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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 55 records · Page 3

Endovascular Management of Recurrent Spontaneous Hemarthrosis After Arthroplasty

PurposeRecurrent spontaneous hemarthrosis is an infrequent but debilitating late complication of joint replacement, affecting up to 1.6% of patients with arthroplasty of the affected joint. Repeated episodes of bleeding result in an inflammatory cascade that further propagates bleeding events. Open and arthroscopic synovectomy are often performed when conservative treatments fail. Transarterial embolization is increasingly utilized as a less invasive option; however, its role is not widely established. We performed a systematic literature review to report the safety and efficacy of transarterial embolization in treating recurrent hemarthrosis in the setting of prior arthroplasty.Materials and MethodsA systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis guidelines. A structured search was performed in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and SCOPUS databases of patients undergoing embolization for recurrent hemarthrosis after arthroplasty. Patients immediately post-operative, those embolized at first bleeding episode, and those with hemophilia were excluded. Demographic data, clinical information, angiographic findings, treatment, and outcomes were tabulated.ResultsThe search identified 119 titles of which 24 were deemed relevant, comprising 91 patients undergoing 99 embolization procedures. Mean time from prosthesis implantation was 32.2 months. Technical success was 99%. Mean follow-up time was 24.9 months. There were 10 recurrences (10%). Two cases were complicated by joint infection requiring arthroplasty revision.ConclusionsTransarterial embolization for recurrent spontaneous hemarthrosis may be safe and effective in patients having undergone arthroplasty of the affected joint.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

RIP3-dependent necrosis induced inflammation exacerbates atherosclerosis

Atherothrombotic vascular disease is already the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Atherosclerosis shares features with diseases caused by chronic inflammation. More attention should concentrates on the innate immunity effect atherosclerosis progress. RIP3 (receptor-interacting protein kinase 3) act through the transcription factor named Nr4a3 (Nuclear orphan receptors) to regulate cytokine production. Deletion RIP3 decreases IL-1α production. Injection of anti-IL-1α antibody protects against the progress of atherosclerosis in ApoE −/− mice. RIP3 as a molecular switch in necrosis, controls macrophage necrotic death caused inflammation. Inhibiting necrosis will certainly reduce atherosclerosis through limit inflammation. Necrotic cell death caused systemic inflammation exacerbated cardiovascular disease. Inhibition of necrosis may yield novel therapeutic targets for treatment in years to come. - Highlights: • RIP3 regulate the Nr4a3 to control cytokine production. • Deletion RIP3 decreases IL-1a production. • Injection anti-IL-1a antibody protects against the progress of atherosclerosis. • RIP3 controls macrophage necrotic dead caused inflammation.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

TLR4 mediates high-fat diet induced physiological changes in mice via attenuating PPARγ/ABCG1 signaling pathway

High-fat diet (HFD) is known to promote atherosclerosis which accelerates the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. Vascular dysfunction characterized by inflammation and lipid accumulation is common in atherosclerosis caused by HFD. The specific effects of HFD on blood vessels and the underlying mechanisms need to be further clarified. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) is a key contributing factor in atherosclerosis and TLR4 deficiency protects vascular smooth muscle cells against inflammatory responses and lipid accumulation in vitro. However, the physiological significance of TLR4 signaling in HFD-induced changes is unknown. In this study, we observed that HFD feeding increased body weight, circulating inflammatory cytokines and lipid accumulation in the aorta of wild-type mice but apart from increasing body weight, did not affect the TLR4 knockout mice. TLR4 expression increased significantly in the arterial walls after receiving HFD treatment, while that of the co-localizing PPARγ and ABCG1 markedly decreased. TLR4 deficiency reversed the HFD-induced attenuation of PPARγ and ABCG1. In conclusion, TLR4 mediates HFD induced increase in body weight, inflammation and aortic lipid accumulation through, at least partly, the PPARγ/ABCG1 signaling pathway. Therefore, interfering with TLR4 signaling is a viable therapeutic option in diet induced atherosclerosis.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Radiosensitizing the Vasculature of Primary Brainstem Gliomas Fails to Improve Tumor Response to Radiation Therapy

Diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPGs) arise in the pons and are the leading cause of death from brain tumors in children. DIPGs are routinely treated with radiation therapy, which temporarily improves neurological symptoms but generally fails to achieve local control. Because numerous clinical trials have not improved survival from DIPG over standard radiation therapy alone, there is a pressing need to evaluate new therapeutic strategies for this devastating disease. Vascular damage caused by radiation therapy can increase the permeability of tumor blood vessels and promote tumor cell death.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

LncRBA GSA5, up-regulated by ox-LDL, aggravates inflammatory response and MMP expression in THP-1 macrophages by acting like a sponge for miR-221

Highlights: • Expression of GAS5 is elevated in AS and in ox-LDL-stimulated macrophages. • GAS5 elevation aggravates and its silence antagonizes ox-LDL-induced inflammatory. • GAS5 enhances MMP expression in ox-LDL-stimulated macrophages. • GAS5 directly interacts with miR-221 and regulate its expression. • miR-221 reveres GAS5-mediated inflammation and MMPs in ox-LDL-treated macrophages. Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory process, plaque rupture and subsequent thrombosis underline the major causes of acute cardio-cerebral vascular diseases. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) participate in diverse pathologic processes, including inflammation and myocardial infarction. Recent study confirmed the elevation of lncRNA growth arrest-specific 5 (GAS5) in atherosclerotic rats. In this study, we aimed to explore the role and mechanism of GAS5 in the progression of atherosclerotic plaque. Here, expression of GAS5 was enriched in atherosclerotic plaques and THP-1 macrophage exposed to oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL). Furthermore, overexpression of GAS5 aggravated ox-LDL-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α) and chemokine MCP-1 secretion in macrophages, which were reversed after GAS5 cessation. Additionally, high expression and secretion of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were increased in ox-LDL-stimulated macrophages following GAS5 elevation, but these increases were inhibited in GAS5-silenced group. Mechanism analysis identified GAS5 as a endogenous sponge to directly bind and suppress miR-221 expression. Notably, miR-221 elevation antagonized GAS5-enhanced inflammatory response and MMPs in macrophages upon ox-LDL. These results suggest that GAS5 can trigger inflammatory response and MMP expression by acting as a sponge of miR-221, which may facilitate fibrous cap degradation and aggravate atherosclerotic plaque destabilization, supporting a promising therapeutic agent against atherosclerosis.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Copper Transporter ATP7A (Copper-Transporting P-Type ATPase/Menkes ATPase) Limits Vascular Inflammation and Aortic Aneurysm Development: Role of MicroRNA-125b

Objective: Copper (Cu) is essential micronutrient, and its dysregulation is implicated in aortic aneurysm (AA) development. The Cu exporter ATP7A (copper-transporting P-type ATPase/Menkes ATPase) delivers Cu via the Cu chaperone Atox1 (antioxidant 1) to secretory Cu enzymes, such as lysyl oxidase, and excludes excess Cu. Lysyl oxidase is shown to protect against AA formation. However, the role and mechanism of ATP7A in AA pathogenesis remain unknown. Approach and Results: Here, in this work, we show that Cu chelator markedly inhibited Ang II (angiotensin II)–induced abdominal AA (AAA) in which ATP7A expression was markedly downregulated. Transgenic ATP7A overexpression prevented Ang II–induced AAA formation. Conversely, Cu transport dysfunctional ATP7A mut/+ /ApoE –/– mice exhibited robust AAA formation and dissection, excess aortic Cu accumulation as assessed by X-ray fluorescence microscopy, and reduced lysyl oxidase activity. In contrast, AAA formation was not observed in Atox1 –/– /ApoE –/– mice, suggesting that decreased lysyl oxidase activity, which depends on both ATP7A and Atox1, was not sufficient to develop AAA. Bone marrow transplantation suggested importance of ATP7A in vascular cells, not bone marrow cells, in AAA development. MicroRNA (miR) array identified miR-125b as a highly upregulated miR in AAA from ATP7A mut/+ /ApoE –/– mice. Furthermore, miR-125b target genes (histone methyltransferase Suv39h1 and the NF-κB negative regulator TNFAIP3 [tumor necrosis factor alpha induced protein 3]) were downregulated, which resulted in increased proinflammatory cytokine expression, aortic macrophage recruitment, MMP (matrix metalloproteinase)-2/9 activity, elastin fragmentation, and vascular smooth muscle cell loss in ATP7A mut/+ /ApoE –/– mice and reversed by locked nucleic acid-anti-miR-125b infusion. Conclusions: ATP7A downregulation/dysfunction promotes AAA formation via upregulating miR-125b, which augments proinflammatory signaling in a Cu-dependent manner. Thus, ATP7A is a potential therapeutic target for inflammatory vascular disease.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Shear stress reduces protease activated receptor-1 expression in human endothelial cells

Shear stress has been shown to regulate several genes involved in the thrombotic and proliferative functions of endothelial cells. Thrombin receptor (protease-activated receptor-1: PAR-1) increases at sites of vascular injury, which suggests an important role for PAR-1 in vascular diseases. However, the effect of shear stress on PAR-1 expression has not been previously studied. This work investigates effects of shear stress on PAR-1 gene expression in both human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and microvascular endothelial cells (HMECs). Cells were exposed to different shear stresses using a parallel plate flow system. Northern blot and flow cytometry analysis showed that shear stress down-regulated PAR-1 messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels in both HUVECs and HMECs but with different thresholds. Furthermore, shear-reduced PAR-1 mRNA was due to a decrease of transcription rate, not increased mRNA degradation. Postshear stress release of endothelin-1 in response to thrombin was reduced in HUVECs and HMECs. Moreover, inhibitors of potential signaling pathways applied during shear stress indicated mediation of the shear-decreased PAR-1 expression by protein kinases. In conclusion, shear stress exposure reduces PAR-1 gene expression in HMECs and HUVECs through a mechanism dependent in part on protein kinases, leading to altered endothelial cell functional responses to thrombin.

Non-NASA Center↗

Serotonin, atherosclerosis, and collateral vessel spasm

Studies on animal models demonstrate that platelet products contribute to vascular spasm in ischemic syndromes and that this is reversible with administration of ketanserin and thromboxane synthesis inhibitors. Laboratory animals (dogs, rabbits, and rats) that had femoral artery ligations exhibited supersensitivity to serotonin within days in their collateral blood vessels. This supersensitivity lasted at least 6 months. The response to serotonin was reversed by ketanserin, but not by 5HT-1 antagonists. Supersensitivity does not extend to norepinephrine, and alpha blockers do not influence the response to serotonin. It appears that platelet activation by endothelial injury contributes to ischemia through blood vessel occlusion and vascular spasm. When platelet activation occurs in vivo, blood vessel occlusion and vascular spasm are reversible in part by using ketanserin or agents that block thromboxane synthesis or its action. Combining both classes of agents reverses spasm completely. These findings support existing evidence that platelet products contribute to vascular disease, and provide an approach to improved management with currently available pharmacologic agents.

Review, Tutorial↗

Stress, and pathogen response gene expression in modeled microgravity

Purpose: Immune suppression in microgravity has been well documented. With the advent of human exploration and long-term space travel, the immune system of the astronaut must be optimally maintained. It is important to investigate the expression patterns of cytokine genes, because they are directly related to immune response. Heat shock proteins (HSPs), also called stress proteins, are a group of proteins that are present in the cells of every life form. These proteins are induced when a cell responds to stressors such as heat, cold and oxygen deprivation. Microgravity is another stressor that may regulate HSPs. Heat shock proteins trigger immune response through activities that occur both inside the cell (intracellular) and outside the cell (extracellular). Knowledge about these two gene groups could lead to establishment of a blueprint of the immune response and adaptation-related genes in the microgravity environment. Methods: Human peripheral blood cells were cultured in 1g (T flask) and modeled microgravity (MMG, rotating-wall vessel) for 24 and 72 hours. Cell samples were collected and subjected to gene array analysis using the Affymetrix HG_U95 array. Data was collected and subjected to a two-way analysis of variance. The genes related to immune and stress responses were analyzed. Results and Conclusions: HSP70 was up-regulated by more than two fold in microgravity culture, while HSP90 was significantly down-regulated. HSP70 is not typically expressed in all kinds of cells, but it is expressed at high levels in stress conditions. HSP70 participates in translation, protein translocation, proteolysis and protein folding, suppressing aggregation and reactivating denatured proteins. Increased serum HSP70 levels correlate with a better outcome for heat-stroke or severe trauma patients. At the same time, elevated serum levels of HSP70 have been detected in patients with peripheral or renal vascular disease. HSP90 has been identified in the cytosol, nucleus and endoplasmic reticulum, and exists in many tissue types. HSP90 associates with actin filaments in certain conditions and aids cell motility. The down-regulation of HSP90 could lead to deleterious effects in the lymphocytes, thereby contributing to suppressed immune function in microgravity. Interleukins such as IL 1 alpha, IL11 receptor chain alpha, IL7R, and IL4R were significantly down regulated in modeled microgravity. Further analysis of the genes involved in immune response at the protein level may provide a basis for prophylactic and countermeasure strategies to augment the human immune system for space exploration.

Sundaresan, Alamelu↗

Patent Foramen Ovale in Patients with Cerebral Infarction: A Transesophageal Echocradigraphy Study

Patent foramen ovale was detected in 37 patients (32%). Mean age was similar in those with (60 years) and those without (64 years) PFO. Patent foramen ovale was more frequent among men (39%) than women (20%, P=.03). Patients with PFO had a lower frequency of atrial fibrillation, diabetes me!litus, hypertension, and peripheral vascular disease compared with those without PFO. There was no difference in frequency of the following characteristics in patients with PFO compared with those without PFO: pulmonary embolus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary hypertension, peripheral embolism, prior cerebral infarction, nosocomial cerebral infarction, Valsalva maneuver at the time of cerebral infarction, recent surgery, or hemorrhagic transformation of cerebral infarction. Patent foramen ovale was found in 22 (40%) of 55 patients with infarcts of uncertain cause and in 15 (25%) of 61 with infarcts of known cause (cardioembolic, 21%; large vessel atherostenosis, 25%; lacune, 40%) (P=.08). When the analysis was restricted to patients who underwent Valsalva maneuver, PFO with right to left or bidirectional shunt was found in 19 (50%) of 38 patients with infarcts of uncertain cause and in 6 (20%) of 30 with infarcts of known cause (P=.Ol). Conclusion: Although PFO was over-represented in patients with infarcts of uncertain cause in our and other studies, it has a high frequency among patients with cerebral infarction of all types. The relation between PFO and stroke requires further study.

Petty, George W.↗

Increased circulating trimethylamine N-oxide contributes to endothelial dysfunction in a rat model of chronic kidney disease

Highlights: • Circulating TMAO is elevated in chronic kidney disease. • Elevated TMAO in chronic kidney disease impairs endothelial function. • Elevated TMAO in chronic kidney disease reduces vascular eNOS activity. • Elevated TMAO in chronic kidney disease causes vascular oxidative stress. • Elevated TMAO in chronic kidney disease induces vascular inflammation. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is strongly associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Impaired endothelial function, a key initiating step in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease, has been reported in patients with CKD, but the mechanisms responsible for endothelial dysfunction in CKD remain elusive. Emerging evidence reveals that trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), a gut microbiota-generated metabolite, is involved in the pathogenesis of many cardiovascular diseases. Circulating TMAO is elevated in CKD. Here we tested the hypothesis that elevated TMAO plays a contributory role in the pathogenesis of endothelial dysfunction in CKD. Rats underwent 5/6 nephrectomy to induce CKD or sham operation, and were treated with 1.0% 3,3-Dimethyl-1-butanol (DMB, an inhibitor of trimethylamine formation) or vehicle. Eight weeks after nephrectomy and DMB treatment, circulating TMAO levels were markedly elevated in CKD-vehicle rats compared with sham-vehicle rats, but were reduced in CKD-DMB rats. Acetylcholine-induced endothelium-dependent vasodilation was impaired in CKD-vehicle rats compared with sham-vehicle rats as indicated by reduced maximal relaxation (E{sub max}) and decreased area under the curve (AUC). E{sub max} and AUC were both normalized in CKD-DMB rats. No difference in sodium nitroprusside-induced endothelial-independent vasodilation was observed across groups. Molecular studies revealed that endothelial nitric-oxide synthase activity was decreased, while superoxide production and proinflammatory cytokine expression were increased in the aorta of CKD-vehicle rats compared with sham-vehicle rats. Of note, the abnormalities in above molecular parameters were completely restored in CKD-DMB rats. These results suggest that CKD elevates circulating TMAO levels, which may reduce eNOS-derived NO production by increasing vascular oxidative stress and inflammation, contributing to CKD-associated endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular disease.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Uterine Artery Embolization in Women with Symptomatic Cervical Leiomyomata: Efficacy and Safety

Purpose: To perform an evaluation on safety and efficacy of uterine artery embolization (UAE) in the patients with symptomatic cervical leiomyomata. Methods: Patients with symptomatic cervical leiomyomata who underwent UAE in one specialized hospital were retrospectively analyzed, both clinically and with MR imaging. The 3-month outcomes were assessed with MR imaging and a validated questionnaire. Long-term follow-up was assessed by direct contact or file review. To determine the efficacy of UAE for cervical leiomyomata, the primary objective was to assess the clinical outcome with the UFS-QOL questionnaire, containing the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and symptom severity score (SSS). To assess safety, the secondary objective included leiomyomata volume reduction, the infarction/complication rate and secondary interventions were needed. Results: Between 2006 and 2017, eight of 1180 patients underwent UAE and were eligible for inclusion. All embolizations were technically successful (n = 8). At 3 months, all patients showed cervical leiomyomata volume reduction with a median reduction of 41.5% (38.8 cm{sup 3}) compared to baseline (p = 0.012). No complications occurred. At a median follow-up of 3 months (range 1–7, n = 7), the HRQOL and SSS improved with a median difference of 13 points (range − 5 to 60, p = 0.063) and − 13 points (range − 79 to 3, p = 0.046), respectively. Long-term follow-up showed two secondary interventions (median of 43.5 months). Six patients reported no symptom recurrence. Conclusion: UAE in women with symptomatic cervical leiomyomata is effective and safe with significant improvement in symptoms and quality of life. UAE is a valuable option for women seeking a non-surgical solution.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

Body composition changes after left gastric artery embolization in overweight and obese individuals

Purpose: To determine the effects of left gastric artery embolization (LGAE) on computed tomography (CT) body composition change. Materials and methods: Sixteen overweight or obese patients who had abdominal CT scans before and after LGAE for gastric bleeding were retrospectively reviewed. Body composition analysis was performed with semiautomated imaging processing algorithms (MATLAB 13.0, Math Works, MA). Adipose tissue and lean skeletal muscle were measured using threshold attenuation values. Total body fat index (BFI), subcutaneous fat index (SFI), visceral fat index (VFI), intramuscular fat index (IMFI), and skeletal muscle index (SMI) were determined ([tissue area (cm)]{sup 2}/[height (m)]{sup 2}). Excess body weight (EBW) was determined based on the Lorentz formula for ideal body weight. Results: Mean follow-up was 1.5 ± 0.8 months. Following LGAE, patients experienced significantly decreased body weight (p = 0.003), BMI (p = 0.005), EBW (p = 0.003), BFI (p = 0.03), SFI (p = 0.03), and SMI (p < 0.001). Changes in VFI and IMFI did not significantly change (p = 0.13 and p = 0.83, respectively). Conclusions: Patients who underwent LGAE had significant unintended weight loss as a result of decreased body fat and skeletal muscle. Body composition analysis can readily assess the extent of fat loss and identify muscle wasting.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

Gastric Embolization as Treatment for Overweight Patients; Efficacy and Safety

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of left gastric artery (LGA) embolization for the treatment of overweight patients who weren’t candidates for bariatric surgery. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively collected data of 16 patients who underwent a selective embolization of the LGA. The mean body mass index (BMI) before intervention was 28.9 kg/m{sup 2} ± 2.5, and therefore, patients were not candidates for bariatric surgery in Belgium. The embolization was realized with 500–700 µm particles via the right common femoral artery approach. Before and following the intervention, an upper endoscopy was performed. Patient demographics, weight loss, hunger sensation and a satisfactory scale were reviewed. Results: Between February 2015 and May 2017, 16 overweight patients were treated, one embolization was unsuccessful. Four (25%) patients were lost in follow-up. Nine (56%) patients showed early weight loss, one (6%) maintained his bodyweight and one (6%) patient underwent bariatric surgery 2 years after consultation. Only one (6%) patient had a gastric ulceration on control endoscopy. One (6%) patient ended in the intensive care unit for pancreatitis and gastric perforation. The mean weight loss was 8 kg ± 5.12, reducing their mean BMI to 25.5 ± 3.5. The hunger sensation was decreased, and patients were satisfied. Conclusion: This is a preliminary study in an overweight population that appears to induce weight loss and appetite suppression. Larger studies are needed to confirm these preliminary findings.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

Percutaneous Femoropopliteal Recanalization Using a Completely Transpedal/Transtibial Approach

PurposeTo report preliminary experience with femoropopliteal revascularization using a completely transpedal/transtibial approach.Materials and MethodsThree patients with Rutherford 3–4 disease underwent revascularization of TASC C/D lesions using a pedal/tibial artery as the only site of arterial access.ResultsOne patient with a chronic superficial femoral artery occlusion had continuity achieved to the common femoral artery using a dedicated reentry device and stenting; in a second patient, an occluded popliteal artery stent was successfully revised with an endograft; and in a third patient with morbid obesity, a chronic SFA occlusion was successfully stented. All patients experienced complete resolution of presenting symptoms; no puncture site complications were seen.ConclusionsUse of a pedal/tibial approach as the sole site of arterial access may become an important access technique for femoropopliteal revascularization when patients have limited femoral access options.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

Safety and Feasibility of Transradial Access for Visceral Interventions in Patients with Thrombocytopenia

PurposeTransradial access (TRA) has shown lower morbidity and decreased bleeding complications compared to transfemoral access. This study evaluates the safety and feasibility of TRA in thrombocytopenic patients undergoing visceral interventions.Methods and MaterialsPatients who underwent visceral interventions via the radial artery with platelet count less than or equal to 50,000/µL were included in the study. Outcome variables included technical success, access site, bleeding, transfusion, and neurological complications.ResultsFrom July 1, 2012, to May 31, 2015, a total of 1353 peripheral interventions via TRA were performed, of which 85 procedures were performed in 64 patients (mean age 62.2 years) with a platelet count <50,000/µL (median 39,000/µL). Interventions included chemoembolization (n = 46), selective internal radiation therapy (n = 30), and visceral embolization (n = 9). Technical success was 97.6 % with two cases of severe vessel spasm requiring ipsilateral femoral crossover. There was no major access site, bleeding, or neurological adverse events at 30 days. Minor access site hematomas occurred in five cases (5.9 %) and were treated conservatively in all cases. Pre-procedural platelet transfusions were administered in 23 (27.1 %) cases. There was no statistically significant difference in access site or bleeding complications between the transfused and nontransfused groups.ConclusionsTransradial visceral interventions in patients with thrombocytopenia are both feasible and safe, possibly without the need for platelet transfusions.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

Diagnosis and Management of Transplanted Kidney Extrarenal Pseudoaneurysms: A Series of Four Cases and a Review of the Literature

Extrarenal pseudoaneurysms of transplanted kidneys are very rare but can have devastating consequences. In the past, these extrarenal pseudoaneurysms have often led to graft loss as well as significant morbidity and mortality. The role of advanced diagnostic imaging studies and of modern radiologic interventional management has not been studied. In this case series, we present four cases of extrarenal pseudoaneurysms of transplanted kidneys, describe the clinical scenarios and imaging that led to the angiographic diagnosis, and discuss the various endovascular and surgical approaches to management.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

Phase II Trial of Transarterial Embolization Using an n-Butyl-2-Cyanoacrylate/Lipiodol Mixture (JIVROSG-0802)

Purpose: To evaluate the embolic effect and the safety of transarterial embolization (TAE) using n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (NBCA) in a prospective multicenter trial. Materials and Methods: This study was an open-label, multicenter, phase II trial. The inclusion criteria were (1) active bleeding or pseudoaneurysm, (2) true aneurysm, (3) arteriovenous malformation (except cerebral lesion), (4) arteriovenous fistula, or (5) need for arterial distribution before transarterial treatment. Selective TAE with NBCA diluted 2–10 times was performed. The primary endpoint was the success rate of embolization with a per-patient analysis based on the angiographic findings. Secondary endpoints were safety, evaluated based on Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) version 4, and the success rate of embolization with a per-vessel calculation. Results: Sixty-five patients were initially enrolled, but due to protocol violation in two patients, efficacy was ultimately analyzed in 63 patients (103 vessels) and safety was analyzed in 64 patients. The success rate per patient was 98.4% (62/63; 95% confidence interval (CI), 91.5–100.00), and the success rate per vessel was 99.0% (102/103; 95% CI, 94.7–100.0). Adverse events of grade 3 or above based on CTCAE version 4 occurred in 22/64 patients (34.4%). Twelve intraoperative or postoperative adverse events grade 3 or above, which may have been related to embolization using NBCA, occurred in 11/64 patients (17.2%). Three patients died after embolization using NBCA, but their deaths were unrelated to TAE. Conclusion: In this prospective multicenter clinical trial, the efficacy of TAE using NBCA was 98.4% and adverse events were clinically acceptable. Level of Evidence: Level 3b.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗