A comparison of particulate and Onyx embolization in preoperative devascularization of carotid body tumors

Introduction

Preoperative embolization of a carotid body tumor (CBT) is a useful adjunct prior to surgical excision because it decreases operative blood loss and improves surgical outcomes. Traditionally, this is performed by transarterial particulate embolization (TAPE). More recently, direct percutaneous embolization (DPE) with Onyx is recognized as a promising technique for preoperative embolization. We compared these two techniques in patients treated for CBTs at our institution.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed cases of preoperative devascularization of CBT from 1 January 1995 through 1 September 2012. Patient cases were placed into two groups: TAPE and DPE. Operative blood loss, operative length, angiographic devascularization, embolization procedure complications, operative transfusion requirements, postoperative hospital stay, intensive care unit (ICU) stay, and procedure-related mortalities were compared.

Results

A total of 17 patients underwent preoperative devascularization of their CBT with TAPE technique and ten patients using the DPE technique with Onyx. Average operative blood loss was significantly higher in the TAPE group (Mann–Whitney U test, p?=?0.04). Operative time was also higher, although this difference was not significant. Two patients required intraoperative blood transfusions in the TAPE group while none required transfusions in the DPE group. There was no significant difference in ICU stay or length of hospitalization. One serious embolization procedure complication occurred in the TAPE group and none in the DPE group.

Conclusion

Operative blood loss in the DPE group was significantly less than the TAPE group. Blood transfusion requirement, operative time, and complications were less in the DPE group, although they did not reach statistical significance.     

血管造影在颈动脉体瘤术前诊断中的应用价值

目的:总结颈动脉体瘤的血管造影表现特点,评价血管造影在颈动脉体瘤术前诊断中的应用价值。方法:回顾性分析26例经病理证实为颈动脉体瘤的血管造影表现及手术情况。结果:颈动脉体瘤的造影表现主要为①颈总动脉扩大呈"高脚杯"征;②大量粗细不均之网状血管团;③肿瘤浓染着色。术前造影诊断与术后病理符合率100%。结论:颈动脉体瘤血管造影定性定位准确,可为外科手术方法的选择提供重要依据。     

Usefulness of three-dimensional MR images of brain tumors for surgical simulation

The purpose of this study was to determine the usefulness of three-dimensional (3D) MR imaging of brain tumors for surgical planning. Sixty-nine patients with various tumors of the brain were included in the present study. Using a volume-rendering (VR) method on an independent workstation, 3D-MR images were obtained with the fast-SPGR sequence after Gd-DTPA administration. VR images could show an exact relationship between the surface of the brain and major vessels. However, in patients with deeply located tumors, VR images did not necessarily provide sufficient information as to the relationship between the tumor and vessels. In combination with a surface-rendering method, 3D-MR imaging could demonstrate the exact relationships among the tumors, major vessels, and surface of the brain. In tumors without contrast enhancement, this method was able to show 3D images of tumors with surrounding structures. For neurosurgeons, 3D-MR images were useful for understanding the surface anatomy and surrounding structures of the tumors prior to surgery. These images were also helpful in explaining the condition of the disease to patients and their families.     

Duplex sonography of tumors of the carotid body

Five histologically confirmed tumors of the carotid body and seven lymph node metastases in the area of the carotid bifurcation were investigated with real-time sonography. In addition, 10 patients underwent measurements of intratumorous flow by way of a pulsed Doppler system. The typically hypervascular tumors of the carotid body revealed flow signals with standardized adjustment of Doppler sonography. The hypovascularized lymph node metastases did not demonstrate flow on Doppler sonography. In all patients, either preoperative angiography or enhanced computerized tomography was done and these studies confirmed the degree of vascularization of the mass as determined by Doppler sonography. Duplex sonography permitted noninvasive demonstration of hypervascular tumors in the area of the carotid bifurcation, a finding highly suggestive of nonchromaphil paraganglioma of the carotid body.     

Bilateral carotid body tumor case: A novel preoperative management

Paragangliomas are rare neuroendocrine neoplasms. The most common form of these tumors in head and neck are non-functional carotid body tumors. These neoplasms may present an extensive growth and compromise vital neurovascular structures in the neck, such as carotid vessels. Carotid body tumors usually present clinically as painless neck masses and occur most frequently in adults averaging 45 to 50 years, being the majority of these tumors unilateral and only 5% of all cases bilateral. The main treatment for carotid body paragangliomas is surgical resection, which can be extremely challenging due to tumor hypervascularity and significant blood loss.We present a bilateral carotid body tumor case in a 61-year-old woman who presented due to a pulsatile and painless mass in the right carotid region of the neck of 1-year of evolution. The tumor was found encasing the external carotid artery and classified as Shamblin II. A novel approach for preoperative management was performed, placing a covered graft-stent in the right common and proximal (C1) internal carotid arteries in order to splint and provide structural protection for carotid vessels during surgical resection and temporarily reduce blood flow of the carotid body tumor.     

彩色多普勒超声对颈动脉体瘤的诊断价值

 目的 探讨彩色多普勒超声在颈动脉体瘤诊断中的应用价值.方法 回顾性分析7例颈动脉体瘤患者的二维及彩色多普勒超声表现.所有病例均经手术病理证实.结果 颈动脉体瘤二维超声表现为颈动脉分叉处见实质性低回声肿块,边界清晰,边缘规则或呈分叶状.肿瘤较小时,多位于颈总动脉分叉处,使颈内、外动脉间距增大,形状多较规则;肿瘤较大时,常围绕血管生长.彩色多普勒超声均可见肿瘤内有较丰富的彩色血流信号,以动脉血流为主;CDFI还能清晰显示肿瘤与颈动脉的关系.结论 二维及彩色多普勒超声对诊断颈动脉体瘤具有无创、安全、特异性、准确性高的特点,有利于同颈部其他性质包块的鉴别诊断,是目前颈动脉体瘤诊断的首选方法.     

直肠癌术前放疗中三维适形放疗与调强适形放疗的剂量学比较分析

Objective To compare the dose distribution of the three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy(3D-CRT)and 5-field or 7-field intensity modulated radiation therapy(IMRT), and to explore the value of IMRT in preoperative radiotherapy for rectal cancer.Methods Ten rectal cancer patients treated with preoperative combination radiotherapy and chemotherapy were enrolled in this study. 3D-CRT plan and the 5.field or 7-field IMRT plans were performed for each patient.The conformal index (CI),heterogeneity index(HI)of the planning target volume(PTV)and the dose of normal organs of 3D-CRT plan(3D-CRTp)and the 5-field or 7-field IMRT plans(IMRT5fp or IMRT7fp)were analyzed with the dose-volume histogram.Results The CI values of PTV were 0.91,0.87 and 0.78 in IMRT7fpIMRT5fp and 3D- CRT but with IMRT7fp>IMRT5fp>3D-CRTp(t=-5.69、-8.91,P<0.01),respectively.The HI values of PrV were 1.09,1.08 and 1.05 in IMRT5fp,IMRT7fp and 3D- CRTp but with IMRT5fp >IMRT7fp>3D- CRTp(t=3.41、-6.89,P<0.01),respectively.The ratio of dose volume were 0.08,0.10 and 0.19(t=2.79、3.52,P<0.05)in IMRT7fp,IMRT5fp and 3D- CRTp on the small intestine V50,with 0.07,0.10 and 0.19(t=2.58、3.40,P<0.05)in IMRT7fp,IMRT5fp and 3D-CRTp on the bladder V50 and 0.01,0.01 and 0.05(t=3.00、3.17,P<0.01)in IMRT7fp,IMRT5fp and 3D- CRTp on the fomoral head V45.The ratio of dose volume were 0.31 and 0.38(t=3.91,P<0.01)in IMRT7fp and IMRT5fp on the bone marrow V50,with 0.07 and 0.10 in IMRT7fp and IMRT5fp on bladder V45.Conclusions IMRT plan is superior to 3 D- CRT plan in dose conformal degrees of PTV with preoperative radiotherapy of rectal cancer and can significantly protect the normal tissues.The 7-field IMRT plan might be the optimal plan for dose conformal degree and dose uniformity compared with 5-field IMRT.     

直肠癌术前放疗中三维适形放疗与调强适形放疗的剂量学比较分析

Objective To compare the dose distribution of the three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy(3D-CRT)and 5-field or 7-field intensity modulated radiation therapy(IMRT), and to explore the value of IMRT in preoperative radiotherapy for rectal cancer.Methods Ten rectal cancer patients treated with preoperative combination radiotherapy and chemotherapy were enrolled in this study. 3D-CRT plan and the 5.field or 7-field IMRT plans were performed for each patient.The conformal index (CI),heterogeneity index(HI)of the planning target volume(PTV)and the dose of normal organs of 3D-CRT plan(3D-CRTp)and the 5-field or 7-field IMRT plans(IMRT5fp or IMRT7fp)were analyzed with the dose-volume histogram.Results The CI values of PTV were 0.91,0.87 and 0.78 in IMRT7fpIMRT5fp and 3D- CRT but with IMRT7fp>IMRT5fp>3D-CRTp(t=-5.69、-8.91,P<0.01),respectively.The HI values of PrV were 1.09,1.08 and 1.05 in IMRT5fp,IMRT7fp and 3D- CRTp but with IMRT5fp >IMRT7fp>3D- CRTp(t=3.41、-6.89,P<0.01),respectively.The ratio of dose volume were 0.08,0.10 and 0.19(t=2.79、3.52,P<0.05)in IMRT7fp,IMRT5fp and 3D- CRTp on the small intestine V50,with 0.07,0.10 and 0.19(t=2.58、3.40,P<0.05)in IMRT7fp,IMRT5fp and 3D-CRTp on the bladder V50 and 0.01,0.01 and 0.05(t=3.00、3.17,P<0.01)in IMRT7fp,IMRT5fp and 3D- CRTp on the fomoral head V45.The ratio of dose volume were 0.31 and 0.38(t=3.91,P<0.01)in IMRT7fp and IMRT5fp on the bone marrow V50,with 0.07 and 0.10 in IMRT7fp and IMRT5fp on bladder V45.Conclusions IMRT plan is superior to 3 D- CRT plan in dose conformal degrees of PTV with preoperative radiotherapy of rectal cancer and can significantly protect the normal tissues.The 7-field IMRT plan might be the optimal plan for dose conformal degree and dose uniformity compared with 5-field IMRT.     

直肠癌术前放疗中三维适形放疗与调强适形放疗的剂量学比较分析

目的 比较三维适形放疗(3D-CRT)与5野、7野调强适形放疗(IMRT)的剂量分布,以探讨IMRT对直肠癌术前放疗的价值。方法 对10例术前新辅助放化疗直肠癌患者,分别设计3D- CRT、5野IMRT、7野IMRT计划,应用剂量体积直方图(DVH),比较3种治疗计划的靶区适形度指数(CI)、不均匀性指数(HI)和正常器官受量。结果 适形度指数(CI)7野IMRT计划＞5野IMRT＞3D- CRT,不均匀性指数(HI)5野IMRT计划＞7野IMRT＞3D- CRT。5野、7野IMRT计划比3D- CRT均可以减少高剂量照射小肠、膀胱、股骨头体积,7野IMRT计划比5野可以减少高剂量照射的骨髓和膀胱的体积。结论 直肠癌术前放疗中IMRT计划在靶区剂量适形度方面均优于3D- CRT计划,对正常组织的保护也存在明显的优势。7野IMRT计划较5野IMRT计划技术有更好的剂量适形度与剂量均匀性。     

Gray-scale ultrasound detection of carotid body tumors. Report of 2 cases.

Ultrasonography may be useful as a screening test for carotid body tumors before arteriography. Such tumors are seen as solid, well-circumscribed, weakly echogenic masses located at the carotid bifurcation.     

CTA与MRA在颈动脉体瘤中的诊断价值

目的：研究MRA与CTA在诊断颈动脉体瘤中的价值,从而指导临床手术。方法：本文14例颈动脉体瘤全部经手术病理证实,其中单侧10例,双侧4例。回顾性分析颈动脉体瘤的CTA与MRA影像学表现及特征。结果：两种检查均可显示肿瘤部位、大小及形态,14例均行CTA检查,CT增强显示病灶为富血供肿瘤,其中12例肿瘤均匀强化,2例呈明显不均匀强化,CT值达150～180HU,颈内、外动脉密度与瘤体等同难以分辨,术前CT正确诊断率为100％（14／14）。11例患者行MRI及MRA检查,MBI平扫特点为瘤内见流空的血管影像,明确显示颈内、外动脉分离和紧贴或镶嵌在肿瘤后外缘及前外缘,MRA能良好显示肿瘤与颈总动脉及其分叉的关系,术前MR／正确诊断率为100％（11／11）。结论：CTA和MILA对颈动脉体瘤均有很高的诊断价值,经统计无显著性差异。     

肝肿瘤:感兴趣区与容积分析在CT衰减值定量分析中的比较

目的 CT评估应用于常规的手工绘制感兴趣区(ROI)法和半自动容积分析方法对肝脏肿瘤密度衰减值测量的可重复性。材料与方法该项回顾性研究符合HIPAA并得到机构审查委员会的批准,免除病人知情同意。在多层螺旋CT门静脉期相上,采用单一ROI、同一层面3个ROI的平均值,以及半自动勾划整个肿瘤容积(容积的密度衰减值)的方     

A novel preoperative fusion analysis using three-dimensional MDCT combined with three-dimensional MRI for patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the anatomical relationship between the tumor, portal veins, hepatic arteries, and hilar hepatic ducts at the hepatic hilum using a novel preoperative fusion analysis for patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma. This involved combining three-dimensional multidetector-row computed tomography with three-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging. This novel fusion imaging technique can play an important clinical role for patients undergoing surgery for hilar cholangiocarcinoma.     

Imaging criteria to predict Shamblin group in carotid body tumors – revisited

PURPOSEThis study aims to compare the imaging findings of carotid body tumors on contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) with the intraoperative Shamblin grade and to evolve an imaging-based scoring system that can accurately predict the Shamblin grade.METHODSPreoperative contrast-enhanced CT scans of 40 patients who underwent surgical excision of carotid body tumors in our institution between 2004 and 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. The angle of contact with the internal carotid artery (ICA), tumor volume, presence of peritumoral tuft of veins, loss of tumor adventitia interface and distance from the skull base were assessed and compared with the intraoperative Shamblin grades of the tumor. Ordinal logistic regression was used to determine which parameters could be predictors of the Shamblin grades. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves were used to score the tumor volumes.RESULTSAmong the 42 tumors evaluated, 6 (14.3%) were surgically classified as Shamblin I, 15 (35.7%) as Shamblin II, and 21 (50%) as Shamblin III tumors. Pairwise comparison between the three Shamblin groups showed a statistically significant difference for angle of contact with ICA, maximum tumor dimension, presence of peritumoral tuft of veins and loss of tumor adventitia interface (p = 0.001, p = 0.001, p = 0.038 and p = 0.003, respectively). However, tumor volumes and distance from skull base were not significantly different between the Shamblin groups (p = 0.136 and p = 0.682). A scoring system, including four of the above mentioned parameters (angle of contact with ICA, tumor volume, presence of peritumoral tuft of veins, and loss of tumor adventitia interface) was developed with a maximum score of 8 and a minimum of 2. A statistically significant difference was found between the final scores among the three Shamblin groups (p < 0.001). Using ROC curves, a final score of ≥6 was found to separate Shamblin grade III tumors from grade I and II tumors (sensitivity, 95.24%; specificity, 71.43%). All patients with documented intraoperative estimated blood loss of >1000 mL had Shamblin grade III tumors. Postoperative complications like stroke, ICA thrombosis and lower cranial nerve palsies were seen only with Shamblin grade II and III tumors.CONCLUSIONThe simple scoring system we have proposed correlates well with the Shamblin grade and helps in identifying patients who have a higher risk of developing complications.

The carotid body is derived from neural crest ectoderm and mesodermal elements of the third branchial arch (1). It works as a chemoreceptor organ and is situated at common carotid artery bifurcation (2). Carotid body tumors (CBT) are relatively rare tumors of unknown etiology, however, they account for a large proportion of all head and neck paragangliomas (3, 4). Three different types of CBTs have been described: familial, sporadic, and hyperplastic. The sporadic form is the most common of the three and represents approximately 85% of all CBTs.The gold standard of treatment of CBTs is surgery, which can be challenging because of the hypervascularity of the tumor, and dense adherence to the carotid bifurcation (5–8). In 1889, Albert performed the first successful CBT surgery and in 1940, Gordon-Taylor described a safe subadventitial dissection (9). Shamblin et al. (1) suggested an operative classification of CBTs based on carotid vessel involvement in 1971, a classification that is still widely used to grade CBTs. In this grading, Group I tumors refer to localized tumors which do not encase of the adjacent major vessels, Group II, to tumors that are adherent to or partially encase the vessels and Group III, to large tumors that encase the vessels and may require vessel replacement. The classification was based on intraoperative findings and gross specimens. The complications related to surgical excision of the lesion depended mainly on the involvement of the carotid vessels by the tumor (9).Larger CBTs become more adherent to the carotid vessels and tumor size correlates with the Shamblin classification; hence, this classification can also be used to predict vascular morbidity. Lim et al. (9) found a higher risk of postoperative neurovascular complications in Shamblin III tumors. Meticulous presurgical planning and proper patient selection is imperative for good surgical outcomes. Thus, the importance of this classification is enhanced, if preoperative cross-sectional imaging can accurately predict the Shamblin group. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are used for diagnosing and evaluating these tumors preoperatively. However, the need for specific imaging criteria that can predict Shamblin classification has been stressed by Van der Mey et al. (10). Arya et al. (11) proposed objective imaging criteria to correlate between the Shamblin group and the surgical outcome in a small series of patients using MRI. The purpose of the present study is to redefine the objective criteria and, hence, attempt to predict surgical outcome in CBTs.     

基于容积旋转弧形调强放疗技术的肝癌立体定向放疗方案评估与位置误差分析

目的 基于容积旋转弧形调强放疗（VMAT）技术,对肝癌立体定向放疗（SABR）方案进行评估,并结合图像引导技术及呼吸管理技术,分析执行中患者位置误差。方法 回顾性分析接受基于VMAT技术的SABR治疗并配合自主深呼气末屏气技术（vDEBH）进行呼吸管理的15例肝癌患者。VMAT计划采用2个部分弧,对治疗方案评估剂量参数,比较VMAT与调强放疗技术（IMRT）的计划质量差异。所有优化方案均经质量保证（QA）验证,包括点剂量和面剂量验证、机器跳数（MU）和出束时间记录。每次治疗时,锥形束CT（CBCT）影像采集2次,包括治疗前1次评估两次治疗间误差和治疗结束后1次评估当次治疗内位移。结果 VMAT和IMRT优化方案的各剂量学参数均满足临床治疗要求,差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）;相比IMRT,VMAT方案的平均MU降低了28.1%（t=3.064,P<0.05）,且治疗时间缩短了31.6%（t=2.278,P<0.05）。CBCT图像引导结果显示,采用vDEBH技术可有效减少当次治疗内的位置误差,各方向上的偏移均控制在可容许范围内（<3 mm）。结论 基于VMAT技术的肝癌SABR治疗计划在靶区体积剂量分布和正常组织受量等剂量学表现与IMRT技术相当,可行性良好且在治疗效率方面优势明显。     

Motion analysis of target during stereotactic radiotherapy of lung tumors using volumetric modulated arc therapy

Volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) is a rotational intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) technique capable of acquiring projection images for cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Respiratory-correlated cone-beam computed tomography, namely 4D-CBCT, serves to assess the displacement of a tumor position between planning and treatment due to organ motion and respiration, and is important for more accurate radiation therapy. On the other hand, recently, a 320-detector row CT scanner, namely 4D-CT, has become available that allows axial volumetric scanning of a 16-cm-long range in a patient without table movement. The goal of our research is to establish a new method of verification during treatment in stereotactic body radiotherapy. In this study, we compare the movement of the tumor between "before treatment" using 4D-CT and "in treatment" using 4D-CBCT. Three patients (55-68 years of age) with lung tumors underwent CT scans for radiotherapy planning using 4D-CT scans to analyze the movement of the tumor before treatment. The patients were treated by VMAT while acquiring projection images. 4D-CBCT datasets were reconstructed from the projection images using in-house programs. The tumor positions in 4D-CT and 4D-CBCT were detected and the movement of the tumor between "before treatment" and "in treatment" was similar. The movement of the tumors during treatment was predictable from 4D-CT before treatment. Furthermore, 4D-CBCT clarified the tumor position during treatment and could reevaluate the actual tumor position and dose distribution. We have successfully shown the movement of the tumor between "before treatment" using 4D-CT and "in treatment" using 4D-CBCT.