Refractory Chylothorax Secondary to Sizeable Azygos Vein Hemangioma: Tailored Multimodal Treatment of a Challenging Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Mediastinal hemangiomas are rare, and their etiology remains unclear. Most patients affected have no pathognomonic clinical symptoms, and the diagnosis is often incidental. Due to the paucity of the available literature regarding the management of this disease, the choice and timing of treatment remains controversial. CASE PRESENTATION: Herein, we report the case of a hemangioma of the azygos vein arch in a 66-year-old woman who presented with dyspnea, chest discomfort, dysphagia, and weight loss. A simultaneous right chylothorax refractory to conservative management was found. A CT-guided biopsy of the mass was performed, and it confirmed the vascular nature of the lesion. Therefore, the patient underwent an angiography followed by endo-vascular embolization. Three days later, thoracoscopic surgical resection of the mass and the repair of the chyle leakage were performed safely. The patient was discharged uneventfully on postoperative day seven, with complete resolution of all the presenting symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of symptomatic mediastinal hemangiomas could be mandatory, but a thorough multidisciplinary approach to these rare malformations is essential. Despite the risk of intraoperative bleeding, selective endovascular embolization followed by thoracoscopic surgery allowed for a complete and safe resection with a good outcome.

[Diagnosis and treatment of kidney damage following stab and blunt abdominal injuries]. / Diagnostika i lechenie povrezhdenii pochek pri zakrytykh travmakh i koloto-rezanykh raneniyakh zhivota.

OBJECTIVE: To improve treatment outcomes in victims with kidney damage following blunt and stab abdominal trauma by using of minimally invasive methods of diagnosis and treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: About 1.2-3.5% of all victims arrived to the Dzhanelidze St. Petersburg Research Institute for Emergency Care have kidney injuries. We analyzed the results of treatment of 117 patients with isolated and combined blunt and stab abdominal injuries. The retrospective (2014-2017) group included 62 victims, and the prospective (2018-2021) group enrolled 55 patients who were treated according to the new algorithm. This algorithm included non-surgical and minimally invasive management for patients with systolic blood pressure >90 mm Hg after contrast-enhanced CT. Angiography with selective embolization was required for ongoing bleeding. We analyzed incidence of open interventions, organ-sparing procedures, complications, duration of treatment and mortality. Between-group differences were assessed using the χ2 test and Student's test. RESULTS: In both groups, kidney damage in most victims with abdominal trauma was due to road accident and catatrauma. Most patients had combined abdominal injuries, mainly in combination with head and chest lesions. Severity of injuries and clinical condition were similar in both groups. In the retrospective group, there were 9 laparotomies with nephrectomy. Nephrorraphy was performed in 8 cases, kidney vessel suture - in 4 patietns. In the prospective group, nephrectomy was performed in 3 patients with unstable hemodynamics and injuries AAST grade V. Nephrorraphy was performed in 4 victims. In one case, vascular suture was applied for tangential vein damage. All laparoscopies in both groups were diagnostic without nephrectomy. We used non-surgical treatment in 34 patients of the prospective group. One patient underwent angiography and selective embolization of renal artery branches. There were no significant between-group differences in the incidence of infectious and non-infectious complications. Mortality rate was 30.6% (n=19) and 27.3% (n=15) in the retrospective and prospective groups, respectively. CONCLUSION: The proposed algorithm for kidney injury made it possible to reduce the incidence of laparoscopies and laparotomies by 2 times, preserve the damaged kidney in 94.5% of cases and avoid invasive treatment in 62% of victims.

Osseous arteriovenous fistulas in the dorsum sellae, clivus, and condyle.

PURPOSE: Arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) located in the cavernous sinus (CS), clivus, and condyle can be osseous shunts in nature. Here, we reviewed the angioarchitecture, clinical characteristics, and treatment results of AVFs in these lesions. METHODS: Twenty-five patients with 27 lesions who underwent rotational angiography in our department between May 2013 and December 2019 were reviewed. We examined 20 CS AVFs, 2 clival AVFs, and 5 condylar AVFs. We divided the anatomical shunted pouches into five locations: the dorsum sellae (posteromedial of the CS), posterolateral wall of the CS, lateral wall of the CS, clivus, and condyle. We divided the AVFs into three categories: intraosseous, transitional, and nonosseous shunts. We analyzed the characteristics and treatment results. RESULTS: A total of 33 shunted pouches or points were identified in 27 lesions. The dorsum sellae (n = 16) was the most frequent location. Fourteen AVFs (88%) in the dorsum sellae were osseous (intraosseous or transitional) shunts. All AVFs in the clivus or condyle were also osseous shunts. Eleven lesions (92%) of intraosseous and all lesions of transitional shunts exhibited bilateral external carotid artery involvement as feeders. Ten lesions (83%) of intraosseous shunts were treated with selective transvenous embolization of the shunted pouch with or without additional partial embolization of the sinus. Eleven (92%) intraosseous shunts were completely occluded, and symptom resolution was achieved in all intraosseous shunts. CONCLUSION: Most of the CS AVFs with shunted pouches in the dorsum sellae and all of the AVFs in the clivus and condyle share similar characteristics.

[Super-selective prostatic artery embolization for bph treatment.]

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is one of the most common diseases of the genitourinary system. BPH prevalence increases in men with advancing age, highlighting the necessity of minimally invasive surgical procedure including super-selective prostatic artery embolization (PAE). The current role of the PAE for BPH treatment according to recent national and international publications is discussed in this review. The data from the largest studies are structured and presented along with our experience in PAE. In addition, a need to continue research on this topic is underlined.

[Selective embolization for arterial priapism: A report of 5 cases].

OBJECTIVE: To introduce our experience in the treatment of arterial priapism by superselective embolization. METHODS: This study included 5 cases of perineal trauma-induced arterial erectile dysfunction treated in our departmentbetween February 2011 and May 2015, all failingpreviously to respond to 3 weeks of conservative treatment. The patients were aged 25－47 (mean 35) years, with the onset of arterial priapism at 2－5 days after trauma, and all subjected to physical examination, blood gas analysis, color Doppler ultrasonography of the corpora cavernosum, and IIEF-5 scoring. All the patients underwent superselective embolization, followed by local pressing and cold compression, and IIEF-5 scores were obtained again at 6 and 12 months postoperatively. RESULTS: All the patients had normal erectile functionbefore trauma, with a mean IIEF-5 scoreof 24.60 ± 0.55. Complete detumescenceor painless flaccidity of the penis was achieved in 1 case immediately after surgery and in the other 4 after 3－17 days of postoperative conservative treatment. None of the patients needed a second embolization and no relapse was found during a mean follow-upof 27.2 (13－48)months. The IIEF-5 scores obtained at 6 (24.00 ± 1.02) and 12 months (24.20 ± 0.82) were normal, with no statistically significant differencesfrom that before trauma. CONCLUSIONS: Selective embolization is a safe and effective option for the treatment of arterial priapism. In case of no immediate painless flaccidity of the penis after surgery, conservative treatment can be extended rather than a second operation.

[Arterial priapism as a complication of a stab wound in the perianal area].

The article describes a case of successful managenent of arterial priapism in a patient with a stab wound in the perianal area. Timely performed angiography revealed a pathological connection between a. Uretralis sinistra and spongy body. Disruption of the abnormal shunt resulted in immediate relief of erection with further preservation of erectile function. At the 3 and 6 months follow-up visits there were no signs of cavernous fibrosis or erectile dysfunction. The authors analyze the entire sequence of events in the management of the case, identify shortcomings, determine their significance and consider their prevention. The article is supplemented with a brief review of the literature on differential diagnosis of haemodynamic forms of priapism.

Partial nephrectomy after selective embolization of tumor vessels in a hybrid operating room: A new approach of zero ischemia in renal surgery.

It is established that partial nephrectomy is the standard of care for tumors confined to the kidney. Achieving a partial nephrectomy without renal ischemia and limiting operative bleeding is the subject of numerous researches. Since 2010, hybrid operating rooms have been used to perform both interventional radiology and surgical procedures at the same place and time. We used this latest technology to treat 3 patients with localized kidney tumors. The tumors were of moderate complexity and all were treated after immediate hyperselective embolization by laparoscopic surgery without dissection and clamping of the renal pedicle. The embolization of tumor vessels could be performed using image-stitching software. After embolization, operative time was 50, 70 and 80 minutes and blood loss was less than 100 ml for each case. Postoperative control 3D arteriography confirmed the respect of the vascularization of the healthy renal parenchyma. No postoperative complications occurred. Combined approach including hyperselective embolization and partial nephrectomy in the same time in a dedicated operating room is a new approach of zero ischemia during partial nephrectomy which reduces the difficulty of the surgery, limits injury to the kidney and increases patient safety.

Treatment of type II endoleak after endovascular aneurysm repair: the role of selective vs. nonselective transcaval embolization.

PURPOSE: To assess the technical and midterm results in the treatment of type II endoleaks comparing nonselective (nTCE) vs. selective (sTCE) transcaval embolization. METHODS: During a 4-year period, 26 patients (18 men; median age 73 years, range 68-78) underwent direct transcaval aneurysm puncture followed by embolization of the sac (nTCE, n=9) or of the feeding vessels (sTCE, n=17). Intrasac pressure was recorded immediately after aneurysm sac puncture and at the end of the procedure. Technical success was defined as successful deployment of embolization material in the sac or in the feeding vessel. Clinical success was defined as absence of endoleak with stabilization of the sac on follow-up CTA. RESULTS: Technical success was 100% in the 9 patients treated with nTCE. Mean intrasac pressures before and after nTCE were 58.6±18.4 (range 51-105) and 6.5±1.2 mmHg (range 4-9), respectively. Over a mean 25.9±11.0 months of follow-up, 4 patients developed recurrent endoleak at a mean 9.7±3.9 months. Three patients were subsequently treated with sTCE, while the last patient underwent emergency surgery for aneurysm rupture due to an enlarging sac 5 months after nTCE. The 20 patients in the sTCE group had a successful procedure with no recurrence in a follow-up of 24.1±7.2 months. Mean intrasac pressure was reduced after sTCE from 63.6±15.2 mmHg (range 43-120) to 7.8±2.3 mmHg (range 5-12). CONCLUSION: The selective TCE approach appears to be a feasible and effective primary therapeutic option for treating type II endoleak.

Endovascular treatment of sporadic renal angiomyolipoma presenting with Wunderlich syndrome.

Angiomyolipomas are benign renal hamartomas with - fat, smooth muscle, and abnormal blood vessel (tortuous, dysmorphic) components. The risk of hemorrhage is related to size of the tumor, presence of aneurysm, associations with tuberous sclerosis. In this case report we review the case of a 42-year-old woman presenting with acute flank pain and decreased hemoglobin, who was diagnosed with AML with right renal artery pseudo aneurysm on CT. Subsequent coil embolization of feeding vessels and using PVA particles was successfully done. Selective embolization remains a minimally invasive, attractive option, and a nephron sparing approach.

Robotic partial nephrectomy is associated with a significantly decreased rate of postoperative pseudoaneurysm compared to open and laparoscopic partial nephrectomy.

While partial nephrectomy offers oncologic efficacy and preserves renal function for T1 renal tumors, renal artery pseudoaneurysm (RAP) remains a rare but potentially life-threatening complication. This study compared RAP incidence across robotic-assisted (RAPN), laparoscopic (LPN), and open (OPN) partial nephrectomies in a large tertiary oncological center. This retrospective study analyzed 785 patients undergoing partial nephrectomy between 2012 and 2022 (398 RAPN, 122 LPN, 265 OPN). Data included demographics, tumor size/location, surgical type, clinical presentation, treatment, and post-operative outcomes. The primary outcome was RAP incidence, with secondary outcomes including presentation, treatment efficacy, and renal function. Seventeen patients (2.1%) developed RAP, presenting with massive hematuria (100%), hemorrhagic shock (5.8%), and clot retention (23%). The median onset was 12 days postoperatively. RAP occurred in 4 (1%), 4 (3.3%), and 9 (3.4%) patients following RAPN, LPN, and OPN, respectively (p = 0.04). Only operative length and surgical approach were independently associated with RAP. Selective embolization achieved immediate bleeding control in 94%, with one patient requiring a second embolization. No additional surgery or nephrectomy was needed. Estimated GFR at one year was similar across both groups (p = 0.53). RAPN demonstrated a significantly lower RAP incidence compared to LPN and OPN (p = 0.04). Emergency angiographic embolization proved effective, with no long-term renal function impact. This retrospective study lacked randomization and long-term follow-up. Further research with larger datasets and longer follow-ups is warranted. This study suggests that robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy is associated with a significantly lower risk of RAP compared to traditional approaches. Emergency embolization effectively treats RAP without compromising long-term renal function.

A case of a high-flow priapism treated with superselective transcatheter embolization.

High-flow priapism is a rare condition characterized by prolonged and painless erection. It is defined as contusion or thrombosis of the cavernous body of the penis usually secondary to blunt trauma. Due to the rarity of the disease, there is no well-defined consensus about treatment. Conservative treatment is often applied with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. We present a case of 58-year-old man with proximal partial priapism that developed secondary to blunt trauma to the penis. The patient did not benefit from non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug therapy and then was successfully treated with selective embolization.

Endovascular intervention in treatment of refractory epistaxis.

Objective: Angiographic embolization is an established method of treating intractable cases of posterior epistaxis. This study aimed to test the effectiveness and safety of this method in treating cases refractory to conservative methods. Methods: A descriptive retrospective analysis of consecutive cases referred to the department of interventional radiology with refractory epistaxis from January 2001 to December 2018 and received a selective angiographic embolization of the sphenopalatine artery was done. Only epistaxis of idiopathic origin was included in the study. Results: During this period, 98 embolizations were performed. The success rate reached 81.6%. Minor complications were registered in 5%, with no single major complication. The length of stay was 10.5 ± 5.6. Conclusion: Selective angiographic embolization is an effective, safe, and minimally invasive method in treating refractory epistaxis.

Treatment of refractory hepatic encephalopathy induced by spontaneous portosystemic shunt: Selective splenic vein embolization versus shunt embolization.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Spontaneous portosystemic shunt (SPSS) can cause refractory hepatic encephalopathy (HE) in cirrhotic patients. The embolization of the shunt (ES) can resolve the HE, while the selective embolization of the splenic vein (SESV) can treat splenorenal shunts related HE. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes of ES and SESV when applied for the treatment of SPSS-induced refractory HE in cirrhotic patients. METHODS: Patients with refractory HE who were treated with ES or SESV were retrospectively identified. The clinical outcomes were compared and analyzed. RESULTS: The 6-month mortality after the ES procedure was significantly higher than that after the SESV procedure. During the 6-month follow-up, both the white blood cell and the platelet counts were significantly lower after the ES procedure than after the SESV procedure. There was a significant increase in aspartate aminotransferase levels after ES. However, the albumin levels as well as the Child-Pugh score and grade were found to be significantly improved at 6 months after the undertaking of an SESV (as compared with baseline). CONCLUSION: The 6-month mortality was improved after SESV (as compared with ES) in the treatment of SPSS-induced refractory HE. A prospective multicenter study for validation is warranted.

Endovascular embolization of posttraumatic high-flow priapism: Uncommon arteriovenous fistula of the corpus cavernosum.

Priapism is a persistent penile erection lasting more than four hours without sexual arousal or stimulation. We report on a high-flow priapism, an uncommon arteriovenous fistula of the corpus cavernosum after a straddle trauma which was successfully embolized. At follow up no recurrent episodes of priapism occurred without symptoms of erectile dysfunction or other complications.

High-flow priapism: Highly selective embolization of a traumatic arterio-cavernosal fistula.

We report the case of a 14-year-old man who arrived at the emergency department affected by a high-flow priapism due to a traumatic left arterial-sinusoidal fistula. After clinical examination, a colour Doppler ultrasound of the penis was performed which showed a left arterial-sinusoidal fistula measuring 7×16×30mm, with high-speed and turbulent flow. The fistula was successfully treated by three highly selective endovascular embolizations and at the 20days follow-up, clinical examination resulted normal.

Initiative on Superselective Conventional Transarterial Chemoembolization Results (INSPIRE).

Several publications show that superselective conventional TransArterial ChemoEmbolization (cTACE), meaning cTACE performed selectively with a microcatheter positioned as close as possible to the tumor, improves outcomes, maximizing the anti-tumoral effect and minimizing the collateral damages of the surrounding liver parenchyma. Recent recommendations coming from the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) and European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) highlighted that TACE must be used in Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) "selectively targetable" and "accessible to supraselective catheterization." The goal of the manuscript is to better define such population and to standardize superselective cTACE (ss-cTACE) technique. An expert panel with extensive clinical-procedural experience in TACE, have come together in a virtual meeting to generate recommendations and express their consensus. Experts recommend that anytime cTACE is proposed, it should be ss-cTACE, preferably with a 1.5-2.0 Fr microcatheter. Ideally, ss-cTACE should be proposed to patients with less than five lesions and a maximum number of two segments involved, with largest tumor smaller than 5 cm. Angio Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) should be used to detect enhancing tumors, tumor feeders and guide tumor targeting. Whole tumor volume should be covered to obtain the best response. Adding peritumoral margins is encouraged but not mandatory. The treatment should involve a water-in-oil emulsion, whose quality is assessable with the "drop test." Additional particulate embolization should be systematically performed, as per definition of cTACE procedure. Non-contrast CBCT or Multi-Detector Computed Tomography (MDCT) combined with angiography has been considered the gold standard for imaging during TACE, and should be used to assess tumor coverage during the procedure. Experts convene that superselectivity decreases incidence of adverse effects and improves tolerance. Experts recommend contrast-enhanced Computed Tomography (CT) as initial imaging on first follow-up after ss-cTACE, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) if remaining tumor viability cannot be confidently assessed on CT. If no response is obtained after two ss-cTACE sessions within six months, patient must be considered unsuitable for TACE and proposed for alternative therapy. Patients are best served by multidisciplinary decision-making, and Interventional Radiologists should take an active role in patient selection, treatment allocation, and post-procedural care.

Isolated superior mesenteric artery rupture caused by abdominal trauma.

The superior mesenteric artery (SMA) is one of the visceral branches of the abdominal aorta. It has multiple branches to supply blood and nutrition to the intestinal segment, and these form an anastomosis with each other. SMA injuries are usually classified as major visceral artery injuries, and have an incidence of <1%. The clinical manifestations of patients with SMA injuries include intra-abdominal bleeding and peritoneal irritation. The compromised blood supply can lead to intestinal ischemia and perforation. These injuries are often not diagnosed in time and have significant mortality rates of 25%|-|68% due to the lack of specific features (Maithel et al., 2020). Not only that, but patients with less severe trauma or no visible damage on initial examination may still have clinically significant intra-abdominal injuries (Nishijima et al., 2012). Emergency departments often encounter multiple cases that require urgent diagnosis and treatment (Li et al., 2021; Zhang et al., 2021; Zhou et al., 2021), and therefore, it is imperative to diagnose and manage these rare injuries expeditiously.

Rupture of a deep femoral artery aneurysm with pulsating hematoma: a case report.

True deep femoral artery aneurysms are a rare abnormality of the human vascular system and account for approximately 0.13% of all peripheral arterial aneurysms. We report a 66-year-old man with a ruptured deep femoral artery aneurysm and a pulsating hematoma. The patient underwent urgent endovascular embolization of the aneurysm-supplying artery. Then, 4 days later, in connection with the residual hematoma, which caused severe discomfort to the patient, and also due to the high risk of septic complications in the area of the hematoma, it was decided to perform an open aneurysmectomy and deep femoral artery ligation.

A deep femoral artery aneurysm (a bulge in a blood vessel caused by a weakness in the blood vessel wall) is a rare abnormality of the human vascular system. A ruptured aneurysm can cause serious health problems such as bleeding, hemorrhagic shock and even death. We report a 66-year-old man with a ruptured femoral artery aneurysm. The patient underwent urgent intravascular plugging of the artery supplying the aneurysm. Then, 4 days later, in connection with the residual hematoma, which caused severe discomfort to the patient, and also due to the high risk of complications, it was decided to perform an open operative excision of the aneurysm. The postoperative period and 2-year follow-up were uneventful.

Management of Spontaneous Major Rectus Sheath Hematoma in a COVID-19 Patient: A Case Report and Literature Review.

A rectus sheath hematoma, which is mostly encountered due to abdominal traumas or anticoagulant use, can be challenging, and a delayed diagnosis may lead to hypovolemic shock and even death. In this study, we aimed to present the management of a case of rectus sheath hematoma that developed in a patient who was hospitalized and under coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) treatment. A 70-year-old female patient was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) due to respiratory failure and developed a sudden onset of tachycardia and hypotension. The patient was then diagnosed with a rectus sheath hematoma and after ensuring hemodynamic stability she was treated with angiographic embolization. Following the treatment, the patient remained hemodynamically stable and a control computed tomography (CT) revealed regression in the hematoma. Rectus sheath hematomas especially accompanied by additional comorbidities or aggressive surgical interventions may result in high mortality rates in the early period. It should also be kept in mind that during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has affected the world in the last two years, rectus sheath hematomas may be the underlying cause of sudden hypotension and abdominal distension, and it should not be forgotten that angiographic embolization performed by experienced interventional radiologists is the mainstay of treatment in cases where hemodynamic stability can't be achieved.

Treatment of Post-biopsy Arteriovenous Fistula of a Renal Graft by Selective Embolization.

The development of an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) after renal graft biopsy is a rare complication, it is associated in most cases with spontaneous resolution. However, interventional therapies are required in some cases, to prevent graft loss. Selective embolization has been described as an alternative treatment. In the present study, we describes our experience on AVF after biopsy in kidney transplant patients, which was managed with selective embolization. From 2005 to 2015, a total of 452 kidney transplant biopsies were performed, 12 had an AVF requiring embolization. In 92% of cases, this was successful. Beforehand, mean serum creatinine levels were 2.45 mg/dL, after the procedure, that increased to 3.05, however, 3 months later, mean creatinine levels dropped to 1.85 mg/dL. Graft survival after 2 follow-up years was 72%. Our experience demonstrates that selective embolization of the AVF after kidney transplant biopsy is a safe procedure, and that transplant function can be maintained in patients with this complication.