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To determine if three-dimensional whole liver and baseline tumor enhancement features on MRI can serve as staging biomarkers and help predict survival of patients with colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRCLM) more accurately than one-dimensional and non-enhancement-based features. This retrospective study included 88 patients with CRCLM, treated with transarterial chemoembolization or Y90 transarterial radioembolization between 2001 and 2014. Semi-automated segmentations of up to three dominant lesions were performed on pre-treatment MRI to calculate total tumor volume (TTV) and total liver volumes (TLV). Quantitative 3D analysis was performed to calculate enhancing tumor volume (ETV), enhancing tumor burden (ETB, calculated as ETV/TLV), enhancing liver volume (ELV), and enhancing liver burden (ELB, calculated as ELV/TLV). Overall and enhancing tumor diameters were also measured. A modified Kaplan-Meier method was used to determine appropriate cutoff values for each metric. The predictive value of each parameter was assessed by Kaplan-Meier survival curves and univariable and multivariable cox proportional hazard models. All methods except whole liver (ELB, ELV) and one-dimensional/non-enhancement-based methods were independent predictors of survival. Multivariable analysis showed a HR of 2.1 (95% CI 1.3–3.4, p = 0.004) for enhancing tumor diameter, HR 1.7 (95% CI 1.1–2.8, p = 0.04) for TTV, HR 2.3 (95% CI 1.4–3.9, p < 0.001) for ETV, and HR 2.4 (95% CI 1.4–4.0, p = 0.001) for ETB. Tumor enhancement of CRCLM on baseline MRI is strongly associated with patient survival after intra-arterial therapy, suggesting that enhancing tumor volume and enhancing tumor burden are better prognostic indicators than non-enhancement-based and one-dimensional-based markers. • Tumor enhancement of colorectal cancer liver metastases on MRI prior to treatment with intra-arterial therapies is strongly associated with patient survival. • Three-dimensional, enhancement-based imaging biomarkers such as enhancing tumor volume and enhancing tumor burden may serve as the basis of a novel prognostic staging system for patients with liver-dominant colorectal cancer metastases.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of pain response after radiofrequency (RF) ablation over time for osseous metastases was conducted in 2019. Analysis used a random-effects model with GOSH plots and meta-regression. Fourteen studies comprising 426 patients, most with recalcitrant pain, were identified. Median pain reduction after RF ablation was 67% over median follow-up of 24 weeks (R2 = −.66, 95% confidence interval −0.76 to −0.55, I2 = 71.24%, fail-safe N = 875) with 44% pain reduction within 1 week. A low-heterogeneity subgroup was identified with median pain reduction after RF ablation of 70% over 12 weeks (R2 = −.75, 95% confidence interval −0.80 to −0.70, I2 = 2.66%, fail-safe N = 910). Addition of cementoplasty after RF ablation did not significantly affect pain scores. Primary tumor type and tumor size did not significantly affect pain scores. A particular, positive association between pain after RF ablation and axial tumors was identified, implying possible increased palliative effects for RF ablation on axial over appendicular lesions. RF ablation is a useful palliative therapy for osseous metastases, particularly in patients with recalcitrant pain.

Background and Aims: To investigate the impact of MR bias field correction on response determination and survival prediction using volumetric tumor enhancement analysis in patients with infiltrative hepatocellular carcinoma, after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE). Methods: This study included 101 patients treated with conventional or drug-eluting beads TACE between the years of 2001 and 2013. Semi-automated 3D quantification software was used to segment and calculate the enhancing tumor volume (ETV) of the liver with and without bias-field correction on multi-phasic contrast-enhanced MRI before and 1-month after initial TACE. ETV (expressed as cm3) at baseline imaging and the relative change in ETV (as % change, ETV%) before and after TACE were used to predict response and survival, respectively. Statistical survival analyses included Kaplan-Meier curve generation and Cox proportional hazards modeling. Q statistics were calculated and used to identify the best cut-off value for ETV to separate responders and non-responders (ETV cm3). The difference in survival was evaluated between responders and non-responders using Kaplan-Meier and Cox models. Results: MR bias field correction correlated with improved response calculation from baseline MR as well as survival after TACE; using a 415 cm3 cut-off for ETV at baseline (hazard ratio: 2.00, 95% confidence interval: 1.23-3.26, p=0.01) resulted in significantly improved response prediction (median survival in patients with baseline ETV

To evaluate outcomes in patients with right atrial (RA) hepatocellular carcinoma extension treated with transarterial chemoembolization. Eight patients were retrospectively reviewed. Follow-up visits occurred at 4-6 weeks; transarterial chemoembolization was repeated if residual tumor persisted. After transarterial chemoembolization, RA tumor volume reduction was 86% ± 19; α-fetoprotein level showed a reduction of 95%. From RA tumor diagnosis, 3-, 6-, and 12-month overall survival was 100% ± 0, 100% ± 0, and 67% ± 29, respectively. In patients with hepatocellular carcinoma invading the right atrium, transarterial chemoembolization alone or in combination with systemic therapy yields an improved imaging response and may be associated with improved survival.

Background/Aim: Lipiodol is the key component of conventional trans-arterial chemoembolization. Our aim was to evaluate lipiodol deposition and washout rate after conventional trans-arterial chemoembolization in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and hepatic metastases originating from neuroendocrine tumors and colorectal carcinoma. Patients and Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of 44 patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and liver metastasis from neuroendocrine tumors or colorectal carcinoma who underwent conventional trans-arterial chemoembolization. Lipiodol volume (cm(3)) was analyzed on non-contrast computed tomography imaging obtained within 24 h post conventional trans-arterial chemoembolization, and 40-220 days after conventional trans-arterial chemoembolization using volumetric image analysis software. Tumor response was assessed on contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging 1 month after conventional trans-arterial chemoembolization. Results: The washout rate was longer for neuroendocrine tumors compared to colorectal carcinoma, with half-lives of 54.61 days (p

Background Prior reports have shown the utility of conventional lipiodol-based transarterial chemoembolization in hepatoblastoma. The authors describe the first reported case of hepatoblastoma treated with drug-eluting bead transarterial chemoembolization (DEB-TACE). Observations An 11-month-old infant presented with hepatoblastoma measuring 14.3 cm. A trial of cisplatin chemotherapy followed by sequential DEB-TACE to the tumor's feeding vasculature reduced the mass to 5.3 cm. The patient tolerated both sessions of DEB-TACE without any major complication. Having demonstrated adequate disease control, the patient then underwent successful liver transplantation. Conclusion This report provides promising evidence for the treatment of hepatoblastoma with DEB-TACE.

Purpose To compare image quality and radiation exposure between a new angiographic imaging system and the preceding generation system during uterine artery embolization (UAE). Materials and Methods In this retrospective, IRB-approved two-arm study, 54 patients with symptomatic uterine fibroids were treated with UAE on two different angiographic imaging systems. The new system includes optimized acquisition parameters and real-time image processing algorithms. Air kerma (AK), dose area product (DAP) and acquisition time for digital fluoroscopy (DF) and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) were recorded. Body mass index was noted as well. DF image quality was assessed objectively by image noise measurements. DSA image quality was rated by two blinded, independent readers on a four-rank scale. Statistical differences were assessed with unpaired t tests and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests. Results There was no significant difference between the patients treated on the new (n = 36) and the old system (n = 18) regarding age (p = 0.10), BMI (p = 0.18), DF time (p = 0.35) and DSA time (p = 0.17). The new system significantly reduced the cumulative AK and DAP by 64 and 72%, respectively (median 0.58 Gy and 145.9 Gy*cm2 vs. 1.62 Gy and 526.8 Gy*cm2, p

e24156 Background: Osseous metastases (OMs), a common cause of cancer pain, are only partially palliated by analgesics. Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) are increasingly used, but the comparative effectiveness of SBRT vs. RFA for OMs has not been adequately evaluated. Herein we analyzed palliative benefits of SBRT and RFA in terms of pain relief from OMs. Methods: A systematic review was performed for all studies reporting palliative outcomes of SBRT (defined as five or fewer fractions of radiation) or RFA for palliation of OMs. Studies not reporting pain palliation were excluded. Random effects model determined the net Pearson correlation (R2) for post-SBRT and post-RFA pain reduction over time. The pooled correlation coefficient and 95% confidence interval were calculated using Fisher r-to- z transformation. Risk of bias was assessed using sunset plots; heterogeneity was assessed using I2 and meta-regression. Results: Seven full-text articles assessed a total of 1100 SBRT patients and 22 full-text articles assessed a total of 557 RFA patients. No studies directly compared SBRT to RFA. All included studies collected data on pain related to OM disease pre- and post-therapy. The scales used included the visual analog scale (2 SBRT, 15 RFA), brief pain inventory (4 SBRT, 4 RFA), numeric rating scale (0 SBRT, 2 RFA), QLQ-15 (1 SBRT, 0 RFA), or the memorial pain index card (0 SBRT, 1 RFA). Mean SBRT dose and fractions were 17.3 gy and 2.6. Median follow-up was 24 weeks for SBRT and 18 weeks for RFA, with median pain reduction of 59% (R2=0.83, 95%CI:0.80-0.87, I2=58.63%) and 64% (R2=0.52, 95%CI:0.41-0.62, I2=48.16%) respectively. Meta-regression by number of fractions and reporting metric fully accounted for heterogeneity in the SBRT and RFA data respectively. Sunset plots did not indicate significant publication bias. Conclusions: The published literature is predominately non-randomized, limiting the evidence level. Pain reduction and durability post-SBRT or post-RFA are comparable. Pre-SBRT or RFA therapies may obscure the full effect of either treatment modality. SBRT and RFA for painful OMs are associated with pain relief in a majority of patients, but the durability of this relief and the comparative efficacy of SBRT vs. RFA for this purpose has been inadequately reported in the literature. Future, combinatorial therapies as opposed to single-modality approaches may help to increase overall pain relief and durability as well as efficaciously palliating treatment-resistant patients.

Assessment of residents is optimally performed through processes and platforms that provide daily feedback, which can be immediately acted on. Given the documentation required by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), effective data management, integration, and presentation are crucial to ease the burden of manual documentation and increase the timeliness of actionable information. To this end, the authors modeled the learning activities of residents using the Experience Application Programming Interface (xAPI) framework, which is a standard framework for the learning community. On the basis of the xAPI framework and using open-source software to extend their existing infrastructure, the authors developed a Web-based dashboard that provides residents with a more holistic view of their educational experience. The dashboard was designed around the ACGME radiology milestones and provides real-time feedback to residents using various assessment metrics derived from multiple data sources. The purpose of this article is to describe the dashboard's architecture and components, the design and technical considerations, and the lessons learned in implementing the dashboard. ©RSNA, 2018.

The role of the interventional radiologist continues to expand in the treatment of biliary disease. Percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopy (PTCS) provides direct visualization of the biliary system for diagnostic and therapeutic interventions, especially in cases where anatomical considerations prohibit a peroral approach. Visual inspection and endoscopically guided biopsy allow differentiation between benign and malignant lesions, as well as accurate assessment of the tumor extent for surgical planning. Studies have demonstrated greater than 95% accuracy with PTCS in diagnosing biliary malignancies. Cholangioscopy is also used to treat obstructive stones in the biliary system, which may require laser lithotripsy. PTCS-guided removal of biliary stones is highly successful, with complete stone removal from the bile ducts occurring in approximately 90% of cases. Overall, PTCS is a safe and effective procedure, with severe complications occurring in less than 8% of patients. The purpose of this review is to familiarize its reader with common indications for PTCS, techniques for procedural success, expected outcomes, and management of potential complications.

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this article is to describe the indications for and approach to image-guided percutaneous ablation of renal tumors. CONCLUSION. Image-guided ablation techniques have become accepted treatment of patients with small renal tumors, a viable alternative to partial nephrectomy.

Rationale and Objectives To investigate the response after magnetic resonance–guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (MRgHIFU) treatment of uterine fibroids (UF) using a three-dimensional (3D) quantification of total and enhancing lesion volume (TLV and ELV, respectively) on contrast-enhanced MRI (ceMRI) scans. Methods and Materials In a total of 24 patients, ceMRI scans were obtained at baseline and 24 hours, and 6, 12, and 24 months after MRgHIFU treatment. The dominant lesion was assessed using a semiautomatic quantitative 3D segmentation technique. Agreement between software-assisted and manual measurements was then analyzed using a linear regression model. Patients were classified as responders (R) or nonresponders (NR) on the basis of their symptom report after 6 months. Statistical analysis included the paired t –test and Mann–Whitney test. Results Preprocedurally, the median TLV and ELV were 263.74 cm 3 (30.45–689.56 cm 3 ) and 210.13 cm 3 (14.43–689.53 cm 3 ), respectively. The 6-month follow-up demonstrated a reduction of TLV in 21 patients (87.5%) with a median TLV of 171.7 cm 3 (8.5–791.2 cm 3 ; P P P = .047 after 12 and 24 months). A reduction of ELV was apparent in 16 patients (66.6%) with a median ELV of 158.91 cm 3 (8.55–779.61 cm 3 ) after 6 months ( P = .065). Three-dimensional quantification and manual measurements showed strong intermethod agreement for fibroid volumes ( R 2 = .889 and .917) but greater discrepancy for enhancement calculations ( R 2 = .659 and .419) at baseline and 6 months. No significant differences in TLV or ELV were observed between clinical R ( n = 15) and NR ( n = 3). Conclusions The 3D assessment has proven feasible and accurate in the quantification of fibroid response to MRgHIFU. Contrary to ELV, changes in TLV may be representative of the clinical outcome.

Percutaneous thermal ablation is a minimally invasive treatment for primary or secondary malignancies of the lung. Currently, 3 different modalities are available: radiofrequency, microwave, and cryoablation. Radiofrequency ablation remains to date the most developed although the other 2 modalities have their own distinct advantages. Percutaneous ablation can be used for treatment of stage 1 and 2 non-small cell lung carcinoma either alone or in combination with other therapies. Specifically, their noninvasive nature allows them to be used on patients who are otherwise deemed nonoperable. Percutaneous ablation can also be used to treat stage 3a non-small cell lung carcinoma in carefully selected patients. With nonlung primaries, percutaneous ablation can be used to control limited pulmonary metastasis, recurrences after alternative treatments, or to provide pain relief. Although the long-term data for percutaneous ablation is still being investigated, their noninvasive nature and efficacy will ensure their viability and evolution in the future. In this article we review the indications for percutaneous ablation, evaluation of the potential patient, an overview of the ablation options currently available, procedural details, potential complications, and expected results and follow-up.

Purpose To demonstrate in a porcine model that reflux during embolotherapy can be relatively quantified (ie, as embolization efficiency) and that nontarget embolization can be eliminated by using an antireflux microcatheter. Materials and Methods Renal artery embolization was performed with radiopaque tantalum microspheres (concentration of 1 g/20 mL) in three swine. Second-order right renal arteries (n = 3) underwent embolization with a 3-F antireflux catheter, and second-order left renal arteries (n = 3) underwent embolization with a 4-F end-hole catheter as a control. After embolization, kidneys were explanted and underwent micro–computed tomographic (microCT) imaging. Three-dimensional volumetric and multiplanar imaging of the kidneys was performed to assess vascular distribution. Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine data were analyzed, with a threshold algorithm used to create binary images. The number of positive values in a region of interest in the target embolized tissue (upper pole or lower pole) and the nontarget adjacent tissue was determined, and embolization efficiency was calculated. Wilcoxon rank-sum statistical analysis was performed to compare nontarget embolization between infusion catheters. Results All renal arteries underwent successful embolization with tantalum microspheres, with 20 mL (1 g) administered in all dose deliveries. MicroCT provided high-resolution visualization of the renal parenchyma at 70-μm resolution. In control renal arteries, a standard 4-F end-hole catheter had an embolization efficiency of 72%±13. In experimental renal arteries, the antireflux microcatheter had an embolization efficiency of 99.9%±1.0 ( P Conclusions A significant decrease in nontarget embolization (ie, reduction in reflux) was possible with an antireflux microcatheter compared with a conventional end-hole catheter.

Objective Yttrium-90 (Y-90) radioembolization is an emerging treatment option for unresectable neuroendocrine liver metastases (NELM). However, the data regarding this treatment are currently limited. This study evaluates the efficacy and tolerability of Y-90 radioembolization and identifies prognostic factors for radiographic response and survival. Methods and materials Thirty-eight patients underwent Y-90 radioembolization for NELM at our institution between April 2004 and February 2012. Patients were assessed radiographically (RECIST criteria, enhancement), serologically, and clinically at 1 month, and then at every 3 months after treatment for tumor response, toxicity, and survival outcomes. Results Median length of follow-up was 17.0 months (IQR, 9.0–37.0). Median survival was 29.2 months. Three patients (9%) had a radiographic complete response to treatment, 6 (17%) had a partial response, 21 (60%) had stable disease, and 5 (14%) developed progressive disease. Two factors were significantly associated with a good radiographic response (complete/partial response): islet cell histological subtype (p = 0.043) and hepatic tumor burden ≥ 33% (p = 0.031). Multivariate analysis revealed that patients requiring multiple Y-90 treatments (HR 2.9, p = 0.035) and patients who had previously failed systemic therapy with octreotide/chemotherapy (HR 4.4, p = 0.012) had worse survival. Grade 3 serologic toxicity was observed in 2 patients (5%; hyperbilirubinemia, elevated alkaline phosphatase) after treatment. Grade 3 non-serologic toxicities included abdominal pain (11%), fatigue (11%), nausea/vomiting (5%), ascites (5%), dyspnea (3%), diarrhea (3%), and peripheral edema (3%). No grade 4 or 5 toxicity was reported. Conclusions Y-90 radioembolization is a promising treatment option for inoperable NELM and is associated with low rates of grade ≥ 3 toxicity.

Our objective was to determine the efficacy and safety of image-guided, percutaneous cryoablation for American Joint Committee on Cancer pT1ANxMx and pT1BNxMx biopsy-proven renal cell carcinoma (RCC).Computed tomography (CT)-guided, percutaneous cryoablation was used to treat 117 renal lesions in 113 consecutive patients with pT1NxMx RCC. All 117 ablations were included in the safety analysis, and complications were categorized according to Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 3.0 (CTCAE v3.0). Eighty-one lesions were biopsy-proven RCC and were included in the efficacy analysis. Technical success was defined as the "ice-ball" covering the entire lesion plus a minimum 5-mm margin. Efficacy was defined as complete lack of enhancement and continuous decrease in size on subsequent follow-up imaging studies.Technical success was 100%, with 15% of ablations requiring air or saline injection to prevent nontarget ablation. We recorded a 7% rate of clinically significant complications (CTCAE category≥2) and 0% mortality. Renal function was not adversely affected. Seventy percent of patients were discharged to home on the same day. Efficacy was 98.7% for a median follow-up of 67 weeks (range 7-172). For the subgroup of patients that reached a median follow-up of 2 (n=59) and 3 years (n=13), efficacy was 98.3 and 92.3%, respectively. Cancer specific survival was 100%.CT-guided, percutaneous cryoablation has an excellent safety and efficacy profile for stage T1A and T1B RCC; however, longer follow-up is needed to compare it with other nephron-sparing surgical treatments. It is a great option for nonsurgical patients, those in whom renal function cannot be further sacrificed, and those at risk for metachronous lesions.

Primary hyperaldosteronism is the most common curable cause of hypertension with a prevalence of up to 12% among patients with hypertension. Selective blood sampling from adrenal veins is considered the diagnostic gold standard. However, it is underutilized due to the high technical failure rate. The use of C-arm CT during the sampling procedure can reduce or even eliminate this failure rate. If adrenal vein sampling is augmented by native C-arm CT to check for the correct catheter position, the technical success rate increases substantially. General use of this technique will result in correct diagnosis and treatment for patients with primary hyperaldosteronism.

Purpose: To determine the toxicity profile of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) at 6 months and 1 year after treatment in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in a standardized oncology protocol so that TACE could be compared with systemic chemotherapeutic regimens for liver cancer. Materials and Methods: The study was authorized by the institutional review board. Between January 2002 and January 2007, 190 patients (155 men, 35 women; median age, 65 years; age range, 18–84 years) with HCC who underwent TACE treatment were identified from a prospectively collected database. Clinical records of complete blood cell counts and chemical profiles at baseline and at 6 and 12 months after treatment were studied retrospectively. Toxicity was graded according to the common terminology criteria for adverse events (CTCAE). A transition (survival) analysis perspective was used to estimate the distribution of toxicity grades. Patient survival from the first TACE session was calculated with Kaplan-Meier ana...

Purpose Image-guided percutaneous cryoablation is a treatment alternative for selected patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC). The objective of the present study was to present the safety and efficacy of percutaneous cryoablation. Materials and Methods The study included 51 lesions in 46 consecutive patients treated with computed tomography (CT)–guided percutaneous cryoablation. Results were based on 40 RCCs with follow-up. Patients had baseline history and physical and laboratory examinations and renal CT or magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and were followed every 3 months. Biopsy of all lesions was performed before or at the time of the procedure. Efficacy was defined as a complete lack of enhancement on follow-up contrast agent–enhanced CT or MR imaging. Lesion size was also followed and correlated with lack of enhancement. Short- and long-term complications were tabulated. Results The technical success rate was 100%, with 20% of cases requiring some form of thermal protection of an adjacent organ. During follow-up (median, 28 weeks; range, 4–81 weeks), the efficacy rate was 100% for lesions smaller than 7 cm. The incidence of significant complications was 18% (8% CTAE), mostly (10%) intercostal or genitofemoral nerve injury. All patients with complications recovered fully, and there were no mortalities. There was no change in creatinine levels, and no patient developed renal failure as a result of cryoablation. Conclusions CT-guided percutaneous cryoablation resulted in complete response for lesions as large as 4 cm. It may also be a viable alternative for nonsurgical candidates with lesions as large as 7 cm. It has a high efficacy rate, and its modest complications are not only comparable to those of other treatment modalities, but also appear to be reversible.

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to assess the utility of assessment of tumor size and enhancement with diffusion-weighted and conventional MRI in the evaluation of response to transarterial chemoembolization therapy for metastatic ocular melanoma.CONCLUSION. In patients with ocular melanoma and liver metastasis treated with transarterial chemoembolization, functional MRI showed significant changes in the lesions. These changes included a decrease in tumor enhancement and an increase in the apparent diffusion coefficient of the tumor, suggesting increasing tumor necrosis and cell death.

To compare the clinical effectiveness of retrievable and permanent inferior vena cava (IVC) filters.A retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients who received retrievable or permanent IVC filters from January 2002 through December 2006 was conducted. Patient characteristics and clinical outcomes were compared with nonparametric and parametric statistics.IVC filters were placed in 702 patients: 427 (60.8%) received a retrievable filter (RF) and 275 (39.2%) received a permanent filter (PF). Overall, the mean duration of follow-up was 11.5 months: 10.4 months for RF recipients and 13.1 months for PF recipients (P = .025). PF recipients were older (60.6 y +/- 17.0 vs 55.4 y +/- 17.2; P.0001) and more likely to have underlying cancer (45.8% vs 29.3%; P.0001). Symptomatic pulmonary embolism (PE) occurred in 11 PF recipients and 20 RF recipients who were receiving ongoing filtration (4.0% vs 4.7%; P = .67). Patients with PFs and RFs with ongoing filtration experienced symptomatic deep vein thrombosis (11.3% vs 12.6%; P = .59) and symptomatic IVC thrombosis (1.1% vs 0.5%; P = .39) at a comparable frequency. Sixty-six RF recipients (15.5%) underwent attempted retrieval, which was successful in 46 (69.7%). No RF recipients experienced a new PE after retrieval during a mean follow-up of 12.0 months.In this retrospective cohort study, RFs and PFs provided similar protection from PE with comparable complication rates. Clinicians should select an IVC filter based on the projected duration of filtration needed at the time of placement rather than filter type.

Chemoembolization with drug-eluting particles has been recently introduced in the field of interventional oncology. In this review, we will describe the pharmacokinetic properties and efficacy of all commercially available or under investigation drug-eluting particles and discuss the potentials and future of this new form of transcatheter arterial therapy for liver cancer.

Purpose To examine whether the use of C-arm computed tomography (CT) during adrenal vein sampling improves the technical success rate of the procedure. Materials and Methods Nine consecutive patients with suspected primary hyperaldosteronism underwent standard adrenal vein sampling that included cortisol stimulation. The procedure was augmented with multiplanar C-arm CT images reconstructed from data acquired during a 180° C-arm rotation. Whenever C-arm CT images showed the sampling catheter to be in the wrong position, the catheter was repositioned. Cortisol response was correlated to C-arm CT findings. Results All patients had successful and diagnostic adrenal vein sampling. C-arm CT showed sampling catheter malposition in two patients (22%). Repeat C-arm CT after repositioning showed proper catheter location. Cortisol stimulation results and C-arm CT findings were concordant in 100% of cases. Conclusions C-arm CT is reliable in confirming the location of sampling catheters during adrenal vein sampling. If the 100% concordance between cortisol stimulation and C-arm CT findings is found in larger groups, the technical success rate may approach 100%. Cortisol stimulation may become obsolete and repeat procedures unnecessary, with significant time and cost savings.

To assess the value of functional magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in the evaluation of early tumor response after transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for metastatic breast cancer and to compare tumor response based on functional MR imaging versus traditional assessment based on iodized oil deposition, tumor size, and tumor enhancement.For 14 patients with metastatic breast cancer, MR imaging studies before and after TACE were evaluated. Diffusion and contrast medium-enhanced MR imaging was performed on a 1.5-T unit. Parameters evaluated included change in tumor size, enhancement, and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values. Median survival was also calculated in the entire cohort.A total number of 27 lesions were evaluated, with a mean diameter of 5.5 cm. Although mean tumor size decreased by 18% after treatment, no tumors met the Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors (RECIST) for complete response (ie, complete disappearance of target lesions) and only seven of 27 met RECIST for partial response (ie,30% decrease in target lesion size). After treatment, decrease of tumor enhancement in the arterial (32%) and portal venous (39%) phases was statistically significant (P.0001). Mean tumor ADC increased by 27% (P.0001) after TACE, whereas ADC remained unchanged in nontumorous liver, spleen, and kidney. Median survival was 25 months for the entire cohort.In patients with breast cancer and liver metastases who were treated with TACE, although changes in tumor size were small, significant early changes in the treated lesions occurred on contrast medium-enhanced and functional MR imaging. These include decrease in tumor enhancement and increase in tumor ADC value, which suggest increasing tumor necrosis and cell death.

To evaluate the clinical feasibility and diagnostic accuracy of three-dimensional (3D) quantitative magnetic resonance (MR) imaging for the assessment of total lesion volume (TLV) and enhancing lesion volume (ELV) before and after uterine artery embolization (UAE).This retrospective study included 25 patients with uterine fibroids who underwent UAE and received contrast-enhanced MR imaging before and after the procedure. TLV was calculated using a semiautomated 3D segmentation of the dominant lesion on contrast-enhanced MR imaging, and ELV was defined as voxels within TLV where the enhancement exceeded the value of a region of interest placed in hypoenhancing soft tissue (left psoas muscle). ELV was expressed in relative (% of TLV) and absolute (in cm(3)) metrics. Results were compared with manual measurements and correlated with symptomatic outcome using a linear regression model.Although 3D quantitative measurements of TLV demonstrated a strong correlation with the manual technique (R(2) = 0.93), measurements of ELV after UAE showed significant disagreement between techniques (R(2) = 0.72; residual standard error, 15.8). Six patients (24%) remained symptomatic and were classified as nonresponders. When stratified according to response, no difference in % ELV between responders and nonresponders was observed. When assessed using cm(3) ELV, responders showed a significantly lower mean ELV compared with nonresponders (4.1 cm(3) [range, 0.3-19.8 cm(3)] vs 77 cm(3) [range, 11.91-296 cm(3)]; P.01).The use of segmentation-based 3D quantification of lesion enhancement is feasible and diagnostically accurate and could be considered as an MR imaging response marker for clinical outcome after UAE.

To achieve more effective thrombolysis in a shorter treatment time, percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy has been increasingly used in the treatment of deep venous thrombosis (DVT). The power-pulse spray is a new technique to combine chemical and rheolytic effects on clots. We present a case of presumed pulmonary embolism following power-pulse spray treatment for upper extremity DVT which necessitated resuscitation and intubation. The power-pulse spray technique should be used with caution when treating DVT.

Bronchopleural fistula presents an important and challenging management problem after lung parenchymal resection. The mainstay of treatment has been surgical revision of the bronchial stump, however increasingly endobronchial therapies are being employed. We report the novel use of a liquid embolic agent with an Amplatzer vascular plug to seal a chronic bronchopleural fistula. Using rigid bronchoscopy, fluoroscopy, radio opaque liquid embolic agent, and the Amplatzer vascular plug, we were able to demonstrate not only feasibility but also safety and a marked reduction in symptoms consistent with successful closure of the bronchopleural fistula.

Background VIPomas are rare neuroendocrine tumors poorly described in the literature. Aggressive resection of patients with advanced VIPoma neuroendocrine tumors has rarely been reported. Case presentation A 46 year old women presented with abdominal pain and diarrhea. A three-dimensional (3-D) pancreas protocol computed tomography scan revealed an 18 × 12 cm pancreatic VIPoma abutting the liver, stomach, spleen, left adrenal, colon that also invaded the distal duodenum – proximal jejunum at the ligament of Treitz in association with sinistral portal hypertension. Following preoperative proximal splenic artery embolization, the patient with underwent successful en bloc resection of the locally advanced VIPoma in conjunction with a diaphragmatic resection, total gastrectomy, splenectomy, left adrenalectomy, as well as small and large bowel resection. The estimated blood loss was 500 ml. All margins were negative (R0 resection). The patient is alive and disease-free. Conclusion This case illustrates the role of aggressive resection of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors and highlights several key technical points that allowed for successful resection.

Purpose: To assess the value of functional magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in the evaluation of early tumor response after transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for metastatic leiomyosarcoma and compare tumor response using functional MR imaging versus traditional imaging response assessment, which is based on tumor size. Materials and Methods: We evaluated 31 lesions in 10 patients with liver metastases from leiomyosarcoma using MR imaging studies before and after TACE. Diffusion and contrast-enhanced MR imaging was performed on a 1.5-T unit. Imaging protocol consisted of T2-weighted fast spin-echo images, breath-hold diffusion-weighted echo-planar images, and breath-hold unenhanced and contrast-enhanced T1-weighted 3-dimensional fat-suppressed spoiled gradient-echo images in the arterial phase (20 seconds) and portal venous phase (60 seconds). Parameters evaluated included change in tumor size, enhancement, and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values. Median survival was also calculated for the entire cohort. Results: The 31 lesions evaluated had a mean size of 4.8 cm before treatment. Tumor size decreased only by 2% immediately after treatment. Decrease of tumor enhancement after treatment was significant (P < 0.0001) in the arterial phase (69%) as well as in the portal venous phase (64%). After TACE, mean tumor ADC increased by 20% (P = 0.0015), whereas mean nontreated liver, spleen, and muscle ADC values did not change significantly (P = 0.44, P = 0.287, and P = 0.098, respectively). Patient survival from time of first TACE was 21 months for the entire cohort. Conclusion: In patients with leiomyosarcoma and liver metastases who were treated with TACE, significant early changes in the treated lesions occurred on functional MR imaging. These include decrease in tumor enhancement and increase in tumor ADC value, suggesting increasing tumor necrosis and cell death. Changes in tumor size were small and inadequate to assess treatment response, suggesting limitation of the current response criteria in the early assessment of tumor response.

Percutaneous biliary interventions are often performed for biliary obstruction when endoscopic stent placement is not feasible or has failed to provide relief. These secondary percutaneous interventions may be complicated by the presence of a previously placed occluded biliary stent requiring displacement and removal. The authors report a case of colonic perforation by a plastic biliary stent that was purposely displaced into the small bowel for passage at the time of percutaneous intervention and review the current practices concerning biliary stent removal in interventional radiology and gastrointestinal endoscopy.

Transarterial chemoembolization is the mainstay of catheter based interventional oncologic therapies. This article describes the history of the procedure, selection of appropriate candidates, technical aspects of procedure performance, results, complications, and appropriate follow-up. In addition, the limitations and challenges of the procedure are outlined. Finally, the reader is introduced to novel and promising techniques and devices that hold future promise for transarterial therapy of malignancies.

PURPOSE Despite the absence of conclusive data, portal vein (PV) thrombosis is considered a contraindication to transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The purpose of our study was to establish the safety of TACE in such patients and identify key prognostic factors and survival. MATERIALS AND METHODS Data were prospectively collected from 32 consecutive patients with unresectable HCC and PV thrombosis who underwent treatment with TACE. History and physical examination, relevant laboratory values, and contrast material–enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) images were obtained before each TACE procedure. Repeated TACE was performed every 6 weeks unless patients developed a contraindication or MR imaging showed complete response. RESULTS Median overall survival was 9.5 months (range, 3–50 months). Child-Pugh numerical disease stage was the prognostic factor most strongly related to survival. The 30-day mortality rate was zero and there was no evidence of TACE-related hepatic infarction or acute liver failure. The 6-, 9-, 12-, and 18-month survival rates were 60%, 47%, 25%, and 12.5%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS PV thrombosis should not be considered a contraindication to TACE. Compared with historical control subjects who received traditional forms of treatment, the patients in the present study had extended survival. However, prospective randomized trials are necessary to show this conclusively and to show which subgroups benefit.

Locoregional techniques have become the mainstay of therapy for patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Such image-guided interventions include catheter-based approaches (transarterial chemoembolization and yttrium-90 radiotherapy) and locoregional ablative techniques, either chemical (percutaneous ethanol injection), or thermal (radiofrequency ablation, laser ablation, microwave ablation and cryoablation). These therapies are mainly utilized for palliation, but have also been used with curative intent. In selected cases, percutaneous interventional treatments have shown good results (5-year survival 40-50%), but, even when chosen as first-line treatment, have not been able to achieve the response rates and outcomes achieved by surgical options (resection or transplantation). New promising image-guided therapies are continuously emerging, as we attempt to improve tumor targeting, minimize hepatic toxicity and ultimately improve quality of life and survival of patients with HCC. With new technologies in imaging and drug delivery becoming available, it is likely that, in the future, patients with HCC will be best treated by a multidisciplinary team approach, utilizing a combination of techniques to improve patient survival. This review outlines the current status of the most commonly used image-guided locoregional interventions in the treatment of patients with HCC, and describes recent research and advances related to image-guided interventions for liver cancer.

Transcatheter arterial embolization (TACE) is a minimally invasive procedure that requires precise visualization of the feeding vessels to liver tumors for proper catheter placement and effective therapy. The use of three-dimensional (3D) rotational angiography (RA) can be extremely useful to the interventional radiologist during TACE while the patient is on the catheterization table. This report demonstrates the role of 3D RA in interventional oncology by presenting two cases of hepatocellular carcinoma with complex vascular anatomy successfully treated because of the information provided by this new technology.

PURPOSE Unresectable cholangiocarcinoma carries a dismal prognosis, with median survival times ranging from 6 to 12 months from the time of diagnosis. Palliative therapies have been disappointing and have not been shown to significantly prolong survival. Conversely, transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) has been effective in prolonging the lives of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma but has not been used against cholangiocarcinoma. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to assess the safety and efficacy (ie, survival) of TACE in patients with unresectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS Seventeen patients with unresectable cholangiocarcinoma were treated with one or more cycles of TACE between 1995 and 2004 at our institution. Follow-up imaging was performed on all patients 4–6 weeks after each TACE procedure to determine tumor response and need for further treatment. Survival was calculated with use of the Kaplan-Meier survival curve. RESULTS The median survival for 17 patients treated with TACE was 23 months. Two patients with previously unresectable disease underwent successful resection after TACE. The procedure was well tolerated by 82% of the patients, who experienced no side effects or mild side effects that quickly resolved with conservative therapy alone. Two patients had minor complications (12%), which were managed successfully, and one had a major complication that resulted in a fatal outcome. This patient had a rapidly declining course from the time of diagnosis and died shortly after TACE. CONCLUSION The results suggest that TACE was effective at prolonging survival of patients with unresectable cholangiocarcinoma. Therefore, for these patients, TACE may be an appropriate palliative therapy.