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There is still debate over how reviewing oncological histories and addressing appropriate therapies in multidisciplinary team (MDT) discussions may affect patients’ overall survival (OS). The aim of this study was to describe MDT outcomes for a single cancer center’s patients affected by colorectal liver metastases (CRLMs). From 2010 to 2020, a total of 847 patients with CRLMs were discussed at our weekly MDT meeting. Patients’ characteristics and MDT decisions were analyzed in two groups: patients receiving systemic therapy (ST) versus patients receiving locoregional treatment (LRT). Propensity-score matching (PSM) was run to reduce the risk of selection bias. The median time from MDT indication to treatment was 27 (IQR 13–51) days. The median OS was 30 (95%CI = 27–34) months. After PSM, OS for patients undergoing LRT was 51 (95%CI = 36–64) months compared with 15 (95%CI = 13–20) months for ST patients (p < 0.0001). In this large retrospective study, the MDT discussions were useful in providing the patients with all available locoregional options.

Background Recent evidence suggests that gadolinium ethoxybenzyl diethylenetriamine penta acetic acid–enhanced (Gd-EOB-DTPA) magnetic resonance imaging may be used to evaluate liver function. The aim of this study was to assess whether the signal intensity of Gd-EOB-DTPA magnetic resonance imaging may be used to predict functional liver reserve and posthepatectomy liver failure in patients undergoing hepatectomy for liver tumors. Methods This is an observational retrospective study on 137 preoperative Gd-EOB-DTPA magnetic resonance imaging of patients undergoing hepatectomy between 2015 and 2018. Mean signal intensity of liver (L20) and spleen (S20) were measured on T1-weighted single-breath-hold 3-dimensional fat-saturated gradient echo sequences acquired 20 minutes after Gd-EOB-DTPA administration. The hepatocellular uptake index of liver volume (VL) was calculated with the formula VL([L20/S20] – 1) and was tested with several score systems for liver diseases and to the occurrence of post-hepatectomy liver failure. Results Patients with diseased liver had significantly lower values of hepatic uptake index in comparison with those with normal function. This was found for a Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score ≤9 versus >9 (P = .04), combination of bilirubin and cholinesterases levels score ≤2 versus >2 (P = .02), albumin to bilirubin grades (P = .03), and Humanitas score ≤6 versus >6 (P = .03). Twenty-two patients (16%) developed posthepatectomy liver failure, and 2 (1.4%) died within 90 days. The hepatocellular uptake index was significantly lower in those patients with posthepatectomy liver failure (P Conclusion The hepatocellular uptake index hepatocellular uptake index measured on preoperative Gd-EOB-DTPA magnetic resonance imaging identifies patients with diseased liver and predicts posthepatectomy liver failure. This index could be used to discern those patients at higher risk of complications after hepatectomy.

To compare pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) and Total Pancreatectomy with Islet AutoTransplantation (TP-IAT) in patients at high risk of Post-Operative Pancreatic Fistula (POPF).Criteria to predict the risk of POPF occurrence after PD are available. However, even when a high risk of POPF is predicted, TP is not currently accepted as an alternative to PD, because of its severe consequences on glycaemic control. Combining IAT with TP may mitigate such consequences.Randomized, open-label, controlled, bicentric trial (NCT01346098). Candidates for PD at high-risk pancreatic anastomosis (i.e., soft pancreas and duct diameter ≤3 mm) were randomly assigned (1:1) to undergo either PD or TP-IAT. The primary endpoint was the incidence of complications within 90 days after surgery.Between 2010 and 2019, 61 patients were assigned to PD (n=31) or TP-IAT (n=30). In the intention-to-treat analysis, morbidity rate was 90·3% after PD and 60% after TPIAT (P=0·008). According to complications' severity, PD was associated with an increased risk of grade ≥2 [OR 7·64 (95% CI 1·35-43·3), P=0·022], while the OR for grade ≥3 complications was 2·82 [(95% CI 0·86-9·24), P=0·086]. After TP-IAT, the postoperative stay was shorter [median 10·5 vs. 16·0 days; P0·001). No differences were observed in disease-free survival, site of recurrence, disease-specific survival and overall survival. TP-IAT was associated with a higher risk of diabetes [HR 9·1 (95% CI 3·76-21·9); P0·0001], but most patients maintained good metabolic control and showed sustained C-peptide production over time.TP-IAT may become the standard treatment in candidates for PD, when a high risk of POPF is predicted.

Alterations in nutritional status, in particular sarcopenia, have been extensively associated with a poor prognosis in cirrhotic patients regardless of the etiology of liver disease. Less is known about the predictive value of myosteatosis, defined as pathological fat infiltration into the skeletal muscle. We retrospectively analyzed a cohort of 151 cirrhotic patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who underwent their first trans-arterial embolization (TAE) between 1 March 2011 and 1 July 2019 at our Institution. Clinical and biochemical data were collected. Sarcopenia was assessed using the L3-SMI method while myosteatosis with a dedicated segmentation suite (3D Slicer), using a single slice at an axial plane located at L3 and calculating the IMAC (Intramuscular Adipose Tissue Content Index). The sex-specific cut-off values for defining myosteatosis were IMAC > −0.44 in males and >−0.31 in females. In our cohort, 115 (76%) patients were included in the myosteatosis group; 128 (85%) patients had a coexistent diagnosis of sarcopenia. Patients with myosteatosis were significantly older and showed higher BMI than patients without myosteatosis. In addition, male gender and alcoholic- or metabolic-related cirrhosis were most represented in the myosteatosis group. Myosteatosis was not associated with a different HCC burden, length of hospitalization, complication rate, and readmission in the first 30 days after discharge. Overall survival was not influenced by the presence of myosteatosis.

Approximately 25% of colorectal cancers patients will develop hepatic metastases in the course of their disease. Surgical resection of hepatic metastases remains the first treatment choice for these patients, when feasible. However, only approximately 30% of metastatic lesions are resectable at the time of diagnosis. Thermal ablations have played an increasing role over the last few decades in the palliative and curative setting of colorectal liver metastases (CRLMs) in nonsurgical candidates with a liver-predominant disease. Several different techniques have been used to perform image-guided thermal ablations in the liver, including radiofrequency ablation, microwave ablation, cryoablation, and laser thermal ablation. We review the current ablation techniques, image-guidance modalities, indications, and debated topics of image-guided thermal ablation in CRLMs. Moreover, recent results from clinical trials are discussed along with future trends in liver thermal ablations.

Liver abscess is a rare condition, associated with significant in-hospital mortality. Due to improved diagnostic yield and standardized treatment strategies, mortality has been reduced from 70% to 6% in the last decades.

BACKGROUND Preoperative identification of the cause of adhesive small bowel obstruction (ASBO) is crucial for decision making. Some computed tomography (CT) findings can be indicative of single adhesive bands or matted adhesions. Our aim was to build a predictive model based on CT data to discriminate ASBO due to single adhesive band or matted adhesions. METHODS A retrospective single center study was conducted, covering all consecutive patients with a preoperative CT scan, undergoing urgent surgery for ASBO between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2017. Preoperative CT scans were blindly reviewed, and all the CT findings indicative of single adhesive band or matted adhesions described in literature were recorded. According to intraoperative findings, ASBOs were retrospectively classified into single band and matted ASBO. All observed CT findings were compared between the two groups. A predictive model based on logistic regression was developed, and its ability was quantified by discrimination and calibration. Internal cross-validation was conducted by bootstrap resampling. RESULTS A total of 116 patients were analyzed (males, 53.5%; median age, 68 years; single band ASBO in 65.5% of cases). The odds of single band ASBO were increased four times in presence of complete obstruction (odds ratios, 4.19; 95% confidence interval, 1.49-12.56) and seven times in presence of fat notch sign (odds ratios, 7.37; 95% confidence interval, 1.83-40.03). The predictive model combining all CT findings had an accuracy of 86% in single band ASBO prediction. Accuracy decreased to 79% in the internal validation. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were calculated at different cut-points of the predicted risk: using a 0.70 cut-point, the specificity is 80%, the sensitivity is 68%, and the positive and negative predictive values are 87% and 57%, respectively. CONCLUSION The proposed predictive model based on combination of specific CT findings may elucidate whether ASBO is caused by single bands or matted adhesions and, consequently, influence the clinical pathway. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Prognostic study, level IV.

Background and objectives: Streptococcus pneumoniae urinary antigen (u-Ag) testing has recently gained attention in the early diagnosis of severe and critical acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2/pneumococcal co-infection. The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of Streptococcus pneumoniae u-Ag testing in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients, in order to assess whether pneumococcal co-infection is associated with different mortality rate and hospital stay in these patients. Materials and Methods: Charts, protocols, mortality, and hospitalization data of a consecutive series of COVID-19 patients admitted to a tertiary hospital in northern Italy during COVID-19 outbreak were retrospectively reviewed. All patients underwent Streptococcus pneumoniae u-Ag testing to detect an underlying pneumococcal co-infection. Covid19+/u-Ag+ and Covid19+/u-Ag- patients were compared in terms of overall survival and length of hospital stay using chi-square test and survival analysis. Results: Out of 575 patients with documented pneumonia, 13% screened positive for the u-Ag test. All u-Ag+ patients underwent treatment with Ceftriaxone and Azithromycin or Levofloxacin. Lopinavir/Ritonavir or Darunavir/Cobicistat were added in 44 patients, and hydroxychloroquine and low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) in 47 and 33 patients, respectively. All u-Ag+ patients were hospitalized. Mortality was 15.4% and 25.9% in u-Ag+ and u-Ag- patients, respectively (p = 0.09). Survival analysis showed a better prognosis, albeit not significant, in u-Ag+ patients. Median hospital stay did not differ among groups (10 vs. 9 days, p = 0.71). Conclusions: The routine use of Streptococcus pneumoniae u-Ag testing helped to better target antibiotic therapy with a final trend of reduction in mortality of u-Ag+ COVID-19 patients having a concomitant pneumococcal infection. Randomized trials on larger cohorts are necessary in order to draw definitive conclusion.

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of percutaneous transhepatic endoscopic holmium laser biliary lithotripsy (PTBL) to treat recurrent cholangitis due to intra/extrahepatic stones, in patients not candidate for traditional endoscopic treatment. We retrospectively evaluated 28 patients (M:F = 19:9, mean age = 65 years, SD = 14) undergoing 43 PTBL for stone-related recurrent cholangitis from January 1, 2012 to January 31, 2019 in a single academic center. Data collected included demographics, location and number of stones, clinical success after one (primary) or more than one (secondary) PTBL, procedure time, duration of hospital stay, number of retreatments and post-procedural complications. Clinical success was defined as the resolution of cholangitis at 30-day follow-up. PTBL were successful for 23/28 (82%) patients, 16 (57%) with one and 7 (88%) with repeat procedures. The remaining 5 (18%) patients were finally treated with surgery (3, 11%) or further antibiotics (2, 7%). PTBL were performed to treat intrahepatic stones (22 treatments, 51%), extrahepatic (14, 33%), and both intra/extrahepatic (7, 16%). One to three stones were found in 12/43 (28%) PTBL, more than three in 31/43 (72%). Single PTBL was performed in 20/28 (71%) patients, two in 3/28 (11%), three in 3/28 (11%), and four in 2/28 (7%). Median procedure duration was 115 (29–210, 95% CI 101–129) minutes; median hospital stay was 5.5 (2–42) days. The only major complication was the breakage of a guidewire tip, surgically retrieved; minor complications included one aspiration pneumonia and three instances of intrahepatic hemorrhage, treated conservatively. PTBL was clinically successful in the 82% of patients not candidate for endoscopic treatment, with a low complication rate.

The study aim was to compare the disease control in two groups of patients affected by liver metastases from CRC treated with microwave ablation (MWA) or stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). We extracted data of patients treated between 2009 and 2016. Inclusion criteria were: (1) maximum diameter of the liver lesions less than 4 cm; (2) no more than three liver lesions; (3) no evidence of progressive or untreated gross disease outside the liver; (4) adequate liver function; (5) no concurrent chemotherapy; (6) minimum age of 18. Tumour response was classified according to EORTC-RECIST criteria. Aim of the present study was to evaluate freedom from local progression (FFLP). To reduce indication bias, an inverse probability of treatment weighting was used to estimate treatment effect. A total of 135 patients with 214 lesions were included in the analysis. Median follow-up time was 24.5 months (range 2.4–95.8). The 1-year freedom from local progression (FFLP) was 88% (95%CI 80–92). In the SBRT group, FFLP was statistically longer than MWA group (p = 0.0214); the 1-year FFLP was 91% (95% CI 81–95) in SBRT group and 84% (95% CI 0.72–0.91) in MWA group. Patients treated with SBRT showed a reduce risk of local relapse compared to MWA (adjusted HR 0.31; 95%CI 0.13–0.70, p = 0.005). As expected, analogous result obtained in the inverse probability weighting analysis (HR 0.38; 95%CI 0.18–0.80; p = 0.011). In conclusion, there seems to be an advantage of SBRT compared to MWA in treating CRC liver metastases, particularly for lesions bigger than 30 mm

Aim To evaluate a novel contrast-enhanced cone-beam computed tomography (CE-CBCT) registration method for accurate immediate assessment of ablation outcomes. Materials and Methods Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) was registered with CE-CBCT by applying semiautomatic landmark registration followed by automatic affine and non-rigid registration to correct for respiratory phase differences and liver deformation. This scheme was retrospectively applied to 30 patients who underwent 38 percutaneous microwave liver ablations. Three datasets were obtained for each case: (1) conventional CECT scans 24 h before ablation, (2) intraprocedural CE-CBCT scans, and (3) CECT scans 24 h post-ablation. Using a five-point scale, two experienced radiologists qualitatively assessed registration quality, equivalence of CE-CBCT assessment of ablation outcome to 24 h post-ablation CECT, and perceived increase of confidence using the fusion method to CBCT alone. Additionally, residual post-ablation tumor volumes were measured at both CE-CBCT and 24 h CECT and compared to the pre-CECT. Results Registration quality was high for both radiologists (R1: 4.3 ± 0.6, R2: 4.4 ± 0.5; p = 0.87). Comparisons between the registration of pre-ablation CECT with CE-CBCT versus post-ablation CECT regarding the position of the ablated area to the treated target (R1: 4.4 ± 0.6, R2: 4.6 ± 0.4) and treatment outcome (R1: 4.5 ± 0.5, R2: 4.6 ± 0.4) were equivalent (p > 0.35). Increased confidence was noted when using fusion (R1: 4.6 ± 0.4, R2: 4.6 ± 0.4; p = 0.84). Moreover, in 6 ablations (15.8%) the intraprocedural registered CBCT showed residual tumor precisely where identified on the 24 h post-ablation CECT. Conclusions Combined CE-CBCT holds the potential to change the current workflow of mini-invasive cancer local treatments. Given earlier visual identification of residual tumor post-ablation, this includes potentially eliminating the need for some additional treatments.

Liver resection (LR) of colorectal metastases is associated with high recurrence risk. Aggressive local retreatment is advocated, but further recurrences may occur. Poor is known about presentation, treatment, and outcome of iterative recurrences. A series of 323 consecutive patients undergoing first LR in the period 2004–2013 was reviewed. Patients with recurrence were included. Any local treatment (surgery, radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT)) was analyzed. If first recurrence (1st Rec) was treated, further recurrences and treatments were considered. Overall, 206 (63.8%) patients had 1st Rec; 105 (51.0%) were treated (72 surgery, 19 RFA, 14 SBRT). Among treated patients, 78.1% had 2nd Rec, 74.4% 3rd Rec, 72.2% 4th Rec. Liver involvement progressively decreased (from 81.6 to 30.8%), and pulmonary one increased (from 23.3 to 53.8%). The proportion of treated patients remained stable (1st Rec = 51%, 2nd Rec = 55%, 3rd Rec = 56.3%, 4th Rec = 69.2%): surgery and RFA decreased (from 35.4 to 23.1%; from 9.2 to 0%) and SBRT increased (from 6.8 to 46.2%). Overall, 105 patients received 205 treatments (133 operations in 80 patients). Surgery had the best local disease control: at 2 years 93.4% versus RFA 56.4% (p = 0.0008) and SBRT 74.0% (p = 0.051). In comparison with chemotherapy, recurrence treatment improved survival after 1st Rec (3-year survival 62.9 vs. 13.4%, p

Background Non-target embolization is a well-known complication of endovascular procedures for arteriovenous malformation. However, few reports have described non target encephalic embolization, detailing its temporal evolution. Case presentation A 41-year-old man presented with a massive hemorrhage in the oral cavity due to an arteriovenous malformation involving the left hemiface and tongue. Under conscious sedation, selective angiography was followed by endovascular embolization with a mixture of n-butyl-cyanoacrylate-methacryloxy-sulfolane (NBCA-MS) with Lipiodol. The hemorrhage was successfully arrested, but the procedure was complicated with a reflux of embolic material from the right external carotid artery into the common carotid, caused by strong unexpected coughing. Non-target embolization was confirmed by emergency CT and subsequent MRI. After initial neurological impairment, the patient recovered fully and was discharged after one week. No sequelae were confirmed by 9-months follow-up with CT and MRI. We describe technical aspects, multimodality imaging, clinical presentation, and follow-up of this peculiar case. Conclusion Endovascular embolization of AVM fed by the external carotid is at risk for non-target brain embolization and general anesthesia should be considered to prevent inadvertent movements and master the delivery of the embolic agent A small amount of Lipiodol / NBCA-MS may be fully tolerated by the brain matter and partially reabsorbed without permanent deficit.

Background: The treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still a major health issue because of its increasing incidence and because of the complexity of its management. Transarterial embolization (TAE) and transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) are two widely used locoregional therapies in the treatment of HCC, especially for unresectable intermediate and advanced HCCs. Summary: The modern use of TAE and TACE opens new scenarios for the treatment of unresectable HCC and has yielded interesting results. The present work describes the role of transarterial therapies for HCC and focuses on the different Western and Eastern approaches to the study of response predictors. Key Messages: Recent refinements in interventional radiology techniques and in HCC patient selection have facilitated better local control of the disease. The molecular profiling of HCC to predict the response to TACE and TAE will greatly help clinicians identify the optimum therapy.

To assess mid-term outcome of biodegradable biliary stents (BBSs) to treat benign biliary strictures refractory to standard bilioplasty. Institutional review board approval was obtained and patient consent was waived. 107 patients (61 males, 46 females, mean age 59 ± 16 years), were treated. Technical success and complications were recorded. Ninety-seven patients (55 males, 42 females, aged 57 ± 17 years) were considered for follow-up analysis (mean follow-up 23 ± 12 months). Fisher’s exact test and Mann–Whitney U tests were used and a Kaplan–Meier curve was calculated. The procedure was always feasible. In 2/107 cases (2 %), stent migration occurred (technical success 98 %). 4/107 patients (4 %) experienced mild haemobilia. No major complications occurred. In 19/97 patients (18 %), stricture recurrence occurred. In this group, higher rate of subsequent cholangitis (84.2 % vs. 12.8 %, p = 0.001) and biliary stones (26.3 % vs. 2.5 %, p = 0.003) was noted. Estimated mean time to stricture recurrence was 38 months (95 % C.I 34–42 months). Estimated stricture recurrence rate at 1, 2, and 3 years was respectively 7.2 %, 26.4 %, and 29.4 %. Percutaneous placement of a BBS is a feasible and safe strategy to treat benign biliary strictures refractory to standard bilioplasty, with promising results in the mid-term period. • Percutaneous placement of a BBS is 100 % feasible. • The procedure appears free from major complications, with few minor complications. • BBSs offer promising results in the mid-term period. • With a BBS, external catheter/drainage can be removed early. • BBSs represent a new option in treating benign biliary stenosis.

Background Anatomical resection (AR) is a recommended surgical treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), although the conventional procedure (dye injection) for AR is difficult to reproduce.1,2 The tumor-feeding portal pedicle compression technique has been proposed as an easy, reversible, repeatable, and oncologically suitable procedure,3-5 and its only drawback is the sometimes faint discoloration of the compressed area. For enhancing its visibility, indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence imaging has been introduced. This technique is herein disclosed while performing an anatomical S8 dorsal subsegmentectomy. Methods A 66-year-old male was admitted for a 3.7 cm HCC in segment 8 dorsal (S8d) grown in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. The preoperative liver function was graded as Child-Pugh class A. After adequate liver mobilization, the subsegmental Glissonian pedicle to S8d was identified by intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS) and compressed transparenchymally between the probe and the surgeon's fingertip positioned at the opposed side of the liver. Once IOUS-guided vessel compression had begun, ICG was administered intravenously. The compressed vessel created a non-stained area, which was marked using electrocautery. Results An anatomical S8d subsegmentectomy using the ICG compression technique was performed. There was no congested area and the right hepatic vein was exposed at the hepatocaval confluence because the resection was conducted in a subsegmental fashion. There was no morbidity and no blood transfusions were necessary. The patient was discharged on day 6 after surgery. Conclusions This video shows, for the first time, the finger compression technique successfully implemented by ICG imaging for performing an AR for HCC.

In recent decades, the use of radiopharmaceuticals in the assessment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has become established, and new findings indicate that radiolabelled choline has considerable potential in this setting. Therefore, in this study we aimed to assess the diagnostic role of 11C-choline positron emission tomography (PET)/CT, compared with conventional imaging with CT/MRI, in patients with HCC. The study population comprised 45 patients (male to female ratio = 37:8, median age 70.5 years) referred to our institution owing to HCC: 27 at initial diagnosis and 18 for restaging after recurrence. In all cases we performed whole-body 11C-choline PET/CT and compared its findings with contrast-enhanced CT (n = 35) or MRI (n = 29) or both (n = 15) for a total of 50 paired scans. The reference standard was either histological proof (21 patients) or a multidisciplinary consensus. Diagnostic accuracy was then determined in a scan-based (SBA) and a lesion-based analysis (LBA). On SBA the sensitivity and specificity for PET were 88 and 90 %, respectively, whereas for CT/MRI they were 90 and 73 %, respectively (p > 0.05). On LBA the overall sensitivity and specificity were 78 and 86 %, respectively, for PET vs 65 and 55 % for CT/MRI. Overall we investigated 168 disease sites, of which 100 were in the liver and 68 were extrahepatic. When considering only liver lesions, 11C-choline PET and CT/MRI showed an accuracy of 66 and 85 %, respectively, while for extrahepatic lesions PET showed an accuracy of 99 %, while the accuracy of CT/MRI was 32 %. In both cases, there was a statistically significant difference in accuracy between the two modalities (p

Background The aim of this study is to report the results of transarterial embolization (TAE) in the setting of postoperative bleeding after hip surgery. Methods We retrospectively evaluated 40 patients (male:female = 15:25, median age = 68 years) who underwent TAE from 2006 to 2016: 77.5% underwent total hip arthroplasty, 20% open reduction internal fixation, and 2.5% external fixation. Preangiographic multidetector computed tomography angiography was performed in 20 (49%) cases, and 9 of them showed arterial extravasation. Twenty-seven TAEs were performed within a week from surgery; active bleeding was seen in 33 (80.5%) angiograms. Gelatin sponge, microparticles, coils, n-butyl cyanoacrylate, and combinations of them were used as embolic materials. Results Bleeding was controlled in all cases. The most frequently embolized arteries were branches of the deep femoral artery (n = 17). Permanent embolization agents (microparticles, coils, n-2-butyl-cyanoacrylate) were used in 88% of cases; temporary agents (gelfoam) in 12%. One procedure was complicated by arterial dissection. Hospital discharge averaged 20 days post-TAE (median = 17, range = 3-104). One-month survival rate was 97.5%. One patient died of ischemic bowel perforation. Conclusion TAE is safe and effective in stopping the bleeding of the hip region and should be performed early, to avoid irreversible ischemic damage. Multidetector computed tomography angiography can be used to confirm doubtful evidence of ongoing bleeding. Several embolic materials can be used, each one offering different advantages. Low complication and mortality rates were observed. TAE seems to be the ideal first-line intervention when postoperative bleeding of the operated hip is detected.

BackgroundContrast-enhanced intra-operative ultrasound (CE-IOUS) for colorectal liver metastases (CLMs) has become a part of clinical practice. Whether it should be selectively or routinely applied remains unclear. The aim of this study was to define criteria for the use of CE-IOUS.MethodsOne-hundred and twenty-seven patients underwent a hepatectomy for CLMs using IOUS and CE-IOUS. All patients underwent computed tomography (CT) and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) within 2 weeks prior to surgery. The reference was histology, and imaging at 6 months after surgery. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. Statistical significance was set at P = 0.05.ResultsUsing IOUS an additional 172 lesions in 51 patients were found. CE-IOUS found 14 additional lesions in 6 patients. Seventy-eight CLMs in 38 patients appeared within 6 months after surgery. The sensitivity, specificity, positive- and negative-predictive value were 63%, 98%, 100% and 27% for pre-operative imaging, 87%, 100%, 100% and 52% for IOUS, and 89%, 100%, 100% and 56% for IOUS+CE-IOUS, respectively. CE-IOUS allowed better tumour margin definition in 23 patients (18%), thus assisting resection. Analyses indicated that the presence of multiple (P = 0.014), and isoechoic CLMs (P = 0.049) were independently correlated with new findings at CE-IOUS.ConclusionsCompared with IOUS, CE-IOUS improved detection and resection guidance. These additions are significant and demand its use in cases with multiple and isoechoic CLMs.

Type II endoleaks are a common complication after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, with transarterial embolization using synthetic surgical glue being an established treatment option. We report a case of paraplegia due to spinal cord ischemia after lumbar arteries embolization by Glubran-lipiodol glue for a type II endoleak. Special attention must be given by interventional specialists when applying surgical diluted glues for the treatment of type II endoleaks to avoid distal embolization and subsequent spinal cord ischemia.

Osteoid osteoma (OO) is a painful benign bone tumor of the young that is widely treated by percutaneous thermal ablation (PTA) with success rates close to 100 %. Nevertheless, some patients have recurrences. We reviewed the literature to understand whether these are true recurrences or incomplete treatments; to analyze safety and efficacy during long-term follow-up in a extremely large cohort of patients; to detail best-practice suggestions from the largest clinical trials as well as report their complications; and to recommend standards for future reporting. This study followed the Cochrane’s guidelines for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) prospective or retrospective cohort study for PTA of OO under computed tomography (CT) guidance; (2) CT or magnetic resonance diagnosis; (3) radiofrequency ablation or interstitial laser ablation technique; (4) English language; (5) population

Post-surgical enteric fistula treatment with image-guided percutaneous injection of cyanoacrylic glue G. Mauri *, L.M. Sconfienza , B. Fiore , G. Brambilla , V. Pedicini , D. Poretti , R.F. Lutman , M. Montorsi , F. Sardanelli e a Facolt a di Medicina e Chirurgia, Scuola di Specializzazione in Radiodiagnostica, Universit a degli Studi di Milano, Italy Unit a di Radiologia, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Italy Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, IRCCS Istituto Clinico Humanitas, Italy Dipartimento di Medicina traslazionale, Universita’ degli Studi di Milano, IRCCS Istituto Clinico Humanitas, Rozzano, Italy Dipartimento di Scienze Medico-Chirurgiche, Unit a di Radiologia, Universit a degli Studi di Milano, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Milan, Italy

To present the results of our experience with cyanoacrylic glue percutaneous injection to treat post-surgical non-healing enteric fistulae after failure of standard treatments. Eighteen patients (14 males; age range 33–84, mean 69 years) were treated for a non-healing post-surgical enteric fistula after failure of standard treatments. Under computed tomography and/or fluoroscopic guidance, a mixture of cyanoacrylic glue (Glubran 2, GEM, Viareggio, Italy) and ethiodized oil was injected at the site of the fistula. Fistula was considered healed when no material was drained by the percutaneous drainage and a subsequent computed tomography confirmed the disappearance of any fluid collection. In all cases, it was possible to reach the site of the fistula using a percutaneous access. A median of 1 injection (range 1–5) was performed. Fistula healing was achieved in 16/18 (89 %) patients. One patient died for other reasons before fistula healing. Median time for fistula healing was 0 days (mean 8, range 0–58 days). No complications occurred. Reoperation was needed in one patient. Percutaneous injection of cyanoacrylic glue is feasible, safe, and effective to treat non-healing post-surgical enteric fistulae. It may represent a further option to avoid surgical reoperation in frail patients.

A 57-year-old male patient was referred to our emergency department complaining of irremediable abdominal pain associated with mild fever. Abdominal CT scan revealed the presence of a small bowel perforation caused by an ingested toothpick, in association with a subsequent inferior vena cava thrombosis.

The impact of fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography–computed tomography (PET-CT) for patients with colorectal liver metastases (CLM) still is debated. Its relevance could be enhanced in the case of recurrent disease. The current study aimed to elucidate the role of PET-CT in restaging and treatment planning for recurrent CLM. A series of 352 consecutive patients undergoing their first liver resection for CLM between 2005 and 2014 was reviewed. Of these patients, 224 (63.6 %) had a recurrence. The 107 patients who had received PET-CT at diagnosis of recurrence before chemotherapy were analyzed. CT was available in all cases, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was available in 64 cases. Extrahepatic lesions were found in 59 patients. Liver and lung recurrences were detected with excellent sensitivity by CT/MRI and PET-CT (liver: 100 vs. 96.7 %; lung: 95.8 vs. 95.8 %). In detecting other recurrence sites, PET-CT had higher sensitivity than CT/MRI (91.5 vs. 54.2 %, p

The Cardiatis multilayer stent (Cardiatis, Isnes, Belgium) is a cobalt, self-expandable bare stent made of two interconnected layers without any covering that allows a pressure decrease and thrombus formation into an aneurysmal sac, while improving laminar flow in the main artery and surrounding vital branches. We report a case of an anastomotic iliac pseudoaneurysm successfully treated with the deployment of a Cardiatis multilayer stent.

Duodenal stump fistula (DSF) after gastrectomy is a complication with a high mortality rate. We report a series of patients with postoperative DSF treated with percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage and occlusion balloon (PTBD-OB). The aim of this study is to explore the feasibility and efficacy of PTBD-OB in the treatment of DSF.Six patients developing DSF underwent PTBD-OB because of high DSF output and because medical and surgical management was unsuccessful. In these patients, an occlusion balloon was percutaneously inserted into the common bile duct and a biliary drain was positioned above the balloon to obtain external drainage of bile.In all cases, percutaneous access to the biliary tree was achieved. Patients maintained the PTBD-OB for a median of 43 days. In all patients, DSF output decreased after PTBD-OB placement from a median of 500 to 100 ml/day (p = 0.02). The DSF resolved in three patients and three patients died of sepsis, but in two of them, death was related to other digestive fistulas that developed before PTBD-OB placement.This paper presents the first published series on DSF management with PTBD-OB and shows that it is a feasible and safe procedure which reduces DSF output.

one case, postmortem examination revealed a catheter fragment lodged in the valve after the malpositioned catheter had been pulled back at bedside and the tip unknowingly left behind. These events did not result in immediate lethal malfunction; rather, acute alterations in cardiac output eventually progressed to unrecoverable circulatory collapse over the span of 2–5 days. Recognition of catheter or wire entanglement with the artificial valve may allow for immediate retrieval with only transient cardiovascular impairment. It is unclear what the long-term sequelae of such an event would be and whether normal flow dynamics could be restored. This event remains a significant risk that should be mentioned while obtaining informed consent from the patient and during documentation after the procedure. In the right clinical setting, similar transvenous procedures can be offered to patients with a Total Artificial Heart. We chose an A-shaped multipurpose catheter because it is easily torqued and allows directional passage of a wire. This is our standard access catheter for transvenous liver biopsies; however, any similar type of catheter would have sufficed. A stiff exchange wire

To compare the outcome of patients affected by biliary leak after major biliary surgery and treated with percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) alone with that of similar patients treated with PTBD and concurrent positioning of an occlusion balloon (PTBD-OB).We retrospectively reviewed the results of the use of PTBD or PTBD-OB performed at our institution from 2004 to 2008 in patients with post-surgical biliary leak. Sixteen patients entered the evaluation. PTDB alone was performed in 9 men (age 59.7 +/- 13.4 years [mean +/- standard deviation]; median 60 years), while PTBD-OB was performed in 7 patients (5 men, 2 women, age 71.3 +/- 9.3 years; median 68 years).No significant difference between groups was found regarding age (p = 0.064) and sex (p = 0.175) distribution, number of procedures (3.1 +/- 1.62; 2 vs 1.7 +/- 1.1; 1, p = 0.151), and days of disease before recovery, death or modification of treatment (51.6 +/- 66.8; 23 vs 18.6 +/- 15.1; 14, p = 0.266). The number of patients treated with PTBD-OB who fully recovered (7/7, 100%) was significantly higher than that of patients treated with PTBD alone (4/9, 44%, p = 0.034).This procedure appears to be clinically effective, being associated with a higher probability of recovery in patients treated for post-surgical biliary leak. Further studies are needed to confirm these preliminary results.

Percutaneous cementoplasty (PC) is rarely applied to long bone tumours, since cement is not considered to be sufficiently resistant to torsional forces. We reviewed the literature to understand the effects of percutaneous long bone cementoplasty (PLBC) in terms of analgesia, limb function and complications. This study followed the Cochrane’s guidelines for systematic reviews of interventions. Inclusion criteria were (1) prospective/retrospective studies concerning PC; (2) cohort including at least ten patients; (3) at least one patient in the cohort undergoing PLBC; (5) published in English; (6) results not published by the same author more than once. One thousand five hundred and ninety-eight articles were screened and 13 matched the inclusion criteria covering 196 PLBC patients. Pain improvement was high in 68.2 % patients (σ = 0.2) and mild in 27.4 % (σ = 0.2). Functional improvement was high in 71.9 % patients (σ = 0.1) and mild in 6 % (σ = 0.1). Use of PLBC correlated with pain reduction (P

Totally implantable or partially cuffed central venous catheters (CVC) are commonly used in cancer patients, but they are often expensive and may produce complications. To minimize costs, we have been using a low-cost, partially tunneled, silicone elastomer catheter with no Dacron cuff or antireflux valve (Vygon) since 2001. This study is a retrospective investigation of our experience using the Vygon catheter as a long-term CVC in patients with malignancy. A total of 458 Vygon catheters (Nutricath, Vygon) were percutaneously inserted by an interventional radiologist in 302 cancer patients. The median duration of catheter use was 93 days, mean 164.3 days (range 1–789). Main patient characteristics were as follows: number of male/female patients, 166/136; median age, 51 years; hematological/nonhematological patients, 189/113. Early complications were pneumothorax in six and hematoma in twelve of 458 implants, respectively. Thirteen out of 302 patients developed a catheter-related thrombosis. One hundred and thirty-five of 458 Vygon catheters required removal because of catheter-related complications: 68 accidental losses, 37 cases of febrile neutropenia suspected to be catheter-related, ten catheter dislodgements, ten catheter malfunctions, four local infections, three thromboses, two catheter ruptures, and one allergic reaction. Vygon catheters do not seem to induce more early and late complications as compared with other more expensive devices, except for disadvantage of the high incidence rate of accidental losses.

In recent decades, the use of radiopharmaceuticals in the assessment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has become established, and new findings indicate that radiolabelled choline has considerable potential in this setting. Therefore, in this study we aimed to assess the diagnostic role of (11)C-choline positron emission tomography (PET)/CT, compared with conventional imaging with CT/MRI, in patients with HCC.The study population comprised 45 patients (male to female ratio = 37:8, median age 70.5 years) referred to our institution owing to HCC: 27 at initial diagnosis and 18 for restaging after recurrence. In all cases we performed whole-body (11)C-choline PET/CT and compared its findings with contrast-enhanced CT (n = 35) or MRI (n = 29) or both (n = 15) for a total of 50 paired scans. The reference standard was either histological proof (21 patients) or a multidisciplinary consensus. Diagnostic accuracy was then determined in a scan-based (SBA) and a lesion-based analysis (LBA).On SBA the sensitivity and specificity for PET were 88 and 90 %, respectively, whereas for CT/MRI they were 90 and 73 %, respectively (p 0.05). On LBA the overall sensitivity and specificity were 78 and 86 %, respectively, for PET vs 65 and 55 % for CT/MRI. Overall we investigated 168 disease sites, of which 100 were in the liver and 68 were extrahepatic. When considering only liver lesions, (11)C-choline PET and CT/MRI showed an accuracy of 66 and 85 %, respectively, while for extrahepatic lesions PET showed an accuracy of 99 %, while the accuracy of CT/MRI was 32 %. In both cases, there was a statistically significant difference in accuracy between the two modalities (p 0.01). Combination of the PET results with those of CT/MRI resulted in the highest diagnostic accuracy in both analyses, at 92 % for SBA and 96 % for LBA. In 11 patients (24 %) the PET findings modified the therapeutic strategy, the modification proving appropriate in 10 of them.(11)C-Choline PET showed good accuracy in investigating patients with HCC and prompted a change in treatment planning in almost one fourth of patients. The main strength of (11)C-choline PET/CT resides in its ability to detect extrahepatic HCC localizations, but the combination with conventional imaging modalities allowed for the highest diagnostic accuracy.

Patients with a central venous catheter (CVC) undergoing high-dose chemotherapy (HDC) followed by peripheral-blood stem-cell transplantation (PBSCT) for malignancies are at high risk of thrombosis, but the use of anti-coagulant prophylaxis remains debatable in this setting of patients. We analyzed the efficacy and the safety of minidose warfarin in 228 patients in whom CVCs had been placed and who had received 292 HDC courses of therapy. The catheters remained in place for a mean of 173 (range 40-298) days. All patients received prophylactic oral warfarin in the fixed dose of 1 mg/day starting on the day of CVC insertion. Prophylaxis was interrupted during aplasia when platelet counts fell below 50,000/dL. There were no toxic deaths related to the prophylaxis. Overall there were 4 thrombotic events. Three occurrences were directly related to the catheter, while the remaining event was a deep saphenous-vein thrombosis. A number of potential predictive factors were analyzed for their impact on thrombotic events without finding any significant correlation. Four episodes of bleeding occurred, with each of these individuals having a normal INR but a platelet count below 50,000/dL. Minidose warfarin is effective and safe to use for preventing thrombotic events in this setting of patients.

We report the case of an adrenocortical oncocytoma of the left adrenal cortex in a young woman. Physical examination revealed a mass in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen using abdomen ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which allowed the identification of a large and inhomogeneous mass between the left kidney and the spleen. The lesion was not endowed of any specific radiologic characteristic nor bysided by any biochemical activity that could allow a radiological presurgical diagnosis. Surgical resection led to the diagnosis of adrenocortical oncocytoma, with no aspects revealing malignant potential.

This paper presents a new magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) protocol for the evaluation of thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) that allows for a separate assessment of veins and arteries while using a single, simultaneous and bilateral (SB-MRA) single contrast injection, valid for both abduction and adduction acquisitions. From 2009 to 2013 we performed 38 MRA studies for clinically suspected TOS (13 M, 25 F; mean age, 35.9 years; σ = 11.13). Twin peripheral 20G intravenous catheters were placed in a cubital vein in both arms and connected to a single power injector by two lines joined with a connector. A 3T MR system with a wide gantry was used. Two groups of four radiologists assessed all the images. Group A judged the full examinations, Group B had only the late acquisitions. Differences were evaluated using the Chi square test. TOS was confirmed only after integration with the clinical history. Seventeen (45 %) patients were diagnosed with predominant venous TOS (VTOS), nine (24 %) with predominant arterial TOS (ATOS) and 12 (32 %) had an indeterminate or nonvascular condition. Group A radiologists identified significantly more VTOS than group B (p = 0.049). Interobserver agreement was very high. SB-MRA is a safe and reliable protocol for the study of TOS. It provides a supplementary early acquisition that allows for separate assessment of veins and arteries, permits the investigation of the collateral venous flow with a single injection of contrast material and provides a higher diagnostic power for VTOS. SB-MRA is helpful for the diagnosis of TOS of vascular origin.

To evaluate feasibility, safety, and outcome of patients treated with biodegradable biliary stents for benign biliary stenosis refractory to other treatments. Between March 2011 and September 2012, ten patients (seven men, three women; age 59 ± 7 years) with recurrent cholangitis due to postsurgical biliary stricture, previous multiple unsuccessful (two to five) bilioplasties, and unsuitability for surgical/endoscopic repair underwent percutaneous implantation of a biodegradable biliary stent. Patients were followed-up clinically and with ultrasound at 1, 3 and 6 months, and then at 6-month intervals. Stent implantation was always feasible. No immediate major or minor complications occurred. In all patients, 48-h cholangiographic control demonstrated optimal stent positioning and stenosis resolution. In a median follow-up time of 16.5 months (25th–75th percentiles = 11–20.25 months) no further invasive treatment was needed. Three patients experienced transient episodes of cholangitis. Neither re-stenosis nor dilatation of the biliary tree was documented during follow-up. No stent was visible at the 6-month follow-up. Percutaneous placement of biodegradable biliary stents represents a new option in treating benign biliary stenoses refractory to treatment with bilioplasty. This technique seems to be feasible, effective and free from major complications. Further investigations are warranted to confirm our preliminary results. • Percutaneous biodegradable stents can be used to treat benign biliary stenosis. • They can be used in patients refractory to bilioplasty. • The procedure for insertion appears free from major complication. • Biodegradable stents may represent an alternative device to covered expandable stents.