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Background: Although non-target puncture (NPT)-related complications are well known to clinicians performing TIPS, there is no NTP-focused study to assess the true clinical sequalae of NTP-related complications. In this study, the aim was to evaluate the incidence, safety, clinical outcomes and complications related to NTPs during the portal access of TIPS procedures. Methods: A retrospective review of 369 TIPS procedures from October 2007 to September 2019 was performed. We identified inadvertent NTPs, including biliary, hepatic artery, lymphatic and capsular punctures. Next, the medical records and images were reviewed and analyzed to assess the safety and clinical outcomes of these cohorts. Results: A total of 71 NTPs were identified in 56 patients (15.18% of 369 patients). Of 369 TIPS patients, there were (1) 28 biliary punctures (7.6%), (2) 16 extracapsular punctures (4.3%), (3) 15 lymphatic punctures (4.1%) and (4) 12 hepatic artery punctures (3.3%). The overall complication rate was 2.2% (8/369). Based on the Clavien–Dindo classification, three patients (0.8%) had a minor complication. In addition, five patients (1.4%) experienced grade II–V major complications, such as symptomatic hemoperitoneum, arterio-biliary fistula or hemorrhagic shock leading to death. Mortality (0.5%) was only caused by extracapsular puncture combined with other NTP. Conclusions: NTPs during the portal access of TIPS procedures are associated with low complication risk. However, when extracapsular punctures are combined with other NTPs, a more severe complication, including mortality, can occur. Nevertheless, all patients with NTP should be closely monitored at a higher level of care after TIPS placement.

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is a vascular bleeding disorder characterized by mucocutaneous telangiectasias and visceral arteriovenous malformations. A frequently debilitating symptom is spontaneous recurrent epistaxis.To evaluate whether doxycycline therapy improves epistaxis in HHT by using a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled crossover study design.Twenty-two eligible patients between December 2017 and July 2020 at a single center were randomized to one of two study arms: doxycycline treatment followed by placebo, or vice versa. Primary outcomes measured differences in epistaxis severity between treatments. Changes in quality of life, laboratory markers of bleeding, and number of monthly blood transfusions or iron infusions were assessed as secondary endpoints. Additional post hoc endpoints included frequency and duration of dripping epistaxis and gushing epistaxis. A post hoc longitudinal analysis assessed effects of doxycycline over time.Doxycycline was safe and well tolerated. However, there was no reduction in the three primary outcome measures, nosebleed frequency (p = .16), nosebleed duration (p = .05), and Epistaxis Severity Score (p = .19). Quality of life, hemoglobin level, and number of blood transfusions and iron infusions did not differ between groups. Post hoc analysis demonstrated reduction in instances of gushing (p = .02) with doxycycline, although this finding is of unclear clinical significance. Post hoc longitudinal analysis showed reduction in frequency (mean estimate of coefficient = -0.19, standard error = 0.07, p = .01) and duration (mean estimate of coefficient = -2.33, standard error = 1.08, p = .03) of epistaxis over time. Post hoc findings suggest possible benefit of doxycycline but should be interpreted with caution given the overall negative study. Further investigation is needed with a larger sample size and a longer treatment duration.

Background: We describe the treatment of a renal artery aneurysm with complex anatomy using coils and the Pipeline (TM) Embolization Device (Medtronic, Irvine, CA), a flow-diverting stent typically used for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms. Methods: A 62-year-old female with history of an asymptomatic right renal artery aneurysm that was discovered incidentally 10 years ago was found to have enlargement of the aneurysm (1.9cm to 2.7cm) on a repeat surveillance CT scan. She was successfully treated with combined Pipeline Embolization Device and coil embolization of the aneurysm sac. Results: Post-procedural angiography showed complete occlusion of the aneurysm with maintenance of perfusion to the entire kidney. Conclusion: Pipeline (TM) assisted coil embolization may be an option for parenchyma-sparing treatment of renal artery aneurysms with complex anatomy.

PURPOSE To compare coil embolotherapy outcomes of feeding-artery-only versus nidus-plus-feeding-artery technique for treating pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs). MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 219 treatment-naive PAVMs embolized in 90 patients at a single center from 2008 to 2018 met inclusion criteria for retrospective evaluation. Of the patients, 87% had a diagnosis of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT). Feeding artery (FA) diameters ≥2 mm were treated. Coil embolization techniques were classified on the basis of embolic deployment zone: (i) distal feeding artery (DFA) technique (coil-to-nidus distance ≤ 1 cm) or (ii) nidus plus feeding artery (NiFA) technique. Successful embolization predictors were assessed using a multivariate linear regression model with input from patient- and PAVM-specific variables. RESULTS Treatment success was achieved in 192 of 219 PAVMs (87.7%) over a mean follow-up period of 19 months. Statistically significant predictors of success in the linear regression model included simple angioarchitecture, NiFA embolization technique, and shorter follow-up duration. Stratified by technique, success rates were 99 of 105 (94.3%) and 93 of 114 (81.6%) PAVMs for NiFA and DFA, respectively (P = .007). On average, NiFA-embolized PAVMs had a larger FA diameter (3.6 mm vs 2.7 mm, P < .001) and comprised more complex PAVMs (48% vs 22%, P < .001) than DFA. Treatment success was not significantly associated with sac size or FA diameter. CONCLUSIONS Coil embolization of both the nidus and FA was associated with a higher persistent occlusion rate than FA embolization alone.

Objectives To investigate the usefulness of minimal ablative margin (MAM) control by intra-procedural contrast-enhanced CT (CECT) in microwave ablation (MWA) of liver tumors. Methods A total of 334 consecutive liver tumors (240 hepatocellular carcinomas [HCCs] and 94 colorectal liver metastases [CRLMs]) in 172 patients treated with percutaneous MWA were retrospectively included. MAM of each tumor was assessed after expected ablation completion using intra-procedural CECT, allowing within-session additional ablation to any potentially insufficient margin. On immediate post-MWA MRI, complete ablation coverage of tumor and final MAM status were determined. The cumulative local tumor progression (LTP) rate was estimated by using the Kaplan-Meier method. To identify predictors of LTP, Cox regression analysis with a shared frailty model was performed. Results Intra-procedural CECT findings prompted additional ablation in 18.9% (63/334) of tumors. Final complete ablation coverage of tumor and sufficient MAM were determined by MRI to be achieved in 99.4% (332/334) and 77.5% (259/334), and their estimated 6-month, 1-year, and 2-year LTP rates were 3.2%, 7.5%, and 12.9%; and 1.0%, 2.1%, and 6.9%, respectively. Insufficient MAM on post-MWA MRI, perivascular tumor location, and tumor size (cm) were independent risk factors for LTP (hazard ratio = 14.4, 6.0, and 1.1, p < 0.001, p = 0.003, and p = 0.011, respectively), while subcapsular location and histology (HCC vs CRLM) were not. Conclusions In MWA of liver tumors, intra-procedural CECT monitoring of minimal ablative margin facilitates identification of potentially suboptimal margins and guides immediate additional intra-session ablation to maximize rates of margin-sufficient ablations, the latter being a highly predictive marker for excellent long-term local tumor control. Key Points • In MWA of liver tumors, intra-procedural CECT can identify potentially suboptimal minimal ablative margin, leading to immediate additional ablation in a single treatment session. • Achieving a finally sufficient ablative margin through the MWA with intra-procedural CECT monitoring of minimal ablative margin results in excellent local tumor control.

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is an autosomal dominant disease with an estimated prevalence of 1 in 5000 that is characterized by the presence of vascular malformations (VMs). These result in chronic bleeding, acute hemorrhage, and complications from shunting through VMs. The goal of the Second International HHT Guidelines process was to develop evidence-based consensus guidelines for the management and prevention of HHT-related symptoms and complications.METHODS: The guidelines were developed using the AGREE II (Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II) framework and GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) methodology. The guidelines expert panel included expert physicians (clinical and genetic) in HHT from 15 countries, guidelines methodologists, health care workers, health care administrators, patient advocacy representatives, and persons with HHT. During the preconference process, the expert panel generated clinically relevant questions in 6 priority topic areas. A systematic literature search was done in June 2019, and articles meeting a priori criteria were included to generate evidence tables, which were used as the basis for recommendation development. The expert panel subsequently convened during a guidelines conference to conduct a structured consensus process, during which recommendations reaching at least 80% consensus were discussed and approved.RECOMMENDATIONS: The expert panel generated and approved 6 new recommendations for each of the following 6 priority topic areas: epistaxis, gastrointestinal bleeding, anemia and iron deficiency, liver VMs, pediatric care, and pregnancy and delivery (36 total). The recommendations highlight new evidence in existing topics from the first International HHT Guidelines and provide guidance in 3 new areas: anemia, pediatrics, and pregnancy and delivery. These recommendations should facilitate implementation of key components of HHT care into clinical practice.

Abernethy malformation refer to a congenital absence of intrahepatic portal veins leading to a primarily extrahepatic congenital portosystemic shunt. The lack of intrahepatic portal veins leads to a characteristic set of physical exam and imaging findings that may include hyperandrogenism and liver masses such as hepatic adenomas or focal nodular hyperplasia. In this case report, we describe a 20-year-old female who presented with an enlarging hepatic adenoma. A separate hepatic adenoma had previously been biopsied and noted to have undergone malignant degeneration into hepatocellular carcinoma. For each lesion, she was treated with combination transarterial embolization and microwave ablation. On follow-up imaging after therapy, it was then noted that her extrahepatic portal vein drained directly into the inferior vena cava, consistent with congenital portosystemic shunt. Recognition of this vascular anomaly is critical in treatment planning, as early intervention with either medical therapy or surgery can prevent the metabolic sequela of this unique constellation of symptoms.

To compare two techniques-trocar and Seldinger-for performing percutaneous suprapubic cystostomy.125 patients, mean age 71.8 ± 16.5 years (range, 15-102 years), underwent primary suprapubic cystostomy from January 2013 to December 2018. Trocar access (N = 60) was performed as a single step using a puncture cannula without guidewire access. Seldinger access (N = 65) involved needle puncture, guidewire placement, and serial dilation. A retrospective review of patient records was conducted.All procedures were technically successful. Mean catheter size was 13.1 ± 2.0 and 13.9 ± 2.0 French for trocar and Seldinger, respectively (P = .044). Mean procedure time was significantly reduced using trocar technique, 12.4 ± 7.7 versus 25.7 ± 12.1 minutes (P.001), and was associated with lower anxiolytic dose, 1.2 ± 0.8 versus 1.9 ± 1.1 mg midazolam (P = .003), and less radiation exposure, 20.2 ± 59.5 versus 100.7 ± 98.5 mGy (P.001). Catheter occlusion was the most common complication (28.8%), followed by UTI (13.6%) and bladder spasm (8.0%). All but 2 complications were classified as Clavien-Dindo grade I or II. Catheter occlusion was more frequent in the trocar group (41.7% vs 16.9%, P = .003), while bladder spasms were more frequent in the Seldinger group (13.8% vs 1.7%, P = .018).Suprapubic cystostomy via trocar is associated with faster procedure time, lower anxiolytic dose, and less radiation. While major complications are rare, catheter occlusion is a common occurrence that may be overlooked. Although we detected more occlusions with trocar technique, this may be confounded by a catheter-tract size discrepancy.

BACKGROUND Hepatic artery stenosis is a complication of orthotopic liver transplant occurring in 3.1%-7.4% of patients that can result in graft failure and need for re-transplantation. Endovascular therapy with angioplasty and stenting has been used with a high degree of technical success and good clinical outcomes, but tortuous hepatic arteries present a unique challenge for intervention. Suitable stents for this application should be maneuverable and conformable while also exerting adequate radial force to maintain a patent lumen. CASE SUMMARY Herein we report our experience with a neurovascular Wingspan stent system in a challenging case of recurrent hepatic artery stenosis and discuss the literature of stenting in tortuous transplant hepatic arteries. CONCLUSION Wingspan neurovascular stent is self-expanding, has good conformability, and adequate radial resistance and as such it could be added to the armamentarium of interventionalists in the setting of a tortuous and stenotic transplant hepatic artery.

The aim of this study was to investigate whether prostatic artery embolization (PAE) can be considered a long-term cost-effective treatment option in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia in comparison to transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP).The in-hospital costs of PAE and TURP in the United States were obtained from a recent cost analysis. Clinical outcomes including nature and rate of adverse events for TURP and PAE along with rates of retreatment because of complications or clinical failure were obtained from peer-reviewed literature. A decision tree-based Markov model was created, analyzing long-term cost-effectiveness for TURP and PAE from a US health care sector perspective. Cost-effectiveness over a time frame of 5 years was estimated while assuming a willingness to pay of $50,000 per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY). The primary outcome was incremental cost-effectiveness ratio.PAE resulted in overall cost of $6,464.92 and an expected outcome of 4.566 QALYs. In comparison, TURP cost $9,221.09 and resulted in expected outcome of 4.577 QALYs per treatment. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for TURP was $247,732.65 per QALY. On the basis of the willingness-to-pay threshold, PAE is cost effective compared with TURP.On the basis of our model, PAE in comparison with TURP can be regarded as a cost-effective treatment option for patients with lower urinary tract symptoms within the US health care system.

Background Hepatic arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) patients are most commonly hepatic artery to hepatic venous shunts which can result in high-output heart failure. This condition can be debilitating and is a leading cause of liver transplantation in HHT patients. However, it is not known what characteristics can discriminate between asymptomatic patients and those who will develop heart failure symptoms. Results 176 patients with HHT were evaluated with computed tomography angiography (CTA) between April 2004 and February 2019 at our HHT Center of Excellence. 63/176 (35.8%) patients were found to have hepatic AVMs on CTA. 18 of these patients were excluded because of the presence of another condition which could confound evaluation of heart failure symptoms. In the remaining 45 patients included in our cohort, 25/45 (55.6%) patients were classified as asymptomatic and 20/45 (44.4%) were classified as symptomatic, and these groups were compared. In symptomatic patients, mean common hepatic artery (CHA) diameter was significantly higher (11.1 versus 8.4 mm) and mean hemoglobin levels were significantly lower (10.7 vs 12.6 g/dL). A stepwise multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated that both CHA diameter and hemoglobin level were independent predictors of heart failure symptoms with ORs of 2.554 (95% CI 1.372–4.754) and 0.489 (95% CI 0.299–0.799), respectively. The receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve of our analysis demonstrated an AUC of 0.906 (95% CI 0.816–0.996), sensitivity 80.0% (95% CI 55.7–93.4%), and specificity 75.0% (95% CI 52.9–89.4%). Conclusions CTA is an effective and easily reproducible method to evaluate hepatic involvement of HHT. Utilizing CTA, clinical, and laboratory data we determined CHA diameter and hemoglobin level were independent predictors of heart failure symptoms.

To determine the prevalence of adverse events after image-guided biopsy of histologically proven hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) using a standardized, indirect access, coaxial biopsy technique.In this IRB-approved, HIPAA compliant, and retrospective study, we evaluated all consecutive adult patients from 2011 to 2016 who underwent image-guided biopsy of HCC with and without concurrent ablation. Tumor seeding was defined as any new lesion along the needle tract on subsequent imaging. Adverse events were graded using both the Clavien-Dindo Complication Classification system and the most recently proposed Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR) Adverse Event Classification System.A total of 383 patients underwent 398 biopsies (64 ± 11 years; 112 women, 271 men). Most patients (282; 71%) underwent concurrent ablation. Adverse events occurred after 18 biopsies (4.5%): 13 were Grade I (Clavien-Dindo) or minor (SIR) and included hematoma (7), hepatic vein thrombus (2), portal vein thrombus (2), moderate pleural effusion (1), and small pneumothorax (1). The remaining 5 (1.3%) adverse events were classified as Grade II-IIIa (Clavien-Dindo) or moderate (SIR) and included hematoma requiring blood products (n = 1), arrhythmia (n = 1), and symptomatic pleural effusions requiring treatment (n = 3). Baseline age, sex, cause of liver disease, HCC diameter, and HCC grade were not associated with adverse events. There were no tumor seeding events after a median follow-up of 611 days (interquartile range of 211-1104).Percutaneous image-guided tissue sampling using a standardized, indirect access, coaxial technique can be performed safely with and without concurrent ablation by trained cross-sectional interventional radiologists at a tertiary liver transplant center.

Author(s): Lee, Shimwoo; McWilliams, Justin P; Lee-Felker, Stephanie A | Abstract: Arterial pseudoaneurysms are contained ruptures of the arterial wall that require prompt intervention. Iatrogenic pseudoaneurysms may result from various diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Iatrogenic axillary pseudoaneurysms are quite rare, with few reported cases in the literature. We report a case of a 45-year-old woman who sustained an axillary pseudoaneurysm after an ultrasound-guided, vacuum-assisted biopsy of the axillary lymph node. An arteriovenous fistula developed concomitantly. Despite two image-guided treatments, thrombin injection and endovascular coil embolization, the pseudoaneurysm had persistent flow and was ultimately surgically resected at the time when the patient underwent mastectomy for breast cancer.

To examine the characteristics of recurrent pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs) and compare the success of proximal versus distal embolization technique for treatment of recanalized PAVMs. Between July 2007 and October 2018, 26 consecutive patients underwent embolization of 64 previously treated recurrent PAVMs at a single center with imaging follow-up. PAVM angioarchitecture was classified as either simple (1 feeding artery) or complex (≥ 2 feeding arteries). The mechanism of recurrence was characterized as recanalization (flow through previously placed embolic material) or reperfusion (flow through accessory arteries). For recanalized PAVMs, we compared embolizing proximal to or within the existing embolic (proximal embolization technique) versus embolizing distal to the existing embolic (distal embolization technique). Follow-up imaging was reviewed to determine treatment success, defined as decrease of the draining vein or sac size by at least 70%. Mean patient age was 47.6 years (range 22–72 years), and 61.5% were female. Twenty-four patients (92.3%) had hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia, a disorder associated with PAVM formation. 31/64 (48.4%) PAVMs were simple, and 33/64 (51.6%) PAVMs were complex. Recanalization was the most common pattern of recurrence, occurring in 54/64 (84.4%) PAVMs. Treatment success following repeat embolization was 54.7% at a mean follow-up time of 1.6 years. For recanalized PAVMs, treatment success was significantly more likely with distal embolization technique (14/15, 93.3%) than with proximal embolization technique (19/33, 57.6%) (P = 0.0180). Recurrent PAVMs are difficult to treat, with high rates of recurrence following repeat embolization. Distal embolization technique is more likely to produce durable occlusion than proximal embolization.

To report technical success and clinical outcomes of transfemoral venous access for upper extremity dialysis interventions. A total of 15 patients underwent a transfemoral venous approach for fistulography (n = 4; 27%) or thrombectomy (n = 11; 73%) over a 14-month period. Access characteristics, sheath size, thrombectomy method, angioplasty site, fluoroscopy time, radiation dose, technical and clinical success, complications, and post-intervention primary and secondary patency rates were recorded. Access type included arteriovenous fistulas (n = 10; 67%) and grafts (n = 5; 33%). The most common configuration was brachio-brachial (n = 6; 38%). Mean age of access was 37 months. Mean prior interventions were 4. Right CFV access was used in all patients using 6–8-French (most common: 7-French [n = 10; 67%]) sheaths. Most thrombectomies (n = 11; 73%) required both pharmacologic and mechanical maceration (n = 9; 82%). All accesses required angioplasty to treat underlying stenosis at the outflow vein (n = 12; 80%) or arteriovenous anastomosis (n = 9; 90%). Mean fluoroscopy time was 26.43 min. Air kerma and dose area product were 178.06 ± 225.77 mGy and 57,768.83 ± 87,553.29 μGym2, respectively. Procedural and clinical success rates were 93% and 80%, respectively. Technical failure was due to persistent stenosis in one patient. Clinical failure was due to unsuccessful dialysis immediately following intervention in three patients. Mean post-intervention primary patency and secondary patency durations were 2.8 and 4.8 months, respectively. Primary patency rates at 1 and 3 months were 50% and 35%, respectively. Secondary patency rates at 1 and 3 months were 58% and 30%, respectively. A transfemoral venous approach for intervention of upper extremity dialysis accesses may be a valuable adjunct to traditional approaches.

Author(s): Lee, Edward Wolfgang; Sue, Megan J; Saab, Sammy; DiNorcia, Joseph; McWilliams, Justin P; Kaldas, Fady; Ding, Peng-Xu; Padia, Siddharth A; Agopian, Vatche; Farmer, Douglas; Busuttil, Ronald W | Abstract: IntroductionThe purpose of this study was to investigate the rates of complications and diagnostic yield of transjugular liver biopsy (TJLB) in deceased donor liver transplant (DDLT) recipients.MethodsFrom January 2009 to December 2019, 1,055 TJLBs were performed in 603 adult DDLT recipients with a mean age of 54 (±12 years). Data were retrospectively reviewed to determine the diagnostic efficacy and incidence of major and minor complications in the 3-day and 1-month period after TJLB. In addition, data were stratified according to platelet count and international normalized ratio to determine the safety of TJLB in patients with varying degrees of coagulopathy.ResultsTJLB yielded diagnostic rate of 98.1% (1,035/1,055), with an overall complication rate of 8.3% (88/1,055). Major complications accounted for 0.85% (9/1,055), and minor complications occurred in 7.48% (79/1,055). When patients were stratified by platelet count (0-50, 51-100, 101-200, 201-300, and g300 × 103 platelets/μL), no significant difference was noted in complication rates (9.5%, 8.6%, 7.6%, 8.5%, and 10.7%, respectively). When grouped by international normalized ratio (0-1, 1.1-2.0, 2.1-3.0, and g3.0), there was no statistical difference in complication rates (8.3%, 8.5%, 7.7%, and 0%, respectively).DiscussionTJLB is a safe, adequate, and effective method to investigate hepatic disorders in DDLT recipients with severe coagulopathy.

PURPOSE To compare the performance of a dual-lumen flushable drainage catheter to a conventional catheter for complex fluid collection drainage. METHODS Two prototype catheters (20- and 28-F) were created by incorporating a customized infusion lumen within the wall of a large-bore conventional drainage catheter, which facilitated simultaneous irrigation of the drainage lumen and the targeted collection via inward- and outward-facing infusion side holes. These were tested against unaltered 20- and 28-F conventional catheters to determine if the injection of a dedicated flush lumen improved rapidity and completeness of gravity drainage. In vitro models were created to simulate serous fluid, purulent/exudative fluid, particulate debris, and acute hematoma. RESULTS In the purulent model, mean drainage rate was 19.9 ± 8.0 and 9.5±1.4 mL/min for the 20-F prototype and control (P < .001) and 63.9 ± 4.3 and 35.4 ± 3.4 mL/min for the 28-F prototype and control (P = .006), respectively, with complete drainage achieved in all trials. In the particulate model, mean drainage rate was 24.5 ± 9.7 and 12.0 ± 12.5 mL/min for the 28-F prototype and control (P = .003), respectively, with 69.0% versus 41.1% total drainage achieved over 24 minutes (P = .029). In the hematoma model, mean drainage rate was 22.7 ± 4.6 and 4.8 ± 4.3 mL/min for the 28-F prototype and control (P = .022), respectively, with 80.3% versus 20.1% drainage achieved over 15 minutes (P = .003). Particulate and hematoma 20-F prototypes and conventional trials failed due to immediate occlusion. CONCLUSIONS The proposed dual-lumen drainage catheter with irrigation of a dedicated flush lumen improved evacuation of complex fluid collections in vitro.

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT), a rare autosomal dominant disease mostly caused by mutations in three known genes (ENG, ACVRL1, and SMAD4), is characterized by the development of vascular malformations (VMs). Patients with HHT may present with mucocutaneous telangiectasia, as well as organ arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) of the central nervous system, lungs, and liver. Genotype–phenotype correlations have been well described in adults with HHT. We aimed to investigate genotype–phenotype correlations among pediatric HHT patients. Demographic, clinical, and genetic data were collected and analyzed in 205 children enrolled in the multicenter Brain Vascular Malformation Consortium HHT Project. A chi-square test was used to determine the association between phenotypic presentations and genotype. Among 205 patients (age range: 0–18 years, mean: 11 years), ENG mutation was associated with the presence of pulmonary AVMs (p &lt, 0.001) and brain VM (p &lt, 0.001). The presence of a combined phenotype—defined as both pulmonary AVMs and brain VMs—was also associated with ENG mutation. Gastrointestinal bleeding was rare (4.4%), but was associated with SMAD4 genotype (p &lt, 0.001). We conclude that genotype–phenotype correlations among pediatric HHT patients are similar to those described among adults. Specifically, pediatric patients with ENG mutation have a greater prevalence of pulmonary AVMs, brain VMs, and a combined phenotype.

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT, Osler-Weber-Rendu disease) is a rare multisystem vascular disorder that causes chronic gastrointestinal bleeding, epistaxis, and severe anemia. Bevacizumab, an anti-vascular endothelial growth factor antibody, may be effective to treat bleeding in HHT. This international, multicenter, retrospective study evaluated the use of systemic bevacizumab to treat HHTassociated bleeding and anemia at 12 HHT treatment centers. Hemoglobin, Epistaxis Severity Score (ESS), red cell units transfused, and intravenous iron infusions before and after treatment were evaluated using paired means testing and mixed-effects linear models. Bevacizumab was given to 238 HHT patients for a median of 12 (range, 1-96) months. Compared with pretreatment, bevacizumab increased mean hemoglobin by 3.2 g/dL (95% confidence interval: 2.9-3.5 g/dL); i.e., from a mean hemoglobin of 8.6 (8.5-8.8) g/dL to 11.8 (11.5-12.1) g/dL; P

Overt hepatic encephalopathy (OHE) is a serious complication of liver dysfunction, which is associated with severe morbidity/mortality and healthcare resource utilization. OHE can be medically refractory due to spontaneous portosystemic shunts (SPSSs) and therefore a new treatment option for these SPSSs is critical. This is a retrospective study of 43 patients with medically refractory OHE, who underwent CARTO (Coil-Assisted Retrograde Transvenous Obliteration) procedures between June 2012 and October 2016. The patient demographic characteristics, technical and clinical outcomes with an emphasis on HE improvement, and complications are reviewed and analyzed. The overall clinical success rate was 91% with a significant HE improvement. Eighty-one percent of patients had clinically significant improvement from OHE and 67% of patients had complete resolution of their HE symptoms during our follow-up period of 893 ± 585 days (range 36–1881 days, median 755.0 days). The median WH score improved from 3 (range 2–4) pre-CARTO to 1 (range 0–4) post-CARTO (p

Urinary obstruction secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia is a late manifestation of the disease, and a poor prognostic sign for responding to conservative therapies. Prostatic artery embolization – when performed successfully – can be an effective treatment for reducing obstructive urinary symptoms. Outlined in this report is the successful recanalization of a prostatic artery chronic total occlusion prior to embolization in an 89-year-old man with benign prostatic hyperplasia, who initially presented with urinary obstruction. Prostatic artery recanalization was possible using a specialized crossing technique from peripheral arterial disease interventions, and allowed for more distal embolization of the prostate gland. This technique may be useful when advanced atherosclerotic disease limits the feasibility and clinical success of prostatic artery embolization. Keywords: Prostatic artery embolization, Chronic total occlusion

Purpose The purpose of this study was to characterize the hemodynamics of peripheral artery stent grafts to guide intelligent stent redesign. Materials and methods Two surgically explanted porcine arteries were mounted in an ex vivo system with subsequent deployment of an Xpert self-expanding nitinol stent or Viabahn stent graft. The arteries were casted with radiopaque resin, and the cast then scanned using micro-computed tomography at 8 μm isotropic voxel resolution. The arterial lumen was segmented and a computational mesh grid surface generated. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis was subsequently performed using COMSOL Multiphysics 5.1. Results CFD analysis demonstrated low endothelial shear stress (ESS) involving 9.4 and 63.6% surface area of the central stent graft and bare metal stent, respectively. Recirculation zones were identified adjacent to the bare metal stent struts, while none were identified in the central stent graft. However, the stent graft demonstrated malapposition of the proximal stent graft edge with low velocity flow between the PTFE lining and arterial wall, which was associated with longitudinally and radially oriented recirculation zones and low ESS. Conclusion Computational hemodynamic analysis demonstrates that peripheral artery stent grafts have a superior central hemodynamic profile compared to bare metal stents. Stents grafts, however, suffer from malapposition at the proximal stent edge which is likely a major contributor to edge stenosis.

Introduction Vascular closure devices (VCDs) are commonly used to achieve hemostasis of arterial access sites, but there is little comparative data on the variety of VCDs currently in clinical use. We reviewed the VCD experience at our institution to determine the safest and most effective VCD. Materials and Methods Retrospective analysis of 907 consecutive arterial procedures in interventional radiology from June 2012 to June 2014 was performed. Five VCDs were used: Angio-Seal (n = 478), FISH (n = 56), Mynx (n = 56), Perclose (n = 61), and Starclose (n = 68). Patients who underwent manual compression (n = 188) without use of VCDs were also studied as a comparison group. Patient demographics and pre-procedural laboratory parameters were recorded. The technical success rate for achievement of hemostasis and complication rates were noted. Results Complete hemostasis rate (aka technical success rate) was 93.5% for Angio-Seal, 83.9% for FISH, 53.6% for Mynx, 73.7% for Perclose, 76.5% for Starclose, and 91.5% for manual compression. The differences among the devices were statistically significant (pConclusions In our single-center institutional experience, Angio-Seal is the device with the best technical success rate. Major complications of VCDs were rare, with no statistically significant difference between devices.

In a long-term (10 years) study of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) as bridging therapy in patients listed for orthotopic liver transplantation (LT), we evaluated the impact of RFA on waiting list dropout rate, post-LT tumor recurrence, and long-term intention to treat, disease-specific survival. From March 2004 to October 2014, RFA was performed as the initial stand-alone bridge therapy to LT for 121 patients (male:female = 83:38; mean age, 60.0 years) with 156 de-novo HCCs (mean size: 2.4 cm). Follow-up period from initial RFA ranged from 1.3 to 128.0 months (median: 42.9 months). We assessed the overall and tumor specific waiting list dropout rates, post-LT tumor recurrence, and the 10-year post-LT and intention-to-treat survival rates. Drop out from the waiting list due to tumor progression occurred in 7.4% of patients. HCC recurrence after LT occurred in 5.6% of patients. Post-LT overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) rates at 5 and 10 years were 75.8% and 42.2%, and 71.1% and 39.6% respectively. Intention-to-treat OS, RFS, and disease-specific survival (DSS) rates for the entire study population at 5 and 10 years were 63.5% and 41.2%, 60.8% and 37.7%, and 89.5% and 89.5%, respectively. Conclusion: In the largest and longest intention-to-treat study to date of HCC treated by RFA as first line stand-alone bridge therapy to LT, long term overall and tumor specific survivals were excellent, with low dropout rate from tumor progression despite long wait list times, and sustained low tumor recurrence rate upon follow up post LT up to 10 years. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Prostatic artery embolization (PAE) has an overall good safety profile. Expected side effects are typically related to post-embolic inflammation of the prostate and peri-prostatic tissues. These symptoms are usually self-limited; however, medical treatment can be administered by the interventionalist to increase patient comfort during recovery. Non-target embolization may occur during the procedure and its effects should be recognized. Following the procedure, the interventionalist should be aware of the potential for other complications such as urinary tract infection, urethral obstruction, and radiodermatitis and be able to appropriately manage and triage these complications.

Purpose To characterize the effect of hepatic vessel flow using 4-dimensional (4D) flow magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and correlate their effect on microwave ablation volumes in an in vivo non-cirrhotic porcine liver model. Materials and Methods Microwave ablation antennas were placed under ultrasound guidance in each liver lobe of swine (n = 3 in each animal) for a total of 9 ablations. Pre- and post-ablation 4D flow MR imaging was acquired to quantify flow changes in the hepatic vasculature. Flow measurements, along with encompassed vessel size and vessel-antenna spacing, were then correlated with final ablation volume from segmented MR images. Results The linear regression model demonstrated that the preablation measurement of encompassed hepatic vein size (β = –0.80 ± 0.25, 95% confidence interval [CI] –1.15 to –0.22; P = .02) was significantly correlated to final ablation zone volume. The addition of hepatic vein flow rate found via 4D flow MRI (β = –0.83 ± 0.65, 95% CI –2.50 to 0.84; P = .26), and distance from antenna to hepatic vein (β = 0.26 ± 0.26, 95% CI –0.40 to 0.92; P = .36) improved the model accuracy but not significantly so (multivariate adjusted R2 = 0.70 vs univariate (vessel size) adjusted R2 = 0.63, P = .24). Conclusions Hepatic vein size in an encompassed ablation zone was found to be significantly correlated with final ablation zone volume. Although the univariate 4D flow MR imaging-acquired measurements alone were not found to be statistically significant, its addition to hepatic vein size improved the accuracy of the ablation volume regression model. Pre-ablation 4D flow MR imaging of the liver may assist in prospectively optimizing thermal ablation treatment.

Eight patients with giant prostatic enlargement200 mL and lower urinary tract symptoms who underwent bilateral prostatic artery embolization (PAE) were reviewed. Mean prostate volume decreased from 318.2 mL to 212.2 mL (P.01). At 5-month mean follow-up, International Prostate Symptom Score decreased by 16.7 points (P.05), and urinary quality of life improved by 3.0 points (P .01). Three of 4 catheter-dependent patients no longer needed catheterization after the procedure. No major complications were encountered. Preliminary results suggest PAE is safe and effective in patients with giant prostatic enlargement200 mL.

PURPOSE: To perform a preliminary comparison of the sensitivity and positive predictive value of ferumoxytol-enhanced MR angiography with those of CT angiography for detection of pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Institutional review board approval and informed patient consent were obtained. Ten patients with pulmonary AVMs who had undergone CT of the chest within 12 months underwent MRI of the chest and abdomen with ferumoxytol at 3.0 T at a dose of 4 mg per kilogram of body weight. Consensus review of MR and CT images assessed the presence and characteristics of pulmonary AVMs, image quality, vessel visibility, and artifact grade. RESULTS: Forty-three AVMs were detected, 13 native and 30 recanalized. Twenty-one AVMs had a feeding artery diameter of greater than 2 mm, of which detection occurred in 19 (at MRI and CT), in two (at MRI only), and zero (at CT only). Twenty-two AVMs had a feeding artery diameter of less than or equal to 2 mm, of which detection occurred in 16 (at MRI and CT), six (at CT only), and zero (at MRI only). For the entire cohort, the sensitivity of ferumoxytol-enhanced MRI using CT as the reference standard was 85.4% (35 of 41), and the positive predictive value was 100% (35 of 35). No significant difference was found between CT and MRI in AVM size, feeding artery and draining vein diameter, and artifact score (P >.05 for all). CONCLUSION: Initial results suggest that ferumoxytol-enhanced MRI is a feasible alternative to CT for detection of pulmonary AVM in HHT, while avoiding repeated exposure to radiation, nephrotoxic contrast material, or gadolinium-based contrast agent. © RSNA, 2020

Transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) is commonly used to control hemorrhage after pelvic trauma. Despite the procedures reported safety, there can be severe complications, mostly related to ischemia of embolized tissues. Our purpose was to examine the complications of trauma patients resulting from the embolization techniques utilized at our level 1 trauma center. A retrospective chart review was conducted. One hundred and seven patients who underwent pelvic embolization between January 2003 and December 2013 were included. Patient demographics, ISS, angiography techniques, and major complications including gluteal and skin necrosis, wound breakdown, and deep infection were compared. Nine patients (8.4 %) developed major complications after undergoing TAE. This rate dropped to 5.1 % after exclusion of patients with Morel-Lavallee lesions. Nonselective embolization trended toward a higher complication rate compared to superselective embolization. Patients who developed complications were more likely to have undergone pelvic surgery. The majority of patients who developed complications had nonselective TAE. Morel-Lavallee lesions are a confounding factor, but TAE may impose an additional risk. Pelvic surgery after TAE may further predispose patients to complications. We recommend superselective embolization as first-line treatment and caution the use of prophylactic embolization, especially in patients with substantial pelvic soft tissue injuries.