Ischemic bile duct injury as a serious complication after transarterial chemoembolization in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

Predictors and risk factors of bile duct injury after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma

PURPOSE

Bile duct injury is a serious complication after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE). If it is not detected early and treated actively, it will not only affect the subsequent tumor-related treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients, but also may lead to serious consequences such as infection, liver failure and even death. To analyze the risk factors of bile duct injury after TACE in patients with HCC and explore the predictive indicators of bile duct injury after TACE, which is helpful for doctors to detect and intervene early and avoid the occurrence of serious complications.

METHOD

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 847 patients with primary hepatocellular carcinoma who underwent TACE for the first time in our interventional department. Patients were divided into two groups according to whether bile duct injury occurred after TACE: (1) bile duct injury group, N = 55; (2) no bile duct injury group, N = 792. The basic data, intraoperative conditions and the outcome of bile duct injury were analyzed. The chi-square test was used for comparison of enumeration data. The Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of measurement data. Risk factor analysis was performed using binary logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Basic data and intraoperative conditions were compared between the bile duct injury group and the group without bile duct injury: preoperative alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (103.24 ± 32.77U/L vs. 89.17 ± 37.35U/L, P = 0.003); history of hepatobiliary surgery (36.4% vs. 20.8%, P = 0.011); intraoperative lipiodol volume (P = 0.007); combined use of gelatin sponge particles (65.5% vs. 35.0%, P < 0.001); hypovascularity (58.2% vs. 24.5%, P < 0.001); and embolization site (P < 0.001). Comparison of postoperative liver function between bile duct injury group and non-bile duct injury group: postoperative total bilirubin (43.34 ± 25.18umol/L vs. 21.94 ± 9.82umol/L, P < 0.001); postoperative γ-glutamyltransferase(GGT) (188.09 ± 55.62U/L vs. 84.04 ± 36.47U/L, P < 0.001); postoperative ALP(251.51 ± 61.51U/L vs. 99.92 ± 45.98U/L, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The dosage of lipiodol in TACE, supplementation of gelatin sponge particles, embolization site, and hypovascularity of the tumor are risk factors for biliary duct injury after TACE. After TACE, GGT and ALP increased ≥ 2 times compared with preoperative indicators as predictors of bile duct injury. Bile duct injury occurring after TACE can achieve good outcomes with aggressive management.

Locoregional Therapies for Primary and Secondary Hepatic Malignancies

Management of hepatic malignancies is a multidisciplinary task with the involvement of hepatologists, medical/surgical/radiation oncologists, transplant surgeons, and interventional radiologists. Patients should be selected for a specific targeted therapy after multidisciplinary consensus. Interventional oncology, with image-guided locoregional cancer therapies, can decrease systemic toxicity without compromising tumoricidal effect.

Number of Local Regional Therapies for Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Peri-Operative Outcomes after Liver Transplantation

The wait times for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) listed for liver transplant are longer than ever, which has led to an increased reliance on the use of pre-operative LRTs. The impact that multiple rounds of LRTs have on peri-operative outcomes following transplant is unknown. This was a retrospective single center analysis of 298 consecutive patients with HCC who underwent liver transplant (January 2017 to May 2021). The data was obtained from two institution-specific databases and the TransQIP database. Of the 298 patients, 27 (9.1%) underwent no LRTs, 156 (52.4%) underwent 1-2 LRTs, and 115 (38.6%) underwent ≥3 LRTs prior to LT. The patients with ≥3 LRTs had a significantly higher rate of bile leak compared to patients who received 1-2 LRTs (7.0 vs. 1.3%, p = 0.014). Unadjusted and adjusted regression analyses demonstrated a significant association between the total number of LRTs administered and bile leak, but not rates of overall biliary complications. The total number of LRTs was not significantly associated with any other peri-operative or post-operative outcome measure. These findings support the aggressive use of LRTs to control HCC in patients awaiting liver transplant, with further evaluation needed to confirm the biliary leak findings.

Prediction of bile duct injury after transarterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma: Model establishment and verification

Objective

This study aimed to establish and validate a predictive model for bile duct injury in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after drug-eluting bead transarterial chemoembolization (DEB-TACE).

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 284 patients with HCC treated with DEB-TACE at our hospital between January 2017 and December 2021, of whom 63 patients experienced postoperative bile duct injuries. Univariate and logistic multivariate regression analyses were performed to identify the risk factors for bile duct injury, as well as establish and internally validate the nomogram model. The area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, calibration curve, Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness of fit test, decision curve analysis (DCA), and clinical impact curve (CIC) were used to assess the predictive power, clinical value, and practicability of the nomogram model.

Results

The incidence of bile duct injuries after DEB-TACE was 22.18% (63/284), with one injury occurring in every 2.86 sessions of DEB-TACE treatment. Univariate and logistic multivariate regression analyses indicated that a history of hepatectomy (odds ratio [OR]=2.285; 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.066-4.898; P<0.05), subjective angiographic chemoembolization endpoint level (OR=1.832; 95% CI=1.258-2.667; P<0.05), alkaline phosphatase (OR=1.005; 95% CI=1.001-1.010; P<0.05), and platelet count (OR=1.005; 95% CI=1.001-1.009; P<0.05) were independent risk factors for bile duct injury after DEB-TACE among patients with HCC. The risk nomogram model based on the above four variables was validated using the bootstrap method, showing consistency between the predicted and experimental values. Furthermore, the model performed well in the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test (²=3.648; P=0.887). The AUC of this model was 0.749 (95% CI=0.682-0.817), with an overall accuracy of 69.01%, a positive predictive value of 73.02%, a negative predictive value of 67.87%, a sensitivity of 73.0%, and a specificity of 67.90%, suggesting that the nomogram model had good accuracy and discrimination. In addition, DCA and CIC revealed a high clinical value and practicability of the model.

Conclusion

Bile duct injury in patients with HCC treated with DEB-TACE is caused by multiple factors rather than a single factor. The nomogram prediction model used in this study had a good fitting degree and prediction efficacy, with high clinical value and practicability.

Radiation Segmentectomy for the Treatment of Primary Hepatic Malignancies of the Caudate Lobe: A Case Series

PURPOSE

Tumors involving the caudate lobe present a unique therapeutic challenge due to their complex anatomy and the safety and efficacy of locoregional therapy can be variable. The purpose of this study is to analyze the outcomes of radiation segmentectomy for primary caudate lobe tumors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eight patients [5 women and 3 men; median age = 69 y (range 50-79)] that underwent transarterial radioembolization (TARE) using yttrium-90 (Y90) glass microspheres for primary caudate lobe tumors (hepatocellular carcinoma = 6, intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma = 2) from August 2017 to March 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Descriptive statistics, treatment parameters, tumor response (using modified response evaluation criteria in solid tumors), adverse events [using common terminology criteria for adverse events (CTCAE)], and survival outcomes were evaluated.

RESULTS

Eight primary caudate lobe tumors with a median size of 2.2 cm [interquartile range (IQR), 1.7-3.3] and Child-Pugh class A liver function underwent TARE of the caudate lobe. The median radiation dose was 596 Gy (IQR 356-1585), median total activity was 0.84 GBq (IQR 0.56-1.31), median specific activity was 473 Bq/sphere (IQR 226-671), and the median number of Y90 microspheres used was 1.4 million (IQR 1.2-3.4). All complications were CTCAE grade 1, and no clinically significant hilar plate complications were observed. In targeted tumors, complete response was seen in all patients.  At a median follow-up period of 16.6 months (IQR 6.6-21.6) 75% (6/8) of patients were alive with no in-field progression.

CONCLUSION

Radiation segmentectomy of primary caudate lobe tumors appears effective and is well tolerated in this limited case series within the described treatment parameters.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 4, Case Series.

Intraarterial Therapies for the Management of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Image-guided locoregional therapies play a crucial role in the management of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Transarterial therapies consist of a group of catheter-based treatments where embolic agents are delivered directly into the tumor via their supplying arteries. Some of the transarterial therapies available include bland embolization (TAE), transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), drug-eluting beads-transarterial chemoembolization (DEB-TACE), selective internal radioembolization therapy (SIRT), and hepatic artery infusion (HAI). This article provides a review of pre-procedural, intra-procedural, and post-procedural aspects of each therapy, along with a review of the literature. Newer embolotherapy options and future directions are also briefly discussed.

Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound for Biliary Ischemia: A Possible New Clinical Indication

OBJECTIVES

Biliary perfusion is considered to contribute to biliary diseases, but routine imaging methods are insufficient to show it. This research investigated the ability of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) for biliary perfusion in a biliary ischemia model.

METHODS

This research consisted of 2 parts. First, to determine whether CEUS enhancement of the tiny biliary wall represents biliary perfusion, a vascular tracer was used as a reference to evaluate the consistency with the enhancement of the biliary wall on CEUS and the staining by the vascular tracer under the conditions of occluded and recovered biliary perfusion. In the second part, the ability of CEUS for biliary ischemia was further evaluated with microvascular density measurement as a reference. The enhancement patterns were assigned CEUS scores, in which higher scores meant more decreased enhancement, and the diagnostic ability of CEUS was assessed by a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.

RESULTS

The biliary wall was unstained by the vascular tracer and nonenhanced on CEUS when biliary perfusion was interrupted and was stained blue and enhanced after recovery. The biliary wall in the ischemia surgery group showed lower microvascular density measurements (P < .001), decreased enhancement levels (P < .001), and higher CEUS scores (P < .001). When a CEUS score of 3 or higher (obvious decrease of the biliary wall to hypoenhancement or nonenhancement in the arterial phase or rapid wash-out to nonenhancement in the portal venous phase) was applied, CEUS had sensitivity of 87.8%, specificity of 98.3%, accuracy of 93.8%, and an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.98.

CONCLUSIONS

Contrast enhancement of the biliary wall on CEUS represents biliary perfusion and has reasonably good diagnostic performance for biliary ischemia in an experimental animal setting.

The Risk Assessment and Clinical Research of Bile Duct Injury After Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Purpose

To retrospectively evaluate the risk factors and the clinical outcomes of bile duct injury after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and to evaluate factors that aid clinical detection and subsequent treatment of the injured bile duct.

Materials and Methods

All patients undergoing TACE for HCC were retrospectively reviewed for identification of bile duct injury. The clinical spectrum of all the patients analyzed including patients’ demographics, laboratory data, radiologic imaging and mode of treatment.

Results

From January 2015 to December 2017, a total of 21 patients (4.3%) out of 483 patients with 693 TACE procedures were identified to have bile duct injury at our single institution. There were 17 males and 4 females, with a mean age of 59.8±11.6 years (range 34–84). About 14.3% (3/21) patients show the high-density shadow around the bile duct wall in one week non-enhanced CT, and 76.2% (16/21) cases ALP>200 U/L, all these patients showed bile duct injury on the subsequent follow-up CT. Post-TACE follow-up blood biochemistry showed that alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) increased significantly compared with pre-TACE level. The incidence of various types of bile duct injuries on CT was intrahepatic bile duct dilatation (57.1%), biloma (25.7%) and hepatic hilar biliary strictures (17.1%), respectively. Patients with prior hepatectomy as well as proximal arterial chemoembolization carried a higher risk of post-TACE bile duct injury in terms of microvascular damage to the peribiliary capillary plexus.

Conclusion

Bile duct injury complicating TACE is not caused by a single factor, but by a variety of factors, and is closely related to the microvascular compromise of the bile ducts and subsequent chronic biliary infection. Lipiodol deposited along the bile duct wall and the sharp rise of ALP>200 U/L in one week after TACE can predict bile duct injury and early intervention may prevent the occurrence of serious complications. The probability of bile duct injury in patients with prior hepatectomy and proximal arterial chemoembolization increases significantly.

Drug-eluting bead chemoembolization for the treatment of nonresectable hepatic carcinoma in dogs: A prospective clinical trial

Background

Effective treatment options for nonresectable hepatic carcinoma (HC) in dogs are limited.

Hypothesis/Objective

Objectives were to report outcomes, complications, and tumor responses via computed tomography (CT) assessment after drug‐eluting bead transarterial chemoembolization (DEB‐TACE) for nonresectable HC in dogs. The authors hypothesized that major complications would be uncommon and short‐term CT assessment would demonstrate stable disease or partial response.

Animals

Client‐owned dogs (n = 16) with nonresectable HC.

Methods

Prospective, single‐arm clinical trial. Drug‐eluting bead transarterial chemoembolization was performed to varying levels of blood flow stasis. Computed tomography imaging was compared before and approximately 12 weeks after initial treatment.

Results

Drug‐eluting bead transarterial chemoembolization was successfully administered in all attempts. Based on percent change in elliptical tumor volume response (mL), stable disease (8/13; 62%) was the most common outcome followed by partial response (3/13; 23%) and progressive disease (2/13; 15%) with a median of 74 days (range, 39‐125) after initial treatment. Median tumor volume (mL) after DEB‐TACE decreased in volume by 13% (range, 56% decrease to 77% increase). Mild complications consistent with postembolization syndrome occurred after 7/27 (26%) treatments. Major complications occurred after 3/27 (11%) treatments: hepatic abscess/septicemia (2) and cholecystitis/death (1), resulting in treatment‐induced death after 2/27 (7%) treatments. Median survival time after treatment was 337 days (range, 22‐1061). Dogs with a presenting complaint of weight loss (P = .02) had a significantly shorter median survival time (126 days; range, 46‐337) than those dogs without prior history of weight loss (582 days; range, 22‐1061).

Conclusions

Drug‐eluting bead transarterial chemoembolization for nonresectable HC is a feasible procedure, which promoted stable disease or partial response in 85% of dogs in this study sample.

Induction of liver hypertrophy for extended liver surgery and partial liver transplantation: State of the art of parenchyma augmentation-assisted liver surgery

Background

Liver surgery and transplantation currently represent the only curative treatment options for primary and secondary hepatic malignancies. Despite the ability of the liver to regenerate after tissue loss, 25–30% future liver remnant is considered the minimum requirement to prevent serious risk for post-hepatectomy liver failure.

Purpose

The aim of this review is to depict the various interventions for liver parenchyma augmentation–assisting surgery enabling extended liver resections. The article summarizes one- and two-stage procedures with a focus on hypertrophy- and corresponding resection rates.

Conclusions

To induce liver parenchymal augmentation prior to hepatectomy, most techniques rely on portal vein occlusion, but more recently inclusion of parenchymal splitting, hepatic vein occlusion, and partial liver transplantation has extended the technical armamentarium. Safely accomplishing major and ultimately total hepatectomy by these techniques requires integration into a meaningful oncological concept. The advent of highly effective chemotherapeutic regimen in the neo-adjuvant, interstage, and adjuvant setting has underlined an aggressive surgical approach in the given setting to convert formerly “palliative” disease into a curative and sometimes in a “chronic” disease.

Radiological findings in ischaemic cholangiopathy

Ischaemic cholangiopathy occurs as a consequence of deficient arterial blood flow to the bile duct wall. Bile duct ischaemia can lead to full-thickness necrosis, bile leakage, biloma formation, and sepsis. It is an important cause of graft failure post-orthotopic liver transplantation. In the native liver, the causes of biliary ischaemia are diverse and include vasculitis or a complication of endovascular procedures. The present review describes the pathology and radiological findings of ischaemic cholangiopathy and outlines the role of interventional radiology in its management.

Imaging of Acute Hepatobiliary Dysfunction

Abdominal pain is a common cause for emergency department visits in the United States, and biliary tract disease is the fifth most common cause of hospital admission. Common causes of acute hepatobiliary include gallstones and its associated complications and multiple other hepatobiliary etiologies, including infectious, inflammatory, vascular, and neoplastic causes. Postoperative complications of the biliary tract can result in an acute abdomen. Imaging of the hepatobiliary tree is integral in the diagnostic evaluation of acute hepatobiliary dysfunction, and imaging of the biliary tree requires a multimodality approach utilizing ultrasound, computed tomography, nuclear medicine, and MR imaging.

Sequential transcatheter arterial chemoembolization and portal vein embolization versus portal vein embolization alone before major hepatectomy for patients with large hepatocellular carcinoma: An intent-to-treat analysis

BACKGROUND

Little is known about the value of sequential transcatheter arterial chemoembolization and portal vein embolization compared with portal vein embolization alone before major hepatectomy for large hepatocellular carcinoma. We aimed to compare early and long-term outcomes of these two strategies.

METHODS

We included all consecutive patients with large hepatocellular carcinoma (≥50 mm) scheduled for sequential transcatheter arterial chemoembolization and portal vein embolization or portal vein embolization alone before major hepatectomy from January 2005 to December 2015. Comparisons were made on an intent-to-treat basis.

RESULTS

A total of 55 patients were included as follows: sequential transcatheter arterial chemoembolization and portal vein embolization (n = 27) and portal vein embolization alone (n = 28). Baseline patient and tumor characteristics were similar in the 2 groups. Downstaging after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization changed the initial strategy in 4 patients who finally underwent liver transplant (n = 1) and limited hepatectomy (n = 3). Overall survival and progression-free survival were better in the transcatheter arterial chemoembolization group compared with the portal vein embolization alone group (3-year overall survival of 60% vs 20%; P = .01 and 3-year progression-free survival of 35% vs 0%; P < .001). The proportion of patients who finally underwent hepatectomy after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization plus portal vein embolization was 91% vs 68% after portal vein embolization alone (P = .08). Hypertrophy of the future remnant liver after portal vein embolization was greater after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (43% vs 31%, P = 0.03). After resection, the group that received transcatheter arterial chemoembolization and portal vein embolization experienced better progression-free survival compared with portal vein embolization alone (3-year progression-free survival of 28% vs 0%; P = .03).

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that transcatheter arterial chemoembolization before portal vein embolization increases the degree of hypertrophy of the future remnant liver after portal vein embolization and yields improved oncologic outcomes in patients with large hepatocellular carcinomas planned for major hepatectomy.

Transarterial Bleomycin-Lipiodol Embolization (B/LE) for Symptomatic Giant Hepatic Hemangioma

BACKGROUND

Large hepatic hemangiomas can cause symptoms such as pain and bleeding. No consensus currently exists on the optimal management of large and symptomatic hemangiomas. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of transarterial bleomycin-lipiodol embolization (B/LE) in the treatment of symptomatic large hepatic hemangioma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 23 patients (29 hemangiomas) treated between July 2011 and August 2017. Transarterial B/LE was performed using 7-15 cc of Lipiodol mixed with 30-45 IU of bleomycin by standard three-way stopcocks. All patients were followed clinically and by imaging for an average of 7.5 months. Patterns of bleomycin-lipiodol distribution in the periphery of hemangiomas were categorized into four different grades. Technical success was defined as proper delivery of bleomycin-lipiodol into the hemangioma confirmed by post-embolization computed tomography. Clinical success was defined as more than 50% reduction of hemangioma volume and symptom improvement during follow-ups.

RESULTS

Technical success and clinical success were 100 and 73.9% (17 patients), respectively. Six patients (26.08%) experienced transient post-embolization syndrome. Significant size reduction was seen in patients with grade 4 hemangioma border coverage (P = 0.042).

CONCLUSION

Transarterial B/LE is a safe and efficient alternative for controlling symptoms related to large hemangiomas.

The impact of transarterial chemoembolization induced complications on outcomes after liver transplantation: A propensity-matched study

BACKGROUND

Loco-regional complications of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) may adversely affect technical aspects of the liver transplantation (LT). This study reviewed the impact of those complications on postoperative outcomes encompassing implications on graft selection.

METHODS

A retrospective, propensity score matching (1:1) analysis accounting for donor and recipient confounders was performed on a dataset of patients undergoing LT for hepatocellular carcinoma. Outcomes of patients who had TACE (TACE-group) were compared with those who did not (NoTACE-group).

RESULTS

A total of 57 matched pairs were analyzed. TACE achieved effective tumor control (Pre-TACE vs Post-TACE; Median: 44 mm [interquartile range: 43-50] vs 17 mm [0-36]; P = .002) on imaging follow-up. TACE group had, at the hepatectomy, higher incidence of ischemia-related complications (adhesions of the necrotic tumor, cholecystitis, and/or bile duct necrosis) (40.4% vs 10.5%; P = .001). Overall major post-LT complications rate (Dindo-Clavien ≥3) were similar (P = .134). Those in the TACE group with donors after circulatory death (DCD) had 4.6% 90-day mortality and 54.3% major complication rate compared to 6.9% and 77.3% (P = .380 and P = .112, respectively).

CONCLUSION

TACE was an effective bridging procedure that may complicate LT inducing ischemic-related complications; nevertheless, it has not shown repercussions on mortality or morbidity after the procedure, even using donors after circulatory death.

Decision Making in Interventional Oncology: Intra-arterial Therapies for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer-Y90 and Chemoembolization

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States and the liver is the most common site of metastatic disease. The presence and extent of hepatic metastases are a major prognostic indicator. Although surgical resection is the accepted first-line therapy for colorectal liver metastasis, only 20 to 25% of patients are eligible for resection due to the extent and location of disease. This article discusses the current role of transarterial therapies in the treatment of colorectal liver metastases.

[Hepatobronchial Fistula and Lung Abscess after Transarterial Chemoembolization]

Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is a common treatment modality to locally manage hepatocellular carcinoma. Liver abscess and bile duct injury are common complications of TACE. However, hepatobronchial fistula is a rare complication. Herein, we report a case of lung abscess due to hepatobronchial fistula after TACE. A 67-year-old man, who had underwent TACE 6 months ago, presented cough and bile-colored sputum. He was diagnosed with lung abscess and hepatobronchial fistula. We performed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography; however, there was no improvement in his symptoms. Thereafter, partial hepatectomy and repair of fistula were successively conducted.

Acute pancreatitis as a complication of trans-arterial chemoembolization of hepatocellular cancer-case report and review of literature

Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is a therapeutic procedure often performed for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Local complications, though generally uncommon, can arise from arterial ischemia and local cytotoxicity from the chemotherapeutic delivery. We present a case of acute pancreatitis as a rare complication of the TACE procedure along with a review of literature of this uncommon adverse effect.

The incidence and outcome of major complication following conventional TAE/TACE for hepatocellular carcinoma

To investigate the incidence and outcome of major complication following conventional transarterial embolization/chemoembolization (TAE/TACE) therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).From May 2010 to May 2016, all patients with major complication following conventional TAE/TACE for HCC were included. Major complication was defined as admission to a hospital for therapy, an unplanned increase in the level of care, prolonged hospitalization, permanent adverse sequelae, or death after conventional TAE/TACE therapy by Society of Interventional Radiology.During the study period, a total of 2863 TAE/TACE procedures were performed among 1120 patients, and a total of 24 patients (21 male and 3 female) developed major complication with the incidence of 2.1% (24/1120) per patient and 0.84% (24/2863) per TAE/TACE procedure. The major complications were liver rupture (n = 6), liver abscess (n = 5), femoral artery pseudoaneurysm (n = 3), cholecystitis (n = 2), biloma (n = 2), pulmonary embolism (n = 2), and 1 each of the following: cerebral lipiodol embolism, tumor lysis syndrome, partial intestinal obstruction, gallbladder perforation. The mean interval from last TAE/TACE procedure to the diagnosis of major complication was 11.1 ± 7.7 days. The treatments of the complications were conservative treatment (n = 12), conservative treatment plus percutaneous drainage (n = 3), ultrasound-guided thrombin injection (n = 3), conservative treatment plus TAE (n = 2), and conservative treatment plus surgery (n = 2). Of the 24 patients, 20 patients were recovered, and remaining 4 patients were died of major complications; therefore, the mortality rate of major complication was 16.7% (4/24).Major complication following conventional TAE/TACE therapy is uncommon; the outcomes are benign of most major complications, but some are mortality.

Secondary sclerosing cholangitis in a critically ill patient

Critically ill patients are commonly imaged for liver dysfunction. An often fatal condition, secondary sclerosing cholangitis, is an important and likely under-recognized hepatic condition in these patients. In presenting this case report, we hope to raise awareness of this condition amongst radiologists as well as other physicians caring for the critically ill.

Hollow organ abdominal ischemia, part II: clinical features, etiology, imaging findings and management

Acute hollow organ ischemia commonly presents with acute pain prompting radiologic evaluation and almost always requires urgent treatment. Despite different risk factors and anatomic differences, ischemia is commonly due to low flow states but can also be due to arterial and venous occlusion. Radiologic diagnosis is critical as many present with nonspecific symptoms. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) is the modality of choice. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is preferred in suspected appendicitis in pregnant patients and is superior in biliary necrosis. This article provides a pictorial review of the CT/MRI features of hollow abdominal organ ischemia while highlighting key clinical features, pathogenesis, and management.

Locoregional Therapies for Primary and Secondary Hepatic Malignancies

Management of hepatic malignancies is a multidisciplinary task with the involvement of hepatologists, medical/surgical oncologists, transplant surgeons, and interventional radiologists. The patients should be selected for a specific targeted therapy after multidisciplinary consensus. Interventional oncology has established its role in the management of hepatic malignancies. Image-guided locoregional therapies decrease the rate of systemic toxicity without compromising tumoricidal effect.

Intraprocedural blood volume measurement using C-arm CT as a predictor for treatment response of malignant liver tumours undergoing repetitive transarterial chemoembolization (TACE)

PURPOSE

To evaluate feasibility of measuring parenchymal blood volume (PBV) of malignant hepatic tumours using C-arm CT, test the changes in PBV following repeated transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and correlate these changes with the change in tumour size in MRI.

METHODS

111 patients with liver malignancy were included. Patients underwent MRI and TACE in a 4- to 6-week interval. During intervention C-arm CT was performed. Images were post-processed to generate PBV maps. Blood volume data in C-arm CT and change in size in MRI were evaluated. The correlation between PBV and size was tested using Spearman rank test.

RESULTS

Pre-interventional PBV maps showed a mean blood volume of 84.5 ml/1000 ml ± 62.0, follow-up PBV maps after multiple TACE demonstrated 61.1 ml/1000 ml ± 57.5. The change in PBV was statistically significant (p = 0.02). Patients with initial tumour blood volume >100 ml/1000 ml dropped 7.1% in size and 47.2% in blood volume; 50-100 ml/1000 ml dropped 4.6% in size and 25.7% in blood volume; and <50 ml/1000 ml decreased 2.8% in size and increased 82.2% in blood volume.

CONCLUSION

PBV measurement of malignant liver tumours using C-arm CT is feasible. Following TACE PBV decreased significantly. Patients with low initial PBV show low local response rates and further increase in blood volume, whereas high initial tumour PBV showed better response to TACE.

KEY POINTS

Parenchymal blood volume assessment of malignant hepatic lesions using C-arm CT is feasible. The parenchymal blood volume is reduced significantly following transarterial chemoembolization. Parenchymal blood volume can monitor the response of tumours after transarterial chemoembolization. Although not significant, high initial parenchymal blood volume yields better response to TACE.

Comparison of chemoembolization with and without radiation therapy and sorafenib for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombosis: a propensity score analysis

PURPOSE

To compare efficacy of transarterial chemoembolization with and without radiation therapy (RT) versus sorafenib for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This single-center retrospective study involved 557 patients with HCC with PVTT who initially received chemoembolization (1997-2002; n = 295), chemoembolization and RT (2003-2008; n = 196), or sorafenib (2009-2012; n = 66) according to eligibility criteria among an initial population of 617. The three groups were divided into three pairs (chemoembolization vs chemoembolization/RT, chemoembolization vs sorafenib, and chemoembolization/RT vs sorafenib), and time to progression (TTP) and overall survival (OS) were compared by propensity-score analyses.

RESULTS

The chemoembolization/RT group had longer median TTP and OS than the chemoembolization-alone and sorafenib groups (P < .001). Multivariate Cox analysis revealed that chemoembolization/RT treatment was an independent predictor of favorable TTP and OS. In the matched cohort, median TTP and OS were significantly longer in the chemoembolization/RT group than the chemoembolization-alone group (102 pairs; TTP, 8.7 mo vs 3.6 mo [P < .001]; OS, 11.4 mo vs 7.4 mo [P = .023]) or the sorafenib group (30 pairs; TTP, 5.1 mo vs 1.6 mo [P < .001]; OS, 8.2 mo vs 3.2 mo [P < .001]), in agreement with the inverse probability of treatment weighted (IPTW) outcomes. In matching analyses, the chemoembolization-alone group had longer median TTP and OS than the sorafenib group (46 pairs; TTP, 3.4 mo vs 1.8 mo [P < .001]; OS, 5.9 mo vs 4.4 mo [P = .003]). There was no significant difference in terms of OS with the IPTW approach (P = .108), but there was one in terms of TTP (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Within the limitation of a retrospective study, the present data indicate that transarterial chemoembolization combined with RT could be considered as an alternative to the standard sorafenib in the treatment of patients with advanced-stage HCC with PVTT.

Transarterial chemoembolization for primary liver malignancies and colorectal liver metastasis

Management of liver malignancies, both primary and metastatic, requires a host of treatment modalities when attempting to prolong survival. Although surgical resection and transplantation continue to offer the best chance for a cure, most patients are not amenable to these therapies because of their advanced disease at presentation. Taking advantage of the unique blood supply of the liver, transarterial chemoembolization has emerged as an alternative and effective therapy for unresectable tumors. In this article, the current role along with future perspectives of transarterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma, intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, and colorectal liver metastasis are discussed.

Rationale of transcatheter intra-arterial therapies of hepatic cancers

Transcatheter, intra-arterial therapies for primary and metastatic hepatic malignancies comprise angiographically guided procedures that provide for the administration of tumoricidal agents directly to liver tumors. These locoregional therapies have demonstrated encouraging clinical outcomes for liver tumors that are otherwise not amenable or not responsive to standard surgical or systemic treatments. This article provides a review of transcatheter therapies for hepatic cancers and reported clinical outcomes.

Efficacy and nontarget effects of transarterial chemoembolization in bridging of hepatocellular carcinoma patients to liver transplantation: a histopathologic study

PURPOSE

To histologically evaluate the efficacy and nontarget effects induced by transarterial chemoembolization as a "bridge" treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) before liver transplantation (LT) and its relation to patient survival.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between October 2003 and January 2011, 51 patients with HCC underwent LT after chemoembolization with iodized oil, small spherical particles, and carboplatin. The decision for LT was made according to national guidelines. The efficacy and nontarget effects of chemoembolization were determined histologically in explanted livers, and their impact on patients' survival after LT was analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 126 chemoembolization procedures were performed in 51 patients; the median number of procedures per patient was three (range, one to six). The extent of HCC necrosis was less than or equal to 50% in 32% of treated HCCs, more than 50% and less than or equal to 90% in 17%, and more than 90%-99% in 14%; 38% showed complete necrosis of the lesion. The most common nontarget effects were focal necrosis of the liver parenchyma adjacent to the embolized HCC nodule (28%), intralesional (micro)abscess (26%), intralesional hemorrhage (22%), and peritumoral bile duct necrosis (12%). Based on histopathologic examination, 35% of patients had HCC that did not meet Milan criteria. None of these findings was significantly associated with patient survival after LT.

CONCLUSIONS

Transarterial chemoembolization induces histopathologically confirmed HCC necrosis with a high degree of efficacy, but histologically proven complete HCC necrosis was not predictive of survival in this cohort of patients. Although histopathologic examination revealed (clinically relevant) nontarget effects in a subset of patients, they did not impair survival.

Locoregional therapies for metastatic colorectal carcinoma to the liver--an evidence-based review

The liver is the most common visceral site of colorectal cancer metastasis and recurrence. Given that only 25% of patients with colorectal liver metastases are amenable to curative surgical resection at initial diagnosis, locoregional intra-arterial therapies including hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy, conventional transarterial chemoembolization, drug-eluting-bead transarterial chemoembolization, and radioembolization have increasingly developed as viable treatment options. The rationale, efficacy, safety, and toxicity of each of these therapies are reviewed and stratified based on current evidence.

Guidelines on the use of gelatin sponge particles in embolotherapy

Gelatin sponge (GS) is one of the most widely used embolic agents in interventional procedures. There are four commercially available GS products in Japan; however, the endovascular use of Gelfoam and Spongel is off-label, and Gelpart can only be used for hepatic artery embolization and Serescue can only be used for hemostasis of arterial bleeding. GS has been used for a variety of clinical indications, mainly tumor embolization and stopping massive arterial bleeding. The optimal size and preparation procedure of GS particles differs slightly for each clinical indication. In addition, there is a risk of ischemic and/or infectious complications associated with GS embolization in various situations. Therefore, radiologists should be familiar with not only the preparation and handling of GS particles, but also the disadvantages and potential risks, in order to perform GS embolization safely and effectively.

MDCT findings after hepatic chemoembolization with DC-beads: what the radiologist needs to know

Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization with drug-eluting beads (TACE-DC-beads) is a new local treatment for primary or metastatic liver tumors. Despite technical efforts to achieve highly selective embolization of the tumor-supplying vessels, small, or large insults to the non-tumorous parenchyma are inevitably induced by the embolic materials or procedure itself. Parenchymal changes following TACE-DC-beads include bile duct injuries (bile duct dilatation, periportal edema, and bilomas), obliteration of intrahepatic portal vein branches, hypodense ill-defined areas, and perilesional parenchymal enhancement. The radiologist must be familiar with the changes induced by this treatment in order to distinguish therapeutic effect and collateral findings from complications and residual or recurrent tumor.

Blood supply of the main bile duct from the caudate artery and medial subsegmental artery of the hepatic artery: Evaluation using images obtained during transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM

Main bile duct necrosis develops after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) through the caudate artery (A1) and medial subsegmental artery (A4) of the hepatic artery in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. The aim of this study was to evaluate the bile duct branch (BD branch) from A1 and A4.

METHODS

We evaluated the origin and vascular territory of the BD branch in 11 patients who underwent selective A1 and/or A4 arteriography using arteriograms, cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and CT obtained 1 week after TACE. Follow-up CT and/or magnetic resonance imaging were also evaluated.

RESULTS

The BD branch arose from the first branch (n = 4), the second branch (n = 1), and both the first and second branches (n = 1) of A1, and from the first branch of A4 (n = 5). It supplied the bilateral hepatic ducts and common hepatic duct (CHD) (n = 4), the right hepatic duct (RHD) and CHD (n = 2), RHD, CHD and common bile duct (n = 1), the left hepatic duct (LHD) and CHD (n = 2), and LHD alone (n = 2). Anastomosis between A1 or A4 and other branches was demonstrated in seven patients. Bile duct stricture developed in all nine patients 2-8 months after TACE of the BD branch and percutaneous transhepatic bile duct drainage and metallic stent placement was required in one because of jaundice.

CONCLUSION

The BD branch arises from the proximal portion of A1 and A4 and mainly supplies the hepatic ducts and CHD.

Chemoembolization and radioembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) continues to represent a major worldwide problem. Although treatments such as resection, transplantation, and ablation may provide a chance for a cure, these options are often precluded because of advanced disease presentation. Palliative treatments include transarterial embolization and systemic therapies. This review will summarize the state of the science for embolic therapies in HCC (conventional and drug-eluting chemoembolization, radioembolization) as well as discuss related topics including HCC staging, assessment of response, and ongoing clinical trials.

Endoscopic management of benign bile duct strictures

The use of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for treating benign biliary strictures has become the standard of practice, with surgery and percutaneous therapy reserved for selected patients. The gold-standard endoscopic therapy is dilation of the stricture followed by placing and exchanging progressively larger and more numerable plastic stents over a 1-year period. Newer modalities, including the use of fully covered metal stents, are currently under investigation in an effort to improve the treatment of benign biliary strictures.

Embolization of liver tumors: Past, present and future

Curative therapies for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), such as resection and liver transplantation, can only be applied in selected patients with early tumors. More advanced stages require local or systemic therapies. Resection of HCC offers the only hope for cure. Even in patients undergoing resection, recurrences are common. Chemoembolization, a technique combining intra-arterial chemotherapy with selective tumor ischemia, has been shown by randomized controlled trials to be efficacious in the palliative setting. There is now renewed interest in transarterial embolization/transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) with regards to its use as a palliative tool in a combined modality approach, as a neoadjuvant therapy, in bridging therapy before transplantation, for symptomatic indications, and even as an alternative to resection. There have also been rapid advances in the agents being embolized trans-arterially (genes, biological response modifiers, etc.). The current review provides an evidence-based overview of the past, present and future trends of TACE in patients with HCC.

Phase I/II multicenter study of transarterial chemoembolization with a cisplatin fine powder and porous gelatin particles for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: Japan Interventional Radiology in Oncology Study Group Study 0401

PURPOSE

A multicenter phase I/II study of transarterial chemoembolization with a fine cisplatin powder and gelatin particles (GPs) for multifocal hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was conducted. Primary endpoints were dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) and recommended dose (RD). Secondary endpoints were the incidence and severity of adverse events and tumor response.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Nonselective transarterial chemoembolization was performed until all tumor enhancement disappeared. Lipiodol was not used. In the phase I study, the cisplatin dose was escalated from 35 mg/m(2) to 65 mg/m(2) in 15-mg/m(2) increments to determine DLT and RD. In the phase II study, 40 patients were treated with the RD. Toxicity was assessed by Common Toxicity Criteria for Adverse Effects (version 3.0), and tumor response was evaluated by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST; version 1.0) and European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) criteria.

RESULTS

A total of 46 patients were enrolled. As no DLT occurred at any dose level in the phase I study, RD was determined as 65 mg/m(2). In the phase II study, the treatment was discontinued in one patient as a result of vasovagal response. Toxicities of grade 3 or higher included nausea (2.2%), pancreatitis (2.2%), cholecystitis (2.2%), thrombocytopenia (8.7%), hyperbilirubinemia (2.2%), and increased aspartate aminotransferase (28.3%) and alanine aminotransferase (21.7%) levels. Tumor response rates under RD were 25.6% and 64.1% by RECIST and EASL criteria, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Nonselective transarterial chemoembolization with fine cisplatin powder and GPs was well tolerated and effective in patients with multifocal HCC at the RD of 65 mg/m(2).

Chemoembolization with drug-eluting beads complicated by intrahepatic biloma

Chemoembolization with drug-eluting beads is a type of locoregional therapy currently being used for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma and metastatic disease to the liver. This treatment has proven effectiveness in controlling tumor growth, extending survival time, and improving quality of life. Chemoembolization with drug-eluting beads have been shown to be safe, but like any other invasive procedure, can have associated complications. The authors present a case of intrahepatic biloma formation occurring as a result of treatment with drug-eluting beads.

Phase II study of chemoembolization with drug-eluting beads in patients with hepatic neuroendocrine metastases: high incidence of biliary injury

PURPOSE

To evaluate safety in an interim analysis of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) with doxorubicin-eluting beads (DEB) in 13 patients with hepatic metastases from neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) as part of a phase II trial.

METHODS

Institutional Review Board approval and informed consent were obtained. Thirteen patients completed preliminary safety analysis. Their mean age was 65 years, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group status was 0/1, tumor burden range was 4-75 %, and mean targeted tumor size was 5.9 cm. Up to four DEB-TACE sessions (100-300 μm beads loaded with ≤100 mg doxorubicin) within 6 months were allowed. Tumor response was assessed by magnetic resonance imaging 1 month after treatment using contrast-enhancement [European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) and size Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST)] criteria. Safety was assessed by National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria.

RESULTS

DEB-TACE was successfully performed in all 13 patients. At 1 month follow-up, there was a mean 12 % decrease in tumor size (p < 0.0003) and a 56 % decrease in tumor enhancement (p < 0.0001). By EASL criteria, the targeted lesion objective response rate was 78 %. Grade 3 to 4 toxicities were fatigue (23 %), increased alanine amino transferase (15 %), hyperglycemia (15 %), and abdominal pain (8 %). Seven patients developed bilomas (54 %); all of these patients had multiple small (<4 cm) lesions. Subsequently, four underwent percutaneous drainage, three for abscess formation and one for symptoms related to mass effect.

CONCLUSIONS

Although biloma and liver abscess are known risks after TACE, the high incidence in our study population was unexpected and forced interruption of the trial. Although this occurred in a small group of patients, we have changed our technique and patient selection as a result of these findings, thus allowing resumption of the trial.

Radioembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma complicated by biliary stricture

The authors present a case of radiation-induced biliary stricture following yttrium-90 ((90)Y) radioembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma. Biliary complications (e.g., biliary stricture, biliary necrosis, biloma) following radioembolization and other locoregional therapies are uncommon and usually managed conservatively. In instances when biliary injury is refractory to medical management, as in the case presented herein, endoscopic, percutaneous, or surgical intervention may be required. Timely diagnosis of biliary complications with correlation to liver function permits optimal clinical management of patients undergoing (90)Y radioembolization.

Covered metallic stent for ischemic hilar biliary stricture

Compared with surgery, endoscopic treatment is safe and highly effective for a postoperative hilar benign bile duct stricture (BDS). However, the long-term outcome of conventional placement of a single biliary stent for hilar benign BDS is generally poor. Although the placement of multiple biliary stents is preferred, multiple stenting in a BDS is difficult. Alternatively, single or multiple stent placement above the papilla ('inside stent') or fully-covered self-expandable metallic stents (SEMS) are feasible approaches for benign BDS. Nevertheless, controversy remains regarding whether and how to perform endoscopic biliary drainage for a hilar benign BDS. In patients with hilar benign BDS, endoscopic biliary drainage can be performed by placing conventional plastic stents across the papilla, plastic stents above the papilla or fully-covered SEMS. Individualized treatment should be considered. We report the placement of a fully-covered SEMS for a hilar benign biliary stricture after extended left hepatectomy.

Liver/biliary injuries following chemoembolisation of endocrine tumours and hepatocellular carcinoma: lipiodol vs. drug-eluting beads

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Transarterial chemoembolisation (TACE) is usually performed by injecting an emulsion of a drug and iodised oil. Drug-eluting beads (DEBs) have undeniable pharmacological advantages by offering simultaneous embolisation and sustained release of the drug to the tumour. No data are currently available on liver/biliary injury following DEB-TACE. This study describes and compares liver/biliary injuries encountered with TACE in tumours developed in cirrhotic (hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)) and non-cirrhotic (endocrine tumours (NETs)) livers.

METHODS

In consecutive patients treated for a well-differentiated metastatic NET (n=120) or a HCC (n=88), 684 CT- and MR-scans were analysed. Liver/biliary injuries were classified as follows: dilated bile duct, portal vein narrowing, portal venous thrombosis and biloma/liver infarct. A generalised estimating equation logistic regression model was used.

RESULTS

A liver/biliary injury followed 17.2% (82/476) of sessions in 30.8% (64/208) of patients. The occurrence of liver/biliary injury was associated with DEB-TACE (OR=6.63; p<0.001) irrespectively of the tumour type. Biloma/parenchymal infarct was strongly associated with both DEB-TACE (OR=9.78; p=0.002) and NETs (OR: 8.13; p=0.04). Biloma/liver infarcts were managed conservatively but were associated with an increase in serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatases, and gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (p=0.005, p=0.005, p=0.012, and p=0.006, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Liver/biliary injuries are independently associated with DEB-TACE. Biloma/liver infarct, the most serious injury, is independently associated with both DEB-TACE and NETs. The absence of such an association in TACE of HCC may be explained by the hypertrophied peribiliary plexus observed in cirrhosis, which protects against the ischemic/chemical insult of bile ducts. We suggest caution when using DEB-TACE in the non-cirrhotic liver.

Prospective evaluation of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) with multiple anti-cancer drugs (epirubicin, cisplatin, mitomycin c, 5-fluorouracil) compared with TACE with epirubicin for treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma

PURPOSE

To compare the efficacy of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) using multiple anticancer drugs (epirubicin, cisplatin, mitomycin C, and 5-furuorouracil: Multi group) with TACE using epirubicin (EP group) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study design was a single-center, prospective, randomized controlled trial. Patients with unrespectable HCC confined to the liver, unsuitable for radiofrequency ablation, were assigned to the Multi group or the EP group. We assessed radiographic response as the primary endpoint; secondary endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS), safety, and hepatic branch artery abnormality (Grade I, no damage or mild vessel wall irregularity; Grade II, overt stenosis; Grade III, occlusion; Grades II and III indicated significant hepatic artery damage). A total of 51 patients were enrolled: 24 in the Multi group vs. 27 in the EP group.

RESULTS

No significant difference in HCC patient background was found between the groups. Radiographic response, PFS, and 1- and 2-year overall survival of the Multi vs. EP group were 54% vs. 48%, 6.1 months vs. 8.7 months, and 95% and 65% vs. 85% and 76%, respectively, with no significant difference. Significantly greater Grade 3 transaminase elevation was found in the Multi group (p = 0.023). Hepatic artery abnormality was observed in 34% of the Multi group and in 17.1% of the EP group (p = 0.019).

CONCLUSION

TACE with multiple anti-cancer drugs was tolerable but appeared not to contribute to an increase in radiographic response or PFS, and caused significantly more hepatic arterial abnormalities compared with TACE with epirubicin alone.

Complications of embolization

Embolization is a remarkably versatile procedure used in nearly all vascular and nonvascular systems to treat a wide range of pathology. The published literature is rich with studies demonstrating the enormous therapeutic potential offered by embolization procedures, and the possibilities continue to expand with the advent of new embolization agents and techniques. Unfortunately, with this variety and innovation comes a wide spectrum of potential complications, not always easy to classify and summarize, associated with embolization. This article reviews the procedures and associated complications of arterial and venous embolization procedures, organized by vascular distribution.