Embolization of the Superior Rectal Arteries versus Closed Hemorrhoidectomy (Ferguson Technique) in the Treatment of Hemorrhoidal Disease: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

PURPOSE: To compare short-term and medium-term results of superior rectal artery embolization versus surgical hemorrhoidectomy in the treatment of patients with hemorrhoidal disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study was a prospective randomized clinical trial following 33 patients with symptomatic hemorrhoidal disease Grades 2 and 3 who were randomly assigned to 2 different groups: the superior rectal artery embolization group (n = 15) and Ferguson closed hemorrhoidectomy surgical group (n = 14). Four patients were excluded from the analysis. Pain using the visual analog scale and the use of analgesics were evaluated 3 times daily during the first 7 days of the postoperative period. Recurrent symptoms and satisfaction with treatment were also evaluated in the subsequent first, third, sixth, and twelfth months. RESULTS: The mean pain during the first bowel movement after the procedure was 6.08 ± 4.41 in the surgery group and 0 in the embolization group (P = .001). The mean use of pain medication was higher in the surgery group (28.92 doses ± 15.78 vs 2.4 doses ± 5.21; P < .001). In the embolization group, the most prevalent preprocedural symptom was bleeding in 14 patients, with complete improvement in 12 (83.3%) patients. Mucus, skin tag, and pruritus were symptoms that showed little improvement in both groups. The frequency of symptoms (bleeding, pain, prolapse, and pruritus) was similar between the groups at 12 months (P = .691). No severe adverse events were observed in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Despite no difference in outcomes, embolization of the superior rectal arteries for the treatment of hemorrhoidal disease showed pain levels lower than those observed after surgical treatment.

Prostate cancer recurrence in vas deferens - fusion image guide as an important tool in dignosis.

The biochemical recurrence after local treatment for prostate cancer is an often challenging condition of clinical management. The aim of this report is to demonstrate the importance of the association of various imaging methods in the identification and subsequent accurate percutaneous biopsy in patients with recurrence of prostate cancer, especially in unusual sites. An 86 years old male with biochemical recurrence, during radiological investigation a PET-MRI was noted the presence of an asymmetry of the vas deferens with PSMA- 68Ga uptaken, suggesting the recurrence. A percutaneous fusion biopsy with PET-MRI and ultrasound was performed using transrectal access using ultrasound confirming infiltrating adenocarcinoma of the wall of the vas deferens, compatible with neoplastic prostate recurrence. The fusion image technique combines the real-time view of the US to the possibility of higher definition and higher specificity, methods more anatomical detail as tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, simultaneously. High resolution acquired in PET / MR associated with image fusion allows orientation procedures, even in areas of difficult access, with greater accuracy than conventional techniques.

Multidetector computed tomography imaging planning for bronchoscopy stent and valve placement in the treatment of COPD, air leaks, and airway stenosis.

Bronchoscopy using a flexible bronchoscope is considered a safe procedure and has been used for diagnosing and treating airway and parenchymal lung diseases. Bronchoscopic interventions in selected patients with emphysema, airway stenosis, and air leaks provide new treatment options. The application of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) planning prior to bronchoscopy is comprehensively addressed. Using MDCT scan for pre-procedural planning, ensures precise navigation and device placement during bronchoscopy, ultimately improving patient outcomes. Radiological features can be correlated with bronchoscopy findings, linking MDCT images with direct bronchoscopy observations. This educational statement provides a comprehensive overview of the integration of computed tomography and bronchoscopy in managing different pulmonary conditions treated with endobronchial valve and airway stent placement, focusing on key aspects to enhance understanding and application in clinical practice. Emphasis is placed on their role in treating airway stenosis (AS), air leaks, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), highlighting the conditions under which these procedures are most beneficial. It explores how MDCT imaging contributes to the diagnosis and treatment planning of these conditions and the correct interpretation of MDCT image findings during follow-up after the procedure.

The iceberg technique: an innovative approach for radiofrequency ablation of diving thyroid nodules.

Diving thyroid nodules are a limitation of radiofrequency ablation because the mediastinal component cannot be adequately identified by ultrasound (US). We aim to describe a new technique, the iceberg technique, to overcome this issue and explain our three-year experience of using this novel method. The iceberg technique consists of a two-stage treatment. First, the ablation of the cervical portion of the nodules (easily visualized during the initial US exam) using trans-isthmic access is performed using the moving-shot technique. After three to six months, there is a volumetric reduction of the treated portion, leading to retraction of the thyroid parenchyma. This brings the mediastinal component to the cervical region, thereby enabling a perfect visualization by US. Then, the second stage of treatment is carried out with complete nodule ablation, and the region that was treated first is looked at a second time. From April 2018 to April 2021, nine patients with nine benign nodules were submitted for the iceberg technique. No complications occurred during the entire follow-up period. The patients displayed normal hormonal levels after the procedures, and there was a significant volume reduction of the nodules until three months post-ablation. The iceberg technique is an effective and safe option for the radiofrequency treatment of diving goiters.

Risk of pulmonary aspiration during semaglutide use and anesthesia in a fasting patient: a case report with tomographic evidence.

Pulmonary aspiration of gastric residues during anesthesia is a potentially fatal complication for which no specific treatment is available. The primary way to prevent its occurrence in the context of elective surgeries is adherence to fasting protocols. However, some clinical conditions can prolong the gastric emptying time, and the risk of aspiration may exist despite adequate fasting. Recognizing the risk factors for gastroparesis allows the adoption of preventive methods and is the primary way to reduce morbidity and mortality from pulmonary aspiration. In this scenario, the anesthesiologist can investigate the gastric content by using ultrasound, adjust the anesthetic technique, and even postpone elective surgeries. Here, we describe incidental computed tomography finding of solid contents in the stomach of a patient without prior identification of the risk factors for gastroparesis. The patient underwent elective renal nodule ablation under general anesthesia after fasting for 9 hours. During the procedure, solid contents in the stomach were noted on computed tomography. Subsequently, it was discovered that the patient had been using semaglutide for 6 days and had not disclosed this information. Semaglutide use may represent a new and significant risk factor for anesthesia-related pulmonary aspiration. Until studies provide information on the appropriate perioperative management of patients using semaglutide, anesthesiologists need to adopt preventive measures to avoid aspiration. Awareness of this potential association and open communication among patients, physicians, and anesthesia teams are essential for enhancing patient safety.

Radiological characteristics of hepatocellular carcinoma that achieved complete response after chemoembolization with drug-eluting beads for liver transplantation planning.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the radiological characteristics of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) lesions that achieved a complete response following drug-eluting bead transarterial chemoembolization (DEB-TACE) preceding liver transplantation. METHODS: This single-center case-control study enrolled patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who underwent neoadjuvant DEB-TACE therapy, were followed up with contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography, and were successively evaluated according to the modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors. The HCCs were divided into two groups based on their diameter (Group A: ≤3cm; Group B: 3cm). Viability was assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method according to tumor size categories. The relationship between tumor variables was analyzed using bivariate Cox regression. RESULTS: Three-hundred and twenty-eight patients with 667 hepatocellular carcinomas who underwent their first DEB-TACE session were enrolled. A total of 105 hepatocellular carcinomas in 59 patients exhibited complete response after the initial DEB-TACE session and were divided into Group A (92 HCCs) and Group B (13 HCCs). The diameter in Group A decreased significantly compared to the pre-procedure size until the second assessment (p<0.001), with no subsequent reduction in diameter, despite maintaining a complete response. In Group B, the reduction in diameter remained significant compared with the initial value until the sixth imaging evaluation (p=0.014). The average reduction was 45.1% for Group B and a maximum of 14.9% in Group A. CONCLUSION: HCCs >3cm exhibited a greater reduction in size and a longer time to recurrence. HCCs ≤3cm had a shorter relapse time. The recurrence rates were similar. These findings may aid in planning for liver transplantation.

Transarterial Selective Internal Radiation Therapy with Yttrium-90 for Liver Metastatic Urothelial Carcinoma of the Ureter as a Bridging Therapy to Immunotherapy: A Case Report with a 10-Year Follow-Up.

Primary transitional cell carcinoma of the ureter is a rare type of cancer with metastasis presented in approximately 25% at diagnosis. Due to its rarity and poor prognosis, the management of this neoplasm is still controversial, and the development of new therapies is of uttermost importance. Herein, we describe a case of a 54-year-old patient diagnosed with transitional cell carcinoma of the left ureter submitted to left nephroureterectomy (pT3N2M0) and methotrexate, vinblastine, doxorubicin, and cisplatin adjuvant chemotherapy. A single liver metastasis was detected and combination chemotherapy with gemcitabine and carboplatin was initiated along with stereotactic body radiation therapy. Despite these 2 previous chemotherapy regimens, the patient presented disease progression and transarterial selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) with yttrium-90 was indicated. This locoregional treatment was performed with the administration of 1.2 GBq yttrium-90 resin microspheres (SIR-Spheres®, Sirtex Medical Limited, Sydney, NSW, Australia) into the right hepatic artery. Another systemic treatment was immunotherapy using nivolumab with excellent tolerability. After 10 years of follow-up, at the last clinical evaluation, the patient had no clinical symptoms and the last imaging follow-up using positron emission tomography-computed tomography scan showed complete response. This report introduces upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma as a distinct type of malignancy in which SIRT can be safely implemented. As a transition method to nivolumab, it was successful. There might be a potential therapeutic synergism between these 2 treatment modalities.

Spontaneous renal artery dissection: angioplasty with stent implantation in one-year follow-up.

Spontaneous renal artery dissection is an unusual and idiopathic condition in most cases. In young, mildly symptomatic patients, diagnosis may be difficult, frequently culminating in delay in treatment. This report presents the case of a 40-year-old male patient, with severe hypertension of sudden onset, and difficult management of oral medication. In etiological investigation, Echo-Doppler of renal arteries showed signs of hemodynamically relevant right renal artery stenosis. Arteriography showed presence of double-lumen and thrombus in the vessel lumen, indicating dissection. The proposed treatment was endovascular approach after failure of isolated medical treatment, option which included the aspiration of the thrombus by Penumbra System® device and balloon angioplasty, followed by right renal artery stenting. Improvement of immediate sonographic control of peak systolic velocity and renal-aortic ratio was shown, with a consequent reduction of systemic arterial blood pressure and stabilization of renal function. Within the following year, the patient presented in-stent stenosis and was successfully treated with balloon angioplasty.

Transafferent nodal embolization for lymphocele treatment: case report.

Lymphoceles are collections of lymphatic fluid, mainly caused by major surgical approaches. Most lymphoceles are asymptomatic and limited, but some cases may require a medical management. Among the different techniques, transafferent nodal embolization has emerged as a minimally invasive option, with low morbidity and high resolubility, although it is not widespread in the Brazilian scenario. In this study, we report a case of lymphocele drained percutaneously, with maintenance of high output and requiring transafferent nodal embolization.

Lung nodule localization in hybrid room before minimally invasive thoracic surgery: series of 20 cases and literature review.

OBJECTIVE: To describe an experience in the preoperative localization of small pulmonary nodules and ground-glass lesions to guide minimally invasive thoracic surgery; in addition, a literature review was conducted, including the main advantages and disadvantages of the different agents used, and site marking in a hybrid operating room. METHODS: A retrospective search was conducted in a Interventional Radiology Department database, between March 2015 and May 2019, to identify patients undergoing preoperative percutaneous marking of lung injuries measuring up to 25mm. RESULTS: A total of 20 patients were included and submitted to descriptive analysis. All patients were marked in a hybrid room, at the same surgical-anesthetic time. Most often used markers were guidewire, Lipiodol® and microcoils. Despite one case of coil displacement, two cases of pneumothorax, and one case of hypotension after marking, all lesions were identified and resected accordingly from all patients. CONCLUSION: Preoperative percutaneous localization of lung injuries in hybrid room is an effective and a safe technique, which can have decisive impact on surgical resection. The choice of marker and of the operating room scenario should be based on availability and experience of service. Multidisciplinary discussions with surgical teams, pathologists, and interventional radiologists are crucial to improve outcome of patients.

Omental lipoma in pediatric age group: clinical presentation, image findings and management.

A 2-year-old female patient, admitted in the emergency room, presented diarrhea for 5 days and bloody stools in the last 24 hours. Physical examination revealed no significant findings. Ultrasound was initially performed, showing an elongated, well delimited and solid mass occupying since right hypocondrium until left iliac fossa, displacing adjacent structures. In sequence, magnetic resonance imaging was performed for confirmation of findings suggestive of omentum lipoma. After 1 week, the surgical resection was performed by videolaparoscopic acess. During 2-year follow-up, there was no sign of recurrence.

Evaluation of the blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) sequence with 3 Tesla device in renal transplant patients in the assessment of early allograft disfunction, correlated with biopsy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the ability of blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) magnetic resonance imaging at 3 Tesla to measure tissue oxygen bioavailability based on R2* values, and to differentiate between acute tubular necrosis and acute rejection compared to renal biopsy (gold standard). METHODS: A prospective, single-center study, with patients submitted to renal transplantation between 2013 and 2014, who developed graft dysfunction less than 4 weeks after transplantation. All patients were submitted to abdominal magnetic resonance imaging at 3 Tesla using the same protocol, followed by two BOLD sequences and kidney biopsy. RESULTS: Twelve male (68.75%) and three female (31.25%) patients were included. A total of 19 percutaneous renal biopsies were performed (four patients required a second biopsy due to changes in clinical findings). Pathological findings revealed ten cases of acute tubular necrosis, four cases of acute rejection, and five cases with other (miscellaneous) diagnoses. Comparison between the four groups of interest failed to reveal significant differences (p=0.177) in cortical R2* values, whereas medullary R2* values differed significantly (p=0.033), with lower values in the miscellaneous diagnoses and the acute tubular necrosis group. CONCLUSION: BOLD magnetic resonance imaging at 3 Tesla is a feasible technique that uses indirect tissue oxygen level measurements to differentiate between acute rejection and acute tubular necrosis in renal grafts.

Percutaneous Cryoablation versus Robot-Assisted Partial Nephrectomy of Renal T1A Tumors: a Single-Center Retrospective Cost-Effectiveness Analysis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of percutaneous cryoablation (PCA) versus robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RPN) in patients with small renal tumors (T1a stage), considering perioperative complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective study from November 2008 to April 2017 of 122 patients with a T1a renal mass who after being analyzed by a multidisciplinary board underwent to PCA (59 patients) or RPN (63 patients). Hospital costs in US dollars, and clinical and tumor data were compared. Non-complicated intervention was considered as an effective outcome. A hypothetical model of possible complications based on Clavien-Dindo classification (CDC) was built, grouping them into mild (CDC I and II) and severe (CDC III and IV). A decision tree model was structured from complications of published data. RESULTS: Patients who underwent PCA were older (62.5 vs. 52.8 years old, p < 0.001), presented with more coronary disease and previous renal cancer (25.4% vs. 10.1%, p = 0.023 and 38% vs. 7.2%, p < 0.001, respectively). Patients treated with PCA had a higher preoperative risk (American Society of Anesthesiologists-ASA ≥ 3) than those in the RPN group (25.4% vs. 0%, p < 0.001). Average operative time was significantly lower with PCA than RPN (99.92 ± 29.05 min vs. 129.28 ± 54.85 min, p < 0.001). Average hospitalization time for PCA was 2.2 ± 2.95 days, significantly lower than RPN (mean 3.03 ± 1.49 days, p = 0.04). The average total cost of PCA was significantly lower than RPN (US$12,435 ± 6,176 vs. US$19,399 ± 6,047, p < 0.001). The incremental effectiveness was 5% higher comparing PCA with RPN, resulting a cost-saving result in favor of PCA. CONCLUSION: PCA was the dominant strategy (less costly and more effective) compared to RPN, considering occurrence of perioperative complications.

Transesplenic access in the treatment of varicose gastrointestinal bleeding. Case and technical report.

Varicose gastrointestinal bleeding is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic liver disease. Endoscopic treatment is the first therapeutic line for these patients, however, for those whom this therapeutic modality fail, a broad knowledge of alternative treatment options may improve the prognosis. We describe a case of a patient who were successfully embolized from gastroesophageal varices via transsplenic access.

Hydrodissection and programmed stop sedation in 100 % of benign thyroid nodules treated with radiofrequency ablation.

PURPOSE: To describe our group experience in treatment of benign symptomatic thyroid nodules using radiofrequency ablation technique always associated to routine pre-procedure hydrodissection and under sedation with programmed stop. METHODS: Dual-center, retrospective study conducted between April 2018 and January 2020. A total of 52 symptomatic benign thyroid nodules were treated in 34 patients with ultrasound-guided percutaneous radiofrequency ablation. The technique of choice was moving-shot technique and 100 % patients underwent pre-procedural hydrodissection with 5% glucose solution, plus conscious sedation with programmed stop during procedure. RESULTS: Most nodules were solid or almost completely solid (n = 45, 88.3 % of nodules), followed by cystic composition (n = 4, 7.8 %) and mixed (n = 2, 3.9 %). As for location, most were on the right lobe (n = 29, 56.9 %), followed by the left lobe (n = 17, 33.3 %) and isthmus (n = 5, 9.8 %). The average volume of nodules before ablation was 18.2 ±â€¯20.5 mL. Volumetric reduction rates at one, three, six and twelve months after ablation were 46.6 %, 64.5 %, 76.1 % and 88.8 %, respectively. No complications strictly related to procedure were reported. No more than 5 min were added to total time of ablative treatment considering routine hydrodissection and stop programmed sedation. CONCLUSIONS: Minimally invasive therapies applied to thyroid allow the preservation of healthy thyroid parenchyma and provide a very effective volumetric reduction of symptomatic benign thyroid nodules. Hydrodissection with 5 % glucose solution, conscious sedation and patient stimulation with programmed stop during procedure may provide greater safety to procedure, and, in our experience, could be done routinely in all patients.

Caecal appendix lipomatosis in a pregnant patient mimicking acute appendicitis.

A 34-years-old pregnant woman admitted in the emergency unit complaining about worsening right iliac fossa pain for 2 days. Acute appendicitis was the suspected diagnosis. Laboratory exams were ordered and results were within normal limits for infectious and inflammatory aspects. Ultrasound scan revealed a pregnancy in course without alterations and a thickness of the appendix wall without inflammatory signs in the surrounding tissue. Because the suspicion of acute appendicitis remained, a magnetic resonance was done and confirmed the diagnosis of a cecal appendix lipomatosis.

Transarterial radioembolization for liver tumors as neoadjuvant therapy: three case reports.

Transarterial radioembolization (TARE) with yttrium-90 microspheres is a palliative locoregional treatment, minimally invasive for liver tumors. The neoadjuvant aim of this treatment is still controversial, however, selected cases with lesions initially considered unresectable have been enframed as candidates for curative therapy after hepatic transarterial radioembolization. We report three cases in which the hepatic transarterial radioembolization was used as neoadjuvant therapy in an effective way, allowing posterior potentially curative therapies.

Diagnosis and management of hepatic artery in-stent restenosis after liver transplantation by optical coherence tomography: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting represent an effective treatment for hepatic artery stenosis after liver transplantation. In the first year after stenting, approximately 22% of patients experience in-stent restenosis, increasing the risk of artery thrombosis and related complications, and 50% experience liver failure. Although angiography is an important tool for diagnosis and the planning of therapeutic interventions, it may raise doubts, especially in small-diameter arteries, and it provides low resolution rates compared with newer intravascular imaging methods, such as optical coherence tomography (OCT). CASE SUMMARY: A 64-year-old male developed hepatic artery stenosis one year after orthotropic liver transplantation and was successfully treated with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty with stenting. Five months later, the Doppler ultrasound results indicated restenosis. Visceral arteriography confirmed hepatic artery tortuosity but was doubtful for significant in-stent restenosis (ISR) and intrahepatic flow reduction. To confirm ISR, identify the etiology and guide treatment, OCT was performed. OCT showed severe stenosis due to four mechanisms: Focal and partial stent fracture, late stent malapposition, in-stent neointimal hyperplasia, and neoatherosclerosis. CONCLUSION: Intravascular diagnostic methods can be useful in evaluating cases in which initial angiography results are not sufficient to provide a proper diagnosis of significant stenosis, especially with regard to ISR. A wide range of diagnoses are provided by OCT, resulting in different treatment options. Interventional radiologists should consider intravascular diagnostic methods as additional tools for evaluating patients when visceral angiography results are unclear.