[Massive biliary hemorrhage due to rupture of pseudoaneurysm after endoscopic biliary plastic stenting for pancreatic cancer].

A 51-year-old woman underwent endoscopic biliary drainage with a plastic stent for obstructive jaundice due to unresectable pancreatic head cancer. During chemotherapy following heavy ion therapy for the cancer, she presented with acute cholangitis and massive rectal bleeding. The massive hemorrhage was caused by rupture of the biliary duct due to a pseudoaneurysm in the right hepatic artery. The position of the aneurysm coincided with the liver-side end of the plastic stent. Sustained irritation of the arterial and bile duct walls by the stent was considered to have contributed to formation of the aneurysm.

Lung CT: Part 1, Mimickers of lung cancer--spectrum of CT findings with pathologic correlation.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to describe CT findings of miscellaneous pulmonary conditions that mimic lung cancers, especially primary cancers, to improve diagnosis of pulmonary lesions. Brief descriptions of patient clinical information and pathologic findings will be included and correlated with imaging findings in actual cases. CONCLUSION: A wide variety of pulmonary conditions present imaging features that mimic those of primary lung cancers and are difficult to differentiate from cancer. Awareness of these conditions with an understanding of their pathologic background and careful attention to the clinical information will help achieve correct diagnoses.

Antegrade internal carotid artery collateral flow and cerebral blood flow in patients with common carotid artery occlusion.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the incidence of antegrade internal carotid artery collateral flow in patients with common carotid artery occlusion, which artery supplies blood to the internal carotid artery, and whether the flow affects regional cerebral blood flow in the middle cerebral artery territory. METHODS: We determined the incidence of antegrade internal carotid artery collateral flow and identified its arterial origins using carotid sonography in 10 patients with common carotid artery occlusion and evaluated middle cerebral artery territory regional cerebral blood flow by single-photon emission computed tomography in these patients and 30 age- and sex-matched patients with internal carotid artery occlusion. RESULTS: Six (60%) of the 10 patients with common carotid artery occlusion had antegrade internal carotid artery collateral flow, which was supplied through the carotid bifurcation from retrograde flow of the external carotid artery in 5 and by a small artery directly into the internal carotid artery in 1. The regional cerebral blood flow ipsilateral to the occlusion at rest was higher in patients with common carotid artery occlusion than those with internal carotid artery occlusion (mean ± SD, 40.4 ± 8.5 versus 34.3 ± 6.2 mL/100 g/min; P = .02). The regional cerebral blood flow was significantly higher in the 6 patients with antegrade internal carotid artery flow than those with internal carotid artery occlusion at rest (42.2 ± 7.2 versus 34.3 ± 6.2 mL/100 g/min; P = .02) but not in the other 4 patients without antegrade internal carotid artery flow. CONCLUSIONS: Antegrade collateral internal carotid artery flow was found in 60% of patients with common carotid artery occlusion and was mainly supplied by retrograde external carotid artery flow. It contributes to maintenance of middle cerebral artery territory regional cerebral blood flow.

Long-term results of medical and surgical therapy for Japanese patients with moderate carotid stenosis.

To clarify the efficacy of medication versus carotid endarterectomy (CEA), we investigated cardiovascular events and outcomes in Japanese patients with moderate carotid stenosis. We consecutively registered patients with significant carotid stenosis (50%-79%) measured by digital subtraction angiography (DSA) over 10 years and compared the incidences of stroke, myocardial infarction, and death between treatment groups (surgical group vs medical group). Of 406 registered patients, 163 (108 treated surgically and 55 treated medically) with moderate carotid stenosis were analyzed. Complete follow-up data (mean, 4.2 years) were available for 105 patients in the surgical group (97.2%) and 54 patients in the medical group (98.2%). Surgical treatment was associated with lower incidences of any stroke, myocardial infarction, and death compared with medication. Although the incidence rates differed significantly between CEA and medication in the 66 symptomatic patients, there were no significant differences in the 93 asymptomatic patients. The results of this single-center study in Japanese patients suggest that CEA is an acceptable treatment for patients with symptomatic moderate carotid stenosis, but that CEA for asymptomatic moderate carotid stenosis seems to be less effective in Japanese patients.

Correlation between the degree of left subclavian artery stenosis and the left vertebral artery waveform by pulse Doppler ultrasonography.

BACKGROUND: Development of retrograde blood flow may be observed in the vertebral artery and is associated with progressive ipsilateral proximal subclavian or innominate artery stenosis. The subclavian steal phenomenon is more prevalent in the left subclavian artery (LSA). The purpose of this study was to analyze the correlation between the degree of LSA stenosis and pulse Doppler waveforms of the left vertebral artery (LVA). METHODS: A retrospective analysis of LVA waveforms was performed in 22 cases with LSA proximal stenosis before the origin of the LVA in conventional angiograms. The degree of LSA stenosis was classified into 5 groups (<50, 50-59, 60-69, 70-89, 90-100%). Pulse Doppler waveforms of the LVA were also classified into 5 subtypes depending on the depth of the mid-systolic notch representing retrograde blood flow (normal, mid-systolic notch, retrograde flow smaller than antegrade flow, retrograde flow larger than antegrade flow, retrograde flow without antegrade flow). RESULTS: A statistically significant correlation (R(2) = 0.646, p < 0.0001) was found between the degree of LSA stenosis and the LVA waveform. CONCLUSIONS: The pattern analysis of LVA pulse Doppler waveforms seems to be useful in determining the degree of LSA stenosis.

Outcomes associated with carotid pseudo-occlusion.

PURPOSE: We tested the hypothesis that patients with carotid pseudo-occlusion (PO) have a different prognosis from those with carotid artery stenosis (CS) without PO. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 500 patients were examined for CS by cerebral angiography; those with severe CS ≥ 70% (CS group) or with PO (PO group) were enrolled in this study. The primary endpoint was defined as the combined endpoint of the occurrence of stroke, myocardial infarction, or death. Patients without any events were censored at 60 months. We followed patients for the occurrence and date of primary endpoints and compared clinical characteristics and outcomes between the PO group and the CS group. RESULTS: We enrolled 337 patients (281 men, 56 women, mean age: 70.4 years, mean follow-up period: 32.0 months), of whom 303 (89.9%) were allocated to the CS group while 34 (10.1%) were allocated to the PO group. The rate of diabetes mellitus in the PO group (55.9%) tended to be higher than in the CS group (39.9%). According to Kaplan-Meier analysis, the PO group suffered from the primary outcome more frequently than the CS group. The occurrence of the primary outcome was also associated with older age, peripheral arterial disease and a history of myocardial infarction. Multivariate analysis indicated that patients in the PO group had a significantly poorer outcome compared with those in the CS group (p = 0.013). CONCLUSION: Patients in the PO group more frequently had neurological and cardiac events or died compared with those in the CS group.

[Combination of percutaneous balloon angioplasty and aggressive medical intervention improves symptomatic basilar artery stenosis with a tortuous access route: case report].

UNLABELLED: The prognosis of symptomatic intracranial artery stenosis (SIAS) by medical treatment is poor. Percutaneous balloon angioplasty (PTA) or stenting is effective for SIAS. However, recently, aggressive medical intervention (AMI) has progressed and some drugs have been reported to improve stenosis or prevent the progression of stenosis. We describe a case where combination of PTA and the AMI improved symptomatic basilar artery stenosis with a tortuous access route. CASE: A 78-year-old man was admitted to our hospital suffering from acute brain infarction due to severe basilar artery stenosis. The AMI including cilostazol, statin, and eicosapentaenoic acid failed to prevent recurrence of the brain infarction. We performed PTA and 45% of the residual stenosis remained. We continued the AMI and the stenosis improved to 30% after 3 months. CONCLUSION: PTA with minimal risk should be considered for SIAS resistant to AMI. Even if residual stenosis remains, continuation of AMI may prevent recurrence of a brain infarction. The strategy of a combination of PTA with minimal risk and AMI may result in a better prognosis for SIAS.

[A case of parental artery occlusion for a non-ruptured giant thrombosed aneurysm at the right vertebral artery using a goose neck snare to hold a guiding catheter].

The stabilization of a guiding catheter is one of the important factors for achieving successful endovascular treatments. However, obtaining sufficient stabilization is sometimes difficult due to the tortuousity of the approach route. A goose neck snare is useful not only for the retrieval of intravascular foreign bodies but also for holding a guiding catheter. This report presents a case of parental artery occlusion for a non-ruptured giant thrombosed aneurysm occurring in the right vertebral artery using a goose neck snare to hold a guiding catheter.

A Clinical Scoring System for Predicting Microvascular Invasion in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma Within the Milan Criteria.

BACKGROUND: Microvascular invasion (MVI) is recognized as a risk factor for early recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) within the Milan criteria after curative treatment. METHODS: One hundred eleven consecutive patients with HCC within the Milan criteria who underwent hepatic resection were retrospectively reviewed. Independent preoperative predictors of MVI were identified, and a scoring system was developed using significant predictors. RESULTS: MVI was identified in 51 of 111 patients (46%). Multivariate analysis identified the following independent predictors of MVI: alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) of > 95 ng/mL (odds ratio [OR], 9.87; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 2.24-56.8; P = 0.002), des-γ-carboxy prothrombin (DCP) of > 55 mAU/mL (OR, 5.50; 95% CI, 2.09-15.4; P < 0.001), tumor size of > 2.8 cm (OR, 6.10; 95% CI, 2.07-20.0; P < 0.001), and non-smooth tumor margin in the hepatobiliary phase of gadolinium-ethoxybenzyl-diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA)-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (OR, 5.34; 95% CI, 1.84-16.9; P = 0.002). A clinical scoring system was developed using these four variables. Within a total possible score of 0 to 4, the prevalence of MVI with a score of 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 was 4.5%, 24.0%, 45.5%, 91.7%, and 100%, respectively (P < 0.001). The area under the curve of the scoring system was 0.865 based on the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis of the prediction score. CONCLUSIONS: Our clinical scoring system, consisting of AFP, DCP, tumor size, and tumor margin in Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI, can be valuable for predicting MVI in HCC within the Milan criteria before curative treatment.

The clinical features of adult unilateral moyamoya disease: does it have the same clinical characteristics as typical moyamoya disease?

BACKGROUND: The cerebral hemodynamics in unilateral moyamoya disease have not been clarified. The present study was done to clarify the clinical characteristics of patients with unilateral moyamoya disease compared to those with typical moyamoya disease or occlusive lesions of the internal carotid artery, terminal portion or middle cerebral artery. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed patients who had unilateral or bilateral steno-occlusive lesions at the internal carotid artery terminal portion or proximal middle cerebral artery. We divided the patients into 3 groups: typical moyamoya (n = 25), unilateral moyamoya (n = 12) and nonmoyamoya (n = 44). Atherosclerotic risk factors and frequency of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke were compared among the 3 groups. We also examined the extent of cerebral collateral vessels by angiography and used single-photon emission computed tomography to measure the regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) at rest and after acetazolamide injection. RESULTS: The data on age, sex, hyperlipidemia and smoking habits in the unilateral moyamoya group fell in between those of the typical moyamoya and nonmoyamoya groups. Stroke was less frequent in the unilateral moyamoya group compared to the typical moyamoya or nonmoyamoya groups (p < 0.05). The rCBF at rest and after acetazolamide injection were significantly higher in the unilateral moyamoya group than in the typical moyamoya and nonmoyamoya groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with unilateral moyamoya disease appear to have the lowest frequency of stroke and a reduced rCBF, despite the fact that they have more atherosclerotic risk factors than patients with bilateral lesions.

Well-differentiated fetal adenocarcinoma of the lung: early-phase sequential high-resolution computed tomographic findings.

Well-differentiated fetal adenocarcinoma is a rare primary adenocarcinoma originating in the lung. We present an early phase case that was followed up for 2 years with chest roentgens and high-resolution computed tomography. Multicentric origin was suspected in the sequential high-resolution computed tomography study findings.

Characteristic sonographic findings of early restenosis after carotid endarterectomy.

OBJECTIVE: Restenosis of the carotid artery after carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is a major complication. The frequency, time of occurrence, and tissue characteristics of carotid restenosis were assessed with sonography. METHODS: Two hundred sixteen patients who had CEA for carotid stenosis were studied; follow-up sonography and magnetic resonance angiography were done 2 weeks, 3 months, and then every year after CEA. On sonography, restenosis was defined as an internal carotid artery (ICA) with a peak systolic velocity of 170 cm/s or greater or a maximum area of stenosis of 90% or greater. RESULTS: During 605 artery-years of follow-up, 18 patients (7.5%) were found to have restenosis on sonography: 4 at 3 months, 11 at 1 year, and 3 at 2 years after CEA. At the time that restenosis was detected, in all 18 ICAs the peak systolic velocity exceeded 200 cm/s and had more than doubled since the last measurement (mean +/- SD, 103 +/- 27 to 321 +/-107 cm/s), whereas the area of stenosis exceeded 90% in 6 patients, and magnetic resonance angiography revealed stenosis of 60% or greater in 8 patients. On sonography, all of the restenotic plaques were isoechoic and concentric. The restenosis was asymptomatic in 17 patients. Vascular risk factors or the severity of initial carotid stenosis before CEA were not associated with development of restenosis. Eleven patients had successful endovascular therapy, and the others received medical treatment. CONCLUSIONS: A marked increase in the flow velocity through an operated ICA is a good indication of restenosis. The isoechogenicity and concentricity of the restenotic plaques suggest that the restenosis is primarily the result of intimal hyperplasia.

Hypogenetic lung syndrome with anomalous venous return to the left inferior pulmonary vein: multidetector row CT findings.

A unique case of hypogenetic lung syndrome is demonstrated with contrast-enhanced multidetector row computed tomography images. This is the first report of hypogenetic lung syndrome with anomalous venous return to the left inferior pulmonary vein.

SPECT evaluation of cerebral blood flow during arm exercise in patients with subclavian steal.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the cerebral hemodynamics in subclavian steal syndrome, we examined the cerebral perfusion of seven patients with subclavian steal (one symptomatic and six asymptomatic) using single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) during resting, arm exercise, and acetazolamide-activated conditions. METHODS: The regional CBF (rCBF) was measured with SPECT under all conditions, and region of interest (ROI) analysis was performed using a three-dimensional stereotaxic ROI template (3DSRT). We evaluated the relationship between arm exercise-induced rCBF change and (1) presence of subclavian artery stenosis, (2) vertebral reverse flow severity, (3) presence of vertebro-basilar insufficiency (VBI) symptoms, and (4) cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR) to acetazolamide. RESULTS: Overall, no arm exercise-induced rCBF reduction was observed on either the affected or the unaffected side, even in patients with severe vertebral reverse flow. One patient with VBI symptoms showed an arm exercise-induced global rCBF reduction in the cerebrum and cerebellum, whereas the other asymptomatic patients did not. The %rCBF changes in segments with severely impaired CVR (-8.6%+/-10.7%, mean+/-SD) were significantly lower than those in other segments with less impaired CVR (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that subclavian steal is a benign condition in asymptomatic patients. On the other hand, arm exercise-induced rCBF reduction can occur in the cerebrum and cerebellum in patients with VBI symptoms possibly related to low CVR.

[Frequent attacks of amaurosis fugax due to hemodynamic mechanism based on severe stenosis of the internal carotid artery].

A 74 year-old man with prostate hypertrophy developed frequent attacks of amaurosis fugax in the left eye. Attacks only occurred in a standing position, but not when sitting or lying. He had taken tamsulosin hydrochloride for prostate hypertrophy and had orthostatic hypotension. After stopping the administration of tamsulosin hydrochloride and starting anthithorombotic theraphy, his orthostatic hypotension disappeared and the frequency of attacks decreased. Cerebral angiography demonstrated 95% stenosis and distal collapse of the left internal carotid artery (ICA), with collateral flow to the left middle cerebral artery from the right ICA through the anterior communicating artery. We thus postulated that a hemodynamic mechanism played an important role in the development of the amaurosis fugax which disappeared after carotid endarterectomy.

[A case of the spontaneous dissection of the bilateral internal carotid arteries diagnosed by the transoral carotid ultrasonography (TOCU)].

A 56-year-old-man was admitted to our hospital because of acute brain infarction with symptoms of consciousness disturbance and left hemiparesis. After admission, the symptoms disappeared rapidly. MRI diffusion-weighted image on day one revealed high intensity area at the right insular cortex and MRA showed stenosis of the right middle cerebral artery. MRA on the next day demonstrated that the stenotic lesion improved, but another stenosis appeared at the petrous portion of the right internal carotid artery (ICA). Brain angiography on day eight showed improvement of the stenosis of the right ICA petrous portion and stenosis of bilateral ICAs extracranial distal portion. The transoral carotid ultrasonography (TOCU) on day nine showed clearly true lumen and false lumen at the bilateral extracranial distal ICAs, which indicated spontaneous dissection of the bilateral extracranial distal ICAs. TOCU seems very useful in evaluating the extracranial carotid arterial dissection.

Serial evaluation of acute cerebral hyperperfusion by transcranial color-coded sonography.

Using transcranial color-coded sonography (TCCS), we evaluated the acute changes in the hemodynamics of cerebral hyperperfusion in two cases. The mean flow velocity of the cerebral arteries increased at the onset of clinical symptoms, together with an increase in the regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF). In serial follow-up studies, the flow velocity gradually returned to normal in parallel with the normalization of the rCBF values. TCCS can be useful for evaluation of acute cerebral hyperperfusion.

Recurrent embolic stroke originating from an internal carotid aneurysm in a young adult.

An unruptured intracranial aneurysm is an uncommon but possible embolic source to the brain. We report a young patient who developed recurrent ischemic strokes occurring mainly in the left internal carotid arterial territory within a short interval; the first stroke occurred midway through a long-distance race, and the second stroke occurred immediately following a bowel movement. The angiographical contrast deficit indicated a thrombus in the left anterior cerebral artery as a result of the embolism. A saccular aneurysm of the left distal internal carotid artery was the only detectable potential embolic source. Initially anticoagulant therapy was given, and then surgical clipping of the aneurysm was performed. The patient has been free from stroke recurrence. As a cause of ischemic stroke in young adults, a carotid saccular aneurysm should be considered. Hard exercise and a Valsalva maneuver may be important triggers of thrombus detachment from the aneurysm.

Successful high dose glucocorticoid treatment for subacute neuromyelitis optica with systemic lupus erythematosus.

A 54-year-old Japanese woman with a 6-year history of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) was admitted to our hospital suffering from acute blindness in her right eye. Her condition recovered after steroid pulse therapy, however, 18 months later she suffered from nuchal pain for 2 weeks after which right hemiparesis with urinary incontinence developed. A spinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed cord swelling from C2 to C7. She was diagnosed with neuromyelitis optica (NMO) and intravenous steroid administrations were immediately commenced. Her condition promptly improved. This case was unique because the steroid treatment was quite effective for this case of myelitis, which had passed the acute phase. We supposed that, because most of the lesion was not necrotic or demyelinated, but rather showed edematous change caused by vasculitis based on autoimmune pathogenesis, the symptoms progressed rather gradually and improved promptly in response to glucocorticoid treatment.