Endovascular recanalization of acute intracranial vertebrobasilar artery occlusion using local fibrinolysis and additional balloon angioplasty

Introduction  

Vertebrobasilar artery occlusion (VBO) produces high mortality and morbidity due to low recanalization rate utilization in endovascular therapy. The use of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) to improve recanalization rate additional to local intra-arterial fibrinolysis (LIF) was investigated in this study. Results obtained following recanalization therapy in acute intracranial VBO are reported.     

Endovascular therapy for acute thrombotic occlusion of the intracranial artery

The goal of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of endovascular therapy for acute thrombotic occlusion. Six patients with acute thrombotic occlusion in the middle cerebral or basilar arteries underwent treatment with intra-arterial thrombolysis, followed by assessment of residual stenosis. If residual stenosis was greater than 70%, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) was performed in the same session; otherwise, patients were anticoagulated, and PTA was performed several days later. Successful recanalization was achieved in five of six patients. One patient died of massive infarction, because of the failure of recanalization of the M1 segment. At discharge, modified Rankin scale distribution of the patients was: grade 0, one patient; grade 1, one patient; grade 2, two patients; grade 3, one patient; grade 6, one patient. Retreatment was required via PTA or stenting in two patients in which type C stenosis was present. In conclusion, endovascular therapy for acute thrombotic occlusion of an intracranial artery appears to be effective compared to conservative therapy. However, further refinement of the technique is required to prevent various complications, including vessel perforation, dissection, perforating artery occlusion and restenosis.     

Clinical significance of “positive” cervical spine MRI findings following a negative CT

Emergency Radiology - To review and analyze the clinical significance of positive acute traumatic findings seen on MRI of the cervical spine (MRCS) following a negative CT of the cervical spine...     

Radiofrequency Ablation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma with a “Nodule-in-Nodule” Appearance: Long-Term Follow-up and Clinical Implications

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with a “nodule-in-nodule” (NIN) appearance has unique histological characteristics as an early HCC. We assessed long-term therapeutic outcomes of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in HCC patients considering this appearance. Our Institutional Review Board approved this retrospective study, and the requirement for written informed consent was waived. Between May 2006 and April 2012, a total of 572 patients underwent RFA for single HCC as a first-line treatment. Patients were divided into a NIN HCC group (n = 22) and a non-NIN HCC group (n = 550), according to the NIN feature on pretreatment imaging studies. Local tumor progression (LTP) and disease-free survival (DFS) were compared. Prognostic factors for LTP and DFS were assessed using a Cox proportional hazards model. The cumulative LTP rates were 4.6 and 4.6% at 3 and 5 years, respectively, in the NIN HCC group, and 15.9 and 20.5% in the non-NIN HCC group, with borderline statistical significance (p = 0.085). The corresponding DFS rates were 53.8 and 37.7% in the NIN HCC group and 44.0 and 31.7% in the non-NIN HCC group, with no significant difference (p = 0.318). Although on multivariate analysis only tumor size was a significant prognostic factor for LTP, there was a trend bordering on the significance for the NIN feature [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.19; p = 0.099]. However, it was not a significant factor for DFS (HR = 0.18; p = 0.682). The NIN appearance, a rare (4%, 22/550) but unique feature of early HCC, may be a favorable prognostic factor for RFA in terms of local tumor control.     

Comparison of Inversion (“flipping”) Rates Among Different Port Designs: A Single-Center Experience

To compare incidence of port inversion among different types of implantable venous access devices. Records of patients who underwent imaging-guided subcutaneous port placement without port fixation between July 2001 and April 2015 were reviewed with use of a quality assurance database. 1930 patients with complete follow-up (death or explant) were included in the study. Collected data included date and indication for port placement, port type, venous access site, immediate and long-term complications, indication for removal, and total number of catheter days. BMI of patients with inverted ports was also calculated. Port inversion within the pocket was observed in 18 patients (0.9%) including 7/82 (9%) of Dignity ports, 4/126 (3%) of Vaxcel plastic arm ports, 3/142 (2%) of Smartports, 2/100 (2%) of Powerports, 1/14 (7%) of Vaccess ports, and 1/1421 (0.07%) of Vortex LP ports. Among these designs, the inversion rate was significantly lower in Vortex LP ports (0.1%) (P < 0.05). There was a trend toward higher inversion rate of Dignity ports, which have a rectangular design with a relatively narrow base. Mean dwell in inverted ports was 114 days (7–580). The incidence of port inversion without suture fixation of the port base to the pocket is extremely low. The present study shows differences in inversion incidence based on port design. Level of Evidence: Case Series, Level IV.     

血管内治疗颈内动脉颅外段伴同侧颅内动脉急性串联闭塞

目的探讨颈内动脉颅外段伴同侧颅内动脉急性串联闭塞患者血管内治疗方法 ,评估其疗效和安全性。方法回顾性分析2015年1月至2019年12月在南阳市中心医院接受血管内治疗的63例颈内动脉颅外段伴同侧颅内动脉急性串联闭塞患者临床资料。根据治疗方式不同,分为顺行再通组(n=41)和逆行再通组(n=22)。采用改良溶栓治疗脑梗死(mTICI)血流分级判断术后血管再通程度,改良Rankin量表(mRS)评分评估术后90 d临床预后。结果两组患者年龄、性别、伴高血压病、伴糖尿病、伴心房颤动、吸烟史、术前美国国立卫生研究院卒中量表(NIHSS)评分、术前Alberta卒中项目早期CT评分(ASPECTS)、脑卒中病因等差异均无统计学意义(均P>0.05)。顺行再通组、逆行再通组分别有16例(39.0%)、15例(68.2%)接受急诊颈内动脉起始段支架植入(P=0.027),穿刺至再通时间分别为(138+55) min、(120+47) min(P<0.01),90 d恢复良好(mRS评分≤2分)分别有17例(41.5%)、15例(68.2%)(P=0.043),差异均有统计学意义。结论血管...     

症状性非急性期椎基底动脉闭塞介入再通初步探讨

【摘要】 目的 通过与症状性大动脉粥样硬化性急性椎基底动脉闭塞资料对比,评估症状性非急性期椎基底动脉闭塞再通的可行性、有效性和安全性。方法 回顾性分析2017年6月至2019年4月郑州大学附属洛阳中心医院采用介入再通手术治疗的18例优势侧椎基底动脉非急性闭塞患者和32例急性粥样硬化性椎基底动脉闭塞患者一般资料和手术资料。单因素分析两组患者脑梗死溶栓（TICI）治疗后血流分级≥2b比例、血管开通时间、术前术后改良Rankin 量表（mRS）评分、术后症状改善、围手术期并发症以及90 d mRS 评分、支架内再狭窄差异。结果 非急性闭塞组、急性闭塞组分别有16例、30例术后即刻TICI血流分级≥2b,血管成功开通率分别为88.9%（16/18）、93.8%（30/32）（P=0.948）;术后分别有13例、23例症状改善（P=0.979）;围手术期发生并发症分别有4例（22.2%）、4例（12.5%）（P＞0.05）;术后90 d再狭窄发生率分别为33.3%（6/18）、9.4%（3/32）（P=0.075）;术后90 d mRS评分≤2分比例分别为55.6%（10/18）、65.6%（21/32）（P=0.481）。结论 非急性椎基底动脉闭塞血管内开通术虽操作复杂、存在一定风险,但可行、安全有效。确切疗效仍有待大样本、多中心前瞻性研究证实。     

Endovascular occlusion of the posterior cerebral artery for the treatment of p2 segment aneurysms: retrospective review of a 10-year series

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: P2 segment aneurysms develop between the junction of the posterior communicating artery with the posterior cerebral artery (PCA) and the posterior part of the midbrain in the ambient cistern. We reviewed our experience with parent artery occlusion in such aneurysms, looking for predictors of safety and effectiveness. METHODS: Clinical and preprocedural data from 10 patients, referred for endovascular treatment of P2 segment aneurysms, were retrospectively studied for prognostic factors influencing postoperative neurologic deficits caused by ischemia of the PCA distal territory. Patient tolerance was assessed by using clinical or anatomic criteria. Embryologic and anatomic features of the PCA were reviewed. RESULTS: Endovascular parent artery occlusion at the level of the aneurysmal neck was possible in nine cases. Control angiography after embolization showed that the aneurysm did not fill, and the distal PCA refilled via leptomeningeal anastomoses. One asymptomatic aneurysm could not be catheterized because of vascular tortuosity. No neurologic deficit occurred after treatment. Clinical presentations and grades were typical. No embryologic or anatomic configuration (eg, basilar tip arrangement, P2 position relative to the choroidal fissure, aneurysmal size or type [berry, fusiform, or serpentine]) was predictive of bad outcomes. CONCLUSION: Acute parent artery occlusion appears to be safe in the treatment of P2 segment aneurysms, whatever the location of the occlusion. In our series, potential collateral supply and hemodynamic balance between the anterior and posterior choroidal arteries, pericallosal vessels, and anterior and middle cerebral vessels to the distal PCA made P2 occlusion safe, because the aneurysm occurred after the thalamoperforating vessels arose from the P1 segment.     

血管内开通治疗急性串联病变型椎基底动脉闭塞临床效果分析

目的 评价急性串联病变型椎基底动脉闭塞(VBO)患者血管内开通治疗的临床效果.方法 回顾性分析150例连续入组的急性VBO患者临床、技术及功能结局资料.根据血管病变类型,将患者分为串联病变组(n=33,VBO伴有椎动脉颅外段病变)、单纯栓塞组(n=33,VBO因心源性或不明原因栓塞)、颅内狭窄组(n=84,VBO因椎基...     

Endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms with matrix detachable coils: immediate posttreatment results from a prospective multicenter registry

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms by using detachable coils has become an accepted alternative to surgery. To reduce the rate of aneurysm recanalization after treatment, biologically active polyglycolic/polylactic acid-covered platinum coils have been proposed. A prospective and multicenter registry was conducted in France to evaluate the safety and short-term and long-term efficacy of Matrix detachable coils. This first analysis is focused on the safety and short-term efficacy. METHODS: Two hundred sixty-one patients having ruptured or unruptured aneurysms treated via endovascular approach were included in this registry. Patients with giant aneurysms or in poor clinical condition (Glasgow Coma Scale < 10) were excluded. Because of various protocol violations, clinical analysis was conducted in 236 patients having 244 aneurysms. Technical and clinical complications were systematically recorded. Angiographic analysis was performed by a core laboratory by using the Raymond Grading Scale on 224 patients having 232 aneurysms. RESULTS: Complete occlusion was achieved in 102 aneurysms (44.0%); neck remnant, in 58 aneurysms (25.0%); and aneurysm remnant, in 72 aneurysms (31.0%). Technical and clinical complications related to the procedure were encountered in 43 patients (18.2%). Postoperative modification of the clinical status was observed in 12 patients (5.1%). Two patients died (0.8%), 6 had a permanent deficit (2.5%), and 4 had a transient deficit (1.7%). Treatment-related mortality was 0.8% and permanent morbidity was 2.5%. CONCLUSION: Endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms by using Matrix detachable coils is feasible and demonstrated initial angiographic results and overall morbidity and mortality rates that are within the ranges found in the literature in the use of bare platinum coils.     

Endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms with matrix detachable coils: midterm anatomic follow-up from a prospective multicenter registry

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Polyglycolic/polylactic acid–covered platinum coils have been proposed to reduce the rate of aneurysm recanalization after endovascular treatment. A prospective and multicenter registry was conducted in France to evaluate the safety and short-term and midterm efficacy of Matrix coils. This analysis focused on anatomic midterm results.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred thirty-six patients harboring 244 ruptured or unruptured aneurysms treated via endovascular approach by using Matrix coils were included in this registry. Treatment was totally or partially performed by using Matrix coils. Anatomic results were evaluated on postoperative and last-follow-up digital subtraction angiography (DSA) by using the Raymond scale. “Recanalization” was defined as worsening, and “progressive thrombosis” was defined as improvement on the Raymond scale.RESULTS: Anatomic midterm follow-up was obtained in 165 of 236 patients (70%) harboring 171 aneurysms (range, 6–27 months; mean, 14 ± 4 months). At midterm follow-up angiography, 79 aneurysms were completely occluded (46.2%), 43 had a neck remnant (25.1%), and 49 had an aneurysm remnant (28.7%). Of 171 aneurysms, recanalization was observed in 44 patients (25.7%), including major recanalization in 18 patients (10.5%). Recanalization was more frequent if the embolized volume of aneurysm was ≤25%. Progressive thrombosis was observed in 52 aneurysms (30%). No bleeding or rebleeding was observed during the period of follow-up.CONCLUSION: The efficacy of Matrix coils in preventing recanalization was not demonstrated in our series. In agreement with previous studies using bare platinum coils, volumic occlusion was an important feature for the prediction of aneurysm recanalization. A high percentage of progressive thrombosis in incompletely treated aneurysms was observed in our series, suggesting a biologic activity of Matrix coils.

Endovascular treatment by using bare platinum coils is currently used in patients worldwide as an alternative to surgery to occlude ruptured and unruptured cerebral aneurysms.¹ The most significant limitation of the technique is aneurysm recanalization that may occur in 15%–30%^2–5 and may potentially lead to aneurysm rebleeding. The modification of the surface of bare platinum coils was proposed in the late 1990s to accelerate the biologic response to coils and subsequently reduce the rate of recanalization.^6–7The first coated coil available for clinical use was covered with a bioactive copolymer consisting of polyglycolic/polylactic acid (PGLA).⁷ Several monocentric series have been recently published regarding the short- and midterm clinical and anatomic results of Matrix detachable coils (Boston Scientific, Natick, Mass) in the treatment of cerebral aneurysms.^8–12 A small number of patients were included in most series (25–112 patients), and midterm clinical and anatomic results were not always available.We recently published the immediate clinical and anatomic posttreatment results of a large prospective multicenter registry conducted in France in 2004.¹³ In this series, the overall morbidity and mortality rates of patients with intracranial aneurysms treated with Matrix detachable coils were within the ranges of previously published series using bare platinum coils. Similar results were reported by other teams.^8–12The potential influence of PGLA platinum coils on anatomic results in the time course after endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms remains debated. In a preliminary study, Kang et al⁸ found that the recanalization rate by the use of PGLA-coated coils was similar to that previously reported with the use of bare platinum coils. More recently, Niimi et al¹² found a higher recanalization rate with Matrix coils, whereas Murayama et al,¹¹ in the largest series published, to our knowledge, showed that anatomic results at midterm follow-up were better with Matrix coils compared with the Guglielmi detachable coil (GDC, Boston Scientific) system.The objective of the present study was to evaluate the midterm anatomic results in 165 patients harboring 171 intracranial aneurysms treated by Matrix coils and included in a prospective multicenter French registry.     

Pathologist at the doorstep of cancer “I know your weaknesses and strength”: an interview with Jean Claude Reubi

European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging -     

Endovascular treatment of arterial mesenteric ischaemia: a retrospective review

Mesenteric ischaemia is a condition that has traditionally been managed surgically. It poses a challenging diagnostic and therapeutic problem, particularly in the acute setting. We review a small series of eight patients managed with endovascular techniques for either acute or chronic mesenteric ischaemia at The Royal Melbourne Hospital, from 1997 to 2002. We describe our results and relate these to the recent published literature regarding endovascular and surgical management of mesenteric ischaemia. Our experience confirms the valuable contribution of angioplasty and stenting in chronic mesenteric ischaemia, which compares favourably with surgery with regards to complication rates and mortality. We suggest the need for further studies to compare the long-term efficacy of endovascular techniques compared with surgery in the management of chronic mesenteric ischaemia. Furthermore, we demonstrate a role for endovascular management in acute mesenteric ischaemia, in the appropriate clinical setting.     

Endovascular treatment for acute thrombotic occlusion of the middle cerebral artery: local intra-arterial thrombolysis combined with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty

We report our experience in treating 15 patients with acute thrombotic occlusion of the M1 or M2 segment of the middle cerebral artery who underwent intra-arterial thrombolytic therapy alone or in combination with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA). The results were compared with those of 30 patients with acute embolic occlusion of the same artery. Intra-arterial thrombolysis was performed in 10 patients and thrombolysis combined with PTA in 5 in whom symptoms reappeared due to restenosis or reocclusion, or in whom recanalisation was not successfully accomplished by thrombolysis alone. In the patients with embolism recanalisation was observed in 28 (93 %) and there was no patient with reocclusion. In the patients with thrombosis recanalisation immediately after thrombolysis alone was observed in 9 of 15 (60 %). Restenosis, with reappearance of symptoms, occurred in 2 of these (22 %). In the patients who also underwent PTA, angiography after 1 month did not demonstrate any restenosis or reocclusion. Thrombolysis combined with PTA for acute thrombotic stroke may provide an effective procedure for restoring patency and preventing reocclusion of the occluded artery. Received: 31 August 1995 Accepted: 20 March 1996     

膝下动脉闭塞腔内治疗热点问题——实践与思考

重症下肢缺血(CLI)是下肢动脉硬化闭塞症重度期表现,膝下动脉闭塞是导致CLI重要原因,保肢、提高生活质量是CLI治疗目标.随着技术和器械发展,腔内治疗成为膝下动脉病变的主要治疗方法.由于膝下动脉独特的解剖特点、治疗难度大、再狭窄发生率高,一系列争议性问题产生;首选腔内治疗还是传统旁路手术,膝下动脉治疗靶血管如何选择,膝下动脉腔内治疗入路如何选择,腔内治疗术式如何优化等.本文结合最新循证医学证据和临床治疗经验,就膝下动脉闭塞腔内治疗上述热点问题的实践与思考作一阐述.     

Endovascular treatment of idiopathic intracranial hypertension: retrospective analysis of immediate and long-term results in 51 patients

Purpose

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a disorder of increased intracranial pressure in the absence of any known causative factor. Sinus stenosis is common in these patients. Stenting of stenotic dural sinuses has gained popularity as a treatment option, since these stenoses may contribute to an obstruction of the venous return, and, thereby may contribute to IIH via an increase in venous sinus pressure. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of endovascular treatment in IIH with venous sinus stenosis.

Methods

Fifty-one patients with IIH underwent stenting. Median age was 40 years. Clinical manifestation was headache in 74.5% of the patients and visual obscurations in 78.5%. Papilledema was present in 50/51 patients (98%), and lumbar puncture documented elevated CSF opening pressure in all but one patient (98%). Sinus stenoses were observed in all patients.

Results

Endovascular treatment was successfully performed in all patients. There were no major complications encountered (i.e., live threatening or causing a deterioration of a patient’s condition equivalent to mRS 3–6). Improvement or resolution of papilledema was observed in 88% of the patients, and 84% reported improvement or resolution of the headache. Follow-up angiographies were performed in 48 patients at a median interval of 49 months and demonstrated in stent-stenosis or a de novo stenosis in 12 patients, eight of them needed re-treatment.

Conclusion

Venous sinus stenting is a safe and effective alternative to other invasive treatments (e.g., optic nerve sheath fenestration, CSF diversion) in patients with IIH. The majority of patients have a persistent clinical benefit.

     

Endovascular treatment of cesarean scar pregnancy: a retrospective multicentric study

Purpose

To assess the role of Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE) to treat cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) using different embolic materials, focusing on its clinical and technical success rates; the association of UAE with methotrexate (MTX) and/or dilatation & curettage (D&C) was evaluated also.

Materials and methods

A retrospective analysis 33 patients (mean age 35 years) affected by CSP and treated with UAE from March 2012 to 2020 was performed. Dynamic levels of serum β-HCG have been collected until they decreased to normal values after procedures. For the statistical analysis the sample was divided into 2 groups: UAE versus UAE?+?MTX.

Results

The gestational sac age ranged between 5 and 13 weeks (mean 7 weeks). According to operator’s preference, 11 patients (33.33%) were treated with sponge injection, 2 patients (6.06%) with a combination of sponge and microsphere the remaining 20 patients (60.60%) with microspheres alone. No major complications occurred after UAE and D&C, neither side effects related to the MTX administration. Technical and clinical success rates were 97% and 85%, respectively. Mean percentage of β-HCG reduction was 90% (range???99.92 to +?7.98%). Statistical analysis with linear regression shows a R² value of 0.9624 in UAE group while a R² value of 0.9440 in UAE?+?MTX group with statistical significance (p?<?0.0001). No significative differences were found between the two groups about clinical success rate and embolic material adopted.

Conclusion

In this series UAE has been found to be safe and effective for the treatment of CSP.

     

Predominance and homogeneity patterns of physiological FDG accumulation in thoracic and lumbar vertebrae: suspected mechanism of “ bone pseudometastasis ” on FDG-PET in Japanese patients with esophageal cancer

False-positive bone lesions (bone pseudometastases) have been often reported in patients with esophageal cancer (EsoC). This study aimed to evaluate the vertebral 2-deoxy-2-[18F] fluoro-d-glucose (FDG) accumulation pattern in patients with newly diagnosed esophageal cancers and other malignancies (OtherT) to elucidate the possible mechanism that causes bone pseudometastasis. FDG positron emission tomography/computed tomography performed for 90 patients with EsoC, and 112 patients with OtherT was retrospectively evaluated. The uptake pattern in the thoracic (Th) and lumbar (L) vertebrae was visually assessed regarding predominance (TL, Th ≒ L; Td, Th > L; Ld, L > Th), main intensity compared with the uptake in the blood pool (BP) (Grade 1 < BP, Grade 2 ≒ BP, or Grade 3 > BP), and homogeneity (homogeneous, heterogeneous, marginal, or spotty). The patterns between EsoC and OtherT and between Th and L were compared. TL, Td, and Ld patterns were observed in 51.1%, 48.9%, and 0% in EsoC and 79.7%, 20.3%, and 0% in OtherT. Though Grade 2 was most frequently observed in both groups, the ratio of Grade 3 in Th and Grade 1 in L was significantly higher in EsoC than in OtherT. Heterogeneous and spotty patterns were more frequently observed in L and in EsoC, and these were strongly associated with Td pattern. Td pattern was frequently seen, especially in EsoC, and was strongly associated with a heterogeneous or marginal pattern in the L. Heterogeneous marrow distribution with declined lumbar uptake is suspected as the mechanism of bone pseudometastasis.     

Preliminary findings of recanalization and stenting for symptomatic vertebrobasilar artery occlusion lasting more than 24 h: A retrospective analysis of 21 cases

Purpose

To evaluate the technical feasibility, safety and short-term treatment effects of recanalization and stenting for intracranial symptomatic vertebrobasilar artery occlusion (VBAO) lasting more than 24 h.

Methods and materials

Twenty-one consecutive patients with VBAO refractory to aggressive medical treatment were enrolled into this study and underwent recanalization and stenting. The rate of recanalization was evaluated radiographically and the functional outcome was examined using modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores.

Results

Median time between imaging-documented occlusion and endovascular recanalization was 10.5 days (IR, Interquartile Range: 6.5–18); technique success ratio of recanalization was 95.2%. There were 3 periprocedural complications. Median mRS score was 4 (IR, 2.5–5) prior to procedure and 4 (IR, 1–5) at discharge (P < 0.05). One stroke and one death occurred within 30 days after recanalization. Mean duration of clinical follow-up was 15.5 months. One transient ischemic attack, one stroke and one death occurred beyond 30-day window. Mean angiographic follow-up was 10.6 months in 10 patients. Four patients developed in-stent restenosis or occlusion, and two of them were symptomatic. Subgroup analyses revealed better functional recovery (lower mRS) in patients with vertebral artery occlusion (VAO) (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Endovascular recanalization and stenting for symptomatic VBAO lasting more than 24 h were technically feasible and patients with VAO benefited from the treatment with significant functional recovery. However, the complexity of the procedure and high risk of complication should prompt extreme caution.