Search

While embolization therapy has been used for many years in the treatment of nonmalignant diseases of the chest, such as pulmonary arteriovenous malformation treatment and bronchial artery embolization for hemorrhage, the application of transarterial techniques to the treatment of chest neoplasms is relatively uncommon. Extrapolating from transarterial chemoembolization techniques used for liver malignancy, investigators have recently sought to expand the indications for transarterial techniques from the control of symptoms such as bleeding to the control of disease progression and potentially survival benefit in patients with malignancies in the chest. This article provides an overview of the current embolotherapy techniques used in the treatment of patients with thoracic malignancies.

Objectives The objective of this study is to document the combined use of catheter-based thrombectomy/thrombolysis with endovascular repair of high-risk segments of the inferior vena cava in the setting of iatrogenic and traumatic injuries. While the use of endovascular techniques to treat caval thrombosis is well documented and often preferred due to its minimally invasive nature, there is still little literature that focuses on the nuances related to injury of high mortality areas of the IVC as a result of major trauma, transplant, and other surgical interventions. Methods An IRB-approved retrospective review of all patients undergoing IVC thrombectomy was performed at a single tertiary care academic center between January 2018 and July 2021. Cases were subsequently selected based on those who underwent primary mechanical thrombectomy followed by endovascular stenting (or angioplasty). Among this cohort, four patients who underwent this procedure in the context of iatrogenic and traumatic injuries were included. Results All four patients undergoing primary mechanical thrombectomy followed by endovascular stenting (or angioplasty) due to IVC thrombus and/or stenosis were technically successful with immediate positive clinical outcomes. Conclusions Mechanical thrombectomy in conjunction with IVC recanalization via stenting may be a useful intervention with promising technical success and positive clinical outcomes for occlusive thrombosis and IVC stenosis.

Diverticulosis remains the commonest cause for acute lower gastrointestinal tract bleeding (GIB). Conservative management is initially sufficient for most patients, followed by elective diagnostic tests. However, if acute lower GIB persists, it can be investigated with colonoscopy, CT angiography (CTA), or red blood cell (RBC) scan. Colonoscopy can identify the site and cause of bleeding and provide effective treatment. CTA is a noninvasive diagnostic tool that is better tolerated by patients, can identify actively bleeding site or a potential bleeding lesion in vast majority of patients. RBC scan can identify intermittent bleeding, and with single-photon emission computed tomography, can more accurately localize it to a small segment of bowel. If patients are hemodynamically unstable, CTA and transcatheter arteriography/embolization can be performed. Colonoscopy can also be considered in these patients if rapid bowel preparation is feasible. Transcatheter arteriography has a low rate of major complications; however, targeted transcatheter embolization is only feasible if extravasation is seen, which is more likely in hemodynamically unstable patients. If bleeding site has been previously localized but the intervention by colonoscopy and transcatheter embolization have failed to achieve hemostasis, surgery may be required. Among patients with obscure (nonlocalized) recurrent bleeding, capsule endoscopy and CT enterography can be considered to identify culprit mucosal lesion(s). The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.

Purpose To assess changes in operational utilization following conversion of a single IR suite to a hybrid CT/angiography (Angio-CT) system at an academic tertiary care center. Materials and Methods The total number of interventional procedures and diagnostic CT examinations performed in 29 rooms (20 diagnostic radiology, 7 IR, 2 shared between divisions) was calculated in the 24 months before conversion of an IR suite to Angio-CT and 12 months after conversion. The total number of IR procedures (global IR/month) and diagnostic CT scans per month (global CT/month) in both before and after conversion periods was calculated and defined as baseline institutional growth. This was compared against the change in the number of IR procedures performed in the before and after periods in the converted room (Angio-CT/month) as well as the number of diagnostic CT scans performed in the shared rooms (shared CT/month). Results The percent change in global CT and global IR from the before to the after periods was 39.2% and 3.1%, respectively. Shared CT per month and Angio-CT per month increased by 46.7% and 12.0% across the same time periods, respectively. The ratio of the percent increase in Angio-CT per month to percent increase in global IR per month was 3.87. The ratio of the percent increase in shared CT per month to percent increase in global CT per month was 1.19. Conclusions Operational utilization improved in both diagnostic radiology and IR sections following conversion of a conventional fluoroscopic IR suite to an Angio-CT room.

Acute obstructive uropathy is a medical emergency, which often is accompanied by acute renal failure or sepsis. Treatment options to resolve the acute obstructive process include conservative medical management, retrograde ureteral stenting, or placement of percutaneous nephrostomy or nephroureteral catheters. It is important to understand the various treatment options in differing clinical scenarios in order to guide appropriate consultation. Prompt attention to the underlying obstructive process is often imperative to avoid further deterioration of the patient's clinical status. A summary of the data and most up-to-date clinical trials regarding treatment options for urinary tract obstruction is outlined in this publication. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.

Iliofemoral venous thrombosis carries a high risk for pulmonary embolism, recurrent deep vein thrombosis, and post-thrombotic syndrome complicating 30% to 71% of those affected. The clinical scenarios in which iliofemoral venous thrombosis is managed may be diverse, presenting a challenge to identify optimum therapy tailored to each situation. Goals for management include preventing morbidity from venous occlusive disease, and morbidity and mortality from pulmonary embolism. Anticoagulation remains the standard of care for iliofemoral venous thrombosis, although a role for more aggressive therapies with catheter-based interventions or surgery exists in select circumstances. Results from recent prospective trials have improved patient selection guidelines for more aggressive therapies, and have also demonstrated a lack of efficacy for certain conservative therapies. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.

The management of chest tumors and their sequelae has been an uncommon indication for transarterial embolization (TAE). More recently, vascular embolization has been increasingly performed for this indication. The most common reported indication for embolization of neoplastic disease in the chest is the control of bleeding resulting either from iatrogenic causes or from tumor invasion into a bronchus or vessel.A natural extension of the application of TAE to neoplasm-related hemoptysis is its burgeoning indication as a possible primary treatment for benign chest tumors, primary lung neoplasms, and metastatic disease in patients that are refractory to systemic therapies and have limited or no surgical options. The goals for this indication are tumor regression and management of bulk-related symptoms. In addition to bland TAE for this indication, authors have reported very initial results applying transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and transarterial radioembolization (TARE) to chest neoplasms with promising results that support feasibility and safety. This article is an up-to-date review of the management of chest tumors with embolization and its variants.

Biliary obstruction is a serious condition that can occur in the setting of both benign and malignant pathologies. In the setting of acute cholangitis, biliary decompression can be lifesaving; for patients with cancer who are receiving chemotherapy, untreated obstructive jaundice may lead to biochemical derangements that often preclude continuation of therapy unless biliary decompression is performed (see the ACR Appropriateness Criteria® topic on "Jaundice"). Recommended therapy including percutaneous decompression, endoscopic decompression, and/or surgical decompression is based on the etiology of the obstruction and patient factors including the individual's anatomy. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE)—deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism—is a common cause of morbidity and mortality. The mainstay of VTE prophylaxis and therapy is anticoagulation. In select patients with VTE, inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are used to prevent pulmonary embolism by trapping emboli as they pass from the lower extremity venous system through the IVC. These guidelines review the indications for placement of IVC filters in acute and chronic VTE, as well as the indications for retrieval of implanted IVC filters. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.

Refractory bile leaks represent a damaging sequela of hepatobiliary surgery and direct trauma. Management of bile leaks represents a challenging clinical problem. Despite advances in endoscopic techniques, interventional radiology continues to play a vital role in the diagnosis and management of refractory bile leaks. This article reviews strategies for optimizing the diagnosis and management of bile leaks and provides an overview of management strategies, including the management of complicated biliary leaks.

Biliary strictures can be broadly classified as benign or malignant. Benign biliary strictures are most commonly iatrogenic in nature and are a consequence of hepatobiliary surgery. Cholangiocarcinoma and adenocarcinoma of the pancreas are the most common causes of malignant biliary obstruction. This article reviews state-of-the-art minimally invasive techniques used to manage these strictures. In addition, the roles of (a) recently introduced biodegradable biliary stents in the management of benign biliary strictures and (b) intraprocedural imaging and navigation tools, such as cone-beam CT, in percutaneous reconstruction of the biliary-enteric anastomosis are discussed.

Uterine fibroids, also known as leiomyomas, are the most common benign tumor in women of reproductive age. When symptomatic, these patients can present with bleeding and/or bulk-related symptoms. Treatment options for symptomatic uterine leiomyomas include medical management, minimally invasive treatment such as uterine artery embolization, and surgical options, such as myomectomy. It is important to understand the role of these treatment options in various clinical scenarios so that appropriate consultation is performed. Furthermore, patients should be presented with the outcomes and complications of each of these treatment options. A summary of the data and clinical trials of the treatment options for symptomatic uterine leiomyomas is outlined in this article. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.

Obtaining central venous access is one of the most commonly performed procedures in hospital settings. Multiple devices such as peripherally inserted central venous catheters, tunneled central venous catheters (eg, Hohn catheter, Hickman catheter, C. R. Bard, Inc, Salt Lake City UT), and implantable ports are available for this purpose. The device selected for central venous access depends on the clinical indication, duration of the treatment, and associated comorbidities. It is important for health care providers to familiarize themselves with the types of central venous catheters available, including information about their indications, contraindications, and potential complications, especially the management of catheters in the setting of catheter-related bloodstream infections. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.

Iliac artery occlusive disease can present as a sudden-onset acute thrombotic or thromboembolic event or as a chronic progressive atherosclerotic process that presents as claudication progressing to rest pain. Depending on the clinical presentation, the diagnosis is usually confirmed through Doppler vascular ultrasound, CT angiography, or MR angiography; the choice of imaging is usually based on modality availability and the presence of patient comorbidities such as chronic kidney disease. The Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus II classification system is commonly used to describe the extent of the peripheral vascular disease. Depending on the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and radiologic extent of the disease process, therapeutic options for acute thrombotic cases can include supportive care, anticoagulation, thrombolytic therapy, surgical or catheter-directed mechanical thrombectomy, and surgical bypass. Therapeutic options for atherosclerotic disease include supportive measures such as behavior modification, a supervised exercise program, adjunctive treatment with anticoagulation and antiplatelet medications, angioplasty, stent placement, stent-graft placement, surgical or catheter-directed endarterectomy or plaque excision, and surgical bypass. This document describes the appropriateness of imaging in this patient population, treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios, and the likely prognosis for these patients. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.

Mesenteric vascular insufficiency is a serious medical condition that may lead to bowel infarction, morbidity, and mortality that may approach 50%. Recommended therapy for acute mesenteric ischemia includes aspiration embolectomy, transcatheter thrombolysis, and angioplasty with or without stenting for the treatment of underlying arterial stenosis. Nonocclusive mesenteric ischemia may respond to transarterial infusion of vasodilators such as nitroglycerin, papaverine, glucagon, and prostaglandin E1. Recommended therapy for chronic mesenteric ischemia includes angioplasty with or without stent placement and, if an endovascular approach is not possible, surgical bypass or endarterectomy. The diagnosis of median arcuate ligament syndrome is controversial, but surgical release may be appropriate depending on the clinical situation. Venous mesenteric ischemia may respond to systemic anticoagulation alone. Transhepatic or transjugular superior mesenteric vein catheterization and thrombolytic infusion can be offered depending on the severity of symptoms, condition of the patient, and response to systemic anticoagulation. Adjunct transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt creation can be considered for outflow improvement. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer-reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.

Chylothorax is an uncommon but serious medical condition, which arises when intestinal lymphatic fluid leaks into the pleural space. Treatment strategies depend on the daily output and underlying etiology, which may be due to direct injury to lymphatic vessels or a nontraumatic disorder. Chest radiographs confirm the presence of pleural fluid and lateralize the process. In the setting of direct injury, lymphangiography can often be both diagnostic and facilitate a minimally invasive attempt at therapy. CT and MRI in this setting may be appropriate for cases when lymphangiography is not diagnostic. When the etiology is nontraumatic or unknown, CT or MRI can narrow the differential diagnosis, and lymphangiography is useful if a minimally invasive approach to treatment is desired. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer-reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.

Biliary obstruction is a serious condition that can occur in the setting of both benign and malignant pathologies. In the setting of acute cholangitis, biliary decompression can be lifesaving; for patients with cancer who are receiving chemotherapy, untreated obstructive jaundice may lead to biochemical derangements that often preclude continuation of therapy unless biliary decompression is performed (see the ACR Appropriateness Criteria® topic on "Jaundice"). Recommended therapy including percutaneous decompression, endoscopic decompression, and/or surgical decompression is based on the etiology of the obstruction and patient factors including the individual's anatomy. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.

Vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) have various causes, including osteoporosis, neoplasms, and acute trauma. As painful VCFs may contribute to general physical deconditioning, management of painful VCFs has the potential for improving quality of life and preventing superimposed medical complications. Various imaging modalities can be used to evaluate a VCF to help determine the etiology and guide intervention. The first-line treatment of painful VCFs has been nonoperative or conservative management as most VCFs show gradual improvement in pain over 2 to 12 weeks, with variable return of function. There is evidence that vertebral augmentation (VA) is associated with better pain relief and improved functional outcomes compared to conservative therapy for osteoporotic VCFs. A multidisciplinary approach is necessary for the management of painful pathologic VCFs, with management strategies including medications to affect bone turnover, radiation therapy, and interventions such as VA and percutaneous thermal ablation to alleviate symptoms. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.

Infected fluid collections are common and occur in a variety of clinical scenarios throughout the body. Minimally invasive image-guided management strategies for infected fluid collections are often preferred over more invasive options, given their low rate of complications and high rates of success. However, specific clinical scenarios, anatomic considerations, and prior or ongoing treatments must be considered when determining the optimal management strategy. As such, several common scenarios relating to infected fluid collections were developed using evidence-based guidelines for management. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.

Uterine fibroids, also known as leiomyomas, are the most common benign tumor in women of reproductive age. When symptomatic, these patients can present with bleeding and/or bulk-related symptoms. Treatment options for symptomatic uterine leiomyomas include medical management, minimally invasive treatment such as uterine artery embolization, and surgical options, such as myomectomy. It is important to understand the role of these treatment options in various clinical scenarios so that appropriate consultation is performed. Furthermore, patients should be presented with the outcomes and complications of each of these treatment options. A summary of the data and clinical trials of the treatment options for symptomatic uterine leiomyomas is outlined in this article. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.

Median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS) is an often overlooked, surgically correctable condition that mimics functional chronic abdominal pain. Patient-reported surgical outcomes are unpredictable in MALS. The objective of this study was to define the psychiatric comorbidities in a cohort of adults undergoing surgery for MALS and to determine whether these comorbidities are predictive of patient-reported quality of life (QOL) outcomes.A prospective observational trial was conducted between April 1, 2010, and December 31, 2015, at a single tertiary care hospital. Adults with a diagnosis of chronic abdominal pain in the setting of celiac artery compression were enrolled in a prospective Institutional Review Board-approved observational trial. Patients completed psychological assessments before surgery for MALS and at 6 months after surgery. The primary outcome was patient-reported health-related QOL (young adult version of the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory).A total of 51 patients (80% female; n = 41) with a mean age of 30.5 (±12.4) years were enrolled. Surgery significantly improved celiac artery hemodynamics in the entire cohort (P .0001) as well as overall QOL (67.8 ± 14.6 [before surgery] vs 80.3 ± 13.7 [after surgery]; P .001). Psychiatric diagnoses were common in this cohort, with 14 of 51 (28%) patients meeting criteria for a psychiatric diagnosis. There were no differences in the number of patients with psychiatric diagnoses between presurgical and postsurgical evaluations (14 [28%] vs 13 [26%]; P = .8). Exploratory analyses suggest that having a psychiatric diagnosis at the presurgical evaluation may predict significantly lower postsurgical QOL (RSurgery improves patient-reported QOL in adults treated for MALS. Psychiatric diagnoses are common in adults with MALS and predict worse patient-reported QOL outcomes.

Objective The objective of this study was to identify duplex ultrasound (DUS) or computed tomography angiography (CTA) imaging findings that can predict clinical response to laparoscopic release of the median arcuate ligament (MAL) in patients with celiac artery compression. Methods There were 299 patients who were evaluated for MAL syndrome (MALS) between January 2009 and November 2015. Of these, 29 underwent laparoscopic MAL release and completed 1-year follow-up. The patients' preoperative and postoperative symptoms, use of analgesics, and body mass index were recorded. Patients' demographics and DUS and CTA findings were reviewed. Fisher exact and Student t-tests were used to identify correlation between patient or imaging variables and clinical outcomes. Results There were 19 patients (66%) who reported improvement in symptoms, and 18 (62%) decreased their use of analgesics; average body mass index increased by 0.2 (standard deviation, 1.97; range, −3.35 to 5.11). No celiac artery DUS finding (peak celiac artery velocity, angle of deflection, or change in preoperative to postoperative velocity) was predictive of successful clinical outcomes (P > .05). Similarly, no CTA finding (characteristic morphology, cross-sectional area, diameter, or location of the focal stenosis of the celiac artery) was associated with clinical outcomes (P > .05). Conclusions Clinical response to laparoscopic MAL release was favorable in two-thirds of patients; however, no specific imaging finding of stenosis was predictive of this response. Given that the severity of stenosis on conventional imaging had no impact on treatment efficacy, vascular compromise may not be the primary cause of pain in patients presenting with this syndrome. Future investigation incorporating the neurogenic basis of MALS pain, such as with diagnostic celiac ganglion blockade, would be helpful in further elucidating the enigmatic pathophysiologic process of MALS.

Obtaining central venous access is one of the most commonly performed procedures in hospital settings. Multiple devices such as peripherally inserted central venous catheters, tunneled central venous catheters (eg, Hohn catheter, Hickman catheter, C. R. Bard, Inc, Salt Lake City UT), and implantable ports are available for this purpose. The device selected for central venous access depends on the clinical indication, duration of the treatment, and associated comorbidities. It is important for health care providers to familiarize themselves with the types of central venous catheters available, including information about their indications, contraindications, and potential complications, especially the management of catheters in the setting of catheter-related bloodstream infections. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.

Iliac artery occlusive disease can present as a sudden-onset acute thrombotic or thromboembolic event or as a chronic progressive atherosclerotic process that presents as claudication progressing to rest pain. Depending on the clinical presentation, the diagnosis is usually confirmed through Doppler vascular ultrasound, CT angiography, or MR angiography; the choice of imaging is usually based on modality availability and the presence of patient comorbidities such as chronic kidney disease. The Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus II classification system is commonly used to describe the extent of the peripheral vascular disease. Depending on the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and radiologic extent of the disease process, therapeutic options for acute thrombotic cases can include supportive care, anticoagulation, thrombolytic therapy, surgical or catheter-directed mechanical thrombectomy, and surgical bypass. Therapeutic options for atherosclerotic disease include supportive measures such as behavior modification, a supervised exercise program, adjunctive treatment with anticoagulation and antiplatelet medications, angioplasty, stent placement, stent-graft placement, surgical or catheter-directed endarterectomy or plaque excision, and surgical bypass. This document describes the appropriateness of imaging in this patient population, treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios, and the likely prognosis for these patients. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.

To describe the neonatal outcomes of a case series of infants who were prenatally diagnosed with potential life-limiting conditions and to whom individualized comfort measures were offered.This is a retrospective analysis of the postnatal outcomes of a selected population of 49 infants prenatally diagnosed with potential life-limiting conditions whose parents were prenatally referred for counseling to the comfort care team.The prenatal diagnosis was confirmed postnatally in 45 infants. The only four survivors had a significant discrepancy between prenatal and postnatal diagnosis. Whether they were treated with individualized comfort measures (n=28) or intensive care (n=17), all the newborns died with similar median age at death (2 days).Diagnostic accuracy is the main determinant of outcomes. Provision of intensive care neither prevents the death of infants affected by life-limiting conditions nor prolongs life compared with that of infants treated with individualized comfort measures.

ObjectivesMedian arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS) is a vascular compression syndrome with symptoms that overlap chronic functional abdominal pain (CFAP). We report our experience treating MALS in a pediatric cohort previously diagnosed with CFAP.Patients and MethodsWe prospectively evaluated 46 pediatric (

Evaluation of long-term outcomes of venoplasty and Gianturco stents to treat inferior vena cava (IVC) obstruction after liver transplantation. We retrospectively analyzed records from 33 consecutive adult patients referred with the intent to treat suspected IVC obstruction after liver transplantation. Treatment was performed for occlusion or stenosis with a gradient exceeding 3 mmHg. The primary treatment was venoplasty and, if refractory, Gianturco stent placement. Recurrence prompted repeat venoplasty or stent placement. Of the 33 patients, 25 (aged 46.9 ± 12.2 years) required treatment at a mean of 2.3 years (14 days to 20.3 years) after transplantation. For technically successful cases, primary treatment was venoplasty alone (14) or with stent placement (10). Technical success was 96 % (24 of 25) reflecting failure to cross one occlusion. Clinical success was 88 % (22 of 25) reflecting the technical failure and two that died of unrelated complications within 5 weeks. Cumulative primary patencies were 57.1 % at 6 months (n = 21) and 51.4 % at 1 (n = 10), 3 (n = 7), 5 (n = 6), and 7 (n = 5) years. Cumulative primary assisted patency was 95.2 % at 6 months (n = 21) and at 1 (n = 15), 3 (n = 9), 5 (n = 8), and 7 (n = 8) years. The 17 patients stented for refractory (n = 10) or recurrent (n = 7) stenosis had cumulative primary and primary assisted patencies of 86.0 and 100 %, respectively, from 6 months (n = 14) to 7 years (n = 3). No major complications occurred; one fractured stent was observed after 11.6 years. For IVC obstruction following liver transplantation, excellent long-term outcomes can be achieved by venoplasty and Gianturco stent placement.

Mesenteric vascular insufficiency is a serious medical condition that may lead to bowel infarction, morbidity, and mortality that may approach 50%. Recommended therapy for acute mesenteric ischemia includes aspiration embolectomy, transcatheter thrombolysis, and angioplasty with or without stenting for the treatment of underlying arterial stenosis. Nonocclusive mesenteric ischemia may respond to transarterial infusion of vasodilators such as nitroglycerin, papaverine, glucagon, and prostaglandin E1. Recommended therapy for chronic mesenteric ischemia includes angioplasty with or without stent placement and, if an endovascular approach is not possible, surgical bypass or endarterectomy. The diagnosis of median arcuate ligament syndrome is controversial, but surgical release may be appropriate depending on the clinical situation. Venous mesenteric ischemia may respond to systemic anticoagulation alone. Transhepatic or transjugular superior mesenteric vein catheterization and thrombolytic infusion can be offered depending on the severity of symptoms, condition of the patient, and response to systemic anticoagulation. Adjunct transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt creation can be considered for outflow improvement. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer-reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.

The diagnosis of malignant biliary obstruction combines the use of clinical evaluation, diagnostic imaging, tissue sampling, and minimally invasive options with the initial goal of identifying candidates for curative resection. The most common causes of obstruction are pancreatic adenocarcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma, and most cases are too advanced for surgical options. Interventional radiologists and gastroenterologists offer palliative options for biliary drainage such as plastic stents and catheters, bare metal stents, and covered stents. This article provides an updated review of options and outcomes for the management of malignant biliary obstruction.

The objective of percutaneous chest biopsy is to consistently reach the amount of tissue required to meet or exceed published diagnostic accuracy rates. Many recent publications have reevaluated the subject of chest biopsy to assess borderline or controversial indications such as very small lesions, ground-glass opacities, and cases with a past nondiagnostic percutaneous biopsy. In addition, publications have reviewed sample adequacy for the accurate determination of molecular markers. These new indications promise to expand the numbers of biopsy procedures performed by radiologists. This article discusses the current role of image-guided percutaneous lung biopsies in the management of patients with pulmonary malignancies.

To evaluate angiographic diagnosis and embolotherapy of patients with enlarging abdominal aortic aneurysms and computed tomographic (CT) diagnosis of type II endoleak.A retrospective review was performed of all patients referred to a single vascular and interventional radiology section from January 1, 2003, to June 1, 2011, with a diagnosis of enlarging aneurysm and type II endoleak. Twenty-five patients underwent 40 procedures between 12 and 82 months after endograft insertion (mean, 48 mo) for diagnosis and/or treatment of endoleaks.Type II endoleaks were treated with cyanoacrylate, coils, and ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer in 16 patients. Technical success rate was 88% (14 of 16 patients) and clinical success rate was 100% (16 of 16 patients). Aneurysm growth was arrested in all cases over a mean follow-up of 27.5 months (range, 6-88 mo). Endoleaks in nine patients were misclassified on CT; two had type I endoleaks and seven had type III endoleaks. Four of the nine patients (two type I endoleaks and two type III endoleaks) were correctly classified after initial angiography. The other five type III endoleaks were correctly classified on CT after coil embolization of the inferior mesenteric artery. Direct embolization was performed via sac puncture with ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer in two of the latter five patients and eliminated endoleaks in both.Aneurysm growth caused by type II endoleaks was arrested by embolization. CT misclassification occurred relatively commonly; type III endoleaks purported to be type II endoleaks were found in 28% of patients (seven of 25).

Complications of portal hypertension in children lead to significant morbidity and are a leading indication for consideration of liver transplantation. Approaches to the management of sequelae of portal hypertension are well described for adults and evidence-based approaches have been summarized in numerous meta-analyses and conferences. In contrast, there is a paucity of data to guide the management of complications of portal hypertension in children. An international panel of experts was convened on April 8, 2011 at The Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC to review and adapt the recent report of the Baveno V Consensus Workshop on the Methodology of Diagnosis and Therapy in Portal Hypertension to the care of children. The opinions of that expert panel are reported.

Percutaneous cholecystostomy (PC) for the treatment of acute cholecystitis is increasing in popularity, and has served as a definitive treatment, a bridge to surgery, or a means toward other minimally invasive therapies. The absence of quality literature supporting a clear definition of the role of PC and related adjunctive therapies in the treatment of acute cholecystitis often results in inconsistent application of this treatment option in clinical practice. Because excellent overviews of the technique of PC and associated clinical management have been published recently,1 this article focuses on the controversial indications, complications, and evolving roles of percutaneous cholecystostomy and related therapies.

Systemic air embolism is a rare but potentially devastating complication of percutaneous chest biopsy that requires immediate diagnosis and rapid initiation of aggressive, noninvasive rescue therapy to prevent death or permanent neurologic sequelae. Radiologists focused on the most common complications of chest biopsy such as pneumothorax and parenchymal hemorrhage run the risk of failing to quickly diagnose and effectively treat systemic air embolism. Furthermore, the low incidence of symptomatic air embolism may lead to complacency and failure to prepare proper institutional procedures for the effective treatment. This case reviews the incidence, postulated mechanisms, and treatment of systemic air embolism caused by percutaneous chest biopsy.

Uterine leiomyomas (fibroids) are the most common tumors in women of reproductive age and a cause of significant morbidity in this patient population. Depending on the fibroid location, they can be the cause of a variety of symptoms, such as abnormal uterine bleeding, constipation, urinary frequency, and pain. Historically, hysterectomy has been the primary treatment option, and uterine fibroids remain the leading cause for hysterectomy in the United States. However, women who do not wish to undergo hysterectomy now have a variety of less invasive options available, including uterine artery embolization. This article discusses uterine artery embolization as well as some of the other treatment strategies for symptomatic uterine fibroids. In many situations, there may be no single best treatment option but several viable alternatives. Each option is discussed with consideration of outcomes, complications, and, when possible, cost-effectiveness. The recommendations in this article are the result of evidence-based consensus of the ACR Appropriateness Criteria ® Expert Panel on Interventional Radiology.

Purpose To evaluate the use of retrievable filters placed in bilateral common iliac veins in high-risk surgical patients. Materials and Methods During the 4-year study period, 10 patients received bilateral common iliac vein placement of retrievable filters for pulmonary embolism (PE) prophylaxis. These patients were at risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE) but had no evidence of VTE at the time of filter placement. In nine patients undergoing bariatric surgery, placement of a filter in the inferior vena cava (IVC) was impossible because of megacava (defined as caval diameter ≥3.0 cm). In one patient who had planned dissection of an extensive retroperitoneal tumor, there was concern that IVC location of the filter would be prone to complications secondary to intraoperative manipulation. Filter placement and retrieval were evaluated. All patients were followed clinically until 4–6 weeks after filter retrieval. Results There were 20 filters placed in 10 attempts, 18 (nine patients) through the right internal jugular vein and 2 (one patient) through bilateral femoral veins. The mean (± standard deviation) dwell time of the filters was 40 days ± 10 (range 30–71 days). All filters were successfully removed. There were no procedural complications. No clinically evident PE was noted. Conclusions Use of retrievable filters in the bilateral common iliac veins was found to be feasible and effective in preventing PE in patients with contraindications to filter placement in the IVC.