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BackgroundNoncontrast CT (NCCT) is used to evaluate for intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and ischemia in acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Large vessel occlusions (LVOs) are a major cause of AIS, but challenging to detect on NCCT.AimsThe purpose of this study is to evaluate an AI software called RAPID NCCT Stroke (RAPID, iSchemaView, Menlo Park, CA) for ICH and LVO detection compared to expert readers.MethodsIn this IRB approved retrospective, multicenter study, stand-alone performance of the software was assessed based on the consensus of 3 neuroradiologists and sensitivity and specificity were determined. The platform’s performance was then compared to interpretation by readers comprised of eight general radiologists (GR) and three neuroradiologists (NR) in detecting ICH and hyperdense vessel sign (HVS) indicating LVO.ResultsA total of 244 cases were included. Of the 244, 115 were LVOs and 26 were ICHs. One hundred three cases did not have LVO nor ICH. Stand-alone performance of the software demonstrated sensitivities and specificities of 96.2 and 99.5% for ICH and 63.5 and 95.1% for LVO detection. Compared to all 11 readers and eight GR readers only respectively, the software demonstrated superiority, achieving significantly higher sensitivities (63.5% versus 43.6%, p

Purpose The aim of this study was to provide a single-center experience in utilization of the ClotTriever mechanical thrombectomy system in acute and subacute deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Methods Retrospective review was performed for all patients who underwent DVT thrombectomy using the ClotTriever system at a single academic medical center. Data recorded included age, gender, etiology, laterality of DVT, fluoroscopy time, perioperative parameters, type of anesthesia, concomitant usage of thrombolytics and/or stents. Follow-up Doppler ultrasounds or diagnostic venograms were reviewed, and time of reintervention (if performed) and Villalta scores were recorded. Results Ten patients were included in the study, with 6/10 female (60%), mean age 54.6 years (range: 24–80). Eight patients presented with acute iliofemoral DVT, one patient with subacute iliofemoral DVT, and one patient with subacute inferior vena cava thrombosis. Only one patient required concomitant intraprocedural thrombolytic administration, and four patients underwent same-session venous stent placement. Technical success was achieved in 90% patients and no procedure-related adverse events were observed. Reintervention within 30 days was required in two (20%) patients at 12 and 13 days. No patient required intensive care unit (ICU) stay, and mean postprocedure hospital length of stay was 2.3 days. On follow-up (mean: 214 days), five patients had no evidence of DVT and four patients showed chronic postthrombotic changes in femoropopliteal veins not requiring intervention. Conclusion The ClotTriever mechanical venous thrombectomy system demonstrates high efficacy in removal of thrombus from lower extremities in a single session, often obviating the need for thrombolytic therapy with low reintervention rates and short postprocedure hospital stay.

Gastric variceal (GV) bleeding is an important and fatal complication for cirrhotic patients which has historically been controlled with sclerosants and band ligation. Cyanoacrylate glue therapy has emerged as a more favorable option with bleeding control of up to 90% and low complication rates; however, several reports show possible ectopic systemic glue migration, most commonly into the portomesenteric system and leading to portal hypertension. To decompress portal pressures and mitigate future complications, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) placement may be a viable rescue therapy. We present two cases of TIPS placement for an 18-year-old and 51-year-old male in the setting of endoscopic glue migration into the portomesenteric system that demonstrate feasibility and success in temporizing acute variceal bleeding. Both cases demonstrated decompressing portovenous pressures but may result in need for re-intervention.

The use of noninvasive ultrasound examinations can potentially result in significant anxiety in the pediatric population. The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of music during pediatric ultrasound examinations to reduce anxiety measured by heart rate. A total of 44 patients were recruited; 21 controls and 23 experimental. Each participant was randomized to either music or no music (control) after parental consent was obtained. Pulse oximeters were used to monitor heart rate at 15 second intervals for a total of 1 minute, with mean values calculated prior to entering the procedure room, during the middle of the procedure, and after the procedure was completed. The total scan time was determined from the initial image acquisition until the last image recorded by the ultrasound technologist. At the completion of each procedure, the ultrasound technologist scored the ease of performance for the scan on a subjective scale of 1-10 based on prior experience. When utilizing music during pediatric ultrasounds examinations, our study demonstrated significantly decreased heart rate variability from pre-procedural to post-procedural periods. There was no statistical significant difference in total scan time or ultrasound technologist scoring between the two groups. This study demonstrates that music is an inexpensive and effective means of reducing anxiety during pediatric ultrasound as indicated by heart rate.