MR Features of Juxta-Articular Venous Malformations of the Knee to Predict the Clinical Outcome of Sclerotherapy

PurposeTo analyze and correlate preinterventional magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings with clinical symptoms after percutaneous sclerotherapy of venous malformations (VMs) adjacent to the knee.Materials and MethodsTwenty-five patients (mean age, 24 y; range, 7–55 y; 11 female) with 26 VMs adjacent to the knee undergoing sclerotherapy (direct puncture, diagnostic angiography, sclerosant injection) were identified, and MR imaging findings were analyzed. The VM involved the synovium of the knee joint in 19 of 26 cases (76%). These lesions were associated with joint effusion (3 of 19; 16%), hemarthrosis (4 of 19; 21%), or synovial thickening (16 of 19; 84%). Follow-up ended 6–8 weeks after the first or second sclerotherapy session if complete pain relief was achieved or 3 months after the third sclerotherapy session. Treatment outcomes were categorized as symptom improvement (complete or partial pain relief) or poor response (unchanged or increased pain).ResultsForty-nine percutaneous sclerotherapy sessions were performed. Despite the absence of signs of knee osteoarthritis, patients with a VM involving the synovium (8 of 14; 57%) showed a poor response to sclerotherapy (1 of 8 [13%] pain-free after 1 sclerotherapy session). Among patients with VMs with no associated joint alteration and no synovial involvement (6 of 14; 43%), 5 of 6 (83%) showed improvement of symptoms after 1 sclerotherapy session (P < .05).ConclusionsJuxta-articular VMs of the knee are frequently associated with hemarthrosis and synovial thickening. Patients with signs of osteoarthritis and synovial involvement of the VM on presclerotherapy MR imaging deserve special consideration, as these findings predict worse clinical symptoms after sclerotherapy.     

Percutaneous MR Imaging–Guided Laser Ablation for the Treatment of Symptomatic Cervicofacial Vascular Malformations

PurposeTo evaluate the safety and effectiveness of percutaneous magnetic resonance (MR) imaging–guided laser ablation for the treatment of symptomatic soft tissue vascular malformations (VMs) in the face and neck.Materials and MethodsAn institutional review board–approved retrospective review was undertaken of all consecutive patients who underwent MR imaging–guided and monitored laser ablation for treatment of symptomatic, cervicofacial soft tissue VM. Preablation and postablation MR imaging findings were independently reviewed. Preablation and postablation VM sizes were documented. Preablation T2 signal characteristics and enhancement patterns as well as postablation change in both signal and enhancement were semiquantitatively assessed. Changes in VM size were compared using a paired t test.ResultsThirteen patients (women, 9; age, 14.5–69.5 years) with 13 VMs were treated for moderate-to-severe pain (n = 4), swelling/mass effect (n = 8), or predominantly cosmesis (n = 1) with 22 total ablation sessions. The baseline maximum VM diameter was 5.7 cm ± 4.2. At baseline, all VMs (100%) demonstrated variable T2-weighted signal hyperintensity and enhancement. For painful VM, the baseline pain score was 8 ± 1. Clinical follow-up was available for 10 patients. Of patients with available follow-up, 3 (100%) treated for moderate-to-severe pain and 7 (100%) treated for swelling/mass effect reported subjective complete or partial symptomatic relief. The patient treated predominantly for cosmetic reasons was lost to follow-up. Two patients (15.4%) experienced minor adverse events by the Society of Interventional Radiology standards. There were no major adverse events.ConclusionsMR imaging–guided and monitored percutaneous laser ablation is safe and effective for the treatment of symptomatic, cervicofacial VMs.     

Factors Affecting Adverse Events after Venous Malformation Sclerotherapy

PurposeTo evaluate factors that contribute to adverse events (AEs) after embolization of venous malformations (VMs) using sclerosing agents.Materials and MethodsA retrospective review of patients who underwent direct puncture embolization of VMs with a sclerosing agent and adjunctive techniques, also termed as sclerotherapy, from 2016 to 2021 was performed. Three-hundred one embolizations in 137 patients (median age, 19.0 years; interquartile range, 12.8–31.5 years) were evaluated. The VM characteristics and embolization details were analyzed. Anticoagulation was also evaluated based on D-dimer levels. Cutaneous and noncutaneous AEs were analyzed. The AEs were categorized using Society of Interventional Radiology guidelines.ResultsVMs involving tissue planes were subcutaneous (n = 104), intramuscular (n = 84), and combined (n = 113). Overlying skin involvement was observed in 56% of the patients. Sodium tetradecyl sulfate was mainly used (83%). Periprocedural anticoagulation was used in 9% of the patients. Most AEs were minor (30/301, 9.7%), and only 1.7% (5/301) were major (21 cutaneous and 14 noncutaneous AEs). Age below 18 years (odds ratio, 4.4502; 95% confidence interval, 1.5607–12.6890; P = .0052) and overlying skin involvement (odds ratio, 7.1794; 95% confidence interval, 1.6226–31.7656; P = .0094) were factors associated with cutaneous AEs. All noncutaneous AEs developed in patients with intramuscular VMs; however, this association was not statistically significant. There was no severe hematologic AE or permanent consequence.ConclusionsThe overall AE rate after VM embolization was 11.6%; however, major AEs were rare (1.7%). Cutaneous AEs were associated with young age and overlying skin involvement. All noncutaneous AEs developed in patients with intramuscular VMs.     

Shifting Spine Interventional Pain Injections From the Hospital to a Clinic Setting: Increased Efficiency and Decreased Health System Costs

ObjectiveSpine interventional pain injections have dramatically increased in volume in the past three decades. High referral volumes at our institution necessitated using both a hospital-based interventional suite and a clinic-based suite scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. We sought to determine whether the clinic-based suite provided benefits in efficiency and health system cost in comparison with the hospital suite without compromising quality of care.MethodsTo investigate differences between outpatient procedures performed in hospital-based procedure rooms (HBPRs) and clinic-based procedure rooms (CBPRs), we reviewed all consecutive outpatient spine interventional pain procedures performed by the interventional neuroradiology service over a 12-month period. We analyzed procedure complexity, fluoroscopic times, procedural times, patient wait times, and health system costs for each case, as well as any complications.ResultsOur analysis demonstrated similar procedural complexity between sites with decreased average fluoroscopic time (112 seconds versus 163 seconds, P = .002), procedural time (17 min versus 28 min, P < .001), and wait time (20 min versus 38 min, P < .001) in the CBPR versus the HBPR. In cases without trainee involvement, procedural and wait times were decreased (P < .001, P = .008) with no difference in fluoroscopy time (P = .18). There were no complications at either site. The analysis of cost to the health system demonstrated that procedures in the HBPR cost >14 times the amount to perform than in the CBPR.DiscussionPerforming spine interventional pain procedures in a CBPR adds value by decreasing procedural, fluoroscopic, wait times, and health system cost compared with an HBPR without compromising safety.     

Feasibility of percutaneous cryoablation of vertebral metastases under local anaesthesia in ASAIII patients

Purposespine metastases are common concern from several primary neoplasms, modern management include percutaneous techniques such as ablation and cementoplasty. This research aims to evaluate the treatment under local anaesthesia in high-risk patients (ASA III).Methods and materialfrom January 2013 up to September 2016 we treated via percutaneous cryoablation 11 advanced oncological patients classified as ASA III, then retrospectively a review of their clinical history has been performed. Interventions were managed under local anaesthesia, injecting low doses of bupivacaine 2,5 mg/ml (from10 to 30 ml). Cryoprobes of 17G were introduced under CT guidance. VAS scores were evaluated pre, intra and post operative up to the 3rd month and further, statistical analyses were obtained using T student test.Resultsthirteen spinal metastases were cryoablated in 11 patients (6 W, 5 M; mean age of 53 years, range 52–81). Tumour location was: sacrum (n = 6), lumbar spine (n = 3), thoracic spine (n = 2). The average VAS value during the procedure was 5,27 (standard deviation 0,90). There were statistically significant decreases in the median numeric VAS scale score at 1-week, 1-month, and 3-month time points (P < .001 for all). Technical success was achieved in all cases. Among patients with neurological deficit, some clinical improvement was assessed.Conclusioncryoablation with or without subsequent cement injection can be safely performed with local anaesthesia for pain relief also in patients with high ASA score with higher risk of complications, in the absence of any other suitable treatment.     

Percutaneous Treatment of Non-parasitic Splenic Cysts: Long-Term Results for Single- Versus Multiple-Session Treatment

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of percutaneous sclerotherapy for non-parasitic splenic cysts (NPSCs). The secondary aims were to introduce puncture-aspiration-injection-reaspiration (PAIR) technique in the treatment of NPSCs and to compare multiple- and single-session techniques.

Materials and Methods

This retrospective study included 24 (17 females, 7 males) patients, treated between the years 1997 and 2015. Three techniques were used. Group A (n = 8), Group B (n = 6) and Group C (n = 10) were treated by PAIR, single-session catheterization and multiple-session catheterization, respectively. Since both PAIR and single-session catheterization techniques are carried out in a single session, Group A and Group B were evaluated in one group (Group A + B). Group A + B was compared with Group C in terms of patient demographics, the initial volume of the cysts, follow-up periods, complication and hospitalization rates and follow-up results. Recurrence and reduction rates were evaluated for two groups.

Results

Technical success rate was 100%. The mean follow-up period was 68.9 months. Recurrence detected in 7 (29.1%) patients. Final reduction rate was between 40.7 and 100% (median 96.4%) with a significant difference in cyst volume (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference regarding recurrence rates (p = 1) and the final reduction rates (p = 0.51) between the two groups.

Conclusion

Percutaneous sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive technique, preserving maximum tissue while effectively treating NPSCs. Single-session sclerotherapy which reduces hospitalization days and increases patient comfort is as effective as multi-session sclerotherapy as the initial procedure. This study supports that single-session sclerotherapy should be a valid treatment option.

     

Polidocanol sclerotherapy for painful venous malformations: evaluation of safety and efficacy in pain relief

The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the safety and efficacy of polidocanol sclerotherapy in pain relief for painful venous malformations (VMs). Thirty-one patients with painful VMs underwent polidocanol sclerotherapy. Pain intensity was assessed with an 11-point verbal numerical rating scale. Sclerotherapy was technically successful in 58 (98.3%) of 59 sessions. Twenty-six (89.7%) out of 29 patients experienced an improvement in pain after sclerotherapy at follow-up, a mean of 46 months after treatment. The mean pain score improved from 6.6?±?2.5 before treatment to 2.4?±?2.9 after treatment (P <.001). The factors that significantly influenced the therapeutic effect were size of lesion (P?=?.008), margin of lesion (P?=?.006), and stasis of sclerosant (P?=?.032). Adverse events included hypotension and bradycardia during the procedure. No major complication occurred. Polidocanol sclerotherapy is safe and most efficacious in providing pain relief for patients with small VMs (equal to or less than 10 cm in diameter), VMs with a well-defined margin, and VMs with good stasis of sclerosant during sclerotherapy.     

Hepatic Hilar Nerve Block for Adjunctive Analgesia during Percutaneous Thermal Ablation of Hepatic Tumors: A Retrospective Analysis

PurposeTo determine whether hepatic hilar nerve block techniques reduce analgesic and sedation requirements during percutaneous image-guided thermal ablation of hepatic tumors.Materials and MethodsA single-center retrospective cohort analysis was performed of 177 patients (median age, 67 years; range, 33–86 years) who underwent percutaneous image-guided thermal ablation of liver tumors. All patients were treated utilizing local anesthetic and moderate sedation between November 2018 and November 2021 at a tertiary level hospital, with or without the administration of a hepatic hilar nerve block. Univariable and multivariable linear regression analyses were performed to determine the relationship between the administration of the hilar nerve block and fentanyl and midazolam dosages.ResultsA total of 114 (64%) patients received a hilar nerve block in addition to procedural sedation, and 63 (36%) patients received procedural sedation alone. There were no significant differences in the baseline demographic and tumor characteristics between the cohorts. The procedure duration was longer in the hilar block cohort than in the unblocked cohort (median, 95 vs 82 minutes; P = .0012). The technical success rate (98% in both the cohorts, P = .93) and adverse event rate (11% vs 3%, P = .14) were not significantly different between the cohorts. After adjusting for patient and tumor characteristics, ablation modality, and procedure and ablation durations, hilar nerve blocks were associated with lower fentanyl (?18.4%, P = .0045) and midazolam (?22.7%, P = .0007) dosages.ConclusionsHepatic hilar nerve blocks significantly decrease the fentanyl and midazolam requirements during thermal ablation of hepatic tumors, without a significant change in the technical success or adverse event rates.     

Jejunostomy Tube Insertion for Enteral Nutrition: Comparison of Outcomes after Laparoscopic versus Radiologic Insertion

PurposeTo retrospectively compare technical success and major complication rates of laparoscopically versus radiologically inserted jejunostomy tubes.Materials and MethodsIn this single-institution retrospective study, 115 patients (60 men; mean age, 59.7 y) underwent attempted laparoscopic jejunostomy tube insertion as a standalone procedure during a 10-year period and 106 patients (64 men; mean age, 61.0 y) underwent attempted direct percutaneous radiologic jejunostomy tube insertion during an overlapping 6-year period. Clinical outcomes were retrospectively reviewed with primary focus on predictors of procedure-related major complications within 30 days.ResultsPatients undergoing laparoscopic jejunostomy tube insertion were less likely to have previous major abdominal surgery (P < .001) or to be critically ill (P < .001) and had a higher body mass index (P = .001) than patients undergoing radiologic insertion. Technical success rates were 95% (110 of 115) for laparoscopic and 97% (103 of 106) for radiologic jejunostomy tube insertion (P = .72). Major procedural complications occurred in 7 patients (6%) in the laparoscopic group and in 5 (5%) in the radiologic group (P = 1.0). For laparoscopic jejunostomy tubes, only previous major abdominal surgery was significantly associated with a higher major procedure complication rate (14% [5 of 37] vs 3% [2 of 78] in those without; P = .039). In the radiologic jejunostomy group, only obesity was significantly associated with a higher major complication rate: 20% (2 of 10) vs 3% (3 of 96) in nonobese patients (P = .038).ConclusionsLaparoscopic and radiologic jejunostomy tube insertion both showed high success and low complication rates. Previous major abdominal surgery and obesity may be pertinent discriminators for patient selection.     

Clinical Response to Celiac Plexus Block Confirms the Neurogenic Etiology of Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome

PurposeTo evaluate the response of median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS) symptoms, including postprandial pain, nausea, and vomiting, to celiac plexus block (CPB) and correlate the response with arterial anatomy.Materials and MethodsIn a single-institution, retrospective cohort of clinically diagnosed MALS patients, 96 patients (female, 75; male, 21; mean age, 27 years) underwent 103 computed tomography?guided percutaneous CPB procedures. Imaging, procedural, and clinical reports were reviewed. Primary outcomes evaluated were technical success, change in self-reported pain score, and change in nausea and vomiting.ResultsComputed tomography imaging before the procedure was available for 81 of 96 patients and demonstrated findings of celiac artery compression in 22 of 81 (27%) patients. Technical success was achieved in 102 of 103 cases. No major adverse events and 1 moderate adverse event were reported. The postprandial pain score decreased in 86 (84%) patients, and the mean score decreased from 6.3 to 0.9 points (P < .001). The prevalence of postprandial nausea decreased from 37.9% to 11.6% (P < .001) and that of vomiting decreased from 15.5% to 4.9% (P = .019). No differences were noted in pain relief after CPB between patients with and without celiac artery compression (P = .745).ConclusionsIn patients with a clinical diagnosis of MALS, a large majority reported pain relief and decreased gastrointestinal symptoms after CPB. Pain relief did not correlate with the presence of celiac arterial abnormalities. This supports neuropathy as the primary etiology of MALS and suggests that the absence of celiac stenosis should not be used as an exclusion criterion.     

Clinical outcome and predictors of treatment response in foam sodium tetradecyl sulfate sclerotherapy of venous malformations

Objectives

To evaluate clinical outcomes and their predictors in patients with venous malformation (VM) treated with foam sodium tetradecyl sulfate (STS) sclerotherapy.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated clinical outcomes of foam STS sclerotherapy in 86 patients with 91 VMs to assess reduction in pain and mass after treatment. Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed to determine possible predictors of clinical outcome with foam STS sclerotherapy.

Results

A positive response of 49.5 % in pain reduction and 52.7 % in mass reduction was observed. The numerical rating scale (NRS) score improved from 4.36?±?2.64 to 1.74?±?1.57, and VM mass volume decreased to 41.7?±?35.52 % of the initial size. On multivariate analysis, a high baseline NRS score (odds ratio: 1.12, 95 % confidence interval: 1.09–1.15) and VM location in the trunk versus the head and neck (odds ratio: 1.30, 95 % confidence interval: 1.00–1.69) were positive predictors of pain improvement. Minor complications occurred in 11 (12.1 %) patients and recurrence in 12 (13.2 %) patients.

Conclusions

Foam STS sclerotherapy is an effective treatment in venous malformation, with low complication risk. A high baseline NRS score and location in the trunk versus the head and neck were positive predictors in improvement of pain.

Key Points

? Foam STS sclerotherapy is effective in VM, with low risk of complications. ? Relief of pain tends to be dramatic in patients with severe pain. ? Location of VM is a predictor of pain improvement. ? The presence of a draining vein does not affect foam sclerotherapy.

     

Ethanol sclerotherapy of venous malformations: evaluation of systemic ethanol contamination

PURPOSE: To evaluate blood ethanol concentrations immediately after percutaneous ethanol sclerotherapy of venous malformations (VMs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty consecutive sclerotherapy procedures were performed for VMs in various anatomic sites. In a prospective study, the blood parameters monitored were ethanol plasma level (immediately after the procedure), plasma haptoglobin (Hp; before and after the procedure), and standard blood analysis including urea, creatinine, bilirubin, and lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) levels during the hospital stay. RESULTS: The mean amount of 94% ethanol injected was 19.7 mL (0.03-0.78 g/kg of body weight). The observed systemic ethanol levels ranged from 0 to 1.16 g/L (mean, 0.33 g/L, SD = 0.33). The relationship between the observed plasmatic ethanol level (ETOH plasma) measured immediately after the procedure and the maximum expected plasmatic ethanol amount (ETOH max) was linear and significant (correlation coefficient r = 0.91 for all lesions, r = 0.96 for lesions without visible venous drainage, r = 0.86 for lesions with visible draining veins, and r = 0.93 for lobulated VMs). Minimal changes were observed for indicators of hemolysis: macroscopic hemoglobinuria in five of 30, abnormal Hp level in seven of 30, and increase in LDH and increase in bilirubinemia in one case each. CONCLUSIONS: Systemic ethanol contamination during sclerotherapy of VMs could be detected in 25 of 30 cases (83.3%). The plasmatic ethanol level was directly proportional to the amount of ethanol injected and not dependent on the VM morphology, venous drainage, or injection technique. Clinicians and interventional radiologists must be aware of this massive ethanol outflow during percutaneous sclerotherapy of VMs and its potentially serious systemic complications.     

Minimally Invasive Catheter Procedures to Assist Complicated Pacemaker Lead Extraction and Implantation in the Operating Room

We report on percutaneous catheter procedures in the operating room (OR) to assist complicated manual extraction or insertion of pacemaker (PM) and implantable cardioverter defibrillator leads. We retrospectively reviewed complicated PM revisions and implantations performed between 2004 and 2009 that required percutaneous catheter procedures performed in the OR. The type of interventional procedure, catheter and retrieval system used, venous access, success rates, and procedural complications were analyzed. In 41 (12 female and 29 male [mean age 62 ± 17 years]) of 3021 (1.4%) patients, standard manual retrieval of old leads or insertion of new leads was not achievable and thus required percutaneous catheter intervention for retrieval of misplaced leads and/or recanalisation of occluded central veins. Thirteen of 18 (72.2%) catheter-guided retrieval procedures for misplaced (right atrium [RA] or ventricle [RV; n = 3], superior vena cava [n = 2], brachiocephalic vein [n = 5], and subclavian vein [n = 3]) lead fragments in 16 patients were successful. Percutaneous catheter retrieval failed in five patients because there were extremely fixed or adhered lead fragments. Percutaneous transluminal angiography (PTA) of central veins for occlusion or high-grade stenosis was performed in 25 patients. In 22 of 25 patients (88%), recanalization of central veins was successful, thus enabling subsequent lead replacement. Major periprocedural complications were not observed. In the case of complicated manual PM lead implantation or revision, percutaneous catheter-guided extraction of misplaced lead fragments or recanalisation of central veins can be performed safely in the OR, thus enabling subsequent implantation or revision of PM systems in the majority of patients.     

External Validation of the Percutaneous Renal Ablation Complexity Scoring System in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Cryoablation or Microwave Ablation of Renal Tumors

PurposeTo assess the ability of the Percutaneous Renal Ablation Complexity (P-RAC) scoring system to predict procedural complexity or adverse events (AEs) in adult patients undergoing percutaneous thermal ablation of renal tumors.Materials and MethodsA retrospective review of 240 consecutive adult patients who underwent percutaneous thermal renal ablation from 2004 to 2018 was conducted. The P-RAC score was calculated for each renal tumor and procedural complexity recorded. A correlation coefficient was calculated for the P-RAC score and both the number of probes used and procedural duration. Receiver operating characteristic curves assessed the score’s ability to predict the use of adjunctive techniques and/or major AEs, classified according to the Society of Interventional Radiology guidelines.ResultsFor the entire cohort, there was a weak correlation between P-RAC scores and both the number of probes used (r = 0.31; P < .001) and procedural duration (r = 0.18; P = .03). When evaluating only patients treated with microwave ablation (MWA), no correlation between P-RAC scores and either the number of probes (P = .7) used or procedural duration (P = .4) was found. The area under the curve (AUC) for the P-RAC score to predict the use of adjunctive techniques was 0.55 and 0.53 for the entire cohort and MWA group, respectively. The AUC for the P-RAC score to predict major AEs was 0.70, 0.71, and 0.73 for the entire cohort, MWA group, and cryoablation group, respectively.ConclusionsThe P-RAC scoring system is limited in its ability to predict percutaneous thermal renal tumor ablation procedural complexity, especially in patients treated with MWA. The scoring system may have a role in identifying patients at risk of major AEs.     

Utility of diffusion-weighted MRI in the diagnosis of bladder carcinoma

BackgroundThe purposes of our study were to investigate the feasibility of diffusion-weighted imaging in the detection of malignant bladder tumors, with comparison to the high-resolution thin-section fast spin-echo (FSE) T2-weighted MRI, and also to compare the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of the bladder tumors with the surrounding structures.Material and MethodsFifty-three consecutive patients consisting of 44 males and 9 females who presented with a bladder mass were prospectively enrolled in this study. Mean age was 62.53±12.03 (age range, 33–86 years). These patients were evaluated by high-resolution thin-section FSE T2-weighted and diffusion-weighted MRI for the detection of bladder masses. Following MRI, within 2 weeks, all patients were subjected to either surgery or cystoscopic biopsy, and the obtained histopathological proofs were used as the reference standard. Furthermore, ADC values of the bladder tumors, urine, the normal bladder wall, the central and peripheral zones of the prostate, the seminal vesicule, and the uterus outer myometrium were also calculated. ADC values of the bladder carcinomas and the related surrounding structures were compared as to whether a statistically significant difference was present or not.ResultsIn a total of 47 patients, consisting of 39 males and 8 females, bladder carcinomas were clearly shown as having conspicuous high and intermediate signal intensity masses, relative to the surrounding structures on diffusion-weighted and T2-weighted images, respectively. An 89% sensitivity and a 100% positive predictive value were obtained for both FSE T2-weighted and diffusion-weighted MRI in the diagnosis of bladder carcinoma. Mean ADC values and standard deviations of the bladder tumors and the surrounding structures were as follows: bladder carcinomas (n= 47): 1.28±0.31, normal bladder wall (n= 47): 1.98±0.41, urine (n= 47): 3.12±0.24, seminal vesicle (n= 39): 1.82±0.33, peripheral zone of prostate (n= 39): 1.80±0.29, central zone of prostate (n= 39): 1.55±0.33, and uterus outer myometrium (n= 8): 1.53±0.19. It can be clearly seen that the mean ADC values of the bladder carcinomas were significantly lower than the surrounding structures (P< .05).Conclus?onHigh-resolution thin-section FSE T2 and diffusion-weighted MRI show high diagnostic performance and are comparable in the detection of bladder tumors. Diffusion-weighted MRI provides high quality images of the malignant bladder tumors against a suppressed background signal. Diffusion-weighted MRI using ADC measurements may be useful in the evaluation of tumor invasion to the adjacent organs.     

Intraprocedural MRI monitoring during percutaneous cryoablation procedures of the head and neck,and spine: a single institution experience

Rationale and objectivesEvaluate whether intraprocedural MRI monitoring of percutaneous cryoablation procedures of head and neck, and spine lesions is effective for avoiding iatrogenic neurovascular and mucosal injury.Materials and methodsWe retrospectively reviewed 64 consecutive percutaneous head and neck, and spine cryoablation procedures with intraprocedural MRI monitoring performed on 45 patients (mean age 55 years, range 17–91 years). Ablation goals were either complete local control of primary or metastatic lesions or pain relief.ResultsThe technical success rate was 100%. The complication rate was 13% with only 2 complications (3%) requiring further intervention. There were no deaths or persistent neurological or vascular complications. Subsequent cryoablation in the same location was performed in 12 patients (27%). Subsequent surgical intervention in the same location was performed in 7 patients (16%) for progressive disease or worsening symptoms.ConclusionsMRI provides excellent visualization of the ice ball margin during percutaneous cryoablation procedures. Accurate intraprocedural visualization of the ice ball allows for adjustment of cryoablation parameters to avoid damage to adjacent vital neurovascular structures or mucosal surfaces. Intraprocedural MRI monitoring is thus a novel and highly effective method that allows a high rate of technical success for cryoablation in the head and neck, and spine while avoiding iatrogenic injury.     

Transgastric Feeding Tube Insertion into the Jejunum after Esophagectomy: Direct Puncture of the Gastric Conduit

PurposeTo evaluate the safety and efficacy of percutaneous ultrasound (US)-guided direct puncture of a reconstructed gastric conduit after esophagectomy for performing a percutaneous radiologic gastrojejunostomy.Materials and MethodsBetween 2014 and 2020, 26 consecutive patients with esophageal cancer (mean age, 70 years ± 8.3) with a total of 27 attempts of percutaneous radiologic gastrojejunostomy for postsurgical enteral feeding at the National Cancer Center Hospital were included in this study. One patient required a repeat procedure because of persistent anorexia after the removal of the first tube. All patients except 1 had a gastric conduit reconstructed via a retrosternal route. All procedures were performed under local anesthesia with moderate sedation and analgesia. A gastric conduit was directly punctured with an 18-gauge needle under ultrasonographic guidance, followed by feeding tube insertion into the proximal jejunum. Technical details of the procedures, technical success (defined as adequate tube placement), procedure-related complications, and clinical outcomes were reviewed.ResultsThe mean procedure time was 25 minutes ± 15, and technical success was obtained in every attempt. Minor complications included mild local pain (n = 7), unintentional tube removal (n = 2), local abdominal wall hematoma (n = 1), and superficial cellulitis (n = 1); no major complications were observed. During a mean follow-up period of 118.3 days ± 85.8, 13 patients resumed oral intake, and the feeding tube could be removed in 4 patients. No procedure-related deaths occurred.ConclusionsThe US-guided direct puncture technique is feasible for percutaneous gastrojejunal tube insertion in postsurgical patients with esophageal cancer with gastric conduit reconstruction.     

Outcomes After Percutaneous Angioplasty of Arteriovenous Fistulas and Grafts in African American Patients

PurposeArteriovenous fistulas and grafts, necessary for hemodialysis, may develop stenoses due to neointimal hyperplasia, which often require percutaneous transluminal angioplasty. Patient and lesion characteristics were evaluated prior to angioplasty and were correlated with 1- and 6-month outcomes.Materials and MethodsThis was an observational study of African American hemodialysis patients who presented for angioplasty of a dysfunctional fistula or graft. Clinical outcomes were ascertained from dialysis facilities 1 month and 6 months after angioplasty. One-month clinical success was defined as dialyzer blood flows of 450 mL/min without complications or interval shunt thrombosis, interventions, or loss of access, which was rarely achieved at 6 months. Logistic regression models were used to evaluate associations of clinical variables with outcomes.ResultsThere were 150 stenoses treated during 99 procedures performed on 82 patients. The clinical success rate at one month was 67% with no complications as a result of the percutaneous transluminal angioplasty. Success at 1 month was positively associated with use of aspirin (P = .005) and with referral for high venous pressures (P = .004). Six-month data were available for 81 procedures, with 45.7% requiring repeat angioplasty and 12.3% suffering major complications (thrombectomy, revision surgery, or access abandonment). Major complications were seen predominantly in patients who were not receiving aspirin.ConclusionsAspirin use and high venous pressure were associated with 1-month clinical success and fewer major complications at 6 months. Future work should investigate biologic mechanisms of action of aspirin and long-term effects of use to maintain vascular access.     

Liver tumor ablation in difficult locations: Microwave ablation of perivascular and subdiaphragmatic hepatocellular carcinoma

AimTo assess the safety and efficacy of CT-guided microwave ablation (MWA) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) near large blood vessels and the diaphragm by analyzing procedural complications and local tumor progression (LTP).MethodsFrom October 2013 through January 2019, 80 patients (54 males and 26 females) with 136 tumors who underwent CT-guided MWA of HCC were included in this retrospective analysis. MWA was performed on 43 perivascular HCC (≤5 mm from a vessel measuring ≥5 mm in diameter), 38 subdiaphragmatic HCC (≤5 mm from diaphragm), and 64 control HCC. Risk factors for local tumor progression (LTP), overall survival, and complications were analyzed using the Chi-square and Cox proportional hazards model methods.ResultsThe technical success rate of MWA was 100%. Complication incidence was not significantly different between perivascular and control tumors (20.9% vs 10.9%; p = 0.155) or between subdiaphragmatic and control tumors (21.1% vs 10.9%; p = 0.163). The effect of lesion location on LTP disappeared while controlling for age and lesion size. There was no significant difference in median survival time between patients who had only control tumors (38.8 months) compared to patients with at least one perivascular or subdiaphragmatic tumor (42.5 months; p = 0.098).ConclusionCT-guided percutaneous MWA of perivascular and subdiaphragmatic HCC tumors is safe and effective. The local tumor recurrence and survival was not significantly different compared to control tumors.     

Percutaneous Radiofrequency Ablation of Appendicular Skeleton Chondroblastoma—an Experience from a Tertiary Care Cancer Center

PurposeTo evaluate safety and long-term efficacy of radiofrequency (RF) ablation in treatment of chondroblastoma.Materials and MethodsThis retrospective analysis comprised 27 consecutive patients with histopathologically proven chondroblastoma treated by RF ablation. The tumors were located in the proximal humerus (n = 6), proximal tibia (n = 8), proximal femur (n = 6), distal femur (n = 5), acromion process (n = 1), and lunate (n = 1). In 19 patients (70.3%), the tumor was in the weight-bearing area of the bone. Clinical response was assessed by comparing pain scores and functional assessment by Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score before and after ablation. Patients were followed for a minimum of 1 year to rule out complications and recurrence.ResultsTechnical success rate was 100%. Mean pain score before the procedure was 7.34 (range, 7–9); all patients experienced a reduction in pain, with 25 (92.6%) patients reporting complete pain relief at 6 weeks. Mean MSTS score before the procedure was 15.4, whereas mean MSTS score at 6 weeks after the procedure was 28.6, suggesting significant functional improvement (P < .0001). Two patients developed osteonecrosis and collapse of the treated bone. There were no recurrences.ConclusionsPercutaneous RF ablation is a safe and effective option for treating chondroblastoma of the appendicular skeleton.