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At least 523 records · Page 29

Convergent behavior of extended stalk regions from staphylococcal surface proteins with widely divergent sequence patterns

Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus are highly problematic bacteria in hospital settings. A major challenge is their ability to form biofilms on abiotic or biotic surfaces. Biofilms are well-organized, multicellular bacterial aggregates that resist antibiotic treatment and often lead to recurrent infections. Bacterial cell wall-anchored (CWA) proteins are important players in biofilm formation and infection. Many have putative stalk-like regions or regions of low complexity near the cell wall-anchoring motif. Recent work demonstrated the strong propensity of the stalk region of S. epidermidis accumulation-associated protein (Aap) to remain highly extended under solution conditions that typically induce compaction. This behavior is consistent with the expected function of a stalk-like region that is covalently attached to the cell wall peptidoglycan and projects the adhesive domains of Aap away from the cell surface. In this study, we evaluate whether the ability to resist compaction is a common theme among stalk regions from various staphylococcal CWA proteins. Circular dichroism spectroscopy was used to examine secondary structure changes as a function of temperature and cosolvents along with sedimentation velocity analytical ultracentrifugation, size-exclusion chromatography, and SAXS to characterize structural characteristics in solution. All stalk regions tested are intrinsically disordered, lacking secondary structure beyond random coil and polyproline type II helix, and they all sample highly extended conformations. Remarkably, the Ser-Asp dipeptide repeat region of SdrC exhibited nearly identical behavior in solution when compared to the Aap Pro/Gly-rich region, despite highly divergent sequence patterns, indicating conservation of function by various distinct staphylococcal CWA protein stalk regions.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Decision-making Framework to Support the End-of-Life Management of High-Activity Radioactive Sources

Sealed radioactive sources are used for an extremely wide range of purposes, including as radiation sources in various nuclear facilities, universities, hospitals, biomedical and industrial applications, as well as for geological prospecting and exploration. The proper management of these sealed radioactive sources once they have reached their end-of-life is still a global challenge. Very few field-tested Mobile Hot Cells (MHC) exist in the world to support the end-of-life management of disused high-activity radioactive sources. One of the critical challenges that a source recovery team encounters on each site is to find adequate space, and access to that space to complete the staging and recapture process with a MHC; this process is tedious, uncertain, and time-consuming. Therefore, it is essential to understand the planning and management of the MHC setup and takedown. Currently, there isn't an single capable planning tool that will provide an effective medium to plan, inform, educate, and communicate knowledge about the environment where the MHC will be deployed. We present a novel approach for the planning and management of the deployment of the MHC to several different sites that relies on technology. Furthermore, this planning tool will support collaboration, promote information sharing, and foster better decision making processes, resulting in a more efficient, and reliable setup and source recovery with the MHC.

61 RADIATION PROTECTION AND DOSIMETRY↗

Characterization of renal stone composition by using fast kilovoltage switching dual-energy computed tomography compared to laboratory stone analysis: a pilot study

Purpose: To prospectively examine the diagnostic performance of fast kilovoltage switching dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) in characterization of in vivo renal stone composition compared with postoperative stone analysis. Methods: Consecutive consenting patients scheduled for endoscopic kidney stone surgery in a tertiary referral hospital from June 2015 to January 2016 were enrolled. Patients were preoperatively scanned with single-source, fast kilovoltage switching DECT. Stone compositions were determined regarding the effective atomic number measurements. Results of the stone compositions from DECT were compared to postoperative infrared spectroscopy stone analysis as the standard reference. Results: For the 39 patients enrolled in the study, DECT was able to detect uric acid stone with sensitivity of 88.9% and specificity of 100%. There was 100% positive predictive value, 96.8% negative predictive value, and 97.4% accuracy. For non-contrast CT scan, sensitivity was 88.9%, specificity was 96.7%, positive predictive value was 88.9%, negative predictive value was 96.7%, and accuracy was 94.8%. Of the 39 samples examined, 21 (54%) were single composition, whereas 18 (46%) were combined. Single composition stones were correctly characterized by DECT in 100% (8/8) for uric acid. Whereas the result of uric acid stone containing stone discrimination in mixed composition was not so good with Z{sub eff} alone, iodine imaging can compensated this fault. Conclusions: DECT provides excellent accuracy in characterizing uric acid stone compositions. With the addition of iodine image, all of uric acid-containing stones can be determined by the DECT.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

Cardiovascular findings on cross-sectional imaging: spectrum of incidental and critical findings and clinical relevance for the abdominal radiologist

Although not the primary focus of the exams, cardiovascular structures are included to some extent on all abdominal or whole-body cross-sectional studies. Cardiovascular findings often present incidentally and may range from chronic to acute and emergent pathologies. Among the most common cardiovascular findings are the presence of cardiac calcifications, most commonly coronary, which correlate with the presence of coronary artery and valvular disease. Signs of myocardial ischemia, both acute and chronic, and its complications may also be visualized. Cardiac filling defects most commonly represent thrombus and are associated with systemic arterial embolic complications. Pericardial findings often manifest as effusion or thickening, which may lead to hemodynamic consequences visible at imaging. Incidental pulmonary emboli and systemic venous thrombi may be incidentally detected, particularly in hospitalized and oncologic patients, and warrant immediate attention. This review will highlight the appearance of common and important incidental cardiovascular findings and related pitfalls and discuss reporting and follow-up recommendations relevant to the abdominal radiologist.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

CT and MRI features of undifferentiated carcinomas with osteoclast-like giant cells of the pancreas: a case series

Purpose: The purpose of this case series was to describe computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of undifferentiated carcinoma with osteoclast-like giant cells of the pancreas. Methods: Institutional ethics review board approval was obtained, and informed consent was waived for this case series. We reviewed CT and MRI of patients with pathologically confirmed undifferentiated carcinoma with osteoclast-like giant cells of the pancreas found in the medical records of our hospital between 2006 and 2016. Results: Seven patients (3 males and 4 females; age, 59–82 years (mean, 71)) with confirmation by surgical resection (n = 3) or biopsy (n = 4) were identified. They underwent CT (n = 7) and MRI (n = 6). The tumors 26–83 mm in diameter (mean, 44 mm) were located in the head (n = 4) or body (n = 3) of the pancreas. They were demonstrated as lower attenuation areas relative to the adjacent pancreas on CT images obtained in both pancreatic and portal vein phases (n = 7) with a well-defined smooth margin (n = 5). They were demonstrated as hypointense areas relative to the pancreas on T2-weighted images (n = 4) and T2*-weighted images (n = 4) and diffusion-weighted images (n = 3). They contained hemosiderin deposits on histology (n = 7). Conclusions: Undifferentiated carcinoma with osteoclast-like giant cells of the pancreas might be present as low attenuation areas with a well-defined smooth margin on CT images obtained in pancreatic and portal vein phases, and hypointense areas on T2-, T2*-, and diffusion-weighted images caused by hemosiderin deposits.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

Clinicopathological findings and imaging features of intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct: comparison between contrast-enhanced ultrasound and contrast-enhanced computed tomography

Purpose: Intraductal papillary neoplasms of the bile duct (IPNBs) are a group of rare lesions with uncertain clinical findings and imaging features. We aim to investigate the clinicopathological features and imaging findings of IPNBs on contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT). Methods: From February 2005 to March 2018, 30 patients with pathologically confirmed IPNBs were retrospectively identified in our hospital. Demographic, clinical, and pathological data, CEUS and CECT features and surgical strategies were analyzed. Results: The most common clinical manifestations were abdominal pain (53.3%), jaundice (23.3%), and acute cholangitis (10.0%). Among all lesions, 5/30 (16.7%) lesions presented as dilated bile ducts only, while 13/30 (43.3%) lesions presented as dilated bile ducts with intraductal papillary masses, and 12/30 (40.0%) presented as solid masses with dilated bile ducts. For the 20 patients who underwent both CEUS and CECT, 18 lesions were hyperenhanced on CEUS, and 17 lesions were hyperenhanced on CECT in the arterial phase. In total, 16 and 18 lesions showed washout in the portal and late phases on CEUS, while the corresponding number of lesions that showed washout in the portal and late phases on CECT were 11 and 13. Twelve lesions (40.0%) showed atypical hyperplasia, while 16/30 (53.3%) lesions underwent malignant transformations. Conclusions: There are 3 major forms of IPNBs on grayscale ultrasound, including diffusely dilated bile ducts without visible mass; focal dilated bile duct with intraductal papillary masses; and solid mass surrounded by dilated bile ducts. The enhancement patterns of IPNBs on CEUS and on CECT were consistent. IPNB has a high malignant potential, and patients should be treated with surgical resection after the diagnosis is established.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

Recent use of NSAID and NOAC medications are associated with a positive CT arteriogram

Background: Computed tomography angiography (CTA) is a diagnostic modality utilized in patients with suspected active lower gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. CTA use in clinical practice is limited by the risk of contrast-induced nephropathy, and the loss of patients from direct physician observation while undergoing the test. Identifying clinical predictors of a positive result would be useful in guiding physician utilization of CTA studies. Methods: We performed a single-center retrospective study to determine which clinical predictors are associated with a positive CTA. Binary logistical regression modeling was used to identify the independent predictors and the results were expressed as adjusted odds ratios with corresponding 95% CI . Results: 262 patients met inclusion criteria and there were 61 (23.3%) positive CTA exams. In unadjusted analysis those who were CTA positive were more likely to require management in the intensive care unit (85.2% vs. 14.8%, p < 0.01) and being CTA positive was associated with a significantly increased in-hospital mortality (14.8% vs. 4.5%, p < 0.01). The use of a novel oral anticoagulant (NOAC) in the week prior to presentation was associated with a positive CTA after adjustment for confounders (adjusted odds ratio = 3.89; 95% CI 1.05–14.43). Similarly, the use of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) was associated with a positive CTA (OR 2.36; 1.03–5.41). Only 8% of patients experienced contrast-induced nephropathy. Conclusion: Use of either NOACs or NSAIDs in the previous week is independently associated with a positive CTA in the setting of acute lower GI bleeding. CTA exams appear to confer a low risk of contrast-induced nephropathy.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

Risk Factors and Complications Associated with Difficult Retrieval of Embolic Protection Devices in Carotid Artery Stenting

Purpose: This study was designed to investigate the risk factors and complications of difficult retrieval (DR) of embolic protection devices (EPDs) in carotid artery stenting (CAS). Methods: A total of 195 consecutive patients who underwent CAS between December 2007 and March 2010 in a general hospital were enrolled and divided into two groups: with DR and without DR. The risk factors of DR were analyzed with univariate and multivariate analyses. The complications of DR were recorded and analyzed. Results: A total of 30 (15.4%) patients with DR of EPDs were observed, of whom EPDs were successfully retrieved in 29, and in 1 was it taken out by surgical treatment. The retrieval time was significantly longer in patients with DR (490.5 {+-} 143.9 s) than in patients without DR (157.2 {+-} 15.7 s, p = 0.000). Vasospasm was observed more frequently in patients with DR than in patients without DR (55.2% vs. 14.5%, p = 0.000). Intracranial compilations were more frequent in patients with DR than in those without DR (17.2% vs. 0.6%, p = 0.000). Calcified plaques, degree of residual stenosis, types of the stents, and tortuosity index (TI > 80 Degree-Sign) were all associated with DR. A logistic regression analysis indicated that calcified plaques (odds ratio (OR) = 6.5; p = 0.000) and TI > 80 Degree-Sign (OR = 18.8; p = 0.000) were independent predictors of DR. Conclusions: Calcified plaques and TI > 80 Degree-Sign may be related to DR in patients with CAS. DR may lengthen the retrieving time and increase the complications of the procedure.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

Radiation Exposure in Nonvascular Fluoroscopy-Guided Interventional Procedures

Purpose: To investigate the radiation exposure in non-vascular fluoroscopy guided interventions and to search strategies for dose reduction. Materials and Methods: Dose area product (DAP) of 638 consecutive non-vascular interventional procedures of one year were analyzed with respect to different types of interventions; gastrointestinal tract, biliary interventions, embolizations of tumors and hemorrhage. Data was analyzed with special focus on the fluoroscopy doses and frame doses. The third quartiles (Q3) of fluoroscopy dose values were defined in order to set a reference value for our in-hospital practice. Results: Mean fluoroscopy times of gastrostomy, jejunostomy, right and left sided percutaneous biliary drainage, chemoembolization of the liver and embolization due to various hemorrhages were 5.9, 8.6, 13.5, 16.6, 17.4 and 25.2 min, respectively. The respective Q3 total DAP were 52.9, 73.3, 155.1, 308.4, 428.6 and 529.3 Gy*cm{sup 2}. Overall, around 66% of the total DAP originated from the radiographic frames with only 34% of the total DAP applied by fluoroscopy (P < 0.001). The investigators experience had no significant impact on the total DAP applied, most likely since there was no stratification to intervention-complexity. Conclusion: To establish Diagnostic Reference Levels (DRLs), there is a need to establish a registry of radiation dose data for the most commonly performed procedures. Documentation of interventional procedures by fluoroscopy 'grabbing' has the potential to considerably reduce radiation dose applied and should be used instead of radiographic frames whenever possible.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

Successful Balloon-Occluded Retrograde Transvenous Obliteration for Gastric Varix Mainly Draining into the Pericardiophrenic Vein

Two cases of gastric varices were treated by balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration via the pericardiophrenic vein at our hospital, and both were successful. One case developed left hydrothorax. Gastric varices did not bled and esophageal varices were not aggravated in both cases for 24-30 months thereafter. These outcomes indicate the feasibility of balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration via the pericardiophrenic vein.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

Percutaneous Treatment of an Infected Aneurysmal Sac Secondary to Aortoesophageal Fistula with a History of Stent-Graft Treatment for Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm

A 68-year-old man who was subjected to stent-grafting of a descending thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) 4 months previously was admitted to our hospital with constitutional symptoms, including high fever, sweating, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, and backache. An infected aneurysmal sac was suspected based on computed tomography (CT) findings, and an aortoesophageal fistula (AEF) was identified during esophagoscopy. CT-guided aspiration was performed using a 20-G Chiba needle, confirming the presence of infection. For treatment of the infected aneurysmal sac, CT-guided percutaneous catheter drainage in a prone position was performed under general anesthesia with left endobronchial intubation. Drainage catheter insertion was successfully performed using the Seldinger technique, which is not a standard treatment of an infected aneurysmal sac. Improvement in the patient's clinical condition was observed at follow-ups, and CT showed total regression of the collection in the aneurysmal sac.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

Endovascular Treatment of Blunt Traumatic Abdominal Aortic Occlusion With Kissing Stent Placement

Blunt traumatic abdominal aortic dissection is extremely rare and potentially deadly. We present the case of a 62-year-old man involved in a frontal car crash. After emergency undergoing laparotomy for bowel injuries, he was referred to our hospital due to acute ischemia of bilateral lower extremities on day 3 after the trauma. Computed tomography and aortography showed an aortobiiliac dissection with complete occlusion. This injury was successfully treated by endovascular treatment with 'kissing'-technique stent placement, which appears to be a safe, effective, and minimally invasive treatment.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

Radioembolization as Locoregional Therapy of Hepatic Metastases in Uveal Melanoma Patients

To retrospectively evaluate the overall survival, safety, and efficacy of metastatic uveal melanoma patients after radioembolization as salvage therapy. Thirteen patients were treated with radioembolization of branches of the hepatic artery with resin-based yttrium-90 ({sup 90}Y)-labelled microspheres. Twelve patients underwent a single application, and 1 patient underwent 4 interventions. Dosages from 644 to 2,450 MBq (mean activity 1,780) were applied. Treatment response was evaluated by way of liver magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography (CT) as well as whole-body fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (PET)/CT with evaluation of percentage changes in SUV{sub max} before and at 2-3 months after therapy. Kaplan-Meier analysis was calculated to determine overall survival. Partial remission (PR) was observed in 8 (62 %), stable disease (SD) in 2 (15 %), and progressive disease (PD) in 3 (23 %) patients under terms of standard criteria and PR in 3 (23 %), SD in 3 (23 %), and PD in 7 (54 %) patients according to PET criteria. Neither RECIST nor PET criteria showed a significant difference in predicting overall survival (P = 0.12 and 0.11, respectively). Median survival time after radioembolization was 7 months. No acute toxicity with in-hospital morbidity was observed. One patient developed hepatomegaly, and 1 patient developed gastric ulceration. Throughout follow-up, progression of extrahepatic metastases was observed. Radioembolization may be a promising therapy in uveal melanoma patients with predominant hepatic metastases. At first follow-up, we observed PR or SD in 77 % patients under terms of standard criteria with an acceptable toxicity profile.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

Importance of a Patient Dosimetry and Clinical Follow-up Program in the Detection of Radiodermatitis After Long Percutaneous Coronary Interventions

Complex percutaneous interventions often require high radiation doses likely to produce skin radiation injuries. We assessed the methodology used to select patients with potential skin injuries in cardiac procedures and in need of clinical follow-up. We evaluated peak skin dose and clinical follow-up in a case of radiodermatitis produced during a total occlusion recanalization. This prospective study followed CIRSE and ACC/AHA/SCAI recommendations for patient radiation dose management in interventional procedures carried out in a university hospital with a workload of 4200 interventional cardiac procedures per year. Patient dose reports were automatically transferred to a central database. Patients exceeding trigger levels for air kerma area product (500 Gy cm{sup 2}) and cumulative skin dose (5 Gy) were counseled and underwent follow-up for early detection of skin injuries, with dermatologic support. The Ethical Committee and the Quality Assurance and Radiation Safety Committee approved the program. During 2010, a total of 13 patients (3.0/1,000 that year) received dose values exceeding trigger levels in the cardiovascular institute. Only one patient, who had undergone two consecutive procedures resulting in 970 Gy cm{sup 2} and 13.0 Gy as cumulative skin dose, showed signs of serious radiodermatitis that resolved in 3.7 months. The remaining patients did not manifest skin lesions during follow-up, and whenever patient examination was not feasible as part of the follow-up, neither patients nor families reported any skin injuries. Peak skin dose calculation and close clinical follow-up were feasible and appropriate, with a moderate additional workload for the staff and satisfaction for the patient.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

Endovascular Acute Stroke Treatment Performed by Vascular Interventional Radiologists: Is It Safe and Efficacious?

Purpose: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of neurointerventional procedures in acute stroke patients performed by a team of vascular interventional radiologists in close cooperation with diagnostic neuroradiologists and stroke neurologists and to compare the results with those of previous reports from centres with specialised interventional neuroradiologists. Material and Methods: A total of 39 patients with acute ischemic stroke due to large-vessel occlusion not responding to or not eligible for intravenous thrombolysis were treated with either intra-arterial thrombolysis or mechanical thrombectomy (Penumbra System or solitaire FR thrombectomy system, respectively) and included in our prospective study. Outcomes were measured using the modified Rankin scale after 90 days, and recanalization was assessed by thrombolysis using the myocardial infarction score. Results: Mean patient age was 68.3 {+-} 14.2 years; the average National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score at hospital admission was 17.2 (SD = 6.2 [n = 38]). Successful recanalization was achieved in 74.4 % of patients. Median time from clinical onset to recanalization was 5 h 11 min. Procedure-related complications occurred in 5 % of patients, and 7.5 % had a symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage. Of the patients, 22.5 % died within the first 90 postprocedural days, 5 % of these from cerebral causes. Patients who were successfully recanalized had a clinical better outcome at follow-up than those in whom treatment failed. Of the patients, 35.9 % had an mRS score {<=}2 after 90 days. Conclusion: Our results are in line with those in the published literature and show that a treatment strategy with general interventional radiologists performing neurointerventional procedures in acute stroke patients with large vessel occlusions can be achieved to the benefit of patients.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

Microwave Ablation of Pulmonary Malignancies Using a Novel High-energy Antenna System

To evaluate the technical success, safety, and imaging follow-up of malignant pulmonary nodules treated with a novel high-energy percutaneous microwave ablation (MWA) system. Between July 2010 and September 2011, a total of 23 patients, 12 men, mean age 68 (range 30-87) years with 29 pulmonary malignancies of median diameter 19 (range 8-57) mm, underwent computed tomography (CT)-guided MWA with a 16G microwave needle antenna enabling power up to 180 W. Technical success was defined as needle placement in the intended lesion without death or serious injury. Adequacy of ablation was assessed at 24 h on contrast-enhanced CT. Circumferential solid or ground glass opacification >5 mm was used to define an ideal ablation. Local tumor recurrence was assessed at 1, 3, and 6 months after ablation on contrast-enhanced CT. MWA was technically successful in 93 % (n = 27). Mean ablation duration was 3.6 (range 1-9) min. Ten patients (43 %) developed a pneumothorax as a result of the MWA; only 3 (13 %) required placement of a chest drain. Thirty-day mortality rate was 0 %. The mean hospital stay was 1.5 (range 1-7) days. A total of 22 lesions (75 %) were surrounded by {>=}5 mm ground glass or solid opacification after the procedure. At a median follow-up of 6 months, local recurrence was identified in 3 out of 26 lesions, giving a local control rate of 88 %. MWA using a high-power antenna of pulmonary malignancies is safe, technically achievable, and enables fast ablation times.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

A Budget Impact Model for Paclitaxel-eluting Stent in Femoropopliteal Disease in France

The Zilver PTX drug-eluting stent (Cook Ireland Ltd., Limerick, Ireland) represents an advance in endovascular treatments for atherosclerotic superficial femoral artery (SFA) disease. Clinical data demonstrate improved clinical outcomes compared to bare-metal stents (BMS). This analysis assessed the likely impact on the French public health care budget of introducing reimbursement for the Zilver PTX stent. A model was developed in Microsoft Excel to estimate the impact of a progressive transition from BMS to Zilver PTX over a 5-year horizon. The number of patients undergoing SFA stenting was estimated on the basis of hospital episode data. The analysis from the payer perspective used French reimbursement tariffs. Target lesion revascularization (TLR) after primary stent placement was the primary outcome. TLR rates were based on 2-year data from the Zilver PTX single-arm study (6 and 9 %) and BMS rates reported in the literature (average 16 and 22 %) and extrapolated to 5 years. Net budget impact was expressed as the difference in total costs (primary stenting and reinterventions) for a scenario where BMS is progressively replaced by Zilver PTX compared to a scenario of BMS only. The model estimated a net cumulative 5-year budget reduction of Euro-Sign 6,807,202 for a projected population of 82,316 patients (21,361 receiving Zilver PTX). Base case results were confirmed in sensitivity analyses. Adoption of Zilver PTX could lead to important savings for the French public health care payer. Despite higher initial reimbursement for the Zilver PTX stent, fewer expected SFA reinterventions after the primary stenting procedure result in net savings.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

Endovascular Treatment of Active Splenic Bleeding After Colonoscopy: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Purpose: Colonoscopy is reported to be a safe procedure that is routinely performed for the diagnosis and treatment of colorectal diseases. Splenic rupture is considered to be a rare complication with high mortality and morbidity that requires immediate diagnosis and management. Nonoperative management (NOM), surgical treatment (ST), and, more recently, proximal splenic artery embolization (PSAE) have been proposed as treatment options. The goal of this study was to assess whether PSAE is safe even in high-grade ruptures. Methods: We report two rare cases of post colonoscopy splenic rupture. A systematic review of the literature from 2002 to 2010 (first reported case of PSAE) was performed and the three types of treatment compared. Results: All patients reviewed (77 of 77) presented with intraperitoneal hemorrhage due to isolated splenic trauma. Splenic rupture was high-grade in most patients when grading was possible. Six of 77 patients (7.8 %) were treated with PSAE, including the 2 cases reported herein. Fifty-seven patients (74 %) underwent ST. NOM was attempted first in 25 patients with a high failure rate (11 of 25 [44 %]) and requiring a salvage procedure, such as PSAE or ST. Previous surgery (31 of 59 patients), adhesions (10 of 13), diagnostic colonoscopies (49 of 71), previous biopsies or polypectomies (31 of 57) and female sex (56 of 77) were identified as risk factors. In contrast, splenomegaly (0 of 77 patients), medications that increase the risk of bleeding (13 of 30) and difficult colonoscopies (16 of 51) were not identified as risk factors. PSAE was safe and effective even in elderly patients with comorbidities and those taking medications that increase the risk of bleeding, and the length of the hospital stay was similar to that after ST. Conclusion: We propose a treatment algorithm based on clinical and radiological criteria. Because of the high failure rate after NOM, PSAE should be the treatment of choice to manage grade I through IV splenic ruptures after colonoscopy in hemodynamically stabilized patients.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗