Search

Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest None declared.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between prophylactic inferior vena cava filter (IVCF) implantation and in-hospital deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), and mortality among adults with intracranial, pelvic or lower extremity, and spinal cord injuries., Methods: Patients 18 years and older with severe intracranial, pelvic or lower extremity, or spinal cord injuries captured by the Trauma Quality Improvement Program (2010-2019) were identified. IVCFs implanted ≤72 hours after hospital presentation and before performance of lower extremity ultrasonography were defined as prophylactic. Patients were stratified by pharmacologic venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis status. Logistic regression models estimated prophylactic inferior vena cava (IVC) filtration's effect on selected outcomes and identified attributes associated with prophylactic IVCF implantation., Results: Of 544,739 included patients, 1.3% (n = 7,247) underwent prophylactic IVCF implantation. Among patients who received pharmacologic VTE prophylaxis, prophylactic IVC filtration compared with expectant management was positively associated with DVT (odds ratio [OR], 4.30; P < .001) and PE (OR, 4.30; P < .001) but not associated with mortality (OR, 0.92; P = .43). Among patients who received no pharmacologic prophylaxis, prophylactic IVC filtration was positively associated with DVT (OR, 4.63; P < .001) and PE (OR, 5.02; P < .001) but negatively associated with mortality (OR, 0.43; P < .001)., Conclusions: Prophylactic IVC filtration was associated with increased likelihood of VTE among all adults with severe intracranial, pelvic or lower extremity, and spinal cord injuries. In patients who received no pharmacologic VTE prophylaxis, prophylactic IVC filtration was associated with decreased likelihood of in-hospital mortality., (Copyright © 2023 American College of Radiology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Liver transplantation continues to rapidly evolve, and in 2020, 8906 orthotopic liver transplants were performed in the United States. As a technically complex surgery with multiple vascular anastomoses, stenosis and thrombosis of the venous anastomoses are among the recognized vascular complications. While rare, venous complications may be challenging to manage and can threaten the graft and the patient. In the last 20 years, endovascular approaches have been increasingly utilized to treat post-transplant venous complications. Herein, the evaluation and interventional treatment of post-transplant venous outflow complications, portal vein stenosis, portal vein thrombosis, and recurrent portal hypertension with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) are reviewed., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Acute onset of a cold, painful leg, also known as acute limb ischemia, describes the sudden loss of perfusion to the lower extremity and carries significant risk of morbidity and mortality. Acute limb ischemia requires rapid identification and the management of suspected vascular compromise and is inherently driven by clinical considerations. The objectives of initial imaging include confirmation of diagnosis, identifying the location and extent of vascular occlusion, and preprocedural/presurgical planning. 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 process support the systematic analysis of the medical literature from peer reviewed journals. Established methodology principles such as Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE are adapted to evaluate the evidence. The RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method User Manual provides the methodology to determine the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where peer reviewed literature is lacking or equivocal, experts may be the primary evidentiary source available to formulate a recommendation., (Copyright © 2023 American College of Radiology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is defined as abnormal dilation of the infrarenal abdominal aortic diameter to 3.0 cm or greater. The natural history of AAA consists of progressive expansion and potential rupture. Although most AAAs are clinically silent, a pulsatile abdominal mass identified on physical examination may indicate the presence of an AAA. When an AAA is suspected, an imaging study is essential to confirm the diagnosis. This document reviews the relative appropriateness of various imaging procedures for the initial evaluation of suspected AAA. 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 process support the systematic analysis of the medical literature from peer reviewed journals. Established methodology principles such as Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE are adapted to evaluate the evidence. The RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method User Manual provides the methodology to determine the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where peer reviewed literature is lacking or equivocal, experts may be the primary evidentiary source available to formulate a recommendation., (Copyright © 2023 American College of Radiology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Lower extremity venous insufficiency is a chronic medical condition resulting from primary valvular incompetence or, less commonly, prior deep venous thrombosis or extrinsic venous obstruction. Lower extremity chronic venous disease has a high prevalence with a related socioeconomic burden. In the United States, over 11 million males and 22 million females 40 to 80 years of age have varicose veins, with over 2 million adults having advanced chronic venous disease. The high cost to the health care system is related to the recurrent nature of venous ulcerative disease, with total treatment costs estimated >$2.5 billion per year in the United States, with at least 20,556 individuals with newly diagnosed venous ulcers yearly. Various diagnostic and treatment strategies are in place for lower extremity chronic venous disease and are discussed in this document. 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., (Copyright © 2023 American College of Radiology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of management strategies for blunt liver injuries in adult patients., Materials and Methods: Patients aged ≥18 years with blunt liver injuries registered via the Trauma Quality Improvement Program (2007-2019) were identified. Management strategies initiated within 24 hours of hospital presentation were classified as nonoperative management (NOM), embolization, surgery, or combination therapy. Patients were stratified by injury grade. Linear models estimated each strategy's effect on hospital length of stay (LOS), intensive care unit (ICU) LOS, ventilator dependence, and mortality., Results: Of 78,127 included patients, 88.7%, 8.7%, 1.8%, and 0.8% underwent NOM, surgery, embolization, and combination therapy, respectively. Among patients with low-grade (n = 62,237) and high-grade (n = 15,890) injuries and compared with all other management strategies, NOM was associated with the shortest hospital LOS and ICU LOS. Among patients with low-grade injuries and compared with surgery, embolization was associated with a shorter hospital LOS (9.7 days; P < .001; Cohen d = 0.32) and ICU LOS (5.3 days; P < .001; Cohen d = 0.36). Among patients with high-grade injuries and compared with surgery, embolization was associated with a shorter ICU LOS (6.0 days; P < .01; Cohen d = 0.24). Among patients with low- and high-grade injuries and compared with embolization, surgery was associated with higher odds of mortality (P < .001)., Conclusions: Among patients presenting with blunt liver injuries and compared with surgery, embolization was associated with a shorter ICU LOS and lower risk of mortality., (Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Background: Examine the association of metformin use and overall survival (OS) in patients with HCC undergoing image-guided liver-directed therapy (LDT): ablation, transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), or Yttrium-90 radioembolization (Y90 RE)., Methods: Using National Cancer Institute Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registry and Medicare claims databases between 2007 and 2016, we identified patients ≥ 66 years who underwent LDT within 30 days of HCC diagnosis. Patients with liver transplant, surgical resection, and other malignancies were excluded. Metformin use was identified by at least two prescription claims within 6 months before LDT. OS was measured by time between first LDT and death or last Medicare observation. Comparisons were performed between both all and diabetic patients on and not on metformin., Results: Of 2746 Medicare beneficiaries with HCC undergoing LDT, 1315 (47.9%) had diabetes or diabetes-related complications. Among all and diabetic patients, 433(15.8%) and 402 (30.6%) were on metformin respectively. Median OS was greater for patients on metformin (19.6 months, 95% CI 17.1-23.0) vs those not (16.0 months, 15.0-16.9; p = 0.0238). Patients on metformin had lower risk of death undergoing ablation (HR 0.70; 0.51-0.95; p = 0.0239) and TACE (HR 0.76, 0.66-0.87; p = 0.0001), but not Y90 RE (HR1.22, 0.89-1.69; p = 0.2231). Among diabetics, OS was greater for those on metformin vs those not (HR 0.77, 0.68-0.88; p < 0.0001). Diabetic patients on metformin had longer OS undergoing TACE (HR 0.71, 0.61-0.83; p < 0.0001), but not ablation (HR 0.74, 0.52-1.04; p = 0.0886) or Y90 RE (HR 1.26, 0.87-1.85; p = 0.2217)., Conclusion: Metformin use is associated with improved survival in HCC patients undergoing TACE and ablation., (© 2023. Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature and the Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europe (CIRSE).)

Noncerebral systemic arterial embolism, which can originate from cardiac and noncardiac sources, is an important cause of patient morbidity and mortality. When an embolic source dislodges, the resulting embolus can occlude a variety of peripheral and visceral arteries causing ischemia. Characteristic locations for noncerebral arterial occlusion include the upper extremities, abdominal viscera, and lower extremities. Ischemia in these regions can progress to tissue infarction resulting in limb amputation, bowel resection, or nephrectomy. Determining the source of arterial embolism is essential in order to direct treatment decisions. This document reviews the appropriateness category of various imaging procedures available to determine the source of the arterial embolism. The variants included in this document are known arterial occlusion in the upper extremity, lower extremity, mesentery, kidneys, and multiorgan distribution that are suspected to be of embolic etiology. 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., (Copyright © 2023 American College of Radiology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

As the incidence of thoracoabdominal aortic pathology (aneurysm and dissection) rises and the complexity of endovascular and surgical treatment options increases, imaging follow-up of patients remains crucial. Patients with thoracoabdominal aortic pathology without intervention should be monitored carefully for changes in aortic size or morphology that could portend rupture or other complication. Patients who are post endovascular or open surgical aortic repair should undergo follow-up imaging to evaluate for complications, endoleak, or recurrent pathology. Considering the quality of diagnostic data, CT angiography and MR angiography are the preferred imaging modalities for follow-up of thoracoabdominal aortic pathology for most patients. The extent of thoracoabdominal aortic pathology and its potential complications involve multiple regions of the body requiring imaging of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis in most patients. The ACR Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision process support the systematic analysis of the medical literature from peer reviewed journals. Established methodology principles such as Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE are adapted to evaluate the evidence. The RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method User Manual provides the methodology to determine the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where peer reviewed literature is lacking or equivocal, experts may be the primary evidentiary source available to formulate a recommendation., (Copyright © 2023 American College of Radiology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The use of central venous access devices is ubiquitous in both inpatient and outpatient settings, whether for critical care, oncology, hemodialysis, parenteral nutrition, or diagnostic purposes. Radiology has a well-established role in the placement of these devices due to demonstrated benefits of radiologic placement in multiple clinical settings. A wide variety of devices are available for central venous access and optimal device selection is a common clinical challenge. Central venous access devices may be nontunneled, tunneled, or implantable. They may be centrally or peripherally inserted by way of veins in the neck, extremities, or elsewhere. Each device and access site presents specific risks that should be considered in each clinical scenario to minimize the risk of harm. The risk of infection and mechanical injury should be minimized in all patients. In hemodialysis patients, preservation of future access is an additional important consideration. The ACR Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision process support the systematic analysis of the medical literature from peer reviewed journals. Established methodology principles such as Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE are adapted to evaluate the evidence. The RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method User Manual provides the methodology to determine the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances in which peer reviewed literature is lacking or equivocal, experts may be the primary evidentiary source available to formulate a recommendation., (Copyright © 2023 American College of Radiology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Prolonged dwelling time of inferior vena cava (IVC) filters has been shown to increase the need for the use of complex IVC filter retrieval techniques. In this report, we describe a case of complex retrieval of an IVC filter with prolonged dwelling time, which was temporarily accompanied by severe bradycardia and hypotension., Case Presentation: Fifty-nine-year-old male patient past medical history of morbid obesity, atrial fibrillation status post-ablation, obstructive sleep apnea, and end-stage renal disease presented for IVC filter retrieval 16 years after placement. When the IVC filter was covered by sheaths, and the IVC was temporarily collapsed and occluded, the patient developed severe bradycardia and hypotension without compensatory tachycardia. Contrast injection through the common femoral vein sheath showed complete occlusion of IVC while the IVC filter was covered by both sheaths, likely due to the embedment of the IVC filter in the wall by extensive fibrinous tissues. IVC filter was successfully retrieved, and the blood pressure and heart rate were improved immediately afterward. A large non-occlusive IVC thrombus was identified on the final venogram, which was aspirated using a mechanical thrombectomy device., Conclusion: Complex retrieval of IVC filters with prolonged dwelled time can result in acute severe bradycardia and hypotension due to vasovagal reaction, acute collapse, and occlusion of IVC in the setting of IVC filter embedment in the wall by extensive fibrinous tissues., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Purpose: To test the hypothesis that percutaneous combined chemical and mechanical necrosectomy using a Malecot anchor drain and an Arrow-Trerotola percutaneous thrombolytic device (PTD) in patients with walled-off pancreatic necrosis (WOPN) is feasible, safe, and effective compared with a control group undergoing mechanical necrosectomy alone., Materials and Methods: In a retrospective analysis, patients with WOPN not amenable to endoscopic-guided cystogastrostomy placement were studied as case and control groups. The patients in the case group underwent percutaneous combined chemical (hydrogen peroxide 3%) and mechanical necrosectomy using a Malecot anchor drain and/or Arrow-Trerotola PTD from December 2020 to April 2022. The controls underwent mechanical necrosectomy alone without chemical necrosectomy. Clinical success was defined as complete resolution of the cavity on follow-up noncontrast computed tomography scans with subsequent drain removal., Results: Thirteen patients in the case group and 11 patients in the control group underwent percutaneous drain placement followed by percutaneous combined chemical and mechanical necrosectomy (case group) or mechanical necrosectomy only (control group) for WOPN. Drain placement and necrosectomy were technically successful in all patients studied. One patient in the case group developed postprocedural sepsis because of communication between the cavity and the splenic vein. Another patient in the case group developed bleeding from a branch of the pancreaticoduodenal artery on postnecrosectomy day 9, which was successfully embolized by interventional radiology. No pancreaticocutaneous fistula was reported at the 3-month follow-up. The clinical success rates in the case and control groups were 100% and 38.4%, respectively (P = .003)., Conclusions: Percutaneous combined chemical and mechanical necrosectomy is a feasible, safe, and effective treatment of WOPN., (Copyright © 2022 SIR. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reviews safety, efficacy, and the quality of medical devices through its regulatory process. The FDA Safety and Innovation Act (FDASIA) of 2012 was aimed at accelerating the regulatory process for medical devices., Objectives: The purpose of our study was to (1) quantify characteristics of pivotal clinical trials (PCTs) supporting the premarket approval of endovascular medical devices and (2) analyze trends over the last two decades in light of the FDASIA., Methods: We surveyed the study designs of endovascular devices with PCTs from the US FDA pre-market approval medical devices database. The effect of FDASIA on key design parameters (e.g., randomization, masking, and number of enrolled patients) was estimated using an interrupted time series analysis (segmented regression)., Results: We identified 117 devices between 2000-2018. FDASIA was associated with a decrease in double blinding ( p < 0.0001) and a decrease in historical comparators ( p < 0.0001)., Discussion: Our results reveal an overall trend of decreased regulatory requirements as it relates to clinical trial characteristics, but a compensatory increased rate of post-approval across device classes. Furthermore, there was an emphasis on proving equivalence or non-inferiority rather than more use of active comparators in clinical trials. Medical device stakeholders, notably clinicians, must be aware of the shifting regulatory landscape in order to play an active role in promoting patient safety., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest. The authors declare that they had full access to all of the data in this study, and the authors take complete responsibility for the integrity of the data and the accuracy of the data analysis., (© The Author(s) 2023.)

Purpose: To evaluate the relationship between non-tumor liver (NTL) dose and adverse events (AE) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated with glass-based Yttrium-90 radioembolization (Y90-RE)., Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of patients with HCC treated with Y90-RE between 2013 and 2018 was performed. Baseline characteristics including demographics and Y90-RE treatment approach were captured. Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v5 was assessed at months 3 and 6 post-treatment. Using voxel-based dosimetry with MIM Software V. 6.9, dose-volume histograms of treated area of liver were created. Receiver operator characteristic curve was used to determine NTL dose threshold predicting AEs. Multivariate analysis was used to determine independent clinical factors of predicting severe AEs. Chi-square analysis was used to compare proportions., Results: Two hundred and twenty-nine consecutive patients (115(50.2%) lobar and 114(49.8%) segmental) were included. At 3 months, there was a lower rate of any grade AE (55(46%) segmental and 36(31%) lobar, p = 0.009) and increased rate of severe AEs for lobar compared to segmental (2(2%) segmental and 9(8%) lobar, p = 0.029). At 6 months, severe AEs were greater for lobar than segmental (1(1%) segmental vs 10(9%) lobar, p = 0.005). For lobar Y90-RE, mean NTL dose of 112 Gy predicted severe AE (89% sensitivity and 91% specificity (AUC = 0.95, p =  < 0.0001) at 3 and 6 months. For the segmental group, no significant association was found between NTL dose and severe treatment-related AE at 3 and 6 months., Conclusion: In patients with HCC undergoing glass-based lobar Y90-RE, NTL dose of > 112 Gy is associated with severe treatment-related AEs at 3-6 months., (© 2022. Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature and the Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europe (CIRSE).)

Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest None declared.

Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest None declared.

The recognition of pain and the treatments used for it are vital for all practitioners. Many types of pain can be treated in a locoregional fashion, which has significant implications not just for any individual patient but for society as a whole. These treatments are most effective when performed in a minimally invasive, image-guided fashion. Interventional radiologists should play a central role in providing these lifestyle-limiting treatments. This article describes the medications most typically used for spinal and extra-axial treatments in the management of patients in pain., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest None declared., (Thieme. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To determine relationships between prophylactic inferior vena cava filter (IVCF) insertion and pulmonary embolism (PE), deep venous thrombosis (DVT), and in-hospital mortality outcomes in patients with severe traumatic pelvic/lower extremity, intracranial, and spinal cord injuries., Methods: Adult patients with severe traumatic pelvic/lower extremity, intracranial, and spinal cord injuries admitted to level I-IV trauma centers were selected from the National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB). IVCFs that were inserted both ≤48 h after admission and before a lower extremity venous ultrasound were defined as prophylactic. Associations between prophylactic IVCF insertion and PE, DVT, and overall mortality outcomes during admission were estimated using logistic regression models after propensity score matching. Additionally, factors predictive of prophylactic IVCF insertion were estimated using multivariate logistic regression., Results: Of 462,838 patients, 11,938 (2.6%) underwent prophylactic IVCF insertion. Prophylactic IVCF utilization decreased over time (6.3% in 2008 to 1.8% in 2015). Factors associated with prophylactic IVCF placement were injury pattern, trauma center level/region, Injury Severity Score, and race. Prophylactic IVCF placement was positively associated with PE (Odds Ratio (OR): 5.25, p < 0.01) and DVT (OR: 5.55, p < 0.01), but negatively associated with in-hospital mortality compared to the propensity score-matched control group (OR: 0.46, p < 0.01)., Conclusion: Prophylactic IVCF insertion in adult patients with severe pelvic/lower extremity fractures, intracranial injuries, and spinal cord injuries was negatively associated with in-hospital mortality, but positively associated with VTE. Further research evaluating the use of prophylactic IVCF placement in trauma patients with these specific severe injury types may be warranted., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest None., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To determine demographics, practice patterns, needs from Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR), and preferences of interventional radiologists (IRs) early in their careers., Methods: A 28-question descriptive survey was used to identify demographic and practice composition, practice issues, and needs of early career IRs. The survey was distributed to SIR members in the United States (US) (n = 859) within the first 8 years of practice, with 213 respondents (25%)., Results: Respondents were primarily male (n = 181, 87%), less than 40 years old (n = 156, 73%), in practice for 6 years or less (n = 167, 79%), and satisfied with IR as a career (n = 183, 92.4%). The majority were in academic practice (n = 89, 43.2%) or large private practice group (n = 67, 32.5%). Most respondents read diagnostic imaging daily or weekly (n = 130, 61%). The majority of respondents perform complex procedures regularly including transarterial tumor therapy, percutaneous tumor ablation, peripheral arterial interventions, and biliary interventions monthly. Many respondents (n = 49, 23%) have changed jobs at least once citing career advancement, practice issues/disagreements, or compensation as reason. Most respondents would serve as mentors (n = 170, 80%) for trainees and were satisfied with their career mentorship (n = 166, 78%). Respondents felt that mentorship, identification of barriers facing early career IRs, and networking should be the most important functions of the Early Career Section (ECS)of the SIR., Conclusion: As nearly all survey respondents indicated that early career IRs have different needs and priorities than established physicians, they felt that mentorship, identification of barriers facing early career IRs, and networking should be the most important functions of the ECS. Additionally, this same group of IRs report low comfort with the business side of medicine and may benefit from directed content provided by the SIR ECS., (Copyright © 2021 The Association of University Radiologists. All rights reserved.)

The lymphatic system is a complex network of tissues, vessels, and channels found throughout the body that assists in fluid balance and immunologic function. When the lymphatic system is disrupted related to idiopathic, iatrogenic, or traumatic disorders, lymphatic leaks can result in substantial morbidity and/or mortality. The diagnosis and management of these leaks is challenging. Modern advances in lymphatic imaging and interventional techniques have made radiology critical in the multidisciplinary management of these disorders. The authors provide a review of conventional and clinically relevant variant lymphatic anatomy and recent advances in diagnostic techniques such as MR lymphangiography. A detailed summary of technical factors related to percutaneous lymphangiography and lymphatic intervention is presented, including transpedal and transnodal lymphangiography. Traditional transabdominal access and retrograde access to the central lymph nodes and thoracic duct embolization techniques are outlined. Newer techniques including transhepatic lymphangiography and thoracic duct stent placement are also detailed. For both diagnostic and interventional radiologists, an understanding of lymphatic anatomy and modern diagnostic and interventional techniques is vital to the appropriate treatment of patients with acquired lymphatic disorders. © RSNA, 2022.

Rationale and Objectives: Female physicians in academic medicine have faced barriers that potentially affect representation in different fields and delay promotion. Little is known about gender representation differences in United States academic radiology departments, particularly within the most pursued subspecialties., Purpose: To determine whether gender differences exist in United States academic radiology departments across seven subspecialties with respect to academic ranks, departmental leadership positions, experience, and scholarly metrics., Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study from November 2018 to June 2020, a database of United States academic radiologists at 129 academic departments in seven subspecialties was created. Each radiologist's academic rank, departmental leadership position (executive-level - Chair, Director, Chief, and Department or Division Head vs vice-level - vice, assistant, or associate positions of executive level), self-identified gender, years in practice, and measures of scholarly productivity (number of publications, citations, and h-index) were compiled from institutional websites, Doximity, LinkedIn, Scopus, and official NPI profiles. The primary outcome, gender composition differences in these cohorts, was analyzed using Chi 2 while continuous data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test. The adjusted gender difference for all factors was determined using a multivariate logistic regression model., Results: Overall, 5086 academic radiologists (34.7% women) with a median 14 years of practice (YOP) were identified and indexed. There were 919 full professors (26.1% women, p < 0.01) and 1055 executive-level leadership faculty (30.6% women, p < 0.01). Within all subspecialties except breast imaging, women were in the minority (35.4% abdominal, 79.1% breast, 12.1% interventional, 27.5% musculoskeletal, 22.8% neuroradiology, 45.1% pediatric, and 19.5% nuclear; p < 0.01). Relative to subspecialty gender composition, women full professors were underrepresented in abdominal, pediatric, and nuclear radiology (p < 0.05) and women in any executive-level leadership were underrepresented in abdominal and nuclear radiology (p < 0.05). However, after adjusting for h-index and YOP, gender did not influence rates of professorship or executive leadership. The strongest single predictors for professorship or executive leadership were h-index and YOP., Conclusion: Women academic radiologists in the United States are underrepresented among senior faculty members despite having similar levels of experience as men. Gender disparities regarding the expected number of women senior faculty members relative to individual subspecialty gender composition were more pronounced in abdominal and nuclear radiology, and less pronounced in breast and neuroradiology. Overall, h-index and YOP were the strongest predictors for full-professorship and executive leadership among faculty., Key Results: ● Though women comprise 34.7% of all academic radiologists, women are underrepresented among senior faculty members (26.1% of full professors and 30.6% of executive leadership) ● Women in junior faculty positions had higher median years of practice than their male counterparts (10 vs 8 for assistant professors, 21 vs 13 for vice leadership) ● Years of practice and h-index were the strongest predictors for full professorship and executive leadership., (Copyright © 2021 The Association of University Radiologists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To identify differences in mortality or length of hospital stay for mothers treated with uterine artery embolization (UAE) or hysterectomy for severe postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), as well as to analyze whether geographic or clinical determinants affected the type of therapy received., Materials and Methods: This National Inpatient Sample study from 2005 to 2017 included all patients with live-birth deliveries. Severe PPH was defined as PPH that required transfusion, hysterectomy, or UAE. Propensity score weighting-adjusted demographic, maternal, and delivery risk factors were used to assess mortality and prolonged hospital stay., Results: Of 9.8 million identified live births, PPH occurred in 31.0 per 1,000 cases. The most common intervention for PPH was transfusion (116.4 per 1,000 cases of PPH). Hysterectomy was used more frequently than UAE (20.4 vs 12.9 per 1,000 cases). The following factors predicted that hysterectomy would be used more commonly than UAE: previous cesarean delivery, breech fetal position, placenta previa, transient hypertension during pregnancy without pre-eclampsia, pre-existing hypertension without pre-eclampsia, pre-existing hypertension with pre-eclampsia, unspecified maternal hypertension, and gestational diabetes (all P < .001). Delivery risk factors associated with greater utilization of hysterectomy over UAE included postterm pregnancy, premature rupture of membranes, cervical laceration, forceps vaginal delivery, and shock (all P < .001). There was no difference in mortality between hysterectomy and UAE. After balancing demographic, maternal, and delivery risk factors, the odds of prolonged hospital stay were 0.38 times lower with UAE than hysterectomy (P < .001)., Conclusions: Despite similar mortality and shorter hospital stays, UAE is used far less than hysterectomy in the management of severe PPH., (Copyright © 2021 SIR. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

We report two cases of peripartum ruptured ovarian artery aneurysms (OAA). One patient was treated through endovascular embolization and the other with percutaneous thrombin injection. Multiple additional unruptured OAAs were incidentally discovered in each patient. We describe the pathophysiologic basis for OAA rupture, approaches to treatment, and suggest management strategies for incidentally discovered ovarian aneurysms., Competing Interests: Nima Kokabi has a research grant and serves as a consultant for Sirtex Medical. Bill Majdalany serves on the scientific advisory board for Balt Medical., (© 2022 Published by Scientific Scholar on behalf of Journal of Clinical Imaging Science.)

Interventional Radiology (IR) was officially approved by the American Board of Medical Specialties in 2012 and the Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education as a unique, integrated residency in 2014. Its establishment and distinction from diagnostic radiology was compelled by the increasing emphasis on clinical care delivery by IRs. The shift in the IR training paradigm, as exemplified in the Integrated IR residency programs, appeals to a distinct cohort of applicants, prompting the need to re-evaluate the recruitment and selection process. This article discusses selection criteria for identifying ideal candidates for the new IR training model (focusing on Integrated IR residency training), highlights the importance of collaboration between the IR and DR selection committees, and illustrates the changes made at a single institution over the course of 4 selection cycles prior to the COVID-19 pandemic as well as significant changes in the current climate of the global pandemic., (Copyright © 2021 The Association of University Radiologists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest The authors have no relevant disclosures.

Purpose: Metformin is associated with improved outcomes after external radiation and chemotherapy but has not been studied for Y-90 radiation segmentectomy (RS). This study evaluates the effect of metformin on tumor response after Y-90 RS in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)., Methods and Materials: A retrospective analysis of patients with HCC who underwent Y-90 RS between 2014-2018 was performed. Comparisons were made between all patients taking and not taking metformin, and diabetic patients taking and not taking metformin. Tumor response was analyzed with logistic regression to compare absolute and percent change in total tumor diameter (TTD) and modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (mRECIST). Overall survival (OS) was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier estimation and log-rank analysis., Results: A total of 106 patients underwent 112 Y-90 RS, of which 40 were diabetic (38.8%) and 19 (18.4%) were on metformin. At baseline, the two groups of patients on metformin and not on metformin had no significant difference in age, Child-Pugh score, MELD score, ALBI grade, total tumor diameter, and size of dominant tumor. The only significant baseline difference was ECOG status. Uni- and multivariate analysis demonstrated a larger reduction in TTD and objective response by mRECIST criteria for patients undergoing Y-90 RS on metformin compared to those not on metformin. OS was similar between patients taking and not taking metformin (p = 0.912)., Conclusion: Metformin may be associated with increased tumor response after Y-90 RS in patients with HCC., Level of Evidence: III, Retrospective Study., (© 2021. Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature and the Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europe (CIRSE).)

Thoughtful and accurate dosimetry is critical to obtain the safest and most efficacious yttrium-90 (Y90) radioembolization of primary and secondary liver cancers. Three dosimetry models are currently used in clinical practice, namely, body surface area model, medical internal radiation dose model, and the partition model. The objective of this review is to briefly outline the history behind Y90 dosimetry and the difference between the aforementioned models. When applying these three models to a single case, the differences between them are further demonstrated. Each dosimetry model in clinical practice has its own benefits and limitations. Therefore, it is incumbent upon practicing interventional radiologists to be aware of these differences to optimize treatment outcomes for their patients., Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest N.K. receives funding from SIRTEX Medical. R.T.G. discloses a relationship with Sirtex as a proctor, speaker, and consultant. R.G. is a proctor and consultant for Sirtex. All other authors declare no conflict of interest., (Thieme. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: This study aims to identify clinical and imaging prognosticators associated with the successful bridging or downstaging to liver transplantation (LT) in patients undergoing Yttrium-90 radioembolization (Y90-RE) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)., Methods: Retrospectively, patients with Y90-RE naïve HCC who were candidates or potential candidates for LT and underwent Y90-RE were included. Patients were then divided into favorable (maintained or achieved Milan criteria (MC) eligibility) or unfavorable (lost eligibility or unchanged MC ineligibility) cohorts based on changes to their MC eligibility after Y90-RE. Penalized logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the significant baseline prognosticators., Results: Between 2013 and 2018, 135 patients underwent Y90-RE treatment. Among the 59 (42%) patients within MC, LT eligibility was maintained in 49 (83%) and lost in 10 (17%) patients. Within the 76 (56%) patients outside MC, eligibility was achieved in 32 (42%) and unchanged in 44 (58%). Among the 81 (60%) patients with a favorable response, 16 (20%) went on to receive LT. Analysis of the baseline characteristics revealed that lower Albumin-Bilirubin score, lower Child-Pugh class, lower Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage, HCC diagnosis using dynamic contrast-enhanced imaging on CT or MRI, normal/higher albumin levels, decreased severity of tumor burden, left lobe HCC disease, and absence of HBV-associated cirrhosis, baseline abdominal pain, or fatigue were all associated with a higher likelihood of bridging or downstaging to LT eligibility ( p 's < 0.05)., Conclusion: Certain baseline clinical and tumor characteristics are associated with the successful bridging or downstaging of potential LT candidates with HCC undergoing Y90-RE., Competing Interests: Dr. Kokabi received research support from SIRTeX Medical. The remaining authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose., (Copyright © 2021 Alexander Villalobos et al.)

Cirrhosis is a heterogeneous disease that cannot be studied as a single entity and is classified in two main prognostic stages: compensated and decompensated cirrhosis. Portal hypertension, characterized by a pathological increase of the portal pressure and by the formation of portal-systemic collaterals that bypass the liver, is the initial and main consequence of cirrhosis and is responsible for the majority of its complications. A myriad of treatment options exists for appropriately managing the most common complications of portal hypertension, including acute variceal bleeding and refractory ascites. 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., (Copyright © 2021 American College of Radiology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Nontraumatic aortic disease can be caused by a wide variety of disorders including congenital, inflammatory, infectious, metabolic, neoplastic, and degenerative processes. Imaging examinations such as radiography, ultrasound, echocardiography, catheter-based angiography, CT, MRI, and nuclear medicine examinations are essential for diagnosis, treatment planning, and assessment of therapeutic response. Depending upon the clinical scenario, each of these modalities has strengths and weaknesses. Whenever possible, the selection of a diagnostic imaging examination should be based upon the best available evidence. 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 purpose of this document is to assist physicians select the most appropriate diagnostic imaging examination for nontraumatic aortic diseases., (Copyright © 2021 American College of Radiology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Y90 radiation segmentectomy (RS) vs. percutaneous microwave ablation (MWA) in patients with solitary HCC ≤ 4 cm., Methods: From 2014 to 2017, 68 consecutive treatment naïve patients were included (34 per treatment arm). Chi-square and t-test were used to evaluate differences in baseline demographics between groups. Objective response was evaluated using mRECIST and toxicity using CTCAE. Overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS) in the targeted tumor and the remainder of liver from initial treatment was calculated using Kaplan-Meier estimation. Propensity score matching was then performed with n = 24 patients matched in each group. Similar outcome analysis was then pre-formed., Results: In the overall study population, both groups had similar baseline characteristics with the exception of larger lesions in the RS group. There was no difference in toxicity, objective tumor response, OS and non-target liver PFS between the MWA and RS group (p's > 0.05). In the matched cohort, the objective tumor response was 82.6% in MWA vs. 90.9%% in RS (p = 0.548). The mean OS in the MWA group (44.3 months) vs RS (59.0 months; p = 0.203). The targeted tumor mean PFS for the MWA groups was 38.6 months vs. 57.8 months in RS group (p = 0.005). There was no difference overall PFS and toxicity between the 2 matched groups., Conclusions: Our data suggest Y90 RS achieves similar tumor response and OS with a similar safety compared to MWA in the management of HCC lesions ≤ 4 cm. Additionally, targeted tumor PFS appears to be prolonged in the RS group with similar non-target liver PFS between RS and MWA group.

Lymphoceles are lymphatic fluid collections resulting from lymphatic vessel disruption after surgery or trauma. They are most often described following retroperitoneal surgeries such as cystectomies, prostatectomies, renal transplants, and gynecologic surgeries. Most lymphoceles are asymptomatic and resolve spontaneously without treatment. If persistent, they can become infected or exert mass effect on adjacent structures causing pain, urinary, or lower limb edema particularly for lymphoceles in the pelvis Symptomatic lymphoceles should be treated to relieve symptoms and prevent functional compromise of vital adjacent structures. Although surgery has been traditionally accepted as the gold standard treatment, advances in imaging and interventional technology allow for less invasive, percutaneous treatment. Available minimally invasive treatment options include percutaneous aspiration, catheter drainage, sclerotherapy, and lymphangiography with lymphatic embolization. A review of these treatment options and a suggested algorithm for managing lymphoceles is presented., Competing Interests: The authors of this article and the planning committee members and staff have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose., (Copyright by International Society of Lymphology.)

Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest N.K. receives research support from SIRTeX Medical. The remaining authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose.

Traumatic chylothorax occurs more often now than in historic reports. In part, this is due to the increased ability to perform more advanced and aggressive thoracic resections and cardiovascular surgeries as well as the improved mortality of cancer patients. If untreated, chylothorax can result in significant morbidity and mortality, particularly in patients with underlying malignancy. Thoracic duct embolization for chylothorax was the first successful lymphatic intervention and has been performed for over 20 years. An overview of the clinical and technical approach to thoracic duct embolization for traumatic chylothorax is presented in addition to a review of outcomes., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest None declared., (© Thieme Medical Publishers.)

Lymphangiography as a diagnostic procedure dates back to the 1950s and was widely performed for several decades until being supplanted by other advanced imaging techniques. With the advent of thoracic duct embolization to treat chylothorax, Constantin Cope ushered in a transition from lymphangiography as a diagnostic procedure to a precursor for lymphatic intervention. Subsequently, technical modifications and applications of lymphatic embolization to other medical conditions have greatly expanded the scope and application of lymphangiography and lymphatic intervention. Although there is increasing familiarity with lymphatic interventions, few interventionalists have performed a high enough volume to be aware of potential complications and their management. Potential complications of lymphangiography and those encountered while performing lymphatic interventions are discussed along with approaches to minimize their risk and management strategies should they occur., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest The authors have no relevant disclosures. There was no grant funding or financial support for this manuscript., (© Thieme Medical Publishers.)

Lymphatics have long been overshadowed by the remainder of the circulatory system. Historically, lymphatics were difficult to study because of their small and indistinct vessels, colorless fluid contents, and limited effective interventions. However, the past several decades have brought increased funding, advanced imaging technologies, and novel interventional techniques to the field. Understanding the history of lymphatic anatomy and physiology is vital to further realize the role lymphatics play in most major disease pathologies and innovate interventional solutions for them., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest None declared., (© Thieme Medical Publishers.)

Purpose: To determine predictors of survival after transarterial radioembolization of hepatic metastases from breast cancer., Materials and Methods: Twenty-four patients with chemotherapy-refractory hepatic metastases from breast cancer who underwent radioembolization from 2013 to 2018 were evaluated based on various demographic and clinical factors before and after treatment. Overall survival (OS) was estimated by Kaplan-Meier method. Log-rank analysis was performed to determine predictors of prolonged OS from the time of first radioembolization and first hepatic metastasis diagnosis., Results: Median OS times were 35.4 and 48.6 months from first radioembolization and time of hepatic metastasis diagnosis, respectively. Radioembolization within 6 months of hepatic metastasis diagnosis was a positive predictor of survival from first radioembolization, with median OS of 38.9 months vs 22.1 months for others (P = .033). Estrogen receptor (ER)-positive status predicted prolonged survival (38.6 months for ER + vs 5.4 months for ER - ; P = .005). The presence of abdominal pain predicted poor median OS: 12.8 months vs 38.6 months for others (P < .001). The presence of ascites was also a negative predictor of OS (1.7 months vs 35.4 months for others; P = .037), as was treatment-related grade ≥ 2 toxicity at 3 months (5.4 months vs 38.6 months for others; P = .017)., Conclusions: In patients with metastatic breast cancer, radioembolization within 6 months of hepatic metastasis diagnosis and ER + status appear to be positive predictors of prolonged survival. Conversely, baseline abdominal pain, baseline ascites, and treatment-related grade ≥ 2 toxicity at 3 months after treatment appear to be negative predictors of OS., (Copyright © 2019 SIR. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is the clinical entity that occurs with compression of the brachial plexus, subclavian artery, and/or subclavian vein at the superior thoracic outlet. Compression of each of these structures results in characteristic symptoms divided into three variants: neurogenic TOS, venous TOS, and arterial TOS, each arising from the specific structure that is compressed. The constellation of symptoms in each patient may vary, and patients may have more than one symptom simultaneously. Understanding the various anatomic spaces, causes of narrowing, and resulting neurovascular changes is important in choosing and interpreting radiological imaging performed to help diagnose TOS and plan for intervention. This publication has separated imaging appropriateness based on neurogenic, venous, or arterial symptoms, acknowledging that some patients may present with combined symptoms that may require more than one study to fully resolve. Additionally, in the postoperative setting, new symptoms may arise altering the need for specific imaging as compared to preoperative evaluation. 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., (Copyright © 2020 American College of Radiology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Trauma remains one of the leading causes of death in the United States in patients younger than 45 years. Blunt trauma is most commonly a result of high-speed motor vehicular collisions or high-level fall. The liver and spleen are the most commonly injured organs, with the liver being the most commonly injured organ in adults and the spleen being the most affected in pediatric blunt trauma. Liver injuries incur a high level of morbidity and mortality mostly secondary to hemorrhage. Over the past 20 years, angiographic intervention has become a mainstay of treatment of hepatic trauma. As there is an increasing need for the interventional radiologists to embolize active hemorrhage in the setting of blunt and penetrating hepatic trauma, this article aims to review the current level of evidence and contemporary management of hepatic trauma from the perspective of interventional radiologists. Embolization techniques and associated outcome and complications are also reviewed., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest None declared., (© Thieme Medical Publishers.)

A bleeding patient is a common consult for interventional radiologists. Prompt triage, preprocedural evaluation specific to the site of hemorrhage, and knowledge of resuscitative strategies allow for a potentially life-saving procedure to be appropriately and safely performed. Having a firm understanding of the clinical work-up and management of a bleeding patient has never been more important. In this article, a discussion of the clinical approach and work-up of a bleeding patient for whom interventional radiology is consulted is followed by a discussion of etiology-specific preprocedural work-up., (© Thieme Medical Publishers.)

Post-operative lymphatic injuries are uncommon but increase morbidity and mortality in vulnerable patient populations. Post-surgical lymphatic leaks are most commonly a consequence of radical neck dissection, esophagectomy, and lung cancer resections or retroperitoneal surgeries such as radical nephrectomy and lymphadenectomy. Injury may occur anywhere along the lymphatic chains with most serious leaks occurring along the axial skeleton between the inguinal region and the left venous angle. The resultant clinical manifestations of a lymphatic leak are dependent on the location and severity of the lymphatic injury as well as patient factors. Treatment strategies are tailored toward the causative etiology, symptom severity, and daily leak volume with higher volume leaks warranting a more aggressive approach. Lymphangiography and lymphatic interventions, such as embolization, are increasingly applied for both the diagnosis and as a minimally invasive therapy for lymphatic injuries. Herein, a review of lymphatic anatomy, lymphangiography, and lymphatic interventions for the treatment of post-operative chylothorax, chylous ascites, and lymphocele is presented., Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare., (2020 Translational Andrology and Urology. All rights reserved.)