A New Technique for Superselective Catheterization of Arteries: Preshaping of a Micro-Guide Wire into a Shepherd's Hook Form

Objective

We wanted to introduce a new technique for superselective catheterization of arteries with preshaping of a micro-guide wire into a shepherd''s hook form, and this is useful for superselection of small arteries branching at an acute angle from a large parent artery for the treatment of tumors and hemorrhages.

Materials and Methods

We developed a superselective catheterization technique by using preshaping of a micro-guide wire into a shepherd''s hook form. We encountered six patients in our practice for whom we failed to catheterize the small tumor-feeding arteries that branched at an acute angle from wide parent arteries during chemoembolization of hepatocellular carcinoma; the parent arteries were the right inferior phrenic artery (n = 4) and the left gastric artery (n = 1) from the celiac axis with celiac stenosis due to compression by the median arcuate ligament and the proper hepatic artery from the gastroduodenal artery (n = 1) in a patient who had celiac axis occlusion with collateral circulation via the pancreaticoduodenal arcade from the superior mesenteric artery. In these consecutive six patients, we tested the usefulness of this new technique with employing preshaping of a micro-guide wire into a shepherd''s hook form for superselective catheterization of targeted vessels.

Results

The target arteries were successfully catheterized and satisfactory transcatheter arterial chemoembolization was performed in all six patients. There were no significant complications such as arterial dissection.

Conclusion

We developed a technique that is effective for superselection of vessels with preshaping of micro-guide wire into a shepherd''s hook form, and we successfully applied it during chemoembolization of hepatocellular carcinoma. This technique can be useful for superselection of small arteries that branch from a large parent artery at acute angles for the treatment of tumors and hemorrhages.     

Early Recurring Hepatocellular Carcinoma after Partial Hepatic Resection: Preoperative CT Findings

Objective

The purpose of this study was to determine the utility of preoperative CT in predicting early recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma after partial hepatic resection.

Materials and Methods

Preoperative three-phase helical CT scans in 53 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma were retrospectively reviewed by two radiologists. In 27 patients (group I), HCC had recurred within six months, while 26 (group II) had remained disease free for at least two years. In each group, preoperative CT findings were evaluated in each group for the tumor size and number, the presence or absence of capsule, distinctness of tumor margin, perinodular extension, and the presence or absence of portal vein thrombosis.

Results

In group I, a tumor capsule of tumor was seen in five of 27 patients (19%), and in group II, in 16 of 26 (62%) (p = .001). The tumor margin was distinct in eight patients (30%) in group I and in 20 (77%) in group II (p = .001). Multiple tumors, perinodular extension, and portal vein thrombosis were more frequently seen in group I but the differences were not statistically significant (p > .05). Tumor size was similar in each group (p > .05).

Conclusion

Preoperative CT findings that may help predict the early recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma after surgical resection are an absence of capsule of tumors and an indistinct margin. Reference to these findings during preoperative CT can guide clinicians in their choice of treatment.     

CT Findings of Completely Regressed Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Main Portal Vein Tumor Thrombosis after Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization

Objective

The objective of this study was to determine the sequential CT findings of controlled hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with main portal vein (MPV) thrombosis with the use of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization and additional intra-arterial cisplatin infusion.

Materials and Methods

From January 2004 to September 2006, 138 patients with HCC invading MPV were referred to the angiography unit of our institution for chemoembolization and additional intra-arterial cisplatin infusion. Until August 2008, seven (5%) of 138 patients were followed-up and found not to have tumor recurrence. CT scans were retrospectively reviewed by two radiologists, focusing on the following parameters: the extent of portal vein thrombosis, the diameter of the affected portal vein, and enhancement of portal vein thrombosis.

Results

The extent of portal vein thrombosis at the initial presentation was variable: left portal vein (LPV) and MPV (n = 1), right portal vein (RPV) and MPV (n = 3), as well as RPV, LPV and MPV (n = 3). The extent and diameter of the affected portal vein decreased during follow-up examinations. In addition, the degree of enhancement for tumor thrombi and serum alpha-feto-protein levels decreased after the transcatheter arterial chemoembolization. Portal vein thrombosis was found to be completely resolved in one patient, whereas residual thrombus without viability was persistent in six patients.

Conclusion

If chemoembolization is effective in patients with HCC that invades the portal vein, the extent and enhancement of portal vein thrombosis is reduced, but residual thrombosis frequently persists for months or years, without evidence of a viable tumor.     

Spatial relationship between intrahepatic artery and portal vein based on the fusion image of CT-arterial portography (CTAP) and CT-angiography (CTA): new classification for hepatic artery at hepatic hilum and the segmentation of right anterior section of the liver

Purpose

To clarify the variations of the intrahepatic artery and portal vein and to verify the proper segmentation for the right anterior section of the liver.

Materials and methods

CT during arterial portography and CT angiography were performed on 64-slice multi detector row CT in 147 patients. All images were transferred to a workstation for analysis using multi-image-fusion mode. We investigated the spatial relationship between hepatic artery and portal vein in the right hemiliver and the segmentation of the right anterior hepatic artery and portal vein.

Results

The spatial anatomy of right hepatic arteries and portal vein was (1) anterior and posterior hepatic artery run superior and inferior to anterior portal vein, respectively (47.6%), (2) one anterior hepatic artery runs superior to and another one runs inferior to anterior portal vein (15%), (3) anterior and posterior hepatic arteries run superior to anterior portal vein (11.6%), (4) anterior and posterior hepatic arteries run inferior to anterior portal vein (7.5%), and (5) one posterior hepatic artery runs superior to and another one runs inferior to anterior portal vein (6.8%).The combined anatomy of right anterior artery and portal vein with regard to segmentation was classified as (1) dorso-ventral (26.5%), (2) dorso-ventral and inferior (10.9%), (3) multiple (18.4%), and (4) superior and inferior segments (1.4%).

Conclusion

There are various types of spatial anatomy of intrahepatic artery and portal vein. The hepatic arteries as well as portal veins of right anterior section of the liver could be divided into dorsal and ventral, not superior and inferior.     

Percutaneous Unilateral Biliary Metallic Stent Placement in Patients with Malignant Obstruction of the Biliary Hila and Contralateral Portal Vein Steno-Occlusion

Objective

To investigate the outcomes of percutaneous unilateral metallic stent placement in patients with a malignant obstruction of the biliary hila and a contralateral portal vein steno-occlusion.

Materials and Methods

Sixty patients with a malignant hilar obstruction and unilobar portal vein steno-occlusion caused by tumor invasion or preoperative portal vein embolization were enrolled in this retrospective study from October 2010 to October 2013. All patients were treated with percutaneous placement of a biliary metallic stent, including expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE)-covered stents in 27 patients and uncovered stents in 33 patients.

Results

A total of 70 stents were successfully placed in 60 patients. Procedural-related minor complications, including self-limiting hemobilia (n = 2) and cholangitis (n = 4) occurred in six (10%) patients. Acute cholecystitis occurred in two patients. Successful internal drainage was achieved in 54 (90%) of the 60 patients. According to a Kaplan-Meier analysis, median survival time was 210 days (95% confidence interval [CI], 135-284 days), and median stent patency time was 133 days (95% CI, 94-171 days). No significant difference in stent patency was observed between covered and uncovered stents (p = 0.646). Stent dysfunction occurred in 16 (29.6%) of 54 patients after a mean of 159 days (range, 65-321 days).

Conclusion

Unilateral placement of ePTFE-covered and uncovered stents in the hepatic lobe with a patent portal vein is a safe and effective method for palliative treatment of patients with a contralateral portal vein steno-occlusion caused by an advanced hilar malignancy or portal vein embolization. No significant difference in stent patency was detected between covered and uncovered metallic stents.     

Percutaneous Angioplasty of Portal Vein Stenosis that Complicates Liver Transplantation: The Mid-Term Therapeutic Results

Objective

We wanted to valuate the mid-term therapeutic results of percutaneous transhepatic balloon angioplasty for portal vein stenosis after liver transplantation.

Materials and Methods

From May 1996 to Feb 2005, 420 patients underwent liver transplantation. Percutaneous transhepatic angioplasty of the portal vein was attempted in six patients. The patients presented with the clinical signs and symptoms of portal venous hypertension or they were identified by surveillance doppler ultrasonography. The preangioplasty and postangioplasty pressure gradients were recorded. The therapeutic results were monitored by the follow up of the clinical symptoms, the laboratory values, CT and ultrasonography.

Results

The overall technical success rate was 100%. The clinical success rate was 83% (5/6). A total of eight sessions of balloon angioplasty were performed in six patients. The mean pressure gradient decreased from 14.5 mmHg to 2.8 mmHg before and after treatment, respectively. The follow up periods ranged from three months to 64 months (mean period; 32 months). Portal venous patency was maintained in all six patients until the final follow up. Combined hepatic venous stenosis was seen in one patient who was treated with stent placement. One patient showed puncture tract bleeding, and this patient was treated with coil embolization of the right portal puncture tract via the left transhepatic portal venous approach.

Conclusion

Percutaneous transhepatic balloon angioplasty is an effective treatment for the portal vein stenosis that occurs after liver transplantation, and our results showed good mid-term patency with using this technique.     

Hepatic Arterial Phase on Gadoxetic Acid-Enhanced Liver MR Imaging: A Randomized Comparison of 0.5 mL/s and 1 mL/s Injection Rates

Objective

To compare gadoxetic acid injection rates of 0.5 mL/s and 1 mL/s for hepatic arterial-phase magnetic resonance (MR) imaging.

Materials and Methods

In this prospective study, 101 consecutive patients with suspected focal liver lesions were included and randomly divided into two groups. Each group underwent dynamic liver MR imaging using a 3.0-T scanner after an intravenous injection of gadoxetic acid at rates of either 0.5 mL/s (n = 50) or 1 mL/s (n = 51). Arterial phase images were analyzed after blinding the injection rates. The signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) of the liver, aorta, portal vein, hepatic vein, spleen, and pancreas were measured. The contrast-to-noise ratios (CNRs) of the hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) were calculated. Finally, two experienced radiologists were independently asked to identify, if any, HCCs in the liver on the images and score the image quality in terms of the presence of artifacts and the proper enhancement of the liver, aorta, portal vein, hepatic vein, hepatic artery, spleen, pancreas, and kidney.

Results

The SNRs were not significantly different between the groups (p = 0.233-0.965). The CNRs of the HCCs were not significantly different (p = 0.597). The sensitivity for HCC detection and the image quality scores were not significantly different between the two injection rates (p = 0.082-1.000).

Conclusion

Image quality and sensitivity for hepatic HCCs of arterial-phase gadoxetic acid-enhanced MR were not significantly improved by reducing the contrast injection rate to 0.5 mL/s compared with 1 mL/s.     

Percutaneous Access via the Recanalized Paraumbilical Vein for Varix Embolization in Seven Patients

Objective

To evaluate the feasibility of percutaneous access via the recanalized paraumbilical vein for varix embolization.

Materials and Methods

Between July 2008 and Jan 2014, percutaneous access via the recanalized paraumbilical vein for varix embolization was attempted in seven patients with variceal bleeding. Paraumbilical vein puncture was performed under ultrasonographic guidance, followed by introduction of a 5-Fr sheath. We retrospectively evaluated the technical feasibility, procedure-related complications, and clinical outcomes of each patient.

Results

Recanalized paraumbilical vein catheterization was performed successfully in all patients. Gastroesophageal varix embolization was performed in six patients, and umbilical varix embolization was performed in one patient. Embolic materials used are N-butyl cyanoacrylate (n = 6) and coil with N-butyl cyanoacrylate (n = 1). There were no procedure-related complications. One patient underwent repeated variceal embolization 6 hours after initial procedure via recanalized paraumbilical vein, due to rebleeding from gastric varix.

Conclusion

Percutaneous access via the paraumbilical vein for varix embolization is a simple alternative in patients with portal hypertension.     

The Accuracy of Ultrasonography for the Evaluation of Portal Hypertension in Patients with Cirrhosis: A Systematic Review

Objective

Studies have presented conflicting results regarding the accuracy of ultrasonography (US) for diagnosing portal hypertension (PH). We sought to identify evidence in the literature regarding the accuracy of US for assessing PH in patients with liver cirrhosis.

Materials and Methods

We conducted a systematic review by searching databases, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library, for relevant studies.

Results

A total of 14 studies met our inclusion criteria. The US indices were obtained in the portal vein (n = 9), hepatic artery (n = 6), hepatic vein (HV) (n = 4) and other vessels. Using hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) as the reference, the sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) of the portal venous indices were 69-88% and 67-75%, respectively. The correlation coefficients between HVPG and the portal venous indices were approximately 0.296-0.8. No studies assess the Se and Sp of the hepatic arterial indices. The correlation between HVPG and the hepatic arterial indices ranged from 0.01 to 0.83. The Se and Sp of the hepatic venous indices were 75.9-77.8% and 81.8-100%, respectively. In particular, the Se and Sp of HV arrival time for clinically significant PH were 92.7% and 86.7%, respectively. A statistically significant correlation between HVPG and the hepatic venous indices was observed (0.545-0.649).

Conclusion

Some US indices, such as HV, exhibited an increased accuracy for diagnosing PH. These indices may be useful in clinical practice for the detection of significant PH.     

Hypereosinophilic Syndrome: CT Findings in Patients with Hepatic Lobar or Segmental Involvement

Objective

The purpose of this study was to describe the CT findings of hepatic hypereosinophilic syndrome in which hepatic lobes or segments were involved.

Materials and Methods

Seven patients with hypereosinophilic syndrome with hepatic lobar or segmental involvement were included in our study. In all seven, diagnosis was based on liver biopsy and the results of corticosteroid treatment. CT findings were retrospectively reviewed by three radiologists, who reached a consensus. Biopsy specimens were examined, with special reference to portal and periportal inflammation.

Results

CT demonstrated well-defined, homogeneous or heterogeneous low attenuation with a straight margin limited to a hepatic lobe (n = 2), segments (n = 3), or subsegments (n = 2), particularly during the portal phase. Where there was subsegmental involvement, lesions were multiple, ovoid or wedge-shaped, and showed low attenuation. In two patients with lobar or segmental involvement, segmental portal vein narrowing was observed. Histopathologic examination disclosed eosinophilic infiltration in the periportal area, sinusoids and central veins, as well as portal phlebitis.

Conclusion

Hypereosinophilic syndrome may involve the presence of hepatic lobar, segmental, or subsegmental low-attenuated lesions, as seen on CT images. Their presence may be related to damage of the liver parenchyma and to portal phlebitis.     

Right Gastric Venous Drainage: Angiographic Analysis in 100 Patients

Objective

To evaluate the pattern of right gastric venous drainage by use of digital subtraction angiography.

Materials and Methods

A series of 100 consecutive patients who underwent right gastric arteriography during transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma were included in this study. Angiographic findings were retrospectively analyzed with respect to the presence or absence of the right and aberrant gastric veins, multiplicity of draining veins, aberrant right gastric venous drainage sites, and the termination pattern of aberrant right gastric veins (ARGVs). We also compared the relative size of the right and left gastric veins.

Results

A total of 49 patients collectively had 66 ARGVs. The common drainage sites for the ARGVs included the hepatic segment IV (n = 35) and segment I (n = 15). The termination pattern of ARGV could be classified into 4 different types. The most common type was termination as a superficial parenchymal blush formation in small areas without demonstrable portal branches. A statistically significant difference was found for the dominancy of the right gastric vein in gastric venous drainage between the two groups with or without ARGV (p < 0.05, Fisher''s exact test). In the group of patients without ARGV (n = 51), the right gastric vein was equal to (n = 9) or larger than (n = 17) the left gastric vein in 26 patients (26 of 51, 51%).

Conclusion

The incidence of ARGV is higher than expected with four distinct types in its termination pattern. The right gastric vein may play a dominant role in gastric venous drainage.     

Angiographic evaluation of hepatic arterial injury after cisplatin and Gelfoam–based transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma in a 205 patient cohort during a 6-year follow-up

Objective:

To evaluate the overall and cumulative incidence, degree, interval change and predictors of hepatic arterial injury (HAI) after cisplatin and Gelfoam® (Upjohn, Kalamazoo, MI)–based transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods:

A total of 205 patients with HCC who underwent three or more sessions of TACE without additional surgical or local treatment were included. HAI was evaluated at each segment of the hepatic artery using a three-grade scale: 1 (slight wall irregularity), 2 (overt stenosis) and 3 (occlusion). HAI interval change was categorized into three groups: progression, stable state and improvement. Cumulative incidence of HAI was analysed using Kaplan– Meier method, and predictors of HAI (patient age, sex, portal vein thrombosis and Child–Pugh classification) were analysed by univariate logistic regression.

Results:

HAI occurred in 50 of the 205 study patients (24.4%). The cumulative incidence of HAI was 16.0% [95% confidence interval (CI), 10.21–21.77] during 5 sessions of TACE, 52.1% (95% CI, 37.83–66.29) during 10 sessions and 68.0% (95% CI, 67.62–88.46) during 15 sessions. Initial HAI was interpreted as grades 1, 2 and 3 in 11 (22.0%), 17 (34.0%) and 22 (44.0%) patients, respectively. When the interval change was assessed in 48 patients with available follow-up TACE, 40 (83.3%) were included in the progression, 2 (4.2%) in the stable state and 6 (12.5%) in the improvement groups. The univariate analysis used to determine the predictors of HAI revealed no significant predictors.

Conclusion:

In three or more sessions of TACE, the incidence of HAI was 24%. Increasing TACE causes increased incidence of HAI. The initial presentation was most commonly grade 3, and 12.5% of the patients with HAI showed improvement of the HAI grade during follow-up TACE.

Advances in knowledge:

In patients who underwent three or more sessions of cisplatin and Gelfoam–based TACE, the overall incidence of HAI was 24.4%, and increasing TACE causes increased incidence of HAI.Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) is an effective method for the palliative treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).¹ Patients with HCC frequently require repeated TACE for the treatment of residual viable tumour or local recurrence. However, TACE for HCC may cause damage to the hepatic arteries, which leads to hepatic artery spasm and inflammatory constriction, and severe cases may lead to occlusion, dissection, intrahepatic and extrahepatic collateralization and aneurysm formation in the hepatic artery.^2–4 A direct result of irreversible occlusion is the difficulty in selecting the artery for the next TACE procedure.⁵Maeda et al³ reported that the incidence of significant hepatic artery damage after TACE for HCC based on 33 patients and using epirubicin as a chemotherapeutic agent was 16% per artery and 48% per patient (mean follow-up period of 497 days). Geschwind et al⁶ also reported that subsequent arterial patency seen on follow-up angiography after TACE performed for liver cancer and based on 160 patients was 54.6–80.6% depending on the embolization protocol using oil, polyvinyl alcohol particles or Gelfoam pledgets. However, both of these previous reports had a limited number of study patients. To our knowledge, published reports regarding the incidence or predictors of hepatic arterial injury (HAI) in a large series of cisplatin and Gelfoam-based TACE treatments have been limited, although cisplatin is one of the widely used chemotherapeutic regimens for HCC. Gaba⁷ reported the results of an online survey replied to by 268 Society of Interventional Radiology members, regarding iodized oil chemoembolization for HCC. The preferred chemotherapeutic regimen consisted of 100 mg of cisplatin (44%), 50 mg of doxorubicin (58%) and 10 mg of mitomycin (59%) emulsified in 10 ml of iodized oil (71%).⁷ Moreover, follow-up changes in the hepatic artery after HAI have not yet been reported. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence, degree, interval change and predictors of HAI after cisplatin and Gelfoam–based TACE for HCC in a 205 patient cohort during a 6-year follow-up.     

Hepatocellular Carcinomas Smaller Than 4 cm Supplied by the Intercostal Artery: Can We Predict Which Intercostal Artery Supplies the Tumor?

Objective

To predict which intercostal artery supplies a tumor by examining the spatial relationship between hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the intercostal artery feeding the tumor on transverse computed tomography (CT) images.

Materials and Methods

Between January 2000 and September 2009, 46 intercostal arteries supplying HCCs smaller than 4 cm were noted in 44 patients, and CT scans and angiograms of these patients were retrospectively reviewed. The intercostal artery feeding the tumor was marked on the CT scan showing the center of the tumor. In addition, its spatial relationship with the tumor center was examined. The angle of the tumor location was measured on the transverse CT scan in the clockwise direction from the sagittal line on the virtual circle centered in the right hemithorax. Correlations between the angle of the tumor location and the level of the tumor-feeding intercostal artery were assessed with the Spearman rank coefficient.

Results

Of 46 intercostal arteries feeding HCC, 39 (85%) were the first ones observed from the tumor center in a counterclockwise direction on the transverse CT image containing the tumor center. The level of the tumor-feeding intercostal artery was significantly correlated with the angle of the tumor, as the posteriorly located tumor tends to be supplied by lower intercostal arteries, while the laterally located tumor by upper intercostal arteries (Spearman coefficient = -0.537; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

We can predict the tumor feeder with an accuracy of 85% as the first intercostal artery encountered from the tumor center in a counterclockwise direction on a transverse CT image.     

Hepatic artery-targeting guidewire technique during transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt

Objective

This study evaluated the feasibility and safety of the transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) procedure using the hepatic artery-targeting guidewire technique for the puncture step.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 11 consecutive patients (5 men and 6 women, aged 46–76 years (mean 64 years)) with portal hypertension in whom the TIPS procedure was performed. As the first step in the TIPS procedure in all cases, a micro-guidewire was inserted into the hepatic arterial branch accompanying the portal venous branch through a microcatheter coaxially advanced from a 5-French catheter positioned in the coeliac or common hepatic artery. At the puncture step, the tip of the metallic cannula was aimed 1 cm posterior to the distal part of this micro-guidewire, after which the TIPS procedure was performed. Success rate, number of punctures and complications were evaluated.

Results

The TIPS procedure was successfully performed in all 11 patients. The mean number of punctures until success in entering the targeted portal venous branch was 5 (range 1–14). In 3 patients (27%), the right portal venous branch was entered at the first puncture attempt. The hepatic artery was punctured once in one patient and the bile duct was punctured once in another patient. No serious procedure-induced complications occurred.

Conclusion

The TIPS procedure can be accomplished safely, precisely and relatively easily using the hepatic artery-targeting guidewire technique.Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) placements have continued to increase since the first such procedure was performed in 1988 [1]. Currently, this procedure is accepted as an effective treatment for the complications of portal hypertension, such as variceal bleeding [2] and intractable ascites [2^,3]. In many institutions, including ours, however, this procedure is rarely performed and it might be difficult to maintain the necessary skills.During the TIPS procedure, the puncture from the proximal portion of the hepatic vein (usually a right hepatic vein) to the proximal portion of a branch of the intrahepatic portal vein (usually the right portal vein) is the most important and difficult step [1^,2]. In 1994, Matsui et al [4] introduced a simple technique to assist in this puncture step. This technique was aided by a targeting guidewire in the hepatic arterial branch accompanying the portal venous branch to be punctured. To our knowledge, there has been no subsequent literature on the use of this simple technique, which we have adopted in our institution. This study evaluated the application of the hepatic artery-targeting guidewire technique for the puncture step of the TIPS procedure. We also assessed the occurrence of procedure-induced complications in order to clarify the value of this technique to inexperienced or infrequent operators such as those in our institution.     

Embolization of percutaneous transhepatic portal venous access tract with N-butyl cyanoacrylate

Objective:

To evaluate the safety and feasibility of N-butyl cyanoacrylate (N-BCA) embolization of percutaneous transhepatic portal venous access tract and to establish an appropriate technique.

Methods:

40 consecutive patients underwent percutaneous transhepatic portal venous intervention for various reasons. Embolization of percutaneous transhepatic portal venous access tract was performed after the procedure in all of the patients using N-BCA and Lipiodol® (Lipiodol Ultra Fluide; Laboratoire Guerbet, Aulnay-sous-Bois, France) mixture. Immediate ultrasonography and fluoroscopy were performed to evaluate perihepatic haematoma formation and unintended embolization of more than one segmental portal vein. Follow-up CT was performed, and haemoglobin and haematocrit levels were checked to evaluate the presence of bleeding.

Results:

Immediate haemostasis was achieved in all of the patients, without development of perihepatic haematoma or unintended embolization of more than one segmental portal vein. Complete embolization of percutaneous access tract was confirmed in 39 out of 40 patients by CT. Seven patients showed decreased haemoglobin and haematocrit levels. Other complications included mild pain at the site of embolization and mild fever, which resolved after conservative management. 16 patients died during the follow-up period owing to progression of the underlying disease.

Conclusion:

Embolization of percutaneous transhepatic portal vein access tract with N-BCA is feasible and technically safe. With the appropriate technique, N-BCA can be safely used as an alternate embolic material since it is easy to use and inexpensive compared with other embolic materials.

Advances in knowledge:

This is the first study to investigate the efficacy of N-BCA for percutaneous transhepatic portal venous access tract embolization.Percutaneous transhepatic approach for portal venous intervention is used in various procedures, such as portal vein angioplasty, partial portal vein embolization before hemihepatectomy, variceal embolization for upper gastrointestinal bleeding and pancreatic islet cell transplantation.^1–6 After performing these procedures, life-threatening bleeding may occur from transhepatic tracts and, as a result, lead to morbidity and mortality. According to the literature, various embolic materials, including gelatin sponge particles, biological tissue adhesives, coils and plugs, have been utilized to prevent bleeding from the tracts.^7–13 Among these materials, gelatin sponge particles and coils are the two most commonly used embolic materials. However, most of these embolic materials have one or more drawbacks, such as incomplete tract embolization when using gelatin sponge particles, which may be the cause of delayed bleeding, and longer procedure time when using coils or plugs.^14,15 On the contrary, N-butyl cyanoacrylate (N-BCA) is a permanent, fast-acting and inexpensive embolic material, which is associated with a low possibility of rebleeding or migration. There are several reports on embolization of percutaneous biopsy tracts or biliary access tracts with N-BCA.^16–21 However, to the best of our knowledge, none of the studies has evaluated the outcome of embolization of portal venous access tracts with N-BCA. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of N-BCA embolization of percutaneous transhepatic portal venous access tracts.     

Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization for Infiltrative Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Clinical Safety and Efficacy and Factors Influencing Patient Survival

Objective

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) in patients with infiltrative hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and to identify the prognostic factors associated with patient survival.

Materials and Methods

Fifty two patients who underwent TACE for infiltrative HCC were evaluated between 2007 and 2010. The maximum diameter of the tumors ranged from 7 cm to 22 cm (median 15 cm). Of 46 infiltrative HCC patients with portal vein tumor thrombosis, 32 patients received adjuvant radiation therapy for portal vein tumor thrombosis after TACE.

Results

The tumor response by European Association for the Study of the Liver criteria was partial in 18%, stable in 47%, and progressive in 35% of the patients. The median survival time was 5.7 months (Kaplan-Meier analysis). The survival rates were 48% at six months, 25% at one year, and 12% at two years. In the multivariable Cox regression analysis, Child-Pugh class (p = 0.02), adjuvant radiotherapy (p = 0.003) and tumor response after TACE (p = 0.004) were significant factors associated with patient survival. Major complications occurred in nine patients. The major complication rate was significantly higher in patients with Child-Pugh B than in patients with Child-Pugh A (p = 0.049, χ² test).

Conclusion

Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization can be a safe treatment option in infiltrative HCC patients with Child Pugh class A. Child Pugh class A, radiotherapy for portal vein tumor thrombosis after TACE and tumor response are good prognostic factors for an increased survival after TACE in patients with infiltrative HCCs.     

Polyvinyl Alcohol Embolization Adjuvant to Oily Chemoembolization in Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Arterioportal Shunts

Objective

To assess the feasibility and safety of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) embolization adjuvant to transarterial oily chemoembolization (P-TACE) in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with arterioportal shunts (APS).

Materials and Methods

Nineteen patients who underwent PVA embolization for APS before a routine chemoembolization (TACE) procedure were retrospectively reviewed. 10 of these 19 patients underwent follow-up TACE or P-TACE after P-TACE (Group A), but nine patients underwent only initial P-TACE because of progression of HCC and/or underlying liver cirrhosis (Group B). Hepatic function tests, APS grades, and portal flow directions were evaluated before and after P-TACE sessions. Complications after procedures and survival days were also evaluated.

Results

In group A, APS grade was improved in eight patients and five of six patients with hepatofugal flow showed restored hepatopetal flow postoperatively. No immediate complication was developed in either group. Transient hepatic insufficiency developed in eight (42.1%) of 19 patients after P-TACE, and seven (87.5%) of these eight recovered within two weeks under conservative care. The mean and median survival time all study subjects was 280 days and 162 days.

Conclusion

P-TACE is feasible and safe in advanced HCC patients with APS.     

Dual-Port versus Mono-Port Implantation for Intra-Arterial Chemoinfusion Therapy for Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients with Anatomic Hepatic Artery Variation

Purpose

To compare the feasibility and safety of mono-port catheter system and dual-port catheter system for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with anatomic hepatic artery variation and portal vein tumor thrombosis.

Evaluation of Portal Venous Velocity with Doppler Ultrasound in Patients with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Purpose

We examined the relationship between portal venous velocity and hepatic-abdominal fat in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), using spectral Doppler ultrasonography (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Materials and Methods

In this prospective study, 35 patients with NAFLD and 29 normal healthy adults (control group) underwent portal Doppler US. The severity of hepatic steatosis in patients with NAFLD was assessed by MRI through chemical shift imaging, using a modification of the Dixon method. Abdominal (intra-abdominal and subcutaneous) fat was measured by MRI.

Results

The difference in portal venous velocity between the patients with NAFLD and the control group was significant (p < 0.0001). There was no correlation between the degree of abdominal or hepatic fat and portal venous velocity (p > 0.05). There were strong correlations between the hepatic fat fraction and subcutaneous adiposity (p < 0.0001), intraperitoneal fat accumulation (p = 0.017), and retroperitoneal fat accumulation (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that patients with NAFLD have lower portal venous velocities than normal healthy subjects.     

Portal vein variations in 1000 patients: surgical and radiological importance

Objective:

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the spectrum and incidence of intrahepatic portal vein (PV) variations on triphasic abdomen multidetector CT (MDCT) and to discuss the surgical and radiological implications.

Methods:

A retrospective review of 1000 triphasic MDCT abdomen scans was performed in patients sent for various liver and other abdominal pathologies between January 2014 and August 2014. A total of 967 patients (N = 967) were included in the study. The variations in branching pattern of PV were classified according to classification used by Covey et al (Covey AM, Brody LA, Getrajdman GI, Sofocleous CT, Brown KT. Incidence, patterns, and clinical relevance of variant portal vein anatomy. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2004; 183: 1055–64) and Koç et al (Koç Z, Oğuzkurt L, Ulusan S. Portal vein variations: clinical implications and frequencies in routine abdominal CT. Diagn Interv Radiol 2007; 13: 75–80).

Results:

Normal anatomy (Type I) was seen in 773 patients (79.94%) out of 967 patients in our study. Trifurcation (Type II) anomaly was seen in 66 (6.83%) of cases. Right posterior vein as first branch of main PV (Type III) anomaly was seen in 48 (4.96%) of cases. Type IV anomaly and Type V anomaly was seen in 26 (2.69%) and 13 (1.34%) cases, respectively. 19 cases showed other types of variations.

Conclusion:

Variations in the hepatic PV branching patterns are commonly seen that are similar to variations in hepatic artery and biliary anatomy. Knowledge of these variations is extremely important for transplant surgeons and intervention radiologists.

Advances in knowledge:

Awareness of the variations in PV branching patterns is essential for intervention radiologists and vascular surgeons and avoids major catastrophic events.