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At least 19 records

WE-FG-206-05: New Arterial Spin Labeling Method for Simultaneous Estimation of Arterial Cerebral Blood Volume, Cerebral Blood Flow and Arterial Transit Time

Purpose: To demonstrate the feasibility of a novel Arterial Spin Labeling (ASL) method for simultaneously measuring cerebral blood flow (CBF), arterial transit time (ATT), and arterial cerebral blood volume (aCBV) without the use of a contrast agent. Methods: A series of multi-TI ASL images were acquired from one healthy subject on a 3T Siemens Skyra, with the following parameters: PCASL labeling with variable TI [300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1500, 2000, 2500, 3000, 3500, 4000] ms, labeling bolus 1400 ms when TI allows, otherwise 100 ms less than TI, TR was minimized for each TI, two sinc shaped pre-saturation pulses were applied in the imaging plane immediately before 2D EPI acquisition. 64×64×24 voxels, 5 mm slice thickness, 1 mm gap, full brain coverage, 6 averages per TI, no crusher gradients, 11 ms TE, scan time of 4:56. The perfusion weighted time-series was created for each voxel and fit to a novel model. The model has two components: 1) the traditional model developed by Buxton et al., accounting for CBF and ATT, and 2) a box car function characterizing the width of the labeling bolus, with variable timing and height in proportion to the aCBV. All three parameters were fit using a nonlinear fitting routine that constrained all parameters to be positive. The main purpose of the high-temporal resolution TI sampling for the first second of data acquisition was to precisely estimate the blood volume component for better detection of arrival time and magnitude of signal. Results: Whole brain maps of CBF, ATT, and aCBV were produced, and all three parameters maps are consistent with similar maps described in the literature. Conclusion: Simultaneous mapping of CBF, ATT, and aCBV is feasible with a clinically tractable scan time (under 5 minutes).

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

Extrahepatic Arteries Originating from Hepatic Arteries: Analysis Using CT During Hepatic Arteriography and Visualization on Digital Subtraction Angiography

PurposeTo investigate the prevalence and site of origin of extrahepatic arteries originating from hepatic arteries on early phase CT during hepatic arteriography (CTHA) was accessed. Visualization of these elements on digital subtraction hepatic angiography (DSHA) was assessed using CTHA images as a gold standard.Materials and MethodsA total of 943 patients (mean age 66.9 ± 10.3 years; male/female, 619/324) underwent CTHA and DSHA. The prevalence and site of origin of extrahepatic arteries were accessed using CTHA and visualized using DSHA.ResultsIn 924 (98.0%) patients, a total of 1555 extrahepatic branches, representing eight types, were found to originate from hepatic arteries on CTHA. CTHA indicated the following extrahepatic branch prevalence rates: right gastric artery, 890 (94.4%); falciform artery, 386 (40.9%); accessory left gastric artery, 161 (17.1%); left inferior phrenic artery (IPA), 43 (4.6%); posterior superior pancreaticoduodenal artery, 33 (3.5%); dorsal pancreatic artery, 26 (2.8%); duodenal artery, 12 (1.3%); and right IPA, 4 (0.4%). In addition, 383 patients (40.6%) had at least one undetectable branch on DSHA. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of visualization on DSHA were as follows: RGA, 80.0, 86.8, and 80.4%; falciform artery, 53.9, 97.7, and 80.0%; accessory LGA, 64.6, 98.6, and 92.3%; left IPA, 76.7, 99.8, and 98.7%; PSPDA, 100, 99.7, and 99.9%; dorsal pancreatic artery, 57.7, 100, and 98.8%; duodenal artery, 8.3, 99.9, and 98.7%; and right IPA, 0, 100, and 99.6%, respectively.ConclusionExtrahepatic arteries originating from hepatic arteries were frequently identified on CTHA images. These arteries were frequently overlooked on DSHA.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

Identification of the feeding arteries of hepatocellular carcinomas by performing dual arterial phase CT during pre-transarterial chemoembolization angiography

Purpose: This study evaluated the usefulness of performing dual arterial phase computed tomography (CT) during pre-transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) angiography for identifying the feeding arteries of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC). Materials and methods: Dual arterial phase CT was performed during pre-TACE angiography in 73 patients with 139 HCC. Ten HCC underwent this procedure twice, so the total number of examined HCC was 149. Early and late arterial phase images were obtained 6 seconds after injection of an iodinated contrast material serially during a single breath-hold. The feeding artery was defined as the branch of the hepatic artery that was connected to the enhanced areas of the tumor. For HCC that could not be visualized on the early arterial phase images, fusion images superimposing the early and late arterial phase images were constructed. Furthermore, technical success defined as successful catheterization of the subsegmental or more distal feeding artery was evaluated. Results: The feeding artery was correctly identified on dual arterial phase CT in 146 of the 149 tumors (98.0%). In two HCC, the feeding arteries could not be identified due to severe motion artifacts, and in one, due to the presence of anastomosis between the right and left hepatic arteries. Catheterization of the subsegmental feeding artery was successful in all TACE procedures (technical success rate: 100%). Conclusion: Performing dual arterial phase CT during angiography appears to be useful for identifying the feeding arteries of HCC.

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Arterial Phase CTA Replacement by a Virtual Arterial Phase Reconstruction from a Venous Phase CTA: Preliminary Results Using Detector-Based Spectral CT

Objective: To assess the feasibility of creating virtual monoenergetic arterial images from venous phase CTA obtained on a detector-based spectral CT scanner and quantitatively compare the signal-to-noise (SNR) and contrast-to-noise (CNR) ratios of the major arteries to those on polyenergetic true arterial phase images. Methods: In this retrospective study, 23 patients (15 men and 8 women, median age 68 years) who underwent triple-phase CTA on a spectral CT scanner for aortic endograft surveillance were included. The venous phase CTA of each study was reconstructed to generate virtual monoenergetic images at various keV, which were compared to true arterial phase CTA images. SNR and CNR of the aortoiliac arteries were evaluated by testing the differences in means and non-inferiority of virtual arterial images to true arterial images. Effective radiation dose was calculated for standard triple-phase studies in comparison with dual-phase and single-phase spectral CT examinations. Results: Virtual monoenergetic images demonstrated non-inferior (P < 0.05) arterial SNR and CNR compared to true arterial images at 40 keV for all arteries, at 45–50 keV for the thoracic and suprarenal aorta, and at 45–55 keV for the infrarenal aorta and iliac arteries. Significantly higher (P < 0.05) arterial attenuation was obtained at 40 keV for the aortoiliac arteries. Mean effective dose for conventional triple-phase studies was 32.5 mSv in comparison with 21.3 mSv for dual-phase non-contrast/venous scans and 11.3 mSv for single-phase venous scans. Conclusions: Detector-based spectral CT enables creation of virtual monoenergetic arterial images from venous phase CTA with equivalent and in some cases significantly higher SNR/CNR of major arteries compared to images from true arterial phase polyenergetic CTA.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

Feeding Arteries of Primary Tongue Cancers on Intra-arterial Infusion Chemotherapy

PurposeTo evaluate the frequency and the predictive factor of each feeding artery on intra-arterial infusion chemotherapy (IAIC) in primary tongue cancer.Materials and MethodsWe retrospectively evaluated 20 patients who received IAIC for primary tongue cancer. The main and accompanying feeding arteries were identified on super-selective angiography of the branches of the external carotid artery. Tumor diameter, and extension to the contralateral side, tongue extrinsic muscles (TEMs), and lateral mesopharyngeal wall were determined based on magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography findings.ResultsThe main feeding artery was the ipsilateral lingual artery (LA) in 15 of the 20 examined tumors and the contralateral LA in the other 5. Ten cancers had only one feeding artery, and multiple feeding arteries were detected in the remaining 10. Tumors >4 cm (n = 9), those with extension to the contralateral side (n = 13), and those with extension to TEMs (n = 15) were supplied by significantly larger numbers of feeding arteries compared to tumors without these features (P = 0.01, 0.049, and 0.02, respectively). The frequency of feeding from the contralateral LA was 64 % (9/14) and 17 % (1/6) in tumors with and without extension to the contralateral side, respectively. Feeding from a facial artery (FA) was not detected in tumors ≤4 cm, while 5 of the 9 (56 %) tumors >4 cm were supplied by a FA (P = 0.01).ConclusionA careful search for feeding arteries is required, especially in large tumors with extension to the contralateral side or to TEMs.

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Quantitative Real-Time Fluoroscopy Analysis on Measurement of the Hepatic Arterial Flow During Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Comparison with Quantitative Digital Subtraction Angiography Analysis

PurposeTo quantify the arterial flow change during transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) using digital subtraction angiography, quantitative color-coding analysis (d-QCA), and real-time subtraction fluoroscopy QCA (f-QCA).Materials and MethodsThis prospective study enrolled 20 consecutive patients with HCC who had undergone TACE via a subsegmental approach between February 2014 and April 2015. The TACE endpoint was a sluggish antegrade tumor-feeding arterial flow. d-QCA and f-QCA were used for determining the relative maximal density time (rT{sub max}) of the selected arteries. The rT{sub max} of the selected arteries was analyzed in d-QCA and f-QCA before and after TACE, and its correlation in both analyses was evaluated.ResultsThe pre- and post-TACE rT{sub max} of the embolized segmental artery in d-QCA and f-QCA were 1.59 ± 0.81 and 2.97 ± 1.80 s (P < 0.001) and 1.44 ± 0.52 and 2.28 ± 1.02 s (P < 0.01), respectively. The rT{sub max} of the proximal hepatic artery did not significantly change during TACE in d-QCA and f-QCA. The Spearman correlation coefficients of the pre- and post-TACE rT{sub max} of the embolized segmental artery between d-QCA and f-QCA were 0.46 (P < 0.05) and 0.80 (P < 0.001). Radiation doses in one series of d-QCA and f-QCA were 140.7 ± 51.5 milligray (mGy) and 2.5 ± 0.7 mGy, respectively.Conclusionsf-QCA can quantify arterial flow changes with a higher temporal resolution and lower radiation dose. Flow quantification of the embolized segmental artery using f-QCA and d-QCA is highly correlated.

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SU-G-IeP1-12: Size Selective Arterial Cerebral Blood Volume Mapping Using Multiple Inversion Time Arterial Spin Labeling

Purpose: To demonstrate the feasibility of a novel method for size specific arterial cerebral blood volume (aCBV) mapping using pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling (PCASL), with multiple TI. Methods: Multiple PCASL images were obtained from a subject with TI of [300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1500, 2000, 2500, 3000, 3500, 4000] ms. Each TI pair was averaged six times. Two scans were performed: one without a flow crusher gradient and the other with a crusher gradient (10cm/s in three directions) to remove signals from large arteries. Scan times were 5min. without a crusher gradient and 5.5 min with a crusher gradient. Non-linear fitting algorithm finds the minimum mean squared solution of per-voxel based aCBV, cerebral blood flow, and arterial transit time, and fits the data into a hemodynamic model that represents superposition of blood volume and flow components within a single voxel. Results: aCBV maps with a crusher gradient represent signals from medium and small sized arteries, while those without a crusher gradient represent signals from all sized arteries, indicating that flow crusher gradients can be effectively employed to achieve size-specific aCBV mapping. Regardless of flow crusher, the CBF and ATT maps are very similar in appearance. Conclusion: Quantitative size selective blood volume mapping controlled by a flow crusher is feasible without additional information because the ASL quantification process doesn’t require an arterial input function measured from a large artery. The size specific blood volume mapping is not interfered by sSignals from large arteries do not interfere with size specific aCBV mapping in the applications of interest in for applications in which only medium or small arteries are of interest.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Transcatheter Arterial Embolization for Hepatic Arterial Injury Related to Percutaneous Transhepatic Portal Intervention

PurposeTo assess the usefulness of transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) for the hepatic arterial injury related to percutaneous transhepatic portal intervention (PTPI).Materials and MethodsFifty-four patients, 32 males and 22 females with a median age of 68 years (range 43–82 years), underwent PTPI. The procedures consisted of 33 percutaneous transhepatic portal vein embolizations, 19 percutaneous transhepatic variceal embolizations, and 2 percutaneous transhepatic portal venous stent placements. Two patients with gastric varices underwent percutaneous transhepatic variceal embolization twice because of recurrence. Therefore, the total number of procedures was 56. Among them, hepatic arterial injury occurred in 6 PTPIs in 5 patients, and TAE was performed. We assessed technical success, complications related to TAE, and clinical outcome. Technical success was defined as the disappearance of findings due to hepatic arterial injury on digital subtraction angiography.ResultsAs hepatic arterial injuries, 4 extravasations and 2 arterioportal shunts developed. All TAEs were performed successfully. The technical success rate was 100 %. Complication of TAE occurred in 5 of 6 TAEs; 3 were focal liver infarction, not requiring further treatment, and 2 were biloma that required percutaneous drainage. Five TAEs in 4 patients were performed immediately after the PTPI, and these 4 patients were alive. However, one TAE was performed 10 h later, and the patient died due to multiple organ failure 2 months later although TAE was successful.ConclusionTAE is a useful treatment for hepatic arterial injury related to PTPI. However, it should be performed at an early stage.

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Pelvic Arterial Anatomy Relevant to Prostatic Artery Embolisation and Proposal for Angiographic Classification

PurposeTo describe and categorize the angiographic findings regarding prostatic vascularization, propose an anatomic classification, and discuss its implications for the PAE procedure.MethodsAngiographic findings from 143 PAE procedures were reviewed retrospectively, and the origin of the inferior vesical artery (IVA) was classified into five subtypes as follows: type I: IVA originating from the anterior division of the internal iliac artery (IIA), from a common trunk with the superior vesical artery (SVA); type II: IVA originating from the anterior division of the IIA, inferior to the SVA origin; type III: IVA originating from the obturator artery; type IV: IVA originating from the internal pudendal artery; and type V: less common origins of the IVA. Incidences were calculated by percentage.ResultsTwo hundred eighty-six pelvic sides (n = 286) were analyzed, and 267 (93.3 %) were classified into I–IV types. Among them, the most common origin was type IV (n = 89, 31.1 %), followed by type I (n = 82, 28.7 %), type III (n = 54, 18.9 %), and type II (n = 42, 14.7 %). Type V anatomy was seen in 16 cases (5.6 %). Double vascularization, defined as two independent prostatic branches in one pelvic side, was seen in 23 cases (8.0 %).ConclusionsDespite the large number of possible anatomical variations of male pelvis, four main patterns corresponded to almost 95 % of the cases. Evaluation of anatomy in a systematic fashion, following a standard classification, will make PAE a faster, safer, and more effective procedure.

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Efficacy of Automated Supplying Artery Tracking Software Using Multidetector-Row Computed Tomography Images for Emergent Transcatheter Arterial Embolization

PurposeTo assess the reliability of a prototype automated supplying artery tracking software (ASATS) using multidetector-row CT (MDCT) images in emergent TAE.Materials and MethodsConsecutive 53 patients underwent 57 sessions of emergent TAE during 7 months. Twenty-one cases were excluded due to a lack of CT data (n = 12) or negative angiographic findings (n = 9). Remaining 34 sessions of TAE and MDCT images in 32 patients (mean age 62.9 years; age range 37–92 years) were enrolled. ASATS was retrospectively conducted for the identification of supplying arteries which were confirmed with angiography (automated method). Manual modification was added as needed (semi-automated method). Two observers independently reviewed the MDCT images to detect supplying arteries (manual method). Detectability of supplying artery and time to analysis were compared among the automated, semi-automated, and manual methods by both observers.ResultsA total of 64 bleeding sites were demonstrated on angiography. The detectability was 28 (43.8%) for automated method, 53 (82.8%) for semi-automated method, 55 (85.9%) for observer 1, and 58 (90.6%) for observer 2. Detectability of semi-automated method was significantly better than of automated method (P = 0.000) and comparable with manual method by both observers (P = 0.193 and 0.081). Average time to analysis was 185.4 s for automated method, 297.2 s for semi-automated method, 186.2 s for observer 1, and 243.7 s for observer 2.ConclusionASATS has a sufficient ability to identify supplying arteries of bleeding by adding manual modification as needed and can be used for emergent TAE. Level of Evidence: Level 4, Case Control Study.

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The Enlarged Fibroid Uterus: Aberrant Arterial Supply via the Omental Artery

Uterine artery embolization is considered a first-line therapy for symptomatic fibroids and is occasionally required to mitigate operative risk prior to total abdominal hysterectomy or myomectomy. We present a pictorial review of parasitized omental artery supply to the enlarged fibroid uterus in three patients undergoing preoperative uterine artery embolization. A detailed understanding of variant uterine blood supplies is crucial when performing fibroid embolization. Although omental artery supply to the fibroid uterus is an unusual finding, aortography to include mesenteric arteries may be necessary when anomalous blood supply to the enlarged fibroid uterus is suspected.

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Onyx Embolization for Occlusion of the Proximal Internal Iliac Artery During EVAR in Patients with Unsuitable Landing Zones in the Common Iliac Artery

Background: Twenty percent of the patients with AAA have an aneurysm involving the common iliac arteries. Large common iliac diameter can be treated with an iliac branched device or extension of the stent graft to the external iliac artery with occlusion of the ipsilateral internal iliac artery (IIA) to prevent type 2 endoleaks. This study describes and evaluates a embolization technique using Onyx in conjunction with EVAR in aneurysms with poor landing zones in the common iliac arteries. Methods: Patients with Onyx IIA embolization during EVAR, identified from the hospital operating code database, constitute the study population. Onyx embolization was performed by injection at the IIA origin. Peri- and postoperative complications were collected from the medical records. Thin-sliced CT scan was performed 1 month and 1 year after the procedure. Results: Thirty-six patients with complex iliac anatomy and insufficient landing zones (without sealing possibility for standard stent grafts) were identified out of 243 consecutive EVAR treatments during a 13-year period. In seventeen patients (7%), the IIA was embolized with Onyx. Technical success was obtained in all 17 patients, without adverse event or procedural complication. No complication related to the embolization procedure was noted during follow-up. Conclusions: During EVAR treatment of patients with aneurysm involving the common iliac artery, Onyx embolization of IIA is a feasible option without need of selective catheterization of the IIA orifice, potentially preserving important branches of the IIA and simplifying emergency procedures.

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Plasminogen activator Inhibitor-2 inhibits pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cell proliferation in pulmonary arterial hypertension via PI3K/Akt and ERK signaling

Highlights: • Serum PAI-2 is decreased in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension. • Serum PAI-2 is associated with disease severity in pulmonary arterial hypertension. • Exogenous PAI-2 attenuates monocrotaline induced pulmonary hypertension in rats. • PAI-2 inhibits pulmonary arterial smooth muscle proliferation via PI3K/Akt and ERK. The proliferation of pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) and subsequent pulmonary vascular remodeling leads to pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Understanding the underlying mechanisms and identifying molecules that can suppress PASMCs proliferation is critical for developing effective pharmacological treatment. We previously showed that plasminogen activator inhibitor-2 (PAI-2) inhibited human PASMC (hPASMCs) proliferation in vitro. However, its inhibitory effect on PAH remains to be determined, and the mechanism remains to be illustrated.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Multiple Renal Artery Pseudoaneurysms in Patients Undergoing Renal Artery Embolization Following Partial Nephrectomy: Correlation with RENAL Nephrometry Scores

PurposeTo describe the incidence of multiple renal artery pseudoaneurysms (PSA) in patients referred for renal artery embolization following partial nephrectomy and to study its relationship to RENAL nephrometry scores.Materials and MethodsThe medical records of 25 patients referred for renal artery embolization after partial nephrectomy were retrospectively reviewed for the following parameters: size and number of tumors, RENAL nephrometry scores, angiographic abnormalities, technical and clinical outcomes, and estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFRs) after embolization.ResultsTwenty-four patients had primary renal tumors, while 1 patient had a pancreatic tumor invading the kidney. Multiple tumors were resected in 4 patients. Most patients (92 %) were symptomatic, presenting with gross hematuria, flank pain, or both. Angiography revealed PSA with (n = 5) or without (n = 20) AV fistulae. Sixteen patients (64 %) had multiple PSA involving multiple renal vessels. Higher RENAL nephrometry scores were associated with an increasing likelihood of multiple PSA. Multiple vessels were embolized in 14 patients (56 %). Clinical success was achieved after one (n = 22) or two (n = 3) embolization sessions in all patients. Post-embolization eGFR values at different time points after embolization were not significantly different from the post-operative eGFR.ConclusionA majority of patients requiring renal artery embolization following partial nephrectomy have multiple pseudoaneurysms, often requiring selective embolization of multiple vessels. Higher RENAL nephrometry score is associated with an increasing likelihood of multiple pseudoaneurysms. We found transarterial embolization to be a safe and effective treatment option with no long-term adverse effect on renal function in all but one patient with a solitary kidney.

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Iatrogenic celiac and hepatic artery dissections during intra-arterial regional tumor therapies: a 16-year retrospective review

Purpose: To identify the incidence and outcomes of iatrogenic celiac and hepatic artery dissections during transarterial therapies, including bland embolization, chemoembolization, radioembolization (TARE), and pre-TARE scintigraphic mapping. Methods: The institution’s quality assessment database, electronic medical record, and picture archiving and communication system were reviewed to identify all patients who underwent transarterial locoregional therapy from 1/2001 to 7/2017 and to determine the incidence of iatrogenic dissection, to assess patency of the arteries after dissection, and to assess the ability to complete therapy. Results: 2253 patients underwent 3776 transarterial hepatic oncology procedures. Among 3776 procedures, 40 (1.1%) were associated with dissection of the visceral vasculature, affecting 39 patients (1.7%). The incidence of flow-limiting dissections was 0.3% (13/3776) and non-flow-limiting dissections was 0.7% (27/3776). After dissection, 68% (27/40) of treatments were completed the same day. Among the 13 aborted treatments, 8 (62%) were completed on a subsequent encounter. Follow-up imaging was obtained in 26 of 40 cases at median time of 63 days. Complete resolution of the dissection was seen in 15/26 cases (58%), near complete resolution (< 30% luminal narrowing) in 3/26 (12%), unchanged appearance of a non-flow-limiting dissection in 4/26 (15%), progressive luminal narrowing in 3/26 (12%), and complete occlusion in 1/26 (4%). Conclusion: Iatrogenic dissections of visceral arteries rarely occur during tumor embolization procedures. 35/39 (90%) of patients underwent successful treatment despite the dissection.

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T-Stenting-and-Small-Protrusion Technique for Bifurcation Stenoses After End-to-Side Anastomosis of Transplant Renal Artery and External Iliac Artery: Report of Two Cases

Bifurcation stenoses after end-to-side anastomosis of transplant renal artery (TRA) and external iliac artery (EIA), including stenoses at the anastomosis and the iliac artery proximal to the TRA, are rare. In the present article, we report two successfully managed cases of bifurcation stenoses after end-to-side anastomosis of the TRA and EIA using the technique of T-stenting and small protrusion (TAP stenting)

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

Treatment of Ruptured Vertebral Artery Dissecting Aneurysms Distal to the Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery: Stenting or Trapping?

PurposeThe treatment of ruptured vertebral artery dissecting aneurysms (VADAs) continues to be controversial. Our goal was to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and long-term outcomes of internal trapping and stent-assisted coiling (SAC) for ruptured VADAs distal to the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (supra-PICA VADAs), which is the most common subset.MethodsA retrospective review was conducted of 39 consecutive ruptured supra-PICA VADAs treated with internal trapping (n = 20) or with SAC (n = 19) at our institution. The clinical and angiographic data were retrospectively compared.ResultsThe immediate total occlusion rate of the VADAs was 80 % in the trapping group, which improved to 88.9 % at the follow-ups (45 months on average). Unwanted occlusions of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) were detected in three trapped cases. Incomplete obliteration of the VADA or unwanted occlusions of the PICA were detected primarily in the VADAs closest to the PICA. In the stenting group, the immediate total occlusion rate was 47.4 %, which improved to 100 % at the follow-ups (39 months on average). The immediate total occlusion rate of the VADAs was higher in the trapping group (p < 0.05), but the later total occlusion was slightly higher in the stenting group (p > 0.05).ConclusionsOur preliminary results showed that internal trapping and stent-assisted coiling are both technically feasible for treating ruptured supra-PICA VADAs. Although not statistically significant, procedural related complications occurred more frequently in the trapping group. When the VADAs are close to the PICA, we suggest that the lesions should be treated using SAC.

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Role and Effectiveness of Percutaneous Arterial Embolization in Hemodynamically Unstable Patients with Ruptured Splanchnic Artery Pseudoaneurysms

PurposeTo assess the role and effectiveness of percutaneous arterial embolization (TAE) in patients with hemodynamic instability due to hypovolemic shock secondary to ruptured splanchnic artery pseudoaneurysms (SAPA).Materials and MethodsSeventeen patients (11 men, 6 women; mean age, 53 years) with hemodynamic instability (systolic blood pressure <90 mmHg) due to hypovolemic shock secondary to ruptured SAPA were treated by TAE. Clinical files, multidetector row computed tomography angiography, and angiographic examinations along with procedure details were reviewed.ResultsSeventeen SAPAs were present, predominantly located on gastroduodenal or pancreatic arteries (9/17; 53 %). Angiography showed extravasation of contrast medium from SAPA in 15/17 patients (88 %). Technical success rate of TAE was 100 %. TAE was performed using metallic coils in all patients (100 %), in association with gelatin sponge in 5/17 patients (29 %). TAE allowed controlling the bleeding and returning to normal hemodynamic status in 16/17 patients (94 %). In 1/17 patient (6 %), surgery was needed to definitively control the bleeding. The mortality and morbidity rate of TAE at 30 days were 0 and 12 %, respectively. Morbidity consisted in coil migration in 1/17 patient (6 %) and transient serum liver enzyme elevation in 1/17 patient (6 %).ConclusionTAE is an effective and safe treatment option for ruptured SAPA in hemodynamically unstable patients, with a success rate of 94 %. Our results suggest that TAE should be the favored option in patients with hemodynamic instability due to ruptured SAPA.

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