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Purpose The aim of this study was to clarify the frequency of thoracic recurrence and identify associated pathological features in postoperative patients with borderline or malignant ovarian epithelial tumors (BMOT) in stage I versus higher stages. Materials and methods A total of 368 consecutive patients with a single primary BMOT were treated at our hospital. This study included the 217 patients with no residual disease on the first CT after standard treatment. The timing and pattern of recurrence on follow-up CT images with a scan range from chest to pelvis were evaluated retrospectively. Patient characteristics, tumor histology, and stage were recorded from electronic medical records. Results After a median follow-up period of 48 months, recurrence was detected by CT in 9 patients in stage I (n = 159) and 15 in stage II/III (n = 58) (p = 0.0001). Thoracic recurrence was detected in four patients in stage I and four in stage II/III (p = 0.15). Abdominal recurrence was identified as a factor associated with thoracic recurrence (P p = 0.38), median abdominal recurrence-free interval (18 vs 16 months; p = 0.55) and thoracic recurrence-free interval (16.5 vs 23 months; p = 0.89) did not differ significantly between stage I and stage II/III. Conclusion The frequency and timing of thoracic recurrence did not differ significantly in postoperative patients with BMOT in stage I versus stage II/III. Abdominal recurrence and a histological type of clear cell carcinoma were most often associated with thoracic recurrence in stage I.

Background Surgeons sometimes have difficulty determining which result to favor when preoperative results (MRI + preoperative endometrial biopsy [pre-op EB]) differ from intraoperative frozen section histology (FS) results. Investigation of how FS can complement ordinary preoperative examinations like MRI and pre-op EB in identification of patients at high risk of lymph node metastasis (high-risk patients) could provide clarity on this issue. Therefore, the aim of this study is to assess the utility of pre-op EB, MRI and FS results and determine how to combine these results in identification of high-risk patients. Methods The subjects were 172 patients with endometrial cancer. Patients with a histological high-grade tumor (HGT), namely, grade 3 endometrioid cancer, clear cell carcinoma or serous cell carcinoma, or with any type of cancer invading at least half of the uterine myometrium were considered high-risk. Tumors invading at least half of the uterine myometrium were classified as high-stage tumors (HST). We compared (a) detection of HGT using pre-op EB versus FS, (b) detection of HST using MRI versus FS, and (c) identification of high-risk patients using MRI + pre-op EB versus FS. Lastly, we determined to what degree addition of FS results improves identification of high-risk patients by routine MRI + pre-op EB. Results (a) Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for detecting HGT were 59.6, 98.4 and 87.8% for pre-op EB versus 55.3, 99.2 and 87.2% for FS (P = 0.44). (b) These figures for detecting HST were 74.4, 83.0 and 80.8% for MRI versus 46.5, 99.2 and 86.0% for FS (P < 0.001). (c) These figures for identifying high-risk patients were 78.3, 85.4 and 82.6% for MRI + pre-op EB versus 55.1, 99.0 and 81.2% for FS (P < 0.001). The high specificity of FS improved the sensitivity of MRI + pre-op EB from 78.3 to 81.2%, but this difference was not statistically significant (P < 0.16). Conclusion Frozen section enables identification of high-risk patients with nearly 100% specificity. This advantage can be used to improve sensitivity for identification of high-risk patients by routine MRI + pre-op EB, although this improvement is not statistically significant.

Purpose To investigate and compare venous sac and feeding artery embolization (VFE) with feeding artery embolization (FAE) alone for treatment of pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs), based on difference in outcomes in decrease of the size of the draining vein. Materials and Methods Twenty-six patients (7 male and 19 female; median age [interquartile range], 58 years [46–65 years]) with 42 simple PAVMs treated with coil embolization between August 2005 and December 2018 were retrospectively evaluated. Twenty PAVMs were treated with FAE early in the study period and compared with 22 PAVMs treated with VFE later in the study period. Follow-up computed tomography images obtained 8–20 months after embolotherapy were used for outcome analysis. Data related to patient demographics; follow-up period; baseline diameters of the feeding artery, venous sac, and draining vein; draining vein diameter after treatment; and decrease in the size of the draining vein, including the number reaching a threshold of 70% decrease, were compared between the 2 groups. Results The draining vein decreased in size by a median of 46.4% in the FAE group and 66.3% in the VFE group, and the difference between the 2 groups was statistically significant (P = .009). There were no significant differences in the other parameters. Conclusions VFE leads to a greater decrease in the size of the draining vein than FAE, suggesting that VFE results in more complete occlusion than FAE for treatment of PAVMs.

Background Although most patients with Rathke's cleft cysts (RCCs) remain asymptomatic throughout their lives, visual impairment in RCCs usually indicates surgical interventions, including endoscopic drainage of the cyst. We report a case of RCC with unique findings in the optic nerve root (ONR) by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Case Description A 58-year-old man admitted to our hospital complained of progressive left visual impairment. Preoperative computed tomography MRI revealed a suprasellar cystic lesion that extended anteriorly, and the bilateral ONRs were lateralized with the cyst and were partially enhanced with gadolinium administration. The cyst content was drained, and the cyst wall was partially removed by endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery. Postoperatively, the patient was administered corticosteroid intravenously for 3 days, and his visual acuity improved dramatically. Postoperative MRI revealed that the volume of the cyst decreased, and the position of the bilateral ONRs normalized. Additionally, enhancement of the ONRs with gadolinium administration was not observed. Histological examination of the surgical specimen revealed a ciliated single-layer columnar epithelium with inflammatory cell infiltration. Conclusions To our knowledge, we report the first case of a patient with RCC with ONR enhancement with gadolinium administration on MRI. This unique finding might prove that inflammation is one of the causes of visual impairment in RCC as in optic neuritis.

To compare the efficacy and safety between epirubicin-loaded DC Beads (DCB-TACE) and conventional TACE (cTACE) used in transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).This retrospective study enrolled 64 patients (mean age, 73.3 years; 44 men, 20 women) who underwent initial DCB-TACE between 2014 and 2015, and 66 patients (mean age, 71.3 years; 38 men, 28 women) who underwent initial cTACE between 2011 and 2013 as historical controls. Treatment effects on the target lesions at 3 months after TACE, the period until re-treatment of the target lesion, and adverse events after TACE were compared between the groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses were also performed to estimate the factors influencing the treatment effects.Based on the Response Evaluation Criteria in Cancer of the Liver version 2015, treatment response of the target lesions equivalent to a complete response and termed as TE4, was 51.0% (53/104) in the DCB-TACE group and 74.4% (64/86) in the cTACE group (p0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that the TACE procedure, Child-Pugh score, serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) level, alpha fetoprotein level, and tumor size were independent significant predictors of TE4. The frequencies of elevated serum AST and alanine transaminase levels after TACE were significantly lower in patients in the DCB-TACE group (p0.001 each). No significant difference in biliary/liver damage was evident between the groups.The local efficacy of cTACE was higher than that of DCB-TACE. Adverse events were milder after DCB-TACE than after cTACE.

Background The aim of this study was to establish the appropriate use of CT in combination with tumor marker and medical examination findings in the follow-up of postoperative patients with ovarian cancer based on the recurrence pattern in CT imaging and clinical findings. Methods The subjects were 194 consecutive patients with primary ovarian cancer treated at our hospital between 2014 and 2019. Recurrence patterns on chest and abdominopelvic CT images obtained for routine postoperative follow-up were evaluated retrospectively to optimize scan range. Medical records were reviewed to determine whether clinical signs and symptoms (patient-reported symptoms and transvaginal ultrasound findings) and tumor markers levels can be sufficiently reliable indicators of recurrence. Results A total of 890 CT examinations were performed for the 194 patients. Data from the 146 patients with no residual disease at the first CT after standard treatment were analyzed. Recurrence was detected by CT in 15 patients: abdominopelvic recurrence alone in 12 patients, and concurrent chest and abdominopelvic recurrence in 3 patients (2.1%). Abdominopelvic recurrence preceded chest recurrence in all cases. At the time of CT-based recurrence, 13 patients (87%) had medical examination findings and/or elevated tumor markers, while the remaining 2 patients had neither. Conclusions Regular medical examination and tumor markers were useful for detecting recurrence, but overlooked 13% of patients with recurrence. This indicates that routine abdominopelvic CT is essential for follow-up. However, routine chest CT may not be beneficial unless abdominopelvic recurrence is seen.

Ganglioneuroma, which arise from neural crest cells, typically occurs in adolescents and young adults. Most ganglioneuromas are clinically asymptomatic and hormonally silent, therefore may be diagnosed incidentally during imaging studies. Ganglioneuroma containing fat (lipomatous ganglioneuroma) is a rare variant of ganglioneuroma that is histologically characterized by a mature adipocytic component admixed with a conventional ganglioneuroma. Herein, we report the case of adrenal lipomatous ganglioneuroma with elevated urinary catecholamine level.

The objective was to prepare guidelines to perform the current optimum treatment by organizing effective and efficient treatments of hemangiomas and vascular malformations, confirming the safety, and systematizing treatment, employing evidence-based medicine (EBM) techniques and aimed at improvement of the outcomes. Clinical questions (CQs) were decided based on the important clinical issues. For document retrieval, key words for literature searches were set for each CQ and literature published from 1980 to the end of September 2014 was searched in Pubmed, Cochrane Library, and Japana Centra Revuo Medicina (JCRM). The strengths of evidence and recommendations acquired by systematic reviews were determined following the Medical Information Network Distribution System (MINDS) technique. A total of 33 CQs were used to compile recommendations and the subjects included efficacy of resection, sclerotherapy/embolization, drug therapy, laser therapy, radiotherapy, and other conservative treatment, differences in appropriate treatment due to the location of lesions and among symptoms, appropriate timing of treatment and tests, and pathological diagnosis deciding the diagnosis. Thus, the Japanese Clinical Practice Guidelines for Vascular Anomalies 2017 have been prepared as the evidence-based guidelines for the management of vascular anomalies.

Background Retained products of conception (RPOC) with hemorrhage need intervention when RPOC persist and remain symptomatic. The safety and efficacy of uterine artery embolization (UAE) for RPOC using gelatin sponge (GS) alone, and fertility after UAE for RPOC remain unknown. The purpose of this study is to retrospectively investigate the efficacy of UAE for RPOC with bleeding and future pregnancy outcomes. Methods Between 2007 and 2016, 14 patients (mean age, 33 years old) diagnosed as RPOC with bleeding received UAE using GS at our institution. Pregnancy outcomes were vaginal delivery (n = 7), miscarriage (n = 4), and termination (n = 3). Four patients received dilation and curettage/evacuation (D&C/E) for treatment of RPOC before bleeding occurred. The mean time interval from the end of pregnancy to bleeding was 28 days. Technical success, clinical success, complications, angiographic features and fertility after UAE were retrospectively assessed. Results Technical success was achieved in 13 patients (93%) and clinical success was achieved in all 14 patients. No major complications occurred. The angiographic features of RPOC were tortuous feeders with flow into a focal blush of contrast (n = 14). Additional findings were pseudoaneurysm (n = 6), early venous return (n = 4), and extravasation (n = 2). Pseudoaneurysm was observed significantly more often in patients who received D&C/E before UAE compared to those who received conservative treatment alone (P = 0.015). The mean follow-up period was 29 months. Six patients achieved six pregnancies an average of 29 months after UAE. Conclusion UAE using GS may be an effective and safe treatment for RPOC with hemorrhage that can preserve fertility.

Purpose To evaluate whether reduced field-of-view (rFOV) DWI sequence improves the differentiation between non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) and muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) using VI-RADS. Material and methods Eighty-nine patients underwent bladder MRI with full field-of-view (fFOV) DWI and rFOV DWI sequence. Images were independently evaluated by 2 radiologists. The sensitivities, specificities, accuracies, and areas under the curve (AUCs) for the differentiation between NMIBC and MIBC with fFOV DWI and with rFOV DWI sequence were calculated using VI-RADS. Apparent diffusion coefficients (ADC) values were measured for each patient and averaged. Results The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and AUC by reader 1 were 92%, 78%, 82% and 0.905 with fFOV DWI, and 92%, 86%, 88% and 0.916 with rFOV DWI sequence, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and AUC by reader 2 were 96%, 76%, 82% and 0.900 with conventional DWI, and 96%, 81%, 85% and 0.907 with rFOV DWI sequence, respectively. The specificity and accuracy of reader 1 were significantly better with rFOV DWI sequence than with fFOV DWI, in contrast there was no significant difference for the others. The average of ADC values of fFOV DWI and rFOV DWI sequence were 1.004×10−6 mm2/s and 1.003×10−6 mm2/s, respectively. Conclusion The diagnostic ability of rFOV DWI sequence may be better than that of fFOV DWI using VI-RADS for the differentiation between NMIBC and MIBC regardless of image-reading experience, it is controversial.

Background: The aim of this study was to optimize the scan range and timing in postoperative CT imaging follow-up for ovarian cancer (OC) patients based on the recurrence pattern in CT imaging and clinical findings. Methods: The subjects were 194 consecutive patients with primary OC treated at our hospital between 2014 and 2019. Recurrence patterns on chest and abdominopelvic CT images obtained for routine postoperative follow-up were evaluated retrospectively to optimize scan range. Medical records were reviewed to determine whether clinical signs and symptoms (patient-reported symptoms and transvaginal ultrasound findings) and tumor markers levels can be sufficiently reliable indicators of recurrence to optimize timing. Results: A total of 890 CT examinations were performed for the 194 patients. Data from the 146 patients with no residual disease at the first CT after standard treatment were analyzed. Recurrence was detected by CT in 15 patients: abdominopelvic recurrence alone in 12 patients, and concurrent chest and abdominopelvic recurrence in 3 patients (2.1%). Abdominopelvic recurrence preceded chest recurrence in all cases. At the time of CT-based recurrence, 13 patients (87%) had medical examination findings and/or elevated tumor markers, while the remaining 2 patients had neither. Conclusions: Regular medical examination and tumor markers were useful for detecting recurrence, but overlooked 13% of patients with recurrence. This indicates that routine abdominopelvic CT is essential for follow-up. However, routine chest CT may not be necessary unless abdominopelvic recurrence is detected first.

Background: The sphenoid sinus (SS) is located close to vital structures, such as the pituitary gland, and it has significant clinical relevance. This study aimed to clarify the growth pattern of the SS in Japanese children using three-dimensional computed tomography (CT). Methods: Seventy-eight participants with congenital, acquired, or external auditory canal cholesteatoma were recruited and underwent CT more than twice during their treatment. Using the volume-rendered images, the size and volume of the SS were measured. Furthermore, on the scout image, the morphological measurements of the cranial base were determined. Results: The size and volume of the SS increased with age, and peaked at the mean age of 15 years. For males, the volume of the SS was smaller than that of females aged

To evaluate whether pancreatic magnetic resonance imaging-proton density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF) correlates with histological pancreatic fat fraction and its possible usefulness as a biomarker of pancreatic cancer compared with pancreatic index (PI) using computed tomography (CT number of the pancreas divided by that of the spleen).We included 55 consecutive patients (24 with pancreatic cancer and 31 controls; median age, 72 years) who preoperatively underwent MRI-PDFF using IDEAL-IQ and unenhanced CT and did not receive preoperative therapy. Histologic pancreatic fat fraction was measured in non-tumorous pancreatic tissues at the resection stump. A board-certified radiologist evaluated MRI-PDFF and PI. Correlations were evaluated among MRI-PDFF, PI, and histologic pancreatic fat fraction; the usefulness of MRI-PDFF as a predictor of pancreatic cancer was assessed.Histologic pancreatic fat fraction significantly correlated with MRI-PDFF and PI (r = 0.802 and -0.534, respectively; P 0.01). The absolute correlation coefficient was significantly higher for MRI-PDFF than for PI (P 0.01). Compared with the control group, the pancreatic cancer group had higher MRI-PDFF and histologic pancreatic fat fraction (P 0.01) but lower PI (P 0.01). In multivariate analysis, MRI-PDFF was found to be the sole independent risk factor for pancreatic cancer (odds ratio: 1.19; P 0.01).Pancreatic fat, which was associated with pancreatic cancer, could be quantified by MRI-PDFF measurement; therefore, MRI-PDFF should be considered as a promising and superior imaging biomarker for estimating the probability of pancreatic cancer than PI.

A 60-year-old woman presented with multiple lung and bone metastases with unknown primary cancer. Chest CT images showed multiple pulmonary cysts, predominantly of the middle and lower lobes. She also had a history of pneumothorax. Four years after chemotherapy and radiation therapy, multiple hypervascular tumors eventually developed in the bilateral kidneys, suggesting the possibility of Birt-Hogg-Dube (BHD) syndrome. Genetic testing revealed a folliculin mutation, which confirmed the diagnosis of BHD syndrome. When we encounter cancer of unknown primary with multiple pulmonary cysts in a patient with a history of pneumothorax, thorough imaging of the kidneys and genetic testing for BHD syndrome is necessary.

Background Transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) has been widely performed for renal angiomyolipomas (AMLs) as prophylaxis or emergency treatment. On the other hand, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors have recently been used for tuberous sclerosis (TSC)-related AMLs, and no comparison between the effectiveness of mTOR inhibitors versus prophylactic selective TAE has yet been performed. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of TAE for AML tumor volume reduction and predictors of tumor volume decrease over 50%, with reference to the EXIST-2 trial. Methods A total of 44 patients who underwent 48 prophylactic embolization procedures for 50 AMLs in a single institution between 2004 and 2018 were included. Indications for TAE of AMLs were tumor size ≥4 cm or aneurysm ≥5 mm in diameter on contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT). Microspheres, ethanol, and micro-coils were used as embolic agents. The percentage volume reduction from before TAE to the minimum volume during follow-up after TAE was calculated, and predictors for 50% volume reduction were identified by univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression analyses. Results The technical success rate was 100% (50 of 50). No severe acute complications related to the procedure were encountered. Tumor volume reduction of ≥50% was observed in 35/50 AMLs. There was a significant difference in the rate of tumor volume reduction of 50% between the presence and absence of an aneurysm ≥5 mm and between tumor diameter ≥ 70 mm and Conclusion Prophylactic selective TAE for AMLs has good tumor-reduction effects, especially for AMLs with tumor diameter

This study aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of computed tomography (CT) and time-resolved magnetic resonance angiography (TR-MRA) for patency after coil embolization of pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs) and identify factors affecting patency. Data from the records of 205 patients with 378 untreated PAVMs were retrospectively analyzed. Differences in proportional reduction of the sac or draining vein on CT between occluded and patent PAVMs were examined, and receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed to assess the accuracy of CT using digital subtraction angiography (DSA) as the definitive diagnostic modality. The accuracy of TR-MRA was also assessed in comparison to DSA. Potential factors affecting patency, including sex, age, number of PAVMs, location of PAVMs, type of PAVM, and location of embolization, were evaluated. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy of CT were 82%, 81%, 77%, 85%, and 82%, respectively, when the reduction rate threshold was set to 55%, which led to the highest diagnostic accuracy. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy of TR-MRA were 89%, 95%, 89%, 95%, and 93%, respectively. On both univariable and multivariable analyses, embolization of the distal position to the last normal branch of the pulmonary artery was a factor that significantly affected the prevention of patency. TR-MRA appears to be an appropriate method for follow-up examinations due to its high accuracy for the diagnosis of patency after coil embolization of PAVMs. The location of embolization is a factor affecting patency. • Diagnosis of patency after coil embolization for pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs) is important because a patent PAVM can lead to neurologic complications. • The diagnostic accuracies of CT with a cutoff value of 55% and TR-MRA were 82% and 93%, respectively. • The positioning of the coils relative to the sac and the last normal branch of the artery was significant for preventing PAVM patency.

The imaging features of borderline Brenner tumor (BT) of the ovary are very limited, especially regarding apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET)/CT. We report a case of borderline BT in a 54-year-old woman with diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and FDG-PET/CT findings. Furthermore, ADC values and maximum standardized uptake value (SUV max) in the present case were compared with those of an additional 7 cases of benign BT in this institution in addition to literature reviews. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a pelvic unilocular cystic tumor with two solid components. The solid mass showing a low signal intensity (SI) in T2-weighted images (T2WI) and DWI was diagnosed as a benign BT histologically. The papillary tumor adjacent to the solid mass showing intermediate SI in T2WIs and high SI on DWI was a borderline BT. The mean ADC value (×10-3 mm2/s) of benign BTs (n=7) and benign component in this case (n=1) was 1.13, and the range of ADC values was broad (0.51–1.8). While, the ADC value of borderline Brenner component in this case was 1.10. The mean SUVmax of the benign BTs (n=4) demonstrated mild FDG uptakes (2.3, range 1.9–2.6) in contrast with moderate FDG uptake (SUVmax: 5.8) of borderline Brenner component in this case and high FDG uptake (SUVmax: 9.6) of a malignant BT in a previous report. ADC values for the solid component of BTs are not useful for differentiating benign from malignant or borderline components, whereas PET/CT could be useful.

Background Magnetic compression anastomosis (MCA) is a minimally invasive method of anastomosis that does not involve a surgical procedure in patients with stricture, obstruction, or dehiscence of anastomosis after surgery. We experienced a case of complete dehiscence of bilioenteric anastomosis that was successfully treated by MCA. Case presentation A 55-year-old woman received ABO-incompatible right-lobe living-donor liver transplantation with hepaticojejunostomy for the right anterior duct (RAD) and right posterior duct (RPD). Nineteen days after the operation, bilious and bloody discharge was detected from the abdominal drain. We performed an emergency operation and found that the anastomosis was completely dehiscent. We placed bile drainage catheters into the stumps of the RAD and RPD. She repeatedly experienced cholangitis after the surgery, so we added percutaneous transhepatic cholangial drainage (PTCD) tubes. We decided to treat the complete dehiscence of anastomosis by MCA. One year after the liver transplantation, we performed MCA for the RAD. The bilioenteric fistula was completed 21 days after MCA, and the magnets were retrieved by double-balloon endoscopy. Two months later, MCA for the RPD was also performed by the same procedure. The bilioenteric fistula was not completely established, so we performed double-balloon endoscopy and pulled the magnets down 47 days after MCA for the RAD. The internal/external bile drainage tubes were then left in place to maintain the bilioenteric fistula. Twelve months after MCA for the RAD and 19 months after MCA for the RPD, we removed the tubes without any complications. Conclusion Magnetic compression anastomosis for stricture, obstruction, or dehiscence of the anastomosis after living-donor liver transplantation was an effective and safe procedure.

A steerable microcatheter provided with a mechanism on the handle for changing the direction of the catheter tip was developed by Sumitomo Bakelite and evaluated in a clinical trial before introduction into clinical use.The steerable microcatheter has a 2.4F/2.9-F external diameter (distal/proximal portion) and a 0.021-inch internal diameter with a dial on the proximal portion for moving the tip. In patients scheduled to undergo selective transarterial procedures, selective arteriography of target arterial branches chosen by the evaluator was performed using the steerable microcatheter during the procedure. Efficacy was evaluated based on operability (technical success, procedure time, use of guidewire, usefulness of tip mobility), and safety was evaluated based on defects and adverse events.Between September 2013 and October 2013, 20 patients were enrolled at four institutions. The success rate for guidewireless insertion of the steerable microcatheter into the target vessels was 96.7%, and operability was judged as good in all 20 patients. Poor tip movement was identified as a defect of the steerable microcatheter in one patient. There were no adverse events associated with the use of the steerable microcatheter.This trial confirmed that the steerable microcatheter had the utility required for medical device approval. Thereafter, it obtained marketing approval.

Objective To present the efficacy of Japanese-traditional medicine (Kampo) for a case with vascular malformation. Methods A case study and literature review. Patient A 62-year-old female presented with dysphagia and spitting blood. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy showed a longitudinal lobulated and septated mass in the posterior pharynx. On MR imaging, the mass showed hyperintensity on T2-weighted images and heterogeneous enhancement on Gadlinium-enhanced T1-weighted images, suggestive of a low-flow vascular malformation. Intervention According to the Kampo diagnosis, kamisyouyousan and ninjinyoueito were prescribed to this patient. The effect of Kampo medicine was evaluated with improvement of her symptoms and volumetry of MRI findings. Result The longitudinal pharyngeal mass was markedly decreased and her symptoms disappeared after 2 years of Kampo administration. Conclusions Kampo medicine can be a novel alternative therapy for VM.

Lymphatic malformations (LMs) are congenital malformations of the lymphatic system that cause considerable cosmetic and functional complications. In this study, we present 8 children with LM who were treated with the Kampo medicine eppikajutsuto (EKJT). Between 2001 and 2020, 8 children (male: 4, female: 4) with LMs who underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluation both before and after treatment or observation were selected for investigating the effect of EKJT. Two patients were observed without any treatment for 24 and 60 months. EKJT was evaluated based on percentage reduction, defined as the percentage of total lesions that decreased in size, confirmed by radiological examination after initiating treatment with EKJT or determined by observation alone. Volumetric analysis of LMs on MRI was performed using the Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine viewer. Six patients were treated with EKJT. The mean observational period was 13.2 months (range: 6–24 months). The mean reduction in LM volume on MRI was 73.0% in treated patients and –66.3% in observed patients. Two of the 6 lesions exhibited complete reduction, 2 exhibited marked (>90%) reduction, 1 exhibited moderate reduction, and 1 exhibited a small response. The treatment was well-tolerated, with no severe adverse events. This preliminary study demonstrated the beneficial effects of EKJT. Prospective evaluations of this promising therapeutic modality are warranted based on the results of this study.

Sumitomo Bakelite has developed a steerable microcatheter with a mechanism on the handle for changing the direction of the catheter tip. Experiments were conducted in an animal model to evaluate the practicality of the catheter with the goal of introduction into clinical use. The steerable microcatheter has the following specifications: external diameter 2.4F/2.9F (distal/proximal portion); internal diameter 0.021 inches; effective length 125 cm; and it is fitted with a dial on the proximal portion for moving the tip. Five interventional radiologists evaluated the microcatheter in animal experiments using piglets. The test catheter was compared with commercial straight microcatheters based on procedure time required to insert the catheter into two prescribed patterns of arterial branching (P-1: hepatic artery, P-2: iliac artery), fluoroscopy time, amount of contrast agent used, and frequency of guidewire use. Furthermore, the renal arteries into which each catheter was inserted were excised and examined for the extent of vascular damage. Compared to the commercial products, the steerable microcatheter used without a guidewire required shorter procedure time (43.0/75.2% reductions in P-1/P-2), fluoroscopy time tended to be shorter (5.1/74.1% reductions), and the amount of contrast agent used tended to be lower (38.2/52.3% reductions). No damage was seen to the luminal surface of the renal arteries traversed by either microcatheter. During the experiment, there were no problems or defects with either microcatheter while intravascular procedure. These animal experiments confirmed that the steerable microcatheter had the functionality required for its development as a commercial medical device.

Purpose To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of hydrogel-coated coils for vessel occlusion in the body trunk. Materials and Methods A total of 77 patients with various peripheral vascular lesions, treatable by embolization with coils, were randomized (hydrogel group, n = 38; nonhydrogel group, n = 39). In the hydrogel group, embolization of the target vessel was conducted using 0.018-inch hydrogel-coated coils (AZUR 18; Terumo Medical Corporation, Tokyo, Japan) with or without bare platinum coils. The nonhydrogel group received both bare platinum coils and fibered coils without the use of hydrogel-coated coils. Results Complete target vessel occlusion was accomplished in 36 patients in the hydrogel group and 37 patients in the nonhydrogel group. No major adverse events were observed in either group. The median number of coils/vessel diameter and the median total coil length/vessel diameter were significantly larger in the nonhydrogel group than in the hydrogel group (P = .005 and P = .004, respectively). The median embolization length was significantly longer in the nonhydrogel group (31.95 mm) than in the hydrogel group (23.43 mm) (P = .002). If no expansion was assumed, the median packing density in the hydrogel group was 44.9%, which was similar to that in the nonhydrogel group (46.5%) (P = .79). With full expansion assumed, the median packing density in the hydrogel group was 125.7%. Conclusions Hydrogel-coated coils can be safely used for peripheral vascular coil embolization, and hydrogel-coated and conventional coils in combination allow for a shorter embolization segment and shorter coil length.

To evaluate the diagnostic value of dual-phase cone beam CT during hepatic arteriography (CBCTHA) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Thirty seven patients with unresectable HCC underwent the dual-phase CBCTHA prior to transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). Three blinded observers independently reviewed and compared the first phase CBCTHA images alone and the dual phase CBCTHA images. Diagnostic accuracy was evaluated by the alternative free-response receiver operating characteristic method (Area under the curve: Az value). Sensitivities were analyzed with the paired t test. The analysis was performed for overall HCCs, HCCs up to 1 cm and those larger than 1 cm.For all HCCs and HCCs up to 1 cm, Az value and sensitivity showed no significant difference between the first-phase CBCTHA alone and the dual-phase CBCTHA (Az: 0.81 vs 0.88, P = .07, 0.79 and 0.85, P = .14, sensitivity: 0.61 and 0.73, P = .11, 0.41 and 0.52, P = .33, respectively). For HCCs larger than 1 cm, the mean Az value and sensitivity for the dual-phase CBCTHA were significantly higher than those for the first phase CBCTHA alone (Az: 0.96 vs 0.92, P = .008, sensitivity: 0.85 vs 0.75, P = .013, respectively).The diagnostic accuracy of the dual-phase CBCTHA was superior to that of the first phase CBCTHA alone in the diagnosis of HCC larger than 1 cm.