Empiric cone-beam CT-guided embolization in acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding

Carbon dioxide-enhanced angiography for detection of colonic diverticular bleeding and clinical outcomes

PURPOSE

To determine the ability of CO2-enhanced angiography to detect active diverticular bleeding that is not detected by iodinated contrast medium (ICM)-enhanced angiography and its impact on clinical outcomes when used to confirm embolization, particularly the risks of rebleeding and ischemic complications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively identified a cohort of patients with colonic diverticular bleeding who underwent catheter angiography between August 2008 and May 2023 at our institution. We divided them according to whether they underwent CO2 angiography following a negative ICM angiography study or to confirm hemostasis post-embolization (the CO2 angiography group) or ICM angiography alone in the absence of active bleeding or for confirmation of hemostasis post-embolization (the ICM angiography group). The ability to detect active colonic diverticular bleeding and clinical outcomes were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

There were 31 patients in the ICM angiography group and 29 in the CO2 angiography group. The rate of detection of active bleeding by CO2 angiography that was not identified by ICM angiography was 48%. The rebleeding rate was 23% in the ICM angiography group and 6.9% in the CO2 angiography group. Among the patients who underwent TAE, the ischemic complications rate was 7.1% in the ICM angiography group and 4.5% in the CO2 angiography group.

CONCLUSIONS

CO2 angiography may detect active diverticular bleeding that is not detectable by ICM angiography and appears to be associated with a lower rebleeding rate.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Imaging for Hemorrhoidal Disease: Navigating Rectal Artery Embolization from Planning to Follow-up

Hemorrhoid disease is very common, affecting greater than one-third of adults. Conservative management and several office-based procedures are useful in the treatment of internal hemorrhoids. Patients with refractory hemorrhoid disease have traditionally been treated with surgical hemorrhoidectomy. Rectal artery embolization has emerged as an alternative to surgical hemorrhoidectomy and has been shown to be safe and effective in case series and clinical trials completed over the past decade. Embolization has significantly less postprocedure pain when compared with surgical hemorrhoidectomy with similar outcomes. Pre- and postprocedure imaging are not routinely performed. Intraprocedural imaging consists of selective catheterization of the superior rectal arteries from the inferior mesenteric artery, and the middle rectal arteries from the internal iliac artery. The inferior rectal artery is seldom embolized due to the supply of the levator ani muscle and skin. To date, intermediate and large particles and fibered and nonfibered coils have been used successfully.

Twenty years of embolization for acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding: a meta-analysis of rebleeding and ischaemia rates

BACKGROUND

Transarterial embolization (TAE) for acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) can be technically challenging due to the compromise between achieving haemostasis and causing tissue ischaemia. The goal of the present study is to determine its technical success, rebleeding, and post-embolization ischaemia rates through meta-analysis of published literature in the last twenty years.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were queried. Technical success, rebleeding, and ischaemia rates were extracted. Baseline characteristics such as author, publication year, region, study design, embolization material, percentage of superselective embolization were retrieved. Subgroup analysis was performed based on publication time and embolization agent.

RESULTS

A total of 66 studies including 2121 patients who underwent embolization for acute LGIB were included. Endoscopic management was attempted in 34.5%. The pooled overall technical success, rebleeding, post-embolization ischaemia rates were 97.0%, 20.7%, and 7.5%, respectively. Studies published after 2010 showed higher technical success rates (97.8% vs 95.2%), lower rebleeding rates (18.6% vs 23.4%), and lower ischaemia rates (7.3% vs 9.7%). Compared to microcoils, NBCA was associated with a lower rebleeding rate (9.3% vs 20.8%) at the expense of a higher post-embolization ischaemia rate (9.7% vs 4.0%). Coagulopathy (P = .034), inotropic use (P = .040), and malignancy (P = .002) were predictors of post-embolization rebleeding. Haemorrhagic shock (P < .001), inotropic use (P = .026), malignancy (P < .001), coagulopathy (P = .002), blood transfusion (P < .001), and enteritis (P = .023) were predictors of mortality. Empiric embolization achieved a similarly durable haemostasis rate compared to targeted embolization (23.6% vs 21.1%) but a higher risk of post-embolization ischaemia (14.3% vs 4.7%).

CONCLUSION

For LGIB, TAE has a favourable technical success rate and low risk of post-embolization ischaemia. Its safety and efficacy profile has increased over the last decade. Compared to microcoils, NBCA seemed to offer a more durable haemostasis rate at the expense of higher ischaemia risk. Due to the heterogeneity of currently available evidence, future prospective and comparative studies are warranted.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE

(1) Acute LGIB embolization demonstrate a high technical success rate with acceptable rate of rebleeding and symptomatic ischaemia rates. Most ischaemic stigmata discovered during routine post-embolization colonoscopy were minor. (2) Although NBCA seemed to offer a more durable haemostasis rate, it was also associated with a higher risk of ischaemia compared to microcoils. (3) Coagulopathy, malignant aetiology, and inotropic use were predictors of rebleeding and mortality. (4) Routine post-embolization endoscopy to assess for ischaemia is not indicated.

Utility of marking and fusion image-guided technique with cone-beam CT in kidney ruptured haemorrhage without extravascular leakage in angiography: a pilot study

OBJECTIVE

To explore the feasibility of using marking and fusion image-guided technique with cone-beam CT (CBCT) in cases of kidney ruptured haemorrhage without extravascular leakage in digital subtraction angiography (DSA) images.

METHODS

This is a retrospective case-control study that included 43 patients who underwent transcatheter arterial embolization for kidney ruptured haemorrhage and difficult haemostasis. The patients were divided into two groups: the CBCT group (cases without extravascular leakage observed in angiography) and the control group (cases with clearly identifiable target vessels in angiography). The baseline characteristics and clinical outcomes were collected and analysed.

RESULTS

The results showed no statistically significant differences in the duration of the procedure and intraoperative blood transfusion between the control and CBCT groups (P > .05). The study clarified that the CBCT group had a significantly higher rate of improvement of gross haematuria compared to the control group (P < .05). The CBCT group showed a greater increase in haemoglobin and a lesser increase in creatinine. The clinical success rates were 87.5% in the control group and 90.9% in the CBCT group (P > .05).

CONCLUSIONS

The marking and fusion image-guided technique is useful in cases of kidney ruptured haemorrhage without extravascular leakage of contrast agent. The technique is safe, feasible, and effective, and we believe it is superior to purely DSA-guidance.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE

The use of the marking and fusion image-guided technique is recommended to overcome the challenge of undetectable target vessels during interventional procedures. This technique is considered as non-inferior to purely DSA-guided interventional procedures where the target vessels are clearly identifiable.

Targeted versus Empiric Embolization for Delayed Postpancreatectomy Hemorrhage: A Retrospective Study of 312 Patients

PURPOSE

To assess the safety and clinical effectiveness of empiric embolization (EE) compared with targeted embolization (TE) in the treatment of delayed postpancreatectomy hemorrhage (PPH).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The data of patients with delayed PPH between January 2012 and August 2022 were analyzed retrospectively. In total, 312 consecutive patients (59.6 years ± 10.8; 239 men) were included. The group was stratified into 3 cohorts according to angiographic results and treatment strategies: TE group, EE group, and no embolization (NE) group. The χ2 or Fisher exact test was implemented for comparing the clinical success and 30-day mortality. The variables related to clinical failure and 30-day mortality were identified by univariable and multivariable analyses.

RESULTS

Clinical success of transcatheter arterial embolization was achieved in 70.0% (170/243) of patients who underwent embolization. There was no statistical difference in clinical success and 30-day mortality between the EE and TE groups. Multivariate analyses demonstrated that malignant disease (odds ratio [OR] = 5.76), Grade C pancreatic fistula (OR = 7.59), intra-abdominal infection (OR = 2.54), and concurrent extraluminal and intraluminal hemorrhage (OR = 2.52) were risk factors for clinical failure. Moreover, 33 patients (13.6%) died within 30 days after embolization. Advanced age (OR = 2.59) and intra-abdominal infection (OR = 5.55) were identified as risk factors for 30-day mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

EE is safe and as effective as TE in preventing rebleeding and mortality in patients with angiographically negative delayed PPH.

Perspectives of Cone-beam Computed Tomography in Interventional Radiology: Techniques for Planning, Guidance, and Monitoring

Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) has emerged as a prominent imaging modality in interventional radiology that offers real-time visualization and precise guidance in various procedures. This article aims to provide an overview of the techniques used to guide and monitor interventions that use CBCT. It discusses the advantages of CBCT, its current applications, and potential future CBCT-related developments in the field of interventional radiology.

One in four patients with gastrointestinal bleeding develops shock or hemodynamic instability: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Hemodynamic instability and shock are associated with untoward outcomes in gastrointestinal bleeding. However, there are no studies in the existing literature on the proportion of patients who developed these outcomes after gastrointestinal bleeding.

AIM

To determine the pooled event rates in the available literature and specify them based on the bleeding source.

METHODS

The protocol was registered on PROSPERO in advance (CRD42021283258). A systematic search was performed in three databases (PubMed, EMBASE, and CENTRAL) on 14th October 2021. Pooled proportions with 95%CI were calculated with a random-effects model. A subgroup analysis was carried out based on the time of assessment (on admission or during hospital stay). Heterogeneity was assessed by Higgins and Thompson's I2 statistics. The Joanna Briggs Institute Prevalence Critical Appraisal Tool was used for the risk of bias assessment. The Reference Citation Analysis (https://www.referencecitationanalysis.com/) tool was applied to obtain the latest highlight articles.

RESULTS

We identified 11589 records, of which 220 studies were eligible for data extraction. The overall proportion of shock and hemodynamic instability in general gastrointestinal bleeding patients was 0.25 (95%CI: 0.17-0.36, I2 = 100%). In non-variceal bleeding, the proportion was 0.22 (95%CI: 0.14-0.31, I2 = 100%), whereas it was 0.25 (95%CI: 0.19-0.32, I2 = 100%) in variceal bleeding. The proportion of patients with colonic diverticular bleeding who developed shock or hemodynamic instability was 0.12 (95%CI: 0.06-0.22, I2 = 90%). The risk of bias was low, and heterogeneity was high in all analyses.

CONCLUSION

One in five, one in four, and one in eight patients develops shock or hemodynamic instability on admission or during hospitalization in the case of non-variceal, variceal, and colonic diverticular bleeding, respectively.

Empirical transarterial embolization in angiographically negative lower gastrointestinal bleeding using vessel tracking and 3D navigation tools: report of 2 patients

BACKGROUND

Recently, an empiric Cone-beam Computed Tomography (CBCT)-guided transarterial embolization (TAE) technique has been investigated for lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB). Although this empirical strategy reduced the rate of rebleeding in hemodynamically unstable patients compared to a 'wait and see' strategy, the specified technique is challenging and time-consuming.

CASE PRESENTATION

We present two methods to perform a prompt empiric TAE in LGIB when catheter angiography is negative. Based on the pre-procedural Computed Tomography Angiography bleeding site and using vessel detection and navigation software tools that are integrated in contemporary angiosuites, the culprit bleeding artery could be targeted with only one selective intraprocedural CBCT acquisition.

CONCLUSION

The proposed techniques are promising to reduce procedure time and facilitate the implementation of empiric CBCT-guided TAE in clinical practice when angiography is negative.

Inferior vena cava diameter on CT angiography predicts mesenteric angiography positive for extravasation in colonic diverticular bleeding

PURPOSE

Transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) for colonic diverticular bleeding (CDB), an established procedure for hemostasis, is sometimes complicated by spontaneous hemostasis and unclear bleeding site on angiography despite active arterial bleeding on preoperative computed tomography angiography (CTA). Therefore, to investigate and increase the feasibility of TAE, this retrospective study evaluates the clinical and radiological features related to positive extravasation on angiography.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Sixty CDB patients with extravasation on CTA underwent TAE between January 2011 and February 2021 and were divided into extravasation-positive (P-group; n = 25) and -negative groups (N-group; n = 35) based on the superior or inferior mesenteric angiography. Patient characteristics, laboratory findings, the diameter of the inferior vena cava (IVCD), the diameter of superior and inferior mesenteric veins, and technical outcomes were evaluated.

RESULTS

TAE was successful in 24 patients in the P-group (96%) and 14 in the N-group (40%) (p < 0.001). Univariate analysis revealed "usage of anticoagulant" (p < 0.05) and "larger IVCD (p < 0.05) on preoperative CTA" to be significant predictors of positive extravasation. In the multivariate analysis, IVCD remained significant with an adjusted odds ratio of 1.17. The IVCD cutoff value was 13.6 mm (area under the curve = 0.72, sensitivity = 84.0%, specificity = 54.3%). There were no significant differences in other parameters.

CONCLUSION

Measurement of IVCD in CDB with the cutoff value of 13.6 mm can be a simple and useful indicator to predict the detectability of extravasation following TAE procedures.

Angio Cone-Beam CT (Angio-CBCT) and 3D Road-Mapping for the Detection of Spinal Cord Vascularization in Patients Requiring Treatment for a Thoracic Aortic Lesion: A Feasibility Study

BACKGROUND

Spinal cord ischemia is a major complication of treatment for descending thoracic aorta (DTA) disease. Our objectives were (1) to describe the value of angiographic cone-beam CT (angio-CBCT) and 3D road-mapping to visualize the Adamkiewicz artery (AA) and its feeding artery and (2) to evaluate the impact of AA localization on the patient surgical strategy.

METHODS

Between 2018 and 2020, all patients referred to our institution for a surgical DTA disorder underwent a dedicated AA evaluation by angio-CBCT. If the AA feeding artery was not depicted on angio-CBCT, selective artery catheterization was performed, guided by 3D road-mapping. Intervention modifications, based on AA location and one month of neurologic follow-up after surgery, were recorded.

RESULTS

Twenty-one patients were enrolled. AA was assessable in 100% of patients and in 15 (71%) with angio-CBCT alone. Among them, 10 patients needed 3D road-mapping-guided DSA angiography to visualize the AA feeding artery. The amount of contrast media, irradiation dose, and intervention length were not significantly different whether the AA was assessable or not by angio-CBCT. AA feeding artery localization led to surgical sketch modification for 11 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Angio-CBCT is an efficient method for AA localization in the surgical planning of DTA disorders.

Carbon Dioxide Angiography for the Detection of Lower Gastrointestinal Arterial Bleeding Initially Occult to Angiography with Iodinated Contrast Media

This study evaluated the utility of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in angiography for the detection of lower gastrointestinal arterial bleeding initially occult to angiography with iodinated contrast media. Fourteen patients underwent CO₂-enhanced angiography. In all patients, extravasation was identified by contrast-enhanced computed tomography but not by initial iodinated contrast-enhanced angiography. After iodinated contrast-enhanced angiography, CO₂-enhanced angiography was performed from the same catheter position. The detection capability for extravasation on CO₂-enhanced angiography was evaluated. CO₂-enhanced angiography allowed for the visualization of extravasation and subsequent transcatheter arterial embolization in 11 of 14 (79%) cases, with extravasation seen during either CO₂-enhanced angiography (n = 8) or subsequent repeat iodinated contrast-enhanced angiography immediately after negative CO₂-enhanced angiography (n = 3). Conservative treatment was performed in the remaining 3 cases. In conclusion, CO₂-enhanced angiography appears useful for identifying occult lower gastrointestinal bleeding.

Value of multiphase computed tomography for gastrointestinal bleeding before endovascular treatment in hemodynamically unstable patients

BACKGROUND

There has been no practice-based study regarding the multiphase computed tomography (CT) before endovascular treatment in hemodynamically unstable gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) and concerns exist regarding the time delay.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the clinical efficacy of multiphase CT before endovascular treatment in hemodynamically unstable GIB and to investigate the predictors of angiographic localization and recurrent bleeding.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The multicenter retrospective study included 93 consecutive hemodynamically unstable patients who underwent conventional angiography for non-variceal GIB after failed endoscopic localization. Enrolled patients were divided into a CT group (n = 61) and a non-CT group (n = 32).

RESULTS

The clinical characteristics did not differ between the two groups except for the time to angiography (CT group, 14.8±15.1 h; non-CT group, 9.2±11.7 h, P = 0.022). The rate of angiographic localization was significantly higher in the CT group than in the non-CT group only for lower GIB (P = 0.049). Indirect sign was significantly more frequent in the CT group than in the non-CT group (P = 0.014). CT localization was positive predictor (odd ratio [OR] = 7.66; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.1-27.94; P = 0.002) and prolonged time to angiography was negative predictor (OR = 0.94; 95% CI = 0.9- 0.98; P = 0.001) for angiographic localization. A higher systolic blood pressure until index angiography (OR = 0.95; 95% CI = 0.91-1; P = 0.044) was associated with a reduced risk of recurrent bleeding.

CONCLUSION

In hemodynamically unstable patients, multiphase CT is particularly useful for angiographic localization of lower GIB. It should be considered immediately after failed endoscopic hemostasis to reduce time to angiography.

Gastrointestinal bleeding after failed endoscopic hemostasis: diagnostic efficacy of angiography compared with computed tomography and treatment outcomes of transcatheter arterial embolization

PURPOSE

This study compared the detection sensitivity of catheter angiography to that of contrast-enhanced multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) for detecting acute non-variceal gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) to elucidate the diagnostic efficacy of catheter angiography. We also determined GIB outcomes of transcatheter arterial embolization after failed endoscopic hemostasis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data were collected retrospectively from 63 patients managed at four institutions who met the following criteria during a 3-year period: (1) ongoing non-variceal GIB confirmed during endoscopy; (2) failed endoscopic hemostasis; and (3) endoscopy, MDCT, and catheter angiography performed within 24 h. The diagnostic efficacies of MDCT, selective angiography with a 5-Fr catheter (5Fr-angiography), and super-selective angiography with a microcatheter (micro-angiography) were compared using endoscopic diagnosis as the reference method. The rates of technical success, clinical success, and complications were analyzed when arterial embolization was performed.

RESULTS

All transcatheter angiographies were performed after MDCT. Micro-angiography had a significantly higher GIB detection rate (73.0%) than MDCT (57.1%) and 5Fr-angiography (39.7%) (micro-angiography vs. MDCT, P = 0.021; MDCT vs. 5Fr-angiography, P = 0.043). Arterial embolization was attempted in 55 of 63 patients, with technical success achieved in 53 of 55 patients (96.4%) and clinical success in 38 of 42 patients (90.5%). Eleven patients were lost to follow-up. Three patients experienced complications, including bowel infarction (two patients) and common bile duct stricture (one patient).

CONCLUSION

In cases of endoscopic hemostasis failure, angiography can be performed even if MDCT yields negative results but should include micro-angiography; moreover, embolization can be performed safely and effectively.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

None.

Transcatheter Arterial Embolization in Acute Non-Variceal Gastrointestinal Bleedings: A Ten-Year Single-Center Experience in 91 Patients and Review of the Literature

Objective: To report the safety and efficacy of trans-arterial embolization (TAE) for upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) and lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) due to different etiologies in 91 patients for ten years. Methods: A retrospective analysis of GIB treated between January 2010 and December 2020 was performed. TAE was performed using different embolic agents (coils, particles, glue, gelatin sponge, and EVOH-based agents). Technical success, secondary technical success, clinical success, and complications were evaluated. Results: Technical success was achieved in 74/91 (81.32%) patients. Seventeen patients (18.68%) required re-intervention. Secondary technical success was achieved in all cases (100.0%). Clinical success was achieved in 81/91 patients (89.01%). No major complications were recorded; overall, minor complications occurred in 20/91 patients. Conclusions: TAE is a technically feasible and safe therapeutic option for patients with GIB from a known or blind anatomic source where endoscopic therapy has failed or is deemed unfeasible.