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Supplemental material, DEBvscTACE_supplement_20190516_clean for Effectiveness of drug-eluting bead transarterial chemoembolization versus conventional transarterial chemoembolization for small hepatocellular carcinoma in Child-Pugh class A patients by In Joon Lee, Jeong-Hoon Lee, Yun Bin Lee, Yoon Jun Kim, Jung-Hwan Yoon, Yong Hu Yin, Myungsu Lee, Saebeom Hur, Hyo-Cheol Kim, Hwan Jun Jae and Jin Wook Chung in Therapeutic Advances in Medical Oncology

To investigate computed tomography and angiography findings and clinical outcomes after transcatheter arterial embolization for acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding from advanced gastric cancers.From January 2005 to December 2014, 58 patients with pathologically proven gastric cancer were treated at our institution with transcatheter arterial embolization due to acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding recalcitrant to endoscopic treatment. The electronic medical records for each patient were reviewed for clinical presentation, endoscopy history, computed tomography and angiographic findings, blood transfusion requirements, and follow-up results.Angiography findings were positive in 13 patients (22.4%): contrast extravasation was found in 9 patients and pseudoaneurysm in 4 patients. All patients with positive angiograms underwent selective embolization treatment. Those with negative angiography findings underwent empirical embolization. Gelfoam, n-butyl cyanoacrylate, coils, or a combination of these were used as embolic agents. The overall clinical success rate was 72.4% (42/58), and the success rate for patients with positive angiography was 53.8% (7/13). The median survival was 97.5 days (range, 7-1415 days), and the 1-month survival rate was 89.6% (52/58). The 1-month survival rate of the clinical success group was 95.2% (40/42), which was significantly higher than that of the clinical failure group (P = .04). The clinical success group also required significantly fewer transfusions (2.43 units, range 0-24 units) (P = .02).Transcatheter arterial embolization is a highly effective treatment for advanced gastric cancer with active bleeding. It should be considered as an additional treatment, especially when endoscopic or surgical treatment fails or when these approaches are difficult.

Background The number of elderly patients with end-stage renal disease is increasing rapidly. The higher prevalence of comorbidities and shorter life expectancy in these patients make it difficult to decide on the type of vascular access (VA). We explored the optimal choice for VA in elderly hemodialysis patients. Methods We included elderly patients (> 65 years) visiting our VA clinic and divided them into three groups as follows: radiocephalic arteriovenous fistula (AVF), brachiocephalic AVF, and prosthetic arteriovenous graft (AVG). The primary outcomes were VA abandonment and all-cause mortality. The secondary outcome was maturation failure (MF). Results Of 529 patients, 61.2% were men. The mean age was 73.6 ± 6.0 years. The VA types were as follows: 49.9% radiocephalic AVF, 31.8% brachiocephalic AVF, and 18.3% AVG. Patients with an AVG tended to be older, female, and have a lower body mass index. More than half of patients (n = 302, 57.1%) started dialysis with central catheters, but the proportion of predialysis central catheter placement was not different among the VA types. Radiocephalic AVF was significantly superior to AVG in terms of VA abandonment (P = 0.005) and all-cause mortality (P

PURPOSE: To correlate bead location and attenuation on CT images with the quantity and distribution of drug delivered to the liver following transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) with radiopaque drug-eluting beads (DEB) in a rabbit tumor model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All procedures were performed with a protocol approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. TACE was performed in rabbits (n = 4) bearing VX2 liver tumors by using radiopaque DEB (70–150 µm) loaded with doxorubicin (DOX). Livers were resected 1 hour after embolization, immediately frozen, and cut by using liver-specific three-dimensional–printed molds for colocalization of liver specimens and CT imaging. DOX penetration into tissue surrounding beads was evaluated with fluorescence microscopy. DOX levels in liver specimens were predicted by using statistical models correlating DOX content measured in tissue with bead volume and attenuation measured on CT images. Model predictions were then compared with actual measured DOX concentrations to assess the models’ predictive power. RESULTS: Eluted DOX remained in close proximity (

Purpose To compare the efficacy of lymph node (LN) embolization using N-butyl cyanoacrylate versus ethanol sclerotherapy in the management of symptomatic postoperative pelvic lymphorrhea. Materials and Methods Thirty-three patients with 40 instances of symptomatic postoperative lymphorrhea were treated with either LN embolization or sclerotherapy at Seoul National University Hospital from January 2009 to July 2017 and were retrospectively included (LN embolization group: 24 lymphoceles of 19 patients, mean age of 59.29 years; sclerotherapy group: 16 lymphoceles of 14 patients, mean age of 60.95 years). The types of operations were hysterectomy and bilateral oophorectomy with pelvic lymph node dissection (n = 9), radical prostatectomy (n = 3), and renal transplantation (n = 2) for the sclerotherapy group and radical prostatectomy (n = 10) and hysterectomy and bilateral oophorectomy with pelvic lymph node dissection (n = 9) for the LN embolization group. The 3 most common indications of treatment were lower extremity edema (n = 11), pain (n = 11), and fever (n = 8). The amount of leak before treatment (initial daily drainage) and clinical outcomes, including the clinical success rate in 3 weeks, treatment period, and complication rate were compared between both groups. Results LN embolization showed a higher 3-week clinical success rate than sclerotherapy in a univariate analysis (83.3% and 43.8%, P = .026). There was no statistically significant difference in the treatment period and the complication rate (7.1 days and 12.3 days, P = .098; 8.3% and 25.0%, P = .184). Conclusions LN embolization is more effective for treating postoperative pelvic lymphorrhea than sclerotherapy with similar safety.

Purpose To address the feasibility of yttrium-90 (90Y) glass microspheres administered at a boosted dose in large hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs). Materials and Methods From July 2016 to August 2017, 20 patients who underwent 90Y radioembolization for treatment-naive HCC met the following inclusion criteria: (i) nodular tumor, (ii) tumor size > 5 cm, (iii) Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage A/B disease, (iv) target perfused tissue dose > 150 Gy, and (v) all tumors treated in 1 session of radioembolization. Follow-up radiologic findings and clinical outcomes were retrospectively reviewed until May 2018. Tumor response was determined per modified Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors. Results Mean total radiation activity infused was 4.96 GBq ± 1.82 (median, 4.88 GBq; range, 1.63–9.15 GBq). Mean target perfused tissue dose was 263.5 Gy ± 95.2 (median, 241.6 Gy; range, 156.2–550.6 Gy). The mean number of vials used per treatment was 4.15 ± 1.4 (median, 4; range, 2–7). Complete response rates were 25% at 1 month and 60% at 3 months. Complete response of the primary index tumor was achieved in 16 patients (80%) based on best tumor response. Local progression–free survival and progression-free survival rates were 94.1% and 85.0% at 6 mo and 94.1% and 74.7% at 1 year, respectively. Four patients (20%) had symptomatic (n = 3) or asymptomatic (n = 1) benign biliary strictures. Conclusions Radioembolization with a boosted dose in patients with large HCCs may show favorable tumor response, but with considerable biliary complications.

Background Unenhanced computed tomography (UCT) may be useful for evaluating acute pyelonephritis; however, no study has compared UCT with enhanced computed tomography (ECT) as a diagnostic tool. We evaluated a clinical usefulness of UCT versus ECT in acute pyelonephritis (APN). Methods We reviewed the clinical and radiological data from 183 APN-suspected patients who underwent UCT and ECT simultaneously at emergency room (ER) over a two-year period. Demographic, clinical parameters and computed tomography (CT) parameters of 149 patients were compared. Results The average patient age was 61.2 (± 10) years: 31 patients were men. Ninety-nine (66.4%) patients showed stones (18.7%), perinephric infiltration (56%), swelling (21%), and hydronephrosis (6.7%) on UCT. Seventeen patients (11.4%) had an atypical clinical course, requiring additional tests for accurate diagnosis. In 7 patients UCT and ECT results did not differ; in 10 patients, the diagnosis changed on ECT. On ECT, 112/149 (75.2%) patients had stones (16.7%), perinephric infiltrations (57%), swelling (21%), and hydronephrosis (6.7%); 62.5% showed parenchymal involvement: 34 (22.8%) patients had no abnormal ECT findings. APN CT findings are similar on stone, perinephric infiltration, swelling and hydronephrosis on both CTs. Twelve patients (8.0%) had an abnormal ECT finding, i.e., low-grade (1 and 2) parenchymal involvement. Six (4%) patients developed contrast-induced acute kidney injury within 2 days after ECT. Conclusion We demonstrate that UCT is not inferior to ECT as an initial tool for evaluating APN for screening nephrolithiasis and hydronephrosis without the risk of contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CIAKI). However, patients with an atypical clinical course may still need ECT.

The purpose of our study was to address the long-term outcome of angioplasty and stent placement for hepatic venous outflow obstruction following pediatric liver transplantation. From October 1999 to December 2011, 20 stenotic lesions were confirmed to constitute hepatic venous outflow obstruction in 18 pediatric patients (13 boys, 5 girls) among 152 pediatric patients following liver transplantation and were managed with endovascular intervention. Stent placement was favored over additional angioplasty in patients of preadolescent or adolescent age (>8 years old), after 1 or 2 sessions of balloon angioplasty. The primary patency and assisted primary patency were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. A total of 32 procedures (24 balloon angioplasties, 8 stent placements) were conducted. The technical success rate was 90.6% (29/32). Clinical success was achieved in 15 of 18 patients (clinical success rate of 83.3%). Major complications did not occur in our study. Median follow-up was 91.5 months (interquartile range, 54.7-137.3 months) for the 18 patients. The 1-year, 3-year, 5-year, and 10-year primary patencies of the 20 treated lesions were 63.5%, 57.8%, 57.8%, and 57.8%, respectively. The 1-year, 3-year, 5-year, and 10-year assisted-primary patencies of the lesions were 100%, 100%, 100%, and 100%, respectively. Of the 6 patients of preadolescent or adolescent age, 5 patients underwent stent placement procedures, and the stents were patent during the follow-up period of 57.3-162.5 months (median, 72.7 months). In conclusion, endovascular intervention is very effective in hepatic venous outflow obstruction following pediatric liver transplantation. In addition, early stent placement in patients of preadolescent or adolescent age can provide a safe and favorable long-term outcome.

This study was designed to analyze retrospectively the performance of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) hepatic arteriography in depicting tumors and their feeders and to investigate the related determining factors in chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Eighty-six patients with 142 tumors satisfying the imaging diagnosis criteria of HCC were included in this study. The performance of CBCT hepatic arteriography for chemoembolization per tumor and per patient was evaluated using maximum intensity projection images alone (MIP analysis) or MIP combined with multiplanar reformation images (MIP + MPR analysis) regarding the following three aspects: tumor depiction, confidence of tumor feeder detection, and trackability of tumor feeders. Tumor size, tumor enhancement, tumor location, number of feeders, diaphragmatic motion, portal vein enhancement, and hepatic artery to parenchyma enhancement ratio were regarded as potential determining factors. Tumors were depicted in 125 (88.0 %) and 142 tumors (100 %) on MIP and MIP + MPR analysis, respectively. Imaging performances on MIP and MIP + MPR analysis were good enough to perform subsegmental chemoembolization without additional angiographic investigation in 88 (62.0 %) and 128 tumors (90.1 %) on per-tumor basis and in 43 (50 %) and 73 (84.9 %) on per-patient basis, respectively. Significant determining factors for performance in MIP + MPR analysis on per tumor basis were tumor size (p = 0.030), tumor enhancement (0.005), tumor location (p = 0.001), and diaphragmatic motion (p

This study was performed to compare the long-term outcomes of balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO) for gastric varices using ethanolamine oleate (EO) and sodium tetradecyl sulfate (STS). From January 2002 to June 2015, 142 patients underwent BRTO for the treatment of gastric varices using EO (n = 59) or STS (n = 83). We retrospectively reviewed the follow-up data related to the obliteration of gastric varices, rebleeding, and clinical complications. The cumulative recurrence rates of gastric varices after BRTO in each group were analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method and compared using the log-rank test. The median follow-up periods were 23.9 (range 0.2–170.7) months in the BRTO with EO group and 19.9 (range 0.2–84.7) months in the BRTO with STS group. Technical success was achieved in 53 of 59 (89.8%) cases in the BRTO with EO group and 80 of 83 (96.4%) cases in the BRTO with STS group. The clinical success rates were 94.9% (56/59) in the BRTO with EO group and 96.4% (80/83) in the BRTO with STS group. The cumulative 1-, 3-, and 5-year recurrence rates for gastric varices were 3.8, 9.4, and 9.4% in the BRTO with EO group and 1.3, 2.5, and 3.8% in the BRTO with STS group, respectively (p = 0.684). BRTO using STS has comparable long-term outcomes to BRTO using EO for gastric varices.

Purpose To address the feasibility of infusion of yttrium-90 ( 90 Y) glass microspheres directly through the right inferior phrenic artery (RIPA). Materials and Methods From November 2015 to May 2017, 20 patients underwent 90 Y radioembolization through the RIPA. When the systemic-to-pulmonary shunt was demonstrated on C-arm computed tomography (CT) of the RIPA, prophylactic embolization by polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) particles was performed prior to infusion of 90 Y glass microspheres. Follow-up CT scans were retrospectively reviewed for pulmonary complications. Tumor response was determined by the modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors. Results Nine (45%) patients had systemic-to-pulmonary shunts on C-arm CT images of the RIPA. The feeder of the systemic-to-pulmonary shunt was the azygoesophageal branch (n = 7) and the anterior branch (n = 2). The mean activity of 90 Y glass microspheres infused into the RIPA was 0.49 GBq (range, 0.19–1.55 GBq). No patient had symptomatic radiation pneumonitis or cutaneous complications during follow-up. Seven patients had focal atelectasis (n = 5), focal ground-glass opacity (n = 2), and/or a small amount of pleural effusion (n = 2) on follow-up image. Best tumor response fed by the RIPA was complete response (n = 4), partial response (n = 9), stable disease (n = 2), progressive disease (n = 4), and unevaluable (n = 1). Conclusion The administration of 90 Y glass microspheres through the RIPA may be safe after embolization of a systemic-to-pulmonary shunt identified on C-arm CT.

Tissue adhesives have emerged as an alternative to sutures and staples for wound closure and reconnection of injured tissues after surgery or trauma. Owing to their convenience and effectiveness, these adhesives have received growing attention particularly in minimally invasive procedures. For safe and accurate applications, tissue adhesives should be detectable via clinical imaging modalities and be highly biocompatible for intracorporeal procedures. However, few adhesives meet all these requirements. Herein, we show that biocompatible tantalum oxide/silica core/shell nanoparticles (TSNs) exhibit not only high contrast effects for real-time imaging but also strong adhesive properties. Furthermore, the biocompatible TSNs cause much less cellular toxicity and less inflammation than a clinically used, imageable tissue adhesive (that is, a mixture of cyanoacrylate and Lipiodol). Because of their multifunctional imaging and adhesive property, the TSNs are successfully applied as a hemostatic adhesive for minimally invasive procedures and as an immobilized marker for image-guided procedures., The use of tissue adhesives for the closure of wounds is of growing interest for surgery and trauma management. Here, the authors develop an adhesive that is biocompatible, enables tissue adhesion and also permits real-time imaging due to the presence of contrast agents for multiple modalities.

Purpose To evaluate 30-day safety and efficacy of superselective embolization for arterial upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) using N -butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA). Materials and Methods This single-center retrospective 10-year study included 152 consecutive patients with UGIB (gastric, n = 74; duodenal, n = 78) who underwent embolization with NBCA for angiographically positive arterial bleeding. The primary endpoint was clinical success rate defined as achievement of hemostasis without rebleeding or UGIB-related mortality within 30 days after embolization. Mean systolic blood pressure and heart rate were 121.2 mm Hg ± 27.4 and 97.9 beats/minute ± 22.5; 31.1% of patients needed intravenous inotropes, and 36.6% had coagulopathy. The etiology of bleeding was ulcer (80.3%) or iatrogenic injury (19.7%). Statistical analysis was performed to identify predictive factors for outcomes. Results Technical success rate was 100%. Clinical success, 1-month mortality, and major complication rates were 70.4%, 22.4%, and 0.7%. There were significant differences in the clinical success rates between gastric and duodenal bleeding (79.4% vs 62.2%; P = . 025). The need for intravenous inotropes at the time of embolization was a significant negative predictive factor in both gastric (odds ratio [OR] = 0.091, P = .004) and duodenal (OR = 0.156, P = . 002) bleeding. The use of a microcatheter with a smaller tip (2 F) was associated with better outcomes in duodenal bleeding (OR = 7.389, P = .005). Conclusions Superselective embolization using NBCA is safe and effective for angiographically positive arterial UGIB.

To evaluate the prognostic value of CT venography for catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) in iliac vein compression syndrome (IVCS) patients with deep venous thrombosis (DVT). The institutional review board approved this retrospective study and waived informed consent. Among the 201 consecutive patients treated in our interventional suite for DVT from January 2001 to June 2013, 48 IVCS patients (12 men, 36 women) who underwent pre-procedural CT venography, CDT with stenting, and follow-up imaging were analyzed. To identify possible determinants of 6-month patency, CT venography was evaluated with Fisher’s exact test and logistic regression analyses. Based on the analyses, image-based criteria were established and compared to the current symptom duration-based approach by receiver-operating-characteristic curve analyses and the McNemar test. Recoiling of external iliac vein (EIV) diameter (

To compare the effectiveness of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), radiofrequency ablation (RFA), and hepatic resection (HR) in patients with small single-nodule hepatocellular carcinoma by using inverse probability weighting to control selection bias.This retrospective cohort study was approved by the institutional review board, and the requirement to obtain informed consent was waived. The study included 197 consecutive patients (146 men and 51 women; mean age ± standard deviation, 57.4 years ± 9.7) with single-nodule hepatocellular carcinomas measuring 3 cm or smaller and no vascular invasion who were treated initially with HR (n = 52), RFA (n = 79), or TACE (n = 66) from January 2005 to December 2006 at a single tertiary hospital. The primary endpoint was overall survival.The baseline liver status of the groups differed significantly and was most favorable for the HR group, followed by the RFA group, and then the TACE group. The 5-year overall survival rates were 93.6% in the HR group, 86.6% in the RFA group, and 74.2% in the TACE group (P = .023). However, after inverse probability weighting, weighted survival rates among the three groups were similar (5-year overall survival: 85.6% with HR, 87.6% with RFA, and 80.7% with TACE; P = .834). In multivariate Cox regression analysis, TACE showed a hazard ratio of 0.978 (95% confidence interval: 0.407, 2.347; P = .960) compared with HR and of 1.335 (95% confidence interval: 0.619, 2.879; P = .461) compared with RFA.TACE is an effective treatment that allows achievement of long-term survival rates comparable to those with HR and RFA in patients with small single-nodule hepatocellular carcinoma.

Purpose To assess the safety and efficacy of transcatheter arterial embolization for lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) and to determine the prognostic factors that affect clinical outcome. Materials and Methods All patients diagnosed with LGIB by angiography at a single institution from April 2006 to January 2013 were included in a retrospective study. The rates of technical success, early recurrent bleeding, major complications, clinical success, and in-hospital mortality for transcatheter arterial embolization were determined. The influence of possible prognostic factors on the outcome was analyzed. Results A total of 112 patients were included (36 with small-bowel LGIB, 36 with colon LGIB, and 40 with rectal LGIB). N-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA) was the embolic agent for 84 patients (75.0%), whereas gelatin sponge pledgets (n = 20), microcoils (n = 2), polyvinyl alcohol particles with adjunctive gelatin sponge pledgets (n = 1), and blood clots (n = 1) were used in the other patients. The technical success rate was 96.4%. For the entire group, the rates of early recurrent bleeding, major complications, clinical success, and in-hospital mortality were 17.4%, 4.6%, 74.5%, and 25.0%, respectively. These were 15.2%, 4.8%, 75.3%, and 26.2%, respectively, in the NBCA group. Hematologic malignancy, immobilization status, and coagulopathy were significant prognostic factors for clinical outcomes. Conclusions Transcatheter arterial embolization is a safe and effective treatment for LGIB. NBCA could be used as a primary embolic agent for this procedure.

To evaluate the postprocedural imaging findings and safety of repeated intra-arterial therapy via the cystic artery in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This retrospective study was approved by our institutional review board. From February 2002 to January 2012, we performed repeated (two or more) chemotherapeutic infusion or chemoembolization via the cystic artery using iodized oil in 132 patients with HCCs. Computed tomographic (CT) scans, digital subtraction angiograms, and medical records were retrospectively reviewed by consensus. A total of 340 sessions of intra-arterial therapy (160 sessions of chemotherapeutic infusion and 180 sessions of chemoembolization) via the cystic artery were undertaken in 132 patients. Fifty-five of 132 patients received both chemotherapeutic infusion and chemoembolization. The incidence of gallbladder wall thickening on follow-up contrast-enhanced CT was significantly higher in chemoembolization (48 of 180, 26.7 %) than in chemotherapeutic infusion (27 of 160, 16.9 %) (P = 0.035). Persistent gallbladder wall thickening was more frequently observed in chemoembolization (48 of 107, 44.9 %) than in chemotherapeutic infusion (27 of 90, 30 %) (P = 0.039). The major complication rate was 15 of 340 sessions (4.4 %) with 11 of 132 patients (8.3 %). Acute cholecystitis, which was related to intra-arterial therapy via the cystic artery, developed in two patients and was managed by conservative treatment. HCC supplied by the cystic artery can be safely treated by repeated intra-arterial chemotherapeutic infusion or chemoembolization using iodized oil through the cystic artery.

For unilateral spinal block, local anesthetics should affect the spinal nerves of 1 side. With full flexion of the spine, the sunken cauda equina becomes tightened and is suspended in the middle of the subarachnoid space. We performed this study to assess whether spinal flexion facilitates unilateral spinal anesthesia.Hyperbaric bupivacaine (8 mg) was administered at the L3-4 interspace through a 25-gauge Quincke needle at a rate of 0.02 mL/s. Patients were randomly allocated to group F (with full spinal flexion) or group N (the hips and back straightened). After maintaining the lateral position for 15 minutes with or without spinal flexion, patients were gently returned to the supine position. Spinal blockade was assessed by loss of pinprick sensation and the modified Bromage motor scale.While the lateral position was maintained, sensory block was noted on the nondependent side in 14 of 16 patients in group N (87.5%) but only in 1 of 16 patients in group F (6.3%) (P0.001). The median level of sensory block in group N was L5 on the nondependent side just before turning to the supine position. When patients were returned to the supine position, sensory blockade on the nondependent side was noted in all group N patients (100%) and 15 group F patients (93.7%). The sensory level on the nondependent side between group N and group F were similar after turning supine.Strict unilateral sensory block was not achieved even after lateral decubitus positioning with spinal flexion, when 8 mg hyperbaric bupivacaine was administered manually at a conventionally slow rate through a beveled spinal needle. However, maintaining flexion of the spinal column during lateral decubitus positioning altered the initial onset of sensory block with respect to laterality.

To report survival outcomes in patients with neuroendocrine tumor (NET) with hepatic metastasis who were treated by transcatheter arterial chemoembolization and determine prognostic factors that affect clinical outcome.Patients with NET with hepatic metastasis who underwent chemoembolization between April 2002 and July 2011 were included in this single-center, retrospective study. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were calculated by Kaplan-Meier method. The influence of possible prognostic factors on survival was analyzed by log-rank method and multivariate Cox proportional-hazards method.Forty-six patients with hepatic metastasis from nonpancreatic NETs (npNETs; n = 24) or pancreatic NETs (pNETs; n = 22) were included. The median PFS and OS times for the entire group were 16.2 and 38.6 months, respectively, and response rate was 58.1%. Patients with npNET had a similar PFS (17.4 mo vs 15.3 mo) and longer OS (55.0 mo vs 27.6 mo) compared with those with pNET, but there were no significant differences in PFS and OS between groups (P = .398 and P = .375, respectively). By univariate analysis, enterobiliary communication, hepatic tumor burden, and extrahepatic metastasis before the first chemoembolization were significant prognostic factors for poor OS (P = .001, P = .010, and P.0001, respectively). By multivariate analysis, the same prognostic factors were significant and had relative risks of 4.63, 2.71, and 5.09, respectively.Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization is an effective treatment modality for hepatic metastasis from NETs, with a median OS of 38.6 months and response rate of 58%. Enterobiliary communication, large hepatic tumor burden, and extrahepatic metastasis were significant risk factors for poor survival outcome.

Purpose To evaluate retrospectively the efficacy of transarterial chemoembolization in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with hepatic vein invasion by comparing the results of conventional transarterial chemoembolization and modified transarterial chemoembolization. Materials and Methods From January 2000 to December 2009, 107 patients with HCC and hepatic vein invasion and Child-Pugh class A were treated by transarterial chemoembolization. Modified transarterial chemoembolization (conventional transarterial chemoembolization followed by additional infusion of 50–100 mg of cisplatin) has been undertaken since 2005. Clinical and radiologic data were reviewed and analyzed retrospectively. The overall survival rates were obtained by the Kaplan-Meier method and compared by the log-rank test. Results Conventional transarterial chemoembolization was performed in 60 patients, and modified transarterial chemoembolization was performed in 47 patients. No significant differences were observed in major complications between the groups. The median survival was longer in the modified group compared with the conventional group (9.7 mo, 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.3–15.1, vs 6.7 mo, 95% CI, 4.8–8.5; P = .047). By subgroup analysis, modified transarterial chemoembolization increased survival of patients with a diffuse tumor type (8.9 mo, 95% CI, 5.9–11.9, vs 3.8 mo, 95% CI, 2.5–5.0; P = .000) and patients without metastasis (20.9 mo, 95% CI, 12.2–29.5, vs 7.3 mo, 95% CI, 4.1–10.5; P = .005). Multivariate analysis identified three independent predictive factors for mortality: diffuse tumor type ( P = .001), metastasis ( P = .009), and modified transarterial chemoembolization protocol ( P = .003). Conclusions A survival benefit was suggested with transarterial chemoembolization with additional cisplatin infusion over conventional transarterial chemoembolization in patients with HCC invading the hepatic vein.

Background & aims To assess diagnostic accuracy of gadoxetic acid–enhanced MR for small hypervascular hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) detected by C-arm CT and concordance rate of Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS). Methods In this retrospective study, we recruited 4,544 patients suspected of having HCC underwent C-arm CT from November 2008 to May 2013. Among these patients, gadoxetic acid–enhanced MR was performed in 167 patients with HCC (n = 379; 257 > 1 cm, 122 ≤ 1 cm). HCC was confirmed by MR, CT, or follow-up images. Two radiologists graded likelihood of HCC and assessed MR features. Jackknife alternative free-response receiver operating characteristic (JAFROC) analysis was performed. All HCCs were evaluated concordance rate of LI-RADS. Results Mean JAFROC figure of merit for large (>1-cm) HCC was 0.948, while that for small HCC was 0.787 with fair agreement (κ = 0.409). Mean sensitivity and positive predictive value (PPV) were 91% and 90% for large HCC versus 63.0% and 79% for small HCC, respectively. Seventeen of 122 small HCCs (13.9%) were not visible on MR. Among 379 HCCs, 99 met LR-5, and 259 met LR-4. Common features for small HCC included arterial enhancement (81.9%), hepatobiliary phase hypointensity (80.3%), and delayed washout (72.9%). Conclusion Diagnostic accuracy of gadoxetic acid–enhanced MR imaging for small, hypervascular HCCs (Mean figure of merit = 0.787) was still low compared with large HCC (Mean figure of merit = 0.948). LR-5 and LR-4 covered 94% (358/379) of the HCCs.

To address the feasibility of prophylactic temporary occlusion of the cystic artery using a detachable coil duringFrom January 2012 to October 2016, nine patients underwent temporary occlusion of the cystic artery duringTemporary placement of a detachable coil was feasible in all cases. On the angiograms obtained after detachable coil placement, the distal cystic artery and gallbladder were partially identifiable in eight of the nine (88.8%) patients, but fully restored after the removal of the coils in all cases. The proportional uptake of 99mTc-MAA (mean, 4.35%) andTemporary occlusion of the cystic artery using a detachable coil appeared to be feasible and effective in reducing

Sorafenib (SOF; an angiogenesis inhibitor) and 2,3,5-triiodobenzoic acid (TIBA; a contrast agent for computed tomography imaging)-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres (MSs) were fabricated. Embolization, drug delivery, and tracing the distribution of MSs for liver cancer therapy were accomplished with the developed MSs after their intra-arterial (IA) administration. SOF/TIBA/PLGA MSs with 24.8–28.5 µm mean diameters were prepared, and the sustained release of SOF from MSs was observed. Lower systemic exposure (represented as the area under the curve [AUC]) and maximum drug concentration in plasma (Cmax) values of the SOF/TIBA/PLGA MSs group (IA administration, 1 mg/kg) in the results of the pharmacokinetic study imply alleviated unwanted systemic effects (e.g., hand and foot syndrome), compared to the SOF solution group (oral administration, 10 mg/kg). In a rat hepatoma model, the increase of microvessel density (MVD) following arterial embolization (i.e., reactive angiogenesis) was partially limited by SOF/TIBA/PLGA MSs. This resulted in the SOF/TIBA/PLGA MSs group (IA administration, single dosing, 1 mg/kg) showing a smaller tumor size increase and viable tumor portion compared to the TIBA/PLGA MSs group. These findings suggest that a developed SOF/TIBA/PLGA MS can be a promising therapeutic system for liver cancer using a transarterial embolization strategy.

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of cone-beam computed tomography (CT)-guided chemoembolization for probable hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) smaller than 1 cm in patients at high risk for HCC.From December 2009 to May 2014, 57 patients (43 male and 14 female; mean age, 61.1 y) at high risk for HCC underwent cone-beam CT-guided conventional chemoembolization for 79 treatment-naive probable HCCs1 cm. Probable HCCs were diagnosed when hepatic nodules showed arterial enhancement and washout on dynamic CT or magnetic resonance images. The Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional-hazards regression were used to evaluate the time to local progression (TTLP), time to progression (TTP), and overall survival (OS).Initial follow-up images obtained 2-3 months after chemoembolization showed complete response in all 79 tumors. The 1-, 2-, and 3-year local progression rates were 10.4%, 21.7%, and 35.7%, respectively. Subsegmental catheterization (P.001; hazard ratio [HR] = .041) and segmental catheterization (P = .001; HR = .049) were significantly associated with longer TTLP. The 1-, 2-, and 3-year progression rates were 40.5%, 66.7%, and 78.6%, respectively. Tumor multiplicity (P = .004; HR = 2.612) was a significant risk factor for shorter TTP. The 1-, 2-, and 3-year OS rates were 100%, 98.2%, and 88.5%, respectively. Child-Turcotte-Pugh class B disease (P = .029; HR = 5.989) was significantly associated with shorter OS. No complications occurred after chemoembolization.Cone-beam CT-guided chemoembolization can be a useful and safe option for probable HCCs1 cm in patients at high risk for HCC.

Background: Malfunctions of totally implantable central venous ports (TICVPs) have become a problem, as the usage of TICVPs has increased enormously. Objectives: This study evaluated factors related with catheter malfunctions of TICVPs. Patients and Methods: Between January 2010 and June 2012, 1,740 TICVPs in 1740 patients (874 men and 866 women) with an average age of 57.7 ± 12.8 years (range: 15 - 91 years) were implanted by an interventional radiology team at our institute. Catheter malfunctions were retrospectively analyzed. In the prospective study, we randomly allocated 176 patients to two kinds of TICVPs in a 1:1 assignment ratio. The primary outcome was the malfunction of TICVPs. Results: In the retrospective study, the 32 malfunctioning TICVPs were caused by fibrin sheath formations (n = 15), chamber thrombosis (n = 8), TICVP rotation (n = 5), catheter migration (n = 2), and blood clots within the catheters (n = 2). Multivariate analysis showed that being female was a significant factor for poor patency rates of TICVPs (hazard ratio: 5.06; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.32 - 19.46, P = 0.018). In the prospective study, two chamber thromboses occurred in Celsite® (n = 1) and Humanport® (n = 1). The primary patency rates of both Celsite® and Humanport® were 98.9% at 6 months, respectively. Conclusion: Our data suggest that catheter malfunctions of TICVPs are more common in females than males. The incidence of TICVP malfunctions does not differ between the two devices (Celsite® vs. Humanport®).

Purpose To investigate the midterm outcomes of thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair (TEVAR) with the use of the Seal stent graft for four categories of thoracic aortic disease. Materials and Methods This retrospective multicenter study evaluated the records of 216 Korean patients who underwent TEVAR with the Seal stent graft during 2007–2010. The study outcomes were ( i ) perioperative death, ( ii ) endoleak, ( iii ) repeat intervention, ( iv ) aortic-related death, and ( v ) all sudden unexplained late deaths. Results The overall technical success rate was 94% (203 cases), and the disease-specific rates were 97% (88 cases) for aneurysms, 96% (71 cases) for dissections, 82% (32 cases) for traumatic aortic disease, and 100% (12 cases) for intramural hematoma and/or penetrating aortic ulcer. There were 6 acute surgical conversions (2 for aneurysms and 4 for dissections). There were 18 endoleaks, 4 retrograde ascending aortic dissections, and 6 stent graft–induced new entries. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival rates were 93% ± 3, 90% ± 4, and 90% ± 4, respectively. Conclusions TEVAR with the Seal thoracic stent graft provided a high technical success rate and low mortality and complication rates during midterm follow-up. However, additional long-term studies are needed to evaluate the durability and late complications associated with this device.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the longterm outcomes of stent placement for a hepatic venous outflow obstruction in adult liver transplantation recipients. From June 2002 to March 2014, 23 patients were confirmed to have a hepatic venous outflow obstruction after liver transplantation (18 of 789 living donors [2.3%] and 5 of 449 deceased donors [1.1%]) at our institute. Among these patients, stent placement was needed for 16 stenotic lesions in 15 patients (12 males, 3 females; mean age, 51.7 years). The parameters that were documented retrospectively were technical success, clinical success, complications, recurrence, and the patency of the stent. The technical success rate was 100% (16/16). Clinical success was achieved in 11 of the 15 patients (73.3%). A major complication occurred in only 1 patient-a hepatic vein laceration during the navigation of the occluded segment. The median follow-up period was 33.5 months (range, 0.5-129.3 months), and the overall 1-, 3-, and 5-year primary patency rates of the stent were all 93.8%. One case of occlusion of the stent without clinical signs and symptoms was observed 5 days after the initial procedure. In this patient, the stent was recanalized by balloon angioplasty and showed patent lumen for 48 months of the subsequent follow-up period. In conclusion, stent placement is a safe and effective treatment modality with favorable longterm outcomes to treat hepatic venous outflow obstruction in adult liver transplantation recipients. Liver Transplantation 22 1554-1561 2016 AASLD.

Objective To determine the efficacy of retrievable metallic stent with fixation string for benign anastomotic stricture after upper gastrointestinal (UGI) surgery. Materials and methods From June 2009 to May 2015, a total of 56 retrievable metallic stents with fixation string were placed under fluoroscopy guidance in 42 patients who were diagnosed with benign anastomotic stricture after UGI surgery. Clinical success was defined as achieving normal regular diet (NRD). Results The clinical success rate after the first stent placement was 57.1% (24/42). After repeated stent placement and/or balloon dilation, the clinical success rate was increased to 83.3% (35/42). Six (14.3%) patients required surgical revision to achieve NRD. One (2.4%) patient failed to achieve NRD. Stent migration occurred in 60.7% (34/56) of patients. Successful rate of removing the stent using fixation string and angiocatheter was 94.6% (53/56). Distal migration occurred in 12 stents. Of the 12 stents, 10 (83.3%) were successfully removed whereas 2 could not be removed. No complication occurred regarding distal migration. Conclusion Using retrievable metallic stent with a fixation string is a feasible option for managing early benign anastomotic stricture after UGI surgery. It can reduce complications caused by distal migration of the stent.

Background: Vascular access (VA) is essential for hemodialysis (HD) patients, and its dysfunction is a major complication. However, little is known about outcomes in patients with recurrent VA dysfunction. We explored the influence of recurrent VA dysfunction on cardiovascular (CV) events, death and VA abandonment. Methods: This is a single-center, retrospective study conducted in patients who underwent VA surgery between 2009 and 2014. VA dysfunction was defined as VA stenosis or thrombosis requiring intervention after the first successful cannulation. Patients with ≥2 interventions within 180 days were categorized as having recurrent VA dysfunction. Outcomes were analyzed using Cox proportional hazards model before and after propensity score matching. Results: Of 766 patients (ages 59.6 ± 14.3 years, 59.7% male), 10.1% were in the recurrent VA dysfunction group. Most baseline parameters after matching were similar between the recurrent and non-recurrent groups. A total of 213 propensity score-matched patients were followed for 28.7 ± 15.8 months, during which 46 (21.6%), 30 (14.1%) and 14 (6.6%) patients had de novo CV outcomes, died and abandoned VA, respectively. Recurrent VA dysfunction after adjustment remained an independent risk factor for CV events (adjusted hazards ratio (aHR), 2.71; 95% CI 1.48-4.98; p = 0.001). Moreover, recurrent VA dysfunction predicted composite all-cause mortality (ACM)/CV events (aHR 1.99; 95% CI 1.21-3.28; p = 0.007). Conclusions: Recurrent VA dysfunction was a novel independent risk factor for CV and composite ACM/CV events in HD patients, but not for VA abandonment. Patients with recurrent vascular dysfunction should be carefully monitored not only for VA patency but also for CV events.

To compare tumor vascularity and hemodynamics in three rat hepatoma models: N1-S1 cells in Sprague–Dawley rats, McA-RH7777 cells in Sprague–Dawley rats, and 13762 MAT B III cells in F344 rats. The three rat hepatoma models were induced in five rats per group. After confirming that the tumors grew up to 10 mm on magnetic resonance imaging, the rats underwent dynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (DCE-US). Afterward, the rats were euthanized for histologic analyses. The Kruskal–Wallis test was used to compare the rat hepatoma models. Correlation coefficients were calculated between the microvessel density (MVD) and DCE-US parameters. On DCE-US imaging, arterial enhancement and washout were demonstrated in all N1-S1 tumors, while persistent peripheral enhancement on arterial to portal phases was shown in all 13762 MAT B III tumors. The McA-RH7777 tumors presented diverse enhancement patterns on arterial and portal phases. There were no significant differences in DCE-US parameters among the three hepatoma groups, while MVD was correlated with peak intensity (r = 0.565, p = 0.044), mean transit time (r = −0.559, p = 0.047), and time to peak (r = − 0.617, p = 0.025) of individual rats. The necrosis ratio was significantly different between the models (p = 0.031); 13762 MAT B III showed a significantly higher necrosis ratio than N1-S1 (p

We investigated tissue responses to endoskeleton stent grafts for saccular abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) in canines. Saccular AAAs were made with Dacron patch in 8 dogs, and were excluded by endoskeleton stent grafts composed of nitinol stent and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene graft. Animals were sacrificed at 2 months (Group 1; n = 3) or 6 months (Group 2; n = 5) after the placement, respectively. The aortas embedding stent grafts were excised en bloc for gross inspection and sliced at 5 to 8 mm intervals for histopathologic evaluation. Stent grafts were patent in all except a dog showing a thrombotic occlusion in Group 2. In the 7 dogs with patent lumen, the graft overhanging the saccular aneurysm was covered by thick or thin thrombi with no endothelial layer, and the graft over the aortic wall was completely covered by neointima with an endothelial layer. Transgraft cell migration was less active at an aneurysm than at adjacent normal aorta. In conclusion, endoskeleton stent grafts over saccular aneurysms show no endothelial coverage and poor transgraft cell migration in a canine model.

Distinguishing between unilateral and bilateral adrenal lesions is mandatory for surgical treatment of primary aldosteronism (PA). Adrenal venous sampling (AVS) is considered the gold standard for identification and localization of the lesion or lesions causing PA. The objective of the present study was to determine the usefulness of AVS in PA patients.From January 2001 to October 2011, 86 patients with the biochemical diagnosis of PA were retrospectively analyzed. The study group included 45 males and 41 females with a mean age of 50.7 ± 12.6 years, and all patients underwent adrenal computed tomography (CT) and AVS.The catheterization success rate of AVS was 82.69 % (86/104). In addition, AVS revealed bilateral lesions in 15/75 patients with unilateral abnormalities diagnosed by CT. These patients underwent medical treatment instead of surgery. One patient had an adrenal mass on the right side, but AVS localized the lesion on the left side. This patient underwent left adrenalectomy. Furthermore, AVS revealed a unilateral lesion in 2/5 patients with bilateral abnormalities demonstrated by CT. These patients underwent unilateral adrenalectomy. Finally, AVS demonstrated localization in 1/6 of patients with no CT abnormalities who were subjected to surgery. Fifty-three patients with unilateral lesion and one patient with bilateral hypersecretion underwent surgical removal of the affected gland(s). All patients had resolution of hypokalemia and clinical improvement of hypertension.Many patients (19/86, or 22.09 %) would have been inappropriately managed if decision making had been based solely on CT findings. Therefore, AVS is recommended before determining definitive PA management.

To evaluate the safety and feasibility of percutaneous transsplenic access to the portal vein for management of vascular complication in patients with chronic liver diseases.Between Sept 2009 and April 2011, percutaneous transsplenic access to the portal vein was attempted in nine patients with chronic liver disease. Splenic vein puncture was performed under ultrasonographic guidance with a Chiba needle, followed by introduction of a 4 to 9F sheath. Four patients with hematemesis or hematochezia underwent variceal embolization. Another two patients underwent portosystemic shunt embolization in order to improve portal venous blood flow. Portal vein recanalization was attempted in three patients with a transplanted liver. The percutaneous transsplenic access site was closed using coils and glue.Percutaneous transsplenic splenic vein catheterization was performed successfully in all patients. Gastric or jejunal varix embolization with glue and lipiodol mixture was performed successfully in four patients. In two patients with a massive portosystemic shunt, embolization of the shunting vessel with a vascular plug, microcoils, glue, and lipiodol mixture was achieved successfully. Portal vein recanalization was attempted in three patients with a transplanted liver; however, only one patient was treated successfully. Complete closure of the percutaneous transsplenic tract was achieved using coils and glue without bleeding complication in all patients.Percutaneous transsplenic access to the portal vein can be an alternative route for portography and further endovascular management in patients for whom conventional approaches are difficult or impossible.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the pattern of right gastric venous drainage by use of digital subtraction angiography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A series of 100 consecutive patients who underwent right gastric arteriography during transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma were included in this study. Angiographic findings were retrospectively analyzed with respect to the presence or absence of the right and aberrant gastric veins, multiplicity of draining veins, aberrant right gastric venous drainage sites, and the termination pattern of aberrant right gastric veins (ARGVs). We also compared the relative size of the right and left gastric veins. RESULTS: A total of 49 patients collectively had 66 ARGVs. The common drainage sites for the ARGVs included the hepatic segment IV (n = 35) and segment I (n = 15). The termination pattern of ARGV could be classified into 4 different types. The most common type was termination as a superficial parenchymal blush formation in small areas without demonstrable portal branches. A statistically significant difference was found for the dominancy of the right gastric vein in gastric venous drainage between the two groups with or without ARGV (p < 0.05, Fisher's exact test). In the group of patients without ARGV (n = 51), the right gastric vein was equal to (n = 9) or larger than (n = 17) the left gastric vein in 26 patients (26 of 51, 51%). CONCLUSION: The incidence of ARGV is higher than expected with four distinct types in its termination pattern. The right gastric vein may play a dominant role in gastric venous drainage.

This study was designed to investigate the effects of stenting across the branching arteries on the patency and stent-tissue responses over the branching arterial orifices.Thirteen dogs were observed after placing aortic stents across the celiac arteries (CA), superior mesenteric arteries (SMA), and renal arteries (RA). The animals were grouped according to stent types: large-cell group (n = 6) and small-cell group (n = 7). Angiography was performed to evaluate the branching artery patency at 2, 6, and 12 months after stent insertion, and the stent-tissue responses covering the orifices were evaluated on histopathologic examination.All branching arteries were patent on follow-up angiography; however, three patterns of stent-tissue responses over the orifices were observed: neointimal layering, bridging septa, and papillary hyperplasia. Although neointimal layering and bridging septa were evenly observed, severe papillary hyperplasia was more frequent at SMA and CA than RA. Four RA showed less than 50% ostial patency, and localized infarct was observed in six kidneys (24%). The ostial patency tended to decrease with small-cell stent during the follow-up period.Various stent-tissue responses over the branching artery orifices are induced by the aortic stent covering the branching arteries and may not be easily detected by conventional angiography. Subclinical renal infarct also may occur despite patent renal angiography.

The purpose of this study was to describe imaging appearances of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) supplied exclusively by the hepatic falciform artery (HFA) and safety of chemoembolization via the HFA. During the past 6 years, we have performed chemoembolization for the treatment of 12 patients with HCCs supplied exclusively by the HFA. Computed tomography (CT) scans, digital subtraction angiograms, and medical records were retrospectively reviewed by consensus. Tumors were located in Couinaud segments IV (n = 7) and III (n = 5) and in subcapsular areas around the falciform ligaments. Tumor size ranged from 1.0 to 1.8 cm (mean, 1.3 cm; median, 1.3 cm). HFAs originated from A4 (n = 7), A3 (n = 4), and the left hepatic artery near the umbilical point (n = 1). All tumors were supplied exclusively by the HFA. Prophylactic embolization of the distal HFA before chemoembolization was performed using gelatin sponge particles in only one patient, and selective chemoembolization via the HFA was achieved in all patients. One patient suffered from a skin rash after chemoembolization and recovered after conservative management. Individual responses of tumors supplied exclusively by the HFA were complete response (n = 8), partial response (n = 1), and stable disease (n = 2) at the first follow-up enhanced CT scan. The HFA can supply HCC located in subcapsular areas around the falciform ligament, and the tumors can be safely chemoembolized without significant complications.

This study was designed to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) with n-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA) for intramuscular active hemorrhage of varied etiologies and anatomic sites.Eighteen patients who demonstrated hematoma with pseudoaneurysm and/or active extravasation of contrast media underwent TAE with NBCA. Etiologies of hematoma included trauma, postoperative complication, and coagulopathy (due to underlying disease or anticoagulation therapy). Sites of embolization included chest wall, abdomen wall, retroperitoneum, and extremity. TAE was performed by using 1:3 to 1:5 mixtures of NBCA and iodized oil, either solely (n = 15) or in combination with microcoil (n = 3). The technical and clinical success rate, procedure-related complications, and clinical outcomes were evaluated.The technical and clinical success rates were 100% and 83% (15/18), respectively. Two patients expired while admitted due to other comorbidities. One patient expired due to recurrent bleeding at another site. There were no serious complications relating to the embolization procedure.TAE with NBCA is effective and safe treatment modality for intramuscular active hemorrhage.

Purpose To evaluate the technical feasibility, safety, and imaging response of transarterial chemoembolization performed through a colic branch of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Materials and Methods Between July 2000 and June 2009, we observed tumor staining supplied by a colic branch of the SMA in 61 of 5,095 patients (1.2%) with HCC. Computed tomography (CT) scans and digital subtraction angiograms of these patients were retrospectively reviewed by two investigators in consensus to evaluate the tumor location, the technical success of chemoembolization, complications, and imaging response on a follow-up CT scan according to European Association for the Study of the Liver criteria. Results Tumors supplied by a colic branch of the SMA were located in segment VI ( n = 58) or were extrahepatic metastases caused by peritoneal seeding ( n = 3). Vessels supplying the tumor arose from the right colic artery ( n = 23), middle colic artery ( n = 22), or ileocolic artery ( n = 26). Selective chemoembolization via a colic branch of the SMA was performed in 24 patients (39%). No patient developed symptoms related to colon ischemia. Complete response or partial response of the tumor fed by a colic branch of the SMA as depicted on follow-up CT was achieved in eight patients (33%). Conclusions Chemoembolization via a colic branch of the SMA can be safely performed if the microcatheter can be advanced beyond the antimesenteric border of the colon.

The purpose of this study was to compare the arterial enhancement fraction (AEF) calculated at multiphasic liver CT with the hepatic perfusion index (HPI) measured with cine mode perfusion CT.Cine mode perfusion CT was performed after VX2 tumor implantation in the livers of 10 rabbits. HPI and its color map were obtained with a computer application. With raw data from cine mode perfusion CT, images were extracted in the unenhanced, arterial, and portal venous phases to simulate multiphasic liver CT. On the basis of simulated multiphasic CT images, the AEF color map was obtained with prototype software. HPI and AEF were compared for the same regions of interest in the liver parenchyma, whole liver tumor, and viable tumor portion.In the liver parenchyma, the mean HPI was 23.3% ± 2.6% (SD) and the AEF 24.4% ± 2.8%; in whole liver tumor, 73.4% ± 9.5% and 78.4% ± 10.5%; and in the viable tumor portion, 78.0% ± 7.7% and 78.3% ± 7.5%. The differences were not statistically significant (p0.05, Wilcoxon's signed rank test). Measurement agreement between the two parameters was moderate (Bland-Altman 95% limits of agreement, -14.9% and 19.2%), but there was a strong positive correlation between AEF and HPI (within-subject r = 0.91, p0.001). Functional maps of HPI and AEF correlated with the histologic findings.AEF calculated from simulated multiphasic liver CT images correlates strongly with HPI obtained at cine mode perfusion CT. Further study of the AEF is warranted to explore its value in providing hepatic perfusion information without additional radiation exposure.

The present report describes a case of successful chemoembolization via the right inferior phrenic artery (RIPA) in a patient with hepatocellular carcinoma and celiac stenosis due to the median arcuate ligament sling. The RIPA, which was not visualized on celiac angiography obtained at full expiration, was evidently visualized on angiography performed at full inspiration, followed by successful catheterization. Angiography at full inspiration can visualize and facilitate the catheterization of the RIPA in patients with celiac stenosis due to the median arcuate ligament sling.

We describe a case of a ruptured hepatocellular carcinoma supplied by the portal vein that was successfully treated with portal vein embolization via a percutaneous transumbilical approach. A contrast material-enhanced computed tomographic (CT) scan showed the presence of a large hypervascular tumor on portal venous phase as well as right hepatic vein thrombosis and hemoperitoneum that prevented portal vein embolization by the use of the percutaneous and transjugular transhepatic approach. The use of percutaneous transumbilical portal vein embolization can be an alternative option in this situation.