follow-up period (range, 5 days-63 months; median, 28.5 months), recurrent hemoptysis was found in 21 of the 105 patients (20%). Repeat angiograms (n = 14) revealed incomplete embolization during the initial procedure in seven patients with early recurrence (< 3 months) and revascularization of nonbronchial systemic collateral arteries in seven patients with late recurrence (> 3 months). No recanalization of embolized arteries was found on repeat angiograms or at follow-up CT. The cumulative nonrecurrence rates were 91.4% 1 month, 83.4% 1 year, 76.7% 3 years, and 56.8% 5 years after the initial procedure. The procedure-related complications included transient chest pain (n = 21) and denudation of the bronchial mucosa (n = 3), which was clinically silent but found at bronchoscopy. CONCLUSION: N-butyl cyanoacrylate is a safe and effective agent for embolization in patients with major hemoptysis.

Endovascular management of chronic upper extremity deep vein thrombosis and superior vena cava syndrome.

Chronic upper extremity deep vein thrombosis (UEDVT) and superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) are important and underdiagnosed entities that are associated with significant morbidity, and both are becoming increasingly common due to the use of indwelling catheters and implantable central venous access devices. Currently, as many as 25% of patients with an indwelling catheter are diagnosed with chronic UEDVT or venous stenosis. SVCS is most commonly seen in the setting of malignancy, especially lung cancer and lymphoma. Endovascular management of chronic UEDVT and SVCS is accepted as an important first-line treatment given its high overall success rate and low morbidity as compared with medical and surgical treatments. In this article, the indications for treatment, complications, and success rates of the endovascular management of UEDVT and SVCS are reviewed. Relevant findings on presentation and physical exam as well as various imaging modalities and imaging findings are evaluated. Details of preprocedure evaluation, relevant anatomy, and avoidance of potential complications are discussed.

Endovascular management of acute upper extremity deep venous thrombosis and the use of superior vena cava filters.

Upper extremity deep venous thrombosis (UEDVT), though less common than lower extremity DVT, is a significant problem with several possible etiologies. The incidence of UEDVT is on the rise, primarily from the increasing use of central venous access devices. However, there are other causes of UEDVT, including primary venous thrombosis (Paget-Schroetter syndrome) and hypercoagulable states associated with underlying malignancy. The morbidity and mortality associated with UEDVT is largely from pulmonary embolism and the postphlebitic syndrome. Nevertheless, many UEDVTs are asymptomatic or patients may present with nonspecific clinical symptoms; therefore, a high index of suspicion is often necessary to make a correct diagnosis. Currently, there is no standard treatment algorithm for UEDVT. Treatment options may range from systemic anticoagulation to surgical correction depending on the etiology of the thrombus, as well as the patient's associated comorbidities, life expectancy and expected quality of life following treatment.

Embolization of uterine arteriovenous malformation causing postpartum hemorrhage using n-butyl cyanoacrylate: A case report.

Uterine artery arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are rare anomalies that may result in uterine hemorrhage. A 40-year-old G8P5126 woman presented with severe vaginal bleeding and an estimated 2000 mL of blood loss at home. Three weeks prior, she had a vaginal delivery of a term infant resulting in post-partum hemorrhage, with 2700 mL of blood loss. The patient had a history of ectopic pregnancy, placenta previa, and dilatation and curettage. Interventional radiology was consulted, and the patient underwent angiography of the internal iliac and uterine arteries revealing the presence of a uterine AVM, which was successfully embolized using a thick mixture of n-butyl cyanoacrylate and lipiodol. The patient experienced no further episodes of bleeding and was discharged within 24 hours. Recognition of typical symptoms and risk factors for uterine arteriovenous malformations can facilitate early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.