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At least 433 records · Page 24

Anastomosing hemangioma of the liver: a case series

Purpose: To report imaging and pathologic features of five pathologically proven anastomosing hemangiomas of the liver (AHL). Methods: A retrospective review for AHL was conducted using our institutional database from 6/2004 to 3/2018. Histology proven AHL with radiologic imaging available for review were included. A total of five patients who met our criteria were identified from our institutional database. Computed tomography, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging findings, including location, size, attenuation/signal intensity, enhancement characteristics, and additional imaging data were reviewed. The clinical and pathological data were also reviewed. Results: The imaging characteristics of AHL are variable, but features such as peripheral or diffuse hyperintensity on diffusion weighted imaging, arterial hyperenhancement without globular interrupted enhancement, and persistent enhancement without complete filling in the delayed phases were more characteristic of AHL. Imaging also demonstrated a lack of aggressive features. Conclusions: AHL present a diagnostic dilemma as they can mimic more malignant lesions, such as angiosarcoma, both on imaging and at pathology. While the imaging characteristics of AHL are variable, there are some features which can help distinguish AHL from other liver lesions. When the diagnosis of anastomosing hemangioma is known, the management of choice is primarily surveillance, as intervention can cause unnecessary morbidity, and no degeneration to malignancy has been identified to date.

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Stereotactic Radiofrequency Ablation (SRFA) of Liver Lesions: Technique Effectiveness, Safety, and Interoperator Performance

Purpose: To evaluate technique effectiveness, safety, and interoperator performance of stereotactic radiofrequency ablation (SRFA) of liver lesions. Methods: Retrospective review including 90 consecutive patients from January 2008 to January 2010 with 106 computed tomography-guided SRFA sessions using both single and multiple electrodes for the treatment of 177 lesions: 72 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and 105 metastases with a mean size of 2.9 cm (range 0.5-11 cm). Technique effectiveness and 1-year local recurrence were evaluated by computed tomographic scans. Complications, mortality, and hospital days were recorded. The performance between an experienced and inexperienced interventional radiologist was compared. Results: The overall technique effectiveness after a single SRFA was 95.5% (93.1% for HCC and 97.1% for metastases). Four of the eight unsuccessfully treated lesions could be retreated (secondary technique effectiveness of 97.7%). Local recurrence at 1 year was 2.9%. Technique effectiveness was significantly different for lesions <5 cm (96.7%) and >5 cm (87.5%) (P = 0.044) but not for lesions <3 cm (95.9%) and 3-5 cm (100%). Compared to clear parenchymal property (97.3%), vessel vicinity (93.3%) (P = 0.349) and subcapsular (95.2%) (P = 0.532) had no, but hollow viscera vicinity (83.3%) had a significantly lower technique effectiveness (P = 0.020). Mortality rate was 0.9%. Major complications and hospital days were higher for cirrhosis Child-Pugh B (20%, 7.2 days) than Child-Pugh A (3.1%, 4.7 days) patients and for metastases (5.1%, 4.3 days). There was no significant difference in interoperator performance. Conclusions: RFA allowed for efficient, reliable, and safe ablation of large-volume liver disease.

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A Comparison of Direct Heating During Radiofrequency and Microwave Ablation in Ex Vivo Liver

This study was designed to determine the magnitude and spatial distribution of temperature elevations when using 480 kHz RF and 2.45 GHz microwave energy in ex vivo liver models. A total of 60 heating cycles (20 s at 90 W) were performed in normal, RF-ablated, and microwave-ablated liver tissues (n = 10 RF and n = 10 microwave in each tissue type). Heating cycles were performed using a 480-kHz generator and 3-cm cooled-tip electrode (RF) or a 2.45-GHz generator and 14-gauge monopole (microwave) and were designed to isolate direct heating from each energy type. Tissue temperatures were measured by using fiberoptic thermosensors 5, 10, and 15 mm radially from the ablation applicator at the depth of maximal heating. Power delivered, sensor location, heating rates, and maximal temperatures were compared using mixed effects regression models. No significant differences were noted in mean power delivered or thermosensor locations between RF and microwave heating groups (P > 0.05). Microwaves produced significantly more rapid heating than RF at 5, 10, and 15 mm in normal tissue (3.0 vs. 0.73, 0.85 vs. 0.21, and 0.17 vs. 0.09 Degree-Sign C/s; P < 0.05); and at 5 and 10 mm in ablated tissues (2.3 {+-} 1.4 vs. 0.7 {+-} 0.3, 0.5 {+-} 0.3 vs. 0.2 {+-} 0 Degree-Sign C/s, P < 0.05). The radial depth of heating was {approx}5 mm greater for microwaves than RF. Direct heating obtained with 2.45-GHz microwave energy using a single needle-like applicator is faster and covers a larger volume of tissue than 480-kHz RF energy.

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Radiation Exposure in Biliary Procedures Performed to Manage Anastomotic Strictures in Pediatric Liver Transplant Recipients: Comparison Between Radiation Exposure Levels Using an Image Intensifier and a Flat-Panel Detector-Based System

Purpose: The aim of this study was to estimate radiation exposure in pediatric liver transplants recipients who underwent biliary interventional procedures and to compare radiation exposure levels between biliary interventional procedures performed using an image intensifier-based angiographic system (IIDS) and a flat panel detector-based interventional system (FPDS). Materials and Methods: We enrolled 34 consecutive pediatric liver transplant recipients with biliary strictures between January 2008 and March 2013 with a total of 170 image-guided procedures. The dose-area product (DAP) and fluoroscopy time was recorded for each procedure. The mean age was 61 months (range 4-192), and mean weight was 17 kg (range 4-41). The procedures were classified into three categories: percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography and biliary catheter placement (n = 40); cholangiography and balloon dilatation (n = 55); and cholangiography and biliary catheter change or removal (n = 75). Ninety-two procedures were performed using an IIDS. Seventy-eight procedures performed after July 2010 were performed using an FPDS. The difference in DAP between the two angiographic systems was compared using Wilcoxon rank-sum test and a multiple linear regression model. Results: Mean DAP in the three categories was significantly greater in the group of procedures performed using the IIDS compared with those performed using the FPDS. Statistical analysis showed a p value = 0.001 for the PTBD group, p = 0.0002 for the cholangiogram and balloon dilatation group, and p = 0.00001 for the group with cholangiogram and biliary catheter change or removal. Conclusion: In our selected cohort of patients, the use of an FPDS decreases radiation exposure.

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Local Control of Perivascular Malignant Liver Lesions Using Percutaneous Irreversible Electroporation: Initial Experiences

PurposeThis study was designed to assess efficacy and safety in the treatment of perivascular malignant liver lesions using percutaneous, computed tomography (CT)-guided irreversible electroporation (IRE).MethodsFourteen patients (mean age 58 ± 11 years) with 18 malignant liver lesions were consecutively enrolled in this study. IRE was performed in patients not eligible for surgery and lesions abutting large vessels or bile ducts. Follow-up exams were performed using multislice-CT (MS-CT) or MRI.ResultsMedium lesion diameter was 20 ± 5 mm. Ten of 14 (71 %) were successfully treated with no local recurrence to date (mean follow-up 388 ± 160 days). One case left initial tumor control unclear and additional RFA was performed 4 weeks after IRE. Complications occurred in 4 of 14 (29 %) cases. In one case, intervention was terminated and abdominal bleeding required laparotomy. In two cases, a postinterventional hematothorax required intervention. In another case, abdominal bleeding could be managed conservatively. No complications related to the bile ducts occurred.ConclusionsPercutaneous IRE seems to be effective in perivascular lesions but is associated with a higher complication rate compared with thermoablative techniques.

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Drug-Eluting Beads Loaded With Doxorubicin (DEBDOX) Chemoembolisation Before Liver Transplantation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: An Imaging/Histologic Correlation Study

Purpose Most transplant centers use chemoembolisation as locoregional bridge therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) before liver transplantation (LT). Chemoembolisation using beads loaded with doxorubicin (DEBDOX) is a promising technique that enables delivery of a large quantity of drugs against HCC. We sought to assess the imaging–histologic correlation after DEBDOX chemoembolisation.Materials and Methods All consecutive patients who had undergone DEBDOX chemoembolisation before receiving liver graft for HCC were included. Tumour response was evaluated according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours (RECIST) and modified RECIST (mRECIST) criteria. The result of final imaging made before LT was correlated with histological data to predict tumour necrosis.ResultsTwenty-eight patients underwent 43 DEBDOX procedures for 45 HCC. Therapy had a significant effect as shown by a decrease in the mean size of the largest nodule (p = 0.02) and the sum of viable part of tumour sizes according to mRECIST criteria (p < 0.001). An objective response using mRECIST criteria was significantly correlated with mean tumour necrosis ≥90 % (p = 0.03). A complete response using mRECIST criteria enabled accurate prediction of complete tumour necrosis (p = 0.01). Correlations using RECIST criteria were not significant.ConclusionOur data confirm the potential benefit of DEBDOX chemoembolisation as bridge therapy before LT, and they provide a rational basis for new studies focusing on recurrence-free survival after LT. Radiologic evaluation according to mRECIST criteria enables accurate prediction of tumour necrosis, whereas RECIST criteria do not.

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Regional Radiation Pneumonitis After SIRT of a Subcapsular Liver Metastasis: What is the Effect of Direct Beta Irradiation?

We herein present a patient undergoing selective internal radiation therapy with an almost normal lung shunt fraction of 11.5 %, developing histologically proven radiation pneumonitis. Due to a predominance of pulmonary consolidations in the right lower lung and its proximity to a large liver metastases located in the dome of the right liver lobe a Monte Carlo simulation was performed to estimate the effect of direct irradiation of the lung parenchyma. According to our calculations direct irradiation seems negligible and RP is almost exclusively due to ectopic draining of radioactive spheres.

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Flat-Panel Cone-Beam Ct-Guided Radiofrequency Ablation of Very Small (≤1.5 cm) Liver Tumors: Technical Note on a Preliminary Experience

PurposeThe aim of the present study was to investigate the technical feasibility of flat-panel cone-beam CT (CBCT)-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of very small (<1.5 cm) liver tumors.Materials and MethodsPatients included were candidates for hepatic percutaneous RFA as they had single biopsy-proven hepatic tumors sized ≤1.5 cm and poorly defined on ultrasonography. Following apnea induction, unenhanced CBCT scans were acquired and used to deploy the RF electrode with the aid of a virtual navigation system. If the tumor was not clearly identified on the unenhanced CBCT scan, a right retrograde arterial femoral access was established to carry out hepatic angiography and localize the tumor. Patients’ lesions and procedural variables were recorded and analyzed.ResultsThree patients (2 male and 1 female), aged 68, 76, and 87 years were included; 3 lesions (2 hepato-cellular carcinoma and 1 metastasis from colorectal cancer) were treated. One patient required hepatic angiography. Cycles of apnea used to acquire CBCT images and to deploy the electrode lasted <120 s. Mean fluoroscopic time needed to deploy the electrode was 36.6 ± 5.7 min. Mean overall procedural time was 66.0 ± 22.9 min. No peri- or post-procedural complications were noted. No cases of incomplete ablation were noted at 1-month follow-up.ConclusionPercutaneous CBCT-guided liver RFA with or without arterial hepatic angiography is technically feasible.

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Impact of 3D Rotational Angiography on Liver Embolization Procedures: Review of Technique and Applications

In the last years, the interest into interventional applications of C-arm cone-beam CT (CBCT) progressively raised, widening its clinical application from the original field of interventional neuroradiology to the field of peripheral procedures. Liver embolization procedures, due to their complexity and potential treatment-related life-threatening complications, represent one of the main clinical applications of this novel angiographic technique. CBCT has been demonstrated to render procedures safer and technically easier, and to predict outcome as well as to avoid major complications in different treatment scenarios (trans-arterial embolization, trans-arterial chemoembolization, selective internal radiation therapy, percutaneous portal vein embolization). This review summarizes all technical, dosimetric and procedural aspects of CBCT techniques, underlying all its potential clinical advantages in the field of liver embolization procedures. Moreover, the paper provides all the instructions to obtain the best diagnostic performance out of this novel angiographic technique.

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Ex Vivo Liver Experiment of Hydrochloric Acid-Infused and Saline-Infused Monopolar Radiofrequency Ablation: Better Outcomes in Temperature, Energy, and Coagulation

ObjectiveTo compare temperature, energy, and coagulation between hydrochloric acid-infused radiofrequency ablation (HAIRFA) and normal saline-infused radiofrequency ablation (NSIRFA) in ex vivo porcine liver model.Materials and Methods30 fresh porcine livers were excised in 60 lesions, 30 with HAIRFA and the other 30 with NSIRFA. Both modalities used monopolar perfusion electrode connected to a RF generator set at 103 °C and 30 W. In each group, ablation time was set at 10, 20, or 30 min (10 lesions from each group at each time). We compared tissue temperatures (at 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, and 3.0 cm away from the electrode tip), average power, deposited energy, deposited energy per coagulation volume (DEV), coagulation diameters, coagulative volume, and spherical ratio between the two groups.ResultsTemperature–time curves showed that HAIRFA provided progressively greater heating than that of NSIRFA. At 30 min, mean average power, deposited energy, coagulation volumes (113.67 vs. 12.28 cm{sup 3}) and diameters, and increasing in tissue temperature were much greater with HAIRFA (P < 0.001 for all), except DEV was lower (456 vs. 1396 J/cm{sup 3}, P < 0.001). The spherical ratio was closer to 1 with HAIRFA (1.23 vs. 1.46). Coagulation diameters, volume, and average power of HAIRFA increased significantly with longer ablation times. While with NSIRFA, these characteristics were stable till later 20 min, except the power decreased with longer ablation times.ConclusionsHAIRFA creates much larger and more spherical lesions by increasing overall energy deposition, modulating thermal conductivity, and transferring heat during ablation.

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Long-Term Efficacy of Percutaneous Internal Plastic Stent Placement for Non-anastomotic Biliary Stenosis After Liver Transplantation

PurposeWe aimed to evaluate the long-term efficacy of percutaneous management of non-anastomotic biliary stenosis after liver transplantation, using plastic internal biliary stents.Materials and MethodsThis study included 35 cases (28 men, 7 women; mean age: 52.09 ± 8.13 years, range 34–68) in 33 patients who needed repeated interventional procedures because of biliary strictures. After classification of the biliary strictures, we inserted percutaneous biliary plastic stents through the T-tube or percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage tracts. Stents were exchanged according to percutaneous methods at regular 2- to 6-month intervals. The stents were removed if the condition improved, as observed on cholangiogram as well as based on clinical findings. The median patient follow-up period after initial diagnosis and treatment was 6.04 years (range 0.29–9.95 years). We assessed treatment success rate and patient and graft survival times.ResultsDuring the follow-up period, 14 patients (14/33, 42.42 %) were successfully treated and were tube-free. The median tube-free time, time without a stent, was 4.13 years (range 1.00–9.01). In contrast, internal plastic stents remained in 9 patients (9/33, 27.27 %) until the last follow-up. These patients had acceptable hepatic function. Among the remaining 10 patients, 3 (3/33, 9.09 %) were lost to regular follow-up and the other 7 (7/33, 21.21 %) patients died. The overall graft loss rate was 20.0 % (7/35). The median time from initial treatment to graft loss was 1.84 years (range 0.42–4.25).ConclusionsPercutaneous plastic stents placement is technically feasible and clinically useful in patients with multiple biliary stenoses following liver transplantation.

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Embolotherapy for Neuroendocrine Tumor Liver Metastases: Prognostic Factors for Hepatic Progression-Free Survival and Overall Survival

PurposeThe purpose of the study was to evaluate prognostic factors for survival outcomes following embolotherapy for neuroendocrine tumor (NET) liver metastases.Materials and MethodsThis was a multicenter retrospective study of 155 patients (60 years mean age, 57 % male) with NET liver metastases from pancreas (n = 71), gut (n = 68), lung (n = 8), or other/unknown (n = 8) primary sites treated with conventional transarterial chemoembolization (TACE, n = 50), transarterial radioembolization (TARE, n = 64), or transarterial embolization (TAE, n = 41) between 2004 and 2015. Patient-, tumor-, and treatment-related factors were evaluated for prognostic effect on hepatic progression-free survival (HPFS) and overall survival (OS) using unadjusted and propensity score-weighted univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models.ResultsMedian HPFS and OS were 18.5 and 125.1 months for G1 (n = 75), 12.2 and 33.9 months for G2 (n = 60), and 4.9 and 9.3 months for G3 tumors (n = 20), respectively (p < 0.05). Tumor burden >50 % hepatic volume demonstrated 5.5- and 26.8-month shorter median HPFS and OS, respectively, versus burden ≤50 % (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in HPFS or OS between gut or pancreas primaries. In multivariate HPFS analysis, there were no significant differences among embolotherapy modalities. In multivariate OS analysis, TARE had a higher hazard ratio than TACE (unadjusted Cox model: HR 2.1, p = 0.02; propensity score adjusted model: HR 1.8, p = 0.11), while TAE did not differ significantly from TACE.ConclusionHigher tumor grade and tumor burden prognosticated shorter HPFS and OS. TARE had a higher hazard ratio for OS than TACE. There were no significant differences in HPFS among embolotherapy modalities.

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A Novel CT to Cone-Beam CT Registration Method Enables Immediate Real-Time Intraprocedural Three-Dimensional Assessment of Ablative Treatments of Liver Malignancies

AimTo evaluate a novel contrast-enhanced cone-beam computed tomography (CE-CBCT) registration method for accurate immediate assessment of ablation outcomes.Materials and MethodsContrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) was registered with CE-CBCT by applying semiautomatic landmark registration followed by automatic affine and non-rigid registration to correct for respiratory phase differences and liver deformation. This scheme was retrospectively applied to 30 patients who underwent 38 percutaneous microwave liver ablations. Three datasets were obtained for each case: (1) conventional CECT scans 24 h before ablation, (2) intraprocedural CE-CBCT scans, and (3) CECT scans 24 h post-ablation. Using a five-point scale, two experienced radiologists qualitatively assessed registration quality, equivalence of CE-CBCT assessment of ablation outcome to 24 h post-ablation CECT, and perceived increase of confidence using the fusion method to CBCT alone. Additionally, residual post-ablation tumor volumes were measured at both CE-CBCT and 24 h CECT and compared to the pre-CECT.ResultsRegistration quality was high for both radiologists (R1: 4.3 ± 0.6, R2: 4.4 ± 0.5; p = 0.87). Comparisons between the registration of pre-ablation CECT with CE-CBCT versus post-ablation CECT regarding the position of the ablated area to the treated target (R1: 4.4 ± 0.6, R2: 4.6 ± 0.4) and treatment outcome (R1: 4.5 ± 0.5, R2: 4.6 ± 0.4) were equivalent (p > 0.35). Increased confidence was noted when using fusion (R1: 4.6 ± 0.4, R2: 4.6 ± 0.4; p = 0.84). Moreover, in 6 ablations (15.8%) the intraprocedural registered CBCT showed residual tumor precisely where identified on the 24 h post-ablation CECT.ConclusionsCombined CE-CBCT holds the potential to change the current workflow of mini-invasive cancer local treatments. Given earlier visual identification of residual tumor post-ablation, this includes potentially eliminating the need for some additional treatments.

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The Safety and Efficacy of Oxycodone Versus Fentanyl in Percutaneous Microwave Ablation of a Liver Tumour Abutting the Capsule

Purpose: The present study compared the safety and efficacy of oxycodone with those of fentanyl under non-intubated general anaesthesia in percutaneous microwave ablation (MWA) of a liver tumour abutting the capsule. Materials and Methods: Thirty-eight patients underwent MWA of liver cancers abutting the capsule. Patients received 0.1 mg/kg oxycodone (O group) or 1 μg/kg fentanyl (F group) prior to the start of ablation. Both groups received continuous infusions of propofol for non-intubated general anaesthesia during ablation. The primary outcomes were the pain scores (11-point numeric rating scale, NRS) within 24 h after MWA. Vital signs, body movement during ablation, and opioid side effects after ablation were recorded. The need for additional analgesics was recorded 24 h after MWA. Results: The pain NRS scores were lower in the O group than in the F group at 0.5 (P = 0.035), 3 (P = 0.002), and 6 h (P = 0.001) after MWA, and fewer patients required additional analgesics in the O group (6 of 20 vs. 13 of 18, P = 0.022) within 24 h. The average 24-h dose of dezocine was 5.5 ± 4.1 mg in the F group and 2.1 ± 3.3 mg in the O group (P = 0.008). A significant reduction in the respiratory rate (P = 0.020) and more body movements were observed in the F group (P = 0.027) during ablation with non-intubated general anaesthesia. No differences in post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) were observed between the two groups, but dizziness occurred significantly more often in the O group (P = 0.033). No significant differences in other vital signs were observed before, during, and after the procedure. Conclusions: Oxycodone provides better analgesia and reduces post-operative opioid consumption without significant respiratory or hemodynamic instability.

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{sup 90}Y Resin Microspheres Radioembolization for Colon Cancer Liver Metastases Using Full-Strength Contrast Material

ObjectivesTo assess safety and efficacy of {sup 90}Y resin microspheres administration using undiluted non-ionic contrast material (UDCM) {100% Omnipaque-300 (Iohexol)} in both the “B” and “D” lines.Materials and methodsWe reviewed all colorectal cancer liver metastases patients treated with {sup 90}Y resin microspheres radioembolization (RAE) from 2009 to 2017. As of April 2013, two experienced operators started using UDCM (study group) instead of standard sandwich infusion (control group). Occurrence of myelosuppression (leukopenia, neutropenia, erythrocytopenia or/and thrombocytopenia), stasis, nontarget delivery (NTD), median fluoroscopy radiation dose (FRD), median infusion time (IT), liver progression-free (LPFS) and overall survivals (OS) was evaluated. Complications within 6 months post-RAE were reported according to CTCAE v3.0 criteria.ResultsStudy and control groups comprised 23(28%) and 58(72%) patients, respectively. Median follow-up was 9.1 months. There was no statistically significant difference in myelosuppression incidence within 6 months post-RAE between groups. Median FRD and IT for study and control groups were 44.6 vs. 97.35 Gy/cm{sup 2} (p = 0.048) and 31 vs. 39 min (p = 0.006), respectively. A 38% lower stasis incidence in study group was not significant (p = 0.34). NTD occurred in 1/27(4%) study vs. 5/73(7%) control group procedures (p = 1). Grade 1–2 and grade 3–4 toxicities between study and control group patients were 36%(8/22) vs. 45%(26/58), p = 0.61 and 9%(2/22) vs. 16%(9/58), p = 0.72, respectively. There was no difference in LPFS and OS between groups.ConclusionAdministration of {sup 90}Y resin microspheres using UDCM in both lines is safe and effective, resulting in lower fluoroscopy radiation dose and shorter infusion time, without evidence of myelosuppression or increased stasis incidence.

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Visibility of Hypovascularized Liver Tumors during Intra-Arterial Therapy Using Split-Bolus Single-Phase Cone Beam CT

Purpose: To validate a split-bolus contrast injection protocol for single-phase CBCT in terms of detectability of hypovascular liver tumors compared to digital subtraction angiography (DSA). Materials and Methods: In this retrospective, single-center study, 20 consecutive patients with in total 77 hypovascularized tumors referred for intra-arterial therapy received a split-bolus single-phase CBCT. Two readers rated the visibility of the target tumors scheduled for embolization in CBCT and DSA compared to the pre-interventional multiphasic CT or MRI used as reference on a 3-point scoring system (1 = optimal, 3 = not visible) and catheter-associated artifacts (1 = none, 3 = extended). SNR, CNR and contrast values were derived from 37 target tumors in CBCT and MRI. Statistical analysis included the kappa test to determine interrater reliability, the Friedman’s test for the inter-modality comparison evaluating tumor visibility in DSA and CBCT as well as for quantitative assessment. Post hoc analysis included the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. p values < 0.05 were considered significant. Results: Ninety percentage of target tumors were rated as visible in CBCT and 37.5% in DSA (p < 0.001). 70.1% of pre-interventionally detected hypovascularized tumors were depicted with CBCT and 31.2% by DSA (p < 0.001). 7.8% of known tumors were outside the FOV. Quantitative assessment showed higher image contrasts in CBCT (1.91 ± 7.01) compared to hepatobiliary-phase MRI (0.29 ± 0.14, p = 0.003) and to portal-venous (p.v.) MRI (0.31 ± 0.13, p < 0.001), but higher CNR for MRI (1.18 ± 0.80; 13.92 ± 15.82; 13.79 ± 6.65). Conclusion: In conclusion, the split-bolus single-phase CBCT detects significantly more hypovascularized liver tumors compared to DSA performed through the proper hepatic artery with high image contrasts. Level of Evidence: Level III, diagnostic study.

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Hydrodissection of the Retrohepatic Space: A Technique to Physically Separate a Liver Tumour from the Inferior Vena Cava and the Ostia of the Hepatic Veins

Objective: To report a technique of percutaneous retrohepatic hydrodissection, highlighting its potential to physically separate liver tumours from the inferior vena cava (IVC) and the ostia of the hepatic veins (HV). Materials and Methods: Between December 2017 and April 2018, hydrodissection of the retrohepatic IVC was performed in 5 patients (5 females; mean age 64.5 years) undergoing percutaneous ablation of 5 liver metastases (mean size: 3.6 cm) located adjacent to the IVC. Number of hydrodissection needles, volume of hydrodissection, separation of tumour/liver parenchyma from IVC/HV post-hydrodissection; technical success of ablation; and complications were tabulated. Results: Two to three 22G spinal needles were required per case for adequate dissection. Mean volume to obtain sufficient hydrodissection was 410 ml on average. Physical separation of the IVC and tumour/hepatic parenchyma was successful in all cases, by 9 mm on average (range 5–12 mm). It also leaded to physical separation of the ostia of the right and middle HV in all cases. There was no early or delayed complication, notably no venous thrombosis in the post-operative period. All lesions but one were completely ablated after one session at 3-month follow-up. The patient with residual tumour was successfully retreated. Conclusion: Retrohepatic hydrodissection is a feasible technique to separate a tumour from the IVC and/or ostia of the HV. This could potentially limit the heat-sink effect/reduce the risk of thrombosis. Larger follow-up studies are required to assess efficacy on a long-term basis.

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Transarterial Chemoembolisation of Colorectal Liver Metastases with Irinotecan-Loaded Beads: A Bi-institutional Analysis of 125 Treatments in 53 Patients

Purpose: To retrospectively review outcomes in patients treated for colorectal liver metastases with DEBIRI. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of patients with CRLM treated with DEBIRI was performed between 2008 and 2017 between two tertiary centres. Outcome parameters were overall survival and hepatic progression-free survival, as well as safety. Subgroup analyses were performed to assess the impact on outcomes of hepatic tumour burden at time of treatment, the presence of extrahepatic disease, prior systemic chemotherapy and the prior administration of systemic irinotecan-containing chemotherapy. Results: Fifty-three patients received 125 treatments with DEBIRI over the study period. Median age of patients was 71 (range 41–88). Patients previously received a median of 1 line of chemotherapy (range 1–5). Median number of DEBIRI treatments was 2 (range 1–6). The median survival from first treatment was 14.5 months (range 1–107). Median hepatic progression-free survival was 5 months (0–86.5 months). The presence of extrahepatic disease (seen in 45% of patients) correlated with lower OS. Prolonged OS was seen in patients who received previous ablation and systemic chemotherapy. Technical success rate was found to be 99%. Post-procedural complication rate was 6%. Conclusion: Our findings add to the growing body of literature to support the safety profile of DEBIRI in the treatment of CRLM. Further studies will be necessary to help establish the optimum berth of DEBIRI in the treatment algorithm for colorectal liver metastases.

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