Percutaneous Removal of Migrated Gastrointestinal Stents Using Gastrostomy Access.

This report describes the experience of removing migrated gastrointestinal (GI) stents using a gastrostomy (G) access. Four male patients aged 23-62 years (mean, 42 years) had 6 migrated stents removed using an existing (n = 3) or new (n = 1) G access. Removed stents included 5 covered esophageal stents that migrated into the stomach and 1 distal noncovered duodenal stent that migrated into the proximal duodenum. One patient had 2 stents removed during the same session. All stents were removed successfully without adverse events. Techniques used included the folding technique using a wire in 3 stents and forceps in 2 stents. Eversion technique was used in the duodenal stent. The G or gastrojejunostomy tubes were replaced after stent removal and used for enteral feedings. In conclusion, removing migrated GI stents using an existing or new G access was technically successful and safe.

Biliary Leaks: Multidisciplinary Approach to Diagnosis and Treatment.

Bile leaks arise from various causes such as trauma, complications after hepatobiliary surgery, and intrahepatic malignancies or their associated liver-directed treatments. Bile leaks can result in significant morbidity and mortality. Delayed diagnosis is not uncommon due to nonspecific manifestations; therefore, a high clinical suspicion is needed. A multidisciplinary approach for treatment of biliary leaks with prompt referral to tertiary care centers with experienced hepatobiliary surgeons, advanced endoscopists, and interventional radiologists is needed to address these challenging complications. Management of biliary leaks can range from conservative management to open surgical repair. Minimally invasive procedures play a crucial role in biliary leak treatment, and the interventional radiologist can help guide appropriate management on the basis of a clear understanding of the pathophysiology of biliary leaks and a current knowledge of the armamentarium of treatment options. In most cases, a simple diversion of bile to decompress the biliary system may prove effective. However, persistent and high-output biliary leaks require delineation of the source with tailored treatment options to control the leak. This may be done by additional diversions, occluding the source, reestablishing connections, or using a combination of therapies to bridge to more definitive surgical interventions. The authors describe the different treatment options and emphasize the role of interventional radiology. ©RSNA, 2024.

Superior vena cava filter placement over existing central venous lines: Is line removal necessary?

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the technical feasibility and clinical safety of superior vena cava (SVC) filter placement over preexisting central venous lines (CVLs) in 23 patients who had upper extremity deep venous thrombosis with contraindications to anticoagulation. METHODS: A retrospective review of the images and electronic medical records of 23 patients from 2008 to 2018 with SVC filters placed over an existing central venous line was performed in a single tertiary medical center. Twenty-one filters were placed over smaller lines (<8 Fr), and two were placed over hemodialysis catheters. Venograms before and after filter placement were compared to detect any evidence of line displacement or entrapment. Medical records were reviewed to determine whether there was any difficulty during line removal. RESULTS: In two of five patients with dual lines, significant line displacement was noted in the left-sided lines, both lines were later removed without complications. In one patient with a hemodialysis catheter, the filter was deployed over the tip of the catheter resulting in the entrapment of one of the legs of the filter within a side hole of the line. Fourteen patients had their lines later removed 3 days to 3 months after filter placement without reported problems. Nine patients had their CVLs left in place until the patient's death or discharge to a long-term facility. CONCLUSIONS: SVC filter placement over preexisting CVLs seems to be technically feasible and clinically safe in patients with <8-Fr CVLs. However, placement of the filters over hemodialysis catheters can result in leg entrapment.

A single center 10-year clinical experience with superior vena cava retrievable filters.

PURPOSE: To report a 10-year clinical experience with superior vena cava (SVC) retrievable filters. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients with SVC filters was performed between 2008 and 2018 in a single tertiary medical center. Patient demographics, indications for filter placement, type of filter placed, and clinical evolution were recorded. Complications during placement, retrieval, and follow-up were determined. RESULTS: Fifty patients ages 17-89 years (average 54) underwent SVC retrievable filter placement. Main indication for filter placement was deep venous thrombosis of the major upper extremity and/or internal jugular veins with contraindications to anticoagulation. Complications during placement included inadvertent filter placement in the right brachiocephalic vein in two patients, another patient had a leg of the filter entrapped in the tip of a hemodialysis catheter that required filter reposition and line exchange. Thirteen patients had attempted retrieval with 12 filters successfully removed 7-420 days after placement (mean 170). On follow-up images available in 24 patients, 13 filters were noted to be significantly tilted and 10 filters had evidence of leg penetration. No other serious late complications were noted. CONCLUSION: The use of retrievable SVC filters in patients with upper extremity DVT is highly questionable. There is a high incidence of filter malposition, filter tilting, and leg penetration.

Segmental liver ischemia/infarction after elective transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt creation: clinical outcomes in 10 patients.

PURPOSE: To determine the clinical significance and potential mechanisms of segmental liver ischemia and infarction following elective creation of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of 374 elective TIPS creations between March 2006 and September 2014 was performed, yielding 77 contrast-enhanced scans for review. Patients with imaging evidence of segmental perfusion defects were identified. Model for End-stage Liver Disease scores, liver volume, and percentage of liver ischemia/infarct were calculated. Clinical outcomes after TIPS creation were reviewed. RESULTS: Ten patients showed segmental liver ischemia/infarction on contrast-enhanced imaging after elective TIPS creation. Associated imaging findings included thrombosis of the posterior division (n = 7) and anterior division (n = 3) of the right portal vein (PV). The right hepatic vein was thrombosed in 5 patients, as was the middle hepatic vein in 3 and the left hepatic vein in 1. One patient had acute thrombosis of the shunt and main PV. Three patients developed acute liver failure: 2 died within 30 days and 1 required emergent liver transplantation. One patient died of acute renal failure 20 days after TIPS creation. A large infarct in a transplant recipient resulted in biloma formation. Five patients survived without additional interventions with follow-up times ranging from 3 months to 5 years. CONCLUSIONS: Segmental perfusion defects are not an uncommon imaging finding after elective TIPS creation. Segmental ischemia was associated with thrombosis of major branches of the PVs and often of the hepatic veins. Clinical outcomes varied significantly, from transient problems to acute liver failure with high mortality rates.

An international multicenter comparison of time-SLIP unenhanced MR angiography and contrast-enhanced CT angiography for assessing renal artery stenosis: the renal artery contrast-free trial.

OBJECTIVE: The unenhanced MR angiography (MRA) technique time-spatial labeling inversion pulse (time-SLIP) may provide a safe alternative for evaluating the renal arteries for stenosis. This international multicenter trial tested the hypothesis that time-SLIP unenhanced MRA is accurate and robust for assessing the renal arteries for stenosis in comparison with contrast-enhanced CT angiography (CTA). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Four centers (United States, Europe, Asia) enrolled 75 patients (average age ± SD, 58 ± 13 years; 41 [55%] men and 34 [45%] women). Each patient underwent abdominal contrast-enhanced CTA and abdominal unenhanced MRA using time-SLIP with balanced steady-state free precession. All images were visually assessed for quality (arterial signal intensity) and for the absence or presence of renal artery stenosis (≤ 50% or > 50% stenosis, respectively). In addition, for arteries with any visible disease, the severity of the stenosis was quantified. Two blinded readers evaluated each study. No arteries were excluded from analysis. RESULTS: Unenhanced MRA image quality was excellent for 56 of 75 patients (75%) and good for 16 of 75 patients (21%). CTA was used as the reference standard and showed that 23 of 161 renal arteries (14.3%) had stenosis > 50%. Unenhanced MRA correctly classified 17 of the 23 renal arteries with > 50% stenosis and correctly classified 128 of the 138 renal arteries as not having disease (≤ 50% stenosis) to yield a sensitivity of 74%, specificity of 93%, and accuracy of 90% (χ(2) = 0.56; p = 0.45, no statistically significant difference). Of the 16 misclassified arteries, only three had a clinically relevant misclassification (CTA ≥ 70% stenosis and unenhanced MRA ≤ 50% stenosis or unenhanced MRA ≥ 70% stenosis and CTA ≤ 50% stenosis). On average, measured stenotic severity (n = 28 arteries) was similar for unenhanced MRA (64% ± 17%) and CTA (62% ± 16%) (p = 0.51). CONCLUSION: Compared with contrast-enhanced CTA, the unenhanced MRA technique time-SLIP shows promise for assessing the renal arteries for stenosis. The unenhanced MRA technique time-SLIP may provide a safe alternative for evaluating the renal arteries for stenosis.

Transjejunal biliary interventions: going back to a road less traveled.

Percutaneous transhepatic biliary interventions are not without risk and potential complications. In patients with bilioenteric anastomosis in whom repeat biliary interventions are expected, percutaneous transjejunal access is a very useful approach that is not frequently used nowadays. We provide a brief review of the history, indications, and current status of transjejunal biliary interventions. Transjejunal biliary access provides a relatively atraumatic pathway to the biliary system in patients that need repeat interventions. Multiple studies have provided convincing data that in appropriately chosen patients receiving a bilioenteric anastomosis, an antecolic limb of jejunum should be placed for subsequent access in biliary intervention.

Superior vena cava (SVC) filters placed over central lines - analysis of line trapping and difficulties with line retrieval: an in-vitro experimental study.

BACKGROUND: Placement of superior vena cava (SVC) filters has been shown to be both safe and effective in preventing symptomatic pulmonary embolism in patients with upper extremity deep venous thrombosis that have contraindications to anticoagulation therapy. In many patients, existing central lines pose a challenge to SVC filter placement due to the theoretical risk of line displacement and/or entrapment. PURPOSE: To assess the risk of catheter entrapment by filter legs during SVC filter deployment and the risk of subsequent filter migration during catheter removal. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A model was created by placing a 22 mm vascular graft inside a plastic tube and submerged in a warm saline bath. Five types of filters were deployed under fluoroscopic guidance over different types of central lines of varying calibers (5-14 Fr). Each filter was deployed five times over each type of central line. The positioning of the legs of the filters in relationship to the central lines was studied by fluoroscopic and direct inspection. The lines were then removed under fluoroscopic guidance noting any line trapping, migration, and/or tilting of the filters. RESULTS: Movement of the lines during filter expansion was commonly seen after deployment of all filters with varying frequencies. During line removal slight resistance was encountered with the Celect filter (10%) and the Option filter (5%), while significant resistance was only encountered when using the OptEase filter (20%). Filter migration was only observed when the OptEase filter was deployed over large (>10 Fr) caliber lines (10%). CONCLUSION: When SVC filters are placed over existing central lines, the risk of catheter entrapment is very low in this in-vitro model. Filter migration during line retrieval was only observed when the OptEase filter was placed over >10 Fr caliber lines.

Integrative multi-omics characterization of hepatocellular carcinoma in Hispanic patients.

Background: The incidence and mortality rates of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) among Hispanics in the United States are much higher than those of non-Hispanic whites. We conducted comprehensive multi-omics analyses to understand molecular alterations in HCC among Hispanic patients. Methods: Paired tumor and adjacent non-tumor samples were collected from 31 Hispanic HCC in South Texas (STX-Hispanic) for genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic profiling. Additionally, serum lipids were profiled in 40 Hispanic and non-Hispanic patients with or without clinically diagnosed HCC. Results: Exome sequencing revealed high mutation frequencies of AXIN2 and CTNNB1 in STX Hispanic HCCs, suggesting a predominant activation of the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway. The TERT promoter mutation frequency was also remarkably high in the Hispanic cohort. Cell cycles and liver functions were identified as positively- and negatively-enriched, respectively, with gene set enrichment analysis. Gene sets representing specific liver metabolic pathways were associated with dysregulation of corresponding metabolites. Negative enrichment of liver adipogenesis and lipid metabolism corroborated with a significant reduction in most lipids in the serum samples of HCC patients. Two HCC subtypes from our Hispanic cohort were identified and validated with the TCGA liver cancer cohort. The subtype with better overall survival showed higher activity of immune and angiogenesis signatures, and lower activity of liver function-related gene signatures. It also had higher levels of immune checkpoint and immune exhaustion markers. Conclusions: Our study revealed some specific molecular features of Hispanic HCC and potential biomarkers for therapeutic management of HCC and provides a unique resource for studying Hispanic HCC.

Integrative multi-omics characterization of hepatocellular carcinoma in hispanic patients.

BACKGROUND: The incidence and mortality rates of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) among Hispanic individuals in the United States are much higher than in non-Hispanic white people. We conducted multi-omics analyses to elucidate molecular alterations in HCC among Hispanic patients. METHODS: Paired tumor and adjacent non-tumor samples were collected from 31 Hispanic HCCs in South Texas (STX-Hispanic) for genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic profiling. Serum lipids were profiled in 40 Hispanic and non-Hispanic patients with or without clinically diagnosed HCC. RESULTS: Exome sequencing revealed high mutation frequencies of AXIN2 and CTNNB1 in STX Hispanic HCCs, suggesting a predominant activation of the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway. TERT promoter mutations were also significantly more frequent in the Hispanic cohort (Fisher's exact test, p < .05). Cell cycles and liver function were positively and negatively enriched, respectively, with gene set enrichment analysis. Gene sets representing specific liver metabolic pathways were associated with dysregulation of corresponding metabolites. Negative enrichment of liver adipogenesis and lipid metabolism corroborated with a significant reduction in most lipids in serum samples of HCC patients (paired t-test, p < .0001). Two HCC subtypes from our Hispanic cohort were identified and validated with the TCGA liver cancer cohort. Patients with better overall survival showed higher activity of immune and angiogenesis signatures, and lower activity of liver function-related gene signatures. They also had higher levels of immune checkpoint and immune exhaustion markers. CONCLUSIONS: Our study revealed specific molecular features of Hispanic HCC and potential biomarkers for therapeutic management. It provides a unique resource for studying Hispanic HCC.

A Comprehensive Review of Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt-Related Complications.

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is one of the most technically complex procedures in interventional radiology, the need to connect two veins with variable anatomy, located in two different planes in hard and many times small cirrhotic livers using a needle, can be quite challenging. Despite more than 30 years of performing TIPS, the complex hemodynamics of the portal system are not fully understood, and sometimes unpredictable alterations of the portal flow can lead to serious unexpected complications. The best strategies to prevent TIPS complications are optimal patient selection, meticulous technique, operator experience, and immediate correction of identified adverse events. The purpose of this article is to review the technical complications with TIPS, the unique complications related to the use of stent grafts, and the late complications after the procedure, with emphasis on ways to prevent and treat them.

The rat eustachian tube: Anatomical, histological, and radiological features.

Purpose: This study investigated the anatomical and histological characteristics of the rat Eustachian tube (E-tube) and the feasibility of Eustachian tubography in a rat model. Materials and methods: Fifteen male Wistar rats were used in this study, and the bilateral E-tubes of each rat were examined. Ten E-tubes were used for anatomical studies, another ten for histological analysis, and the other ten for Eustachian tubography. Five rats were euthanized and decapitated, and ten E-tubes were dissected to describe the anatomy of the E-tube. Ten E-tube specimens obtained from five other rats were sectioned to investigate E-tube histology. Eustachian tubography was performed on the bilateral E-tubes of the other five rats using the trans-tympanic approach. Results: The rat E-tubes consisted of bony and membranous parts. Cartilage and bone tissue covered only the bony part. The E-tubes' mean diameter and overall length were 2.97 â€‹mm and 4.96 â€‹mm, respectively. The tympanic orifices' mean diameter was 1.21 â€‹mm. The epithelium of E-tubes was mainly composed of pseudostratified ciliated and goblet cells. Eustachian tubography was successfully performed on both sides of the E-tube for each rat. The technical success rate was 100%, the average running time was 4.9 â€‹min, and no procedure-related complications occurred. On tubography images, the E-tube, tympanic cavity, and nasopharynx could be identified because of the visualization of bony landmarks. Conclusion: In this study, we described the anatomical and histological features of rat E-tubes. With the aid of these findings, E-tube angiography was successfully performed using a transtympanic approach. These results will facilitate further investigation of E-tube dysfunction.

Salvage of angioplasty failures and complications in hemodialysis arteriovenous access using the FLUENCY Plus Stent Graft: technical and 180-day patency results.

PURPOSE: To review technical and 180-day clinical outcomes when stent grafts were used to treat dysfunctional arteriovenous (AV) hemodialysis access circuits. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The FLUENCY Plus Stent Graft (Bard Peripheral Vascular, Tempe, Arizona) was used to salvage percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) technical failures and complications in AV access circuits over 2 years. There were 106 patients treated with 138 stent grafts. Indications for stent graft use included residual stenosis after PTA (n = 81), extravasation after PTA (n = 22), early recurrent stenosis (n = 14), pseudoaneurysms (n = 4), and "other" (n = 4). Data were retrospectively analyzed for complications and outcomes. RESULTS: Technical success was achieved in all patients, and clinical success was achieved in 104 (98%) of 106 patients. At 180 days, postintervention primary patency (PIPP) was 47%, and postintervention secondary patency (PISP) was 79%. PIPP was 62% for autogenous fistulas (AVFs) and 35% for prosthetic grafts (AVGs) (P = .010). The 180-day PIPP for stent grafts 9-10 mm in diameter was 63% versus 38% for stent grafts 6-8 mm in diameter (P = .012). Implants that did not cross the elbow had a 180-day PIPP of 47% compared with 25% for implants across the elbow (P = .032). Technical complications were periprocedure AVG thromboses (n = 2), intraprocedural stent graft dislodgment (n = 1), venospasm (n = 2), and contrast agent-related hives (n = 1). One patient returned at 2 months with an infected AVG and stent graft in the outflow vein. CONCLUSIONS: The FLUENCY Plus Stent Graft was effective for maintenance of hemodialysis access circuit patency and was comparable or better than historical outcomes for PTA and bare stents. Factors that favored improved patency included larger diameter devices, use in AVFs, and avoiding placement across the elbow joint.

Traumatic occlusion and dissection of the main renal artery: endovascular treatment.

PURPOSE: To report experience with endovascular treatment of traumatic injuries of the main renal artery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of traumatic injuries to the main renal artery was performed in three major trauma institutions. Eight patients (age range, 17-46 y; mean age, 27 y) presented with main renal artery occlusion (n = 7) or dissection (n = 1) after major blunt abdominal trauma. Associated injuries were present in the majority of patients. The mean time from injury to intervention was 5 hours (range, 2-8 h). RESULTS: Recanalization of the occluded renal artery with stent placement was successfully achieved in six patients. In two of the eight patients, interventions resulted in extravasation of contrast medium, and embolization of the main renal artery was performed. At follow-up 2-24 months after injury, four patients had kidney atrophy (two treated with embolization and two with stents), two had proven stent patency with functional kidneys, one was normotensive with unknown stent patency, and one was lost to follow-up. One of the patients with an occluded stent developed severe renal hypertension and required nephrectomy. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of occlusions and dissections of the main renal artery after major blunt abdominal trauma can be successfully treated with recanalization and stent placement. However, long-term kidney salvage is not always achieved, and there is a potential of development of renovascular hypertension, which may require late nephrectomy.

Common and rare collateral pathways in aortoiliac occlusive disease: a pictorial essay.

OBJECTIVE: The development of collateral pathways for arterial blood flow is common in the presence of atherosclerotic occlusive disease of the abdominal aorta and iliac arteries. The collateral pathways are divided into systemic-systemic and systemic-visceral pathways. MDCT is commonly used to evaluate aortic stenosis and the resulting collateral pathways. CONCLUSION: Common and rare arterial collateral pathways are reviewed by 3D volume-rendered CT images. Visceral and lower extremity arterial embryology is reviewed.

Embolization in Trauma: Review of Basic Principles and Techniques.

Trauma is the leading cause of death in patients younger than 45 years. Over the last decade, there has been a progressive paradigm shift toward a nonoperative management of many blunt and penetrating injuries, placing interventional radiology in the forefront in this critical field. Transcatheter embolization is an established technique that plays a significant role in the modern treatment of traumatic injuries of the extremities, pelvis, and solid organs. The purpose of this article is to review the updated principles and techniques used in transcatheter embolization in trauma.

Digital radiograph (DR) guided bedside IVC filter placements in patients with intracranial pressure monitors.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to report a single center experience with portable digital radiographically (DR) guided bedside IVC filters placed in intensive care unit (ICU) patients with high ICP and elevated head of bed (HOB). Materials and methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted on all bedside IVC filters placed from January 1, 2010 to September 16, 2020. Patients with high ICP and elevated head of bed requirements were included. Charts were reviewed for filter type, common femoral vein (CFV) access, filter location, pre procedure imaging, pre and post filter ICPs, glascow coma scale, number of radiographs taken, and filter removal. ICPs were obtained 1 â€‹h prior to procedure and 2 â€‹h post procedure and analyzed with a paired T test.Filters were placed by reviewing prior CT scan for IVC size, caval variants, renal and iliac veins and vertebral body landmarks. Then, CFV access was obtained and a Bentson wire was advanced 30-40 â€‹cm. A radiograph was used to confirm adequate position of the of the wire. The filter sheath was advanced and serial radiographs were used to position the filter sheath at the final predetermined position below the renal veins and above the iliac bifurcation. The filter was deployed, and a radiograph was obtained to confirm filter positioning. Results: A total of 9 DR guided bedside IVC filters were placed (4 Denali, 3 Option Elite, 2 Celect). Indications included prophylactic placement (n â€‹= â€‹8) and acute DVT (n â€‹= â€‹1). The average patient age was 35.8 years (range: 18-56 years) CT abdomen and pelvis was used to assess for the level of renal veins in all patients (n â€‹= â€‹9). No caval variants were encountered on pre-procedural planning. The average pre, intraprocedural, and post procedure intracranial pressure was 16 â€‹mmHg, 13 â€‹mmHg, and 16 â€‹mmHg, respectively. Confirmation of placement after final placement was available in 7 patients (4 DR, 2 CT and one fluoroscopic examination). Two non-procedural related deaths occurred.Technical success, defined as successful placement of IVC filter at the predetermined level, was achieved in 100% of patients (n â€‹= â€‹9). The right CFV was used in most patients (n â€‹= â€‹7). The left CFV was used for access in two patients due to right CFV thrombus (n â€‹= â€‹1) and existing right femoral venous central line (n â€‹= â€‹1). The average number of radiographs taken was 5.8 (range 4-9). In all cases, filters were placed below the level of the lowest renal vein (n â€‹= â€‹9). A comparison of pre, during and post intervention ICP pressures is shown in table, 2. No differences between pre and post filter ICP was noted (p â€‹= â€‹0.77). Three filters were later removed. One minor complication was reported, which was filter tilt (23%) in an Option filter. Conclusion: Bedside IVC filters can be safely placed in patients with head trauma and high ICP who are unable to lay supine using portable DR guidance with a high rate of technical success and minimal complications.