(90)Y Radioembolization: Multimodality Imaging Pattern Approach with Angiographic Correlation for Optimized Target Therapy Delivery.

Primary and metastatic liver cancers are responsible for considerable morbidity and mortality, and many patients are not curable at presentation. Therefore, new therapies such as radioembolization with yttrium 90 ((90)Y)-labeled microspheres are an alternative method to treat patients with unresectable primary or secondary liver tumors. Patient selection, treatment technique, and early recognition of potential complications are the keys for successful patient outcomes. The activity of administered (90)Y microspheres depends on multiple variables, including the tumor burden, the volume of the liver lobe to be treated, the type of (90)Y microspheres, and the hepatopulmonary shunt fraction. Preprocedural planning relies on the results of cross-sectional imaging to determine the extent of disease, tumoral and nontumoral liver volumes, patency of the portal vein, and the degree of extrahepatic disease. A multidisciplinary approach that combines expertise in cross-sectional imaging, nuclear medicine, and flow dynamics is critical to adequately target malignant tissue. Preprocedural multimodality imaging, particularly combined single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and computed tomography (CT) imaging (SPECT/CT), may be used to identify nontarget imaging patterns that, if recognized, can potentially be corrected with either branch vessel embolization or catheter repositioning. Postprocedural multimodality imaging is also useful to confirm the appropriate delivery of (90)Y microspheres, enabling early identification of potential complications and the adequacy of microsphere distribution, thereby optimizing planning for subsequent therapies.

Reduction of Nodular Growth Pattern of Metastatic Uveal Melanoma after Radioembolization of Hepatic Metastases.

AIM: The aim of this study was to report a case of metastatic uveal melanoma in which radioembolized nodular liver metastases decreased in size while infiltrative sinusoidal metastases progressed, leading to jaundice without obstruction of the biliary ducts. METHODS: The relevant clinical features, imaging, and histopathologic findings of this case are reviewed. RESULTS: A 61-year-old Caucasian male with a history of uveal melanoma of the left eye status post plaque brachytherapy developed numerous liver metastases. After progression on systemic therapies, he underwent palliative radioembolization. Despite some radiographic improvement in the liver metastases, he developed hyperbilirubinemia without biliary tract obstruction or signs of liver failure. A biopsy of radiographically normal liver demonstrated extensive sinusoidal infiltration with melanoma. CONCLUSIONS: Distinct angiographic and histopathologic growth patterns of metastatic uveal melanoma differ in their amenability to radioembolization. Sinusoidal infiltration may lead to hyperbilirubinemia in the absence of overt obstruction or liver failure.