Endovascular approaches in pediatric interventional oncology

Aggressive Giant Extraskeletal Aneurysmal Bone Cyst of the Thigh: Overcoming Challenges with a Multidisciplinary Approach

Aneurysmal bone cysts are vascular benign fibroblastic lesions usually found in bone that are locally destructive, with a greater incidence in the first and second decades of life. Patients usually undergo curettage or, less frequently, surgical resection, which may lead to growth disturbances and deformities in cases of large or complex lesions. Minimally invasive techniques such as sclerotherapy and endovascular embolization have been developed as an alternative or complement to surgery, with promising results. The authors present a rare case of an extraskeletal aneurysmal bone cyst successfully treated with minimally invasive techniques followed by surgical resection and provide a literature review of the current treatment options.

Interventional oncology in children: Where are we now?

Paediatric Interventional Oncology (IO) lags behind adult IO due to a scarcity of specific outcome data. The suboptimal way to evolve this field is relying heavily on adult experiences. The distinct tumour types prevalent in children, such as extracranial germ cell tumours, sarcomas, and neuroblastoma, differ strongly from those found in adults, presenting a completely different biological behaviour. Compounding this challenge, paediatric interventional radiology often employs adapted or off-label techniques, potentially compromising optimal outcomes. This review outlines the present indications for interventional radiology in paediatric cancer, from biopsy to supportive care, including complication management. It emphasises the role of locoregional approaches, and explores the status of common paediatric oncological diseases, highlighting areas where IO has made progress identifying potential opportunities for future advancements in this evolving field.

Feeding artery characteristics and enhancement patterns of hepatoblastoma patients treated with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE): Digital subtraction angiography evaluation

Hepatoblastoma is one of the most common primary malignant liver tumors in children. The incidence of hepatoblastoma has been increasing, reaching 1.2 per million children now. The transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) procedure is one of the most practical and effective treatment options besides surgery. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is performed as the first step of the TACE procedure. The aim of this study was to provide information about the feeding arteries and enhancement pattern of the hepatoblastoma that was assessed by DSA before the TACE procedure. A retrospective study was conducted among hepatoblastoma cases that had undergone DSA on the TACE procedure to obtain information on the vascularity of the tumor. A total of 26 hepatoblastoma cases who had DSA examination as a part of their first TACE procedure were included, consisting of 15 boys and 11 girls, aged between 1-15 years. All cases were stage III and IV according to the Pre-Treatment Extent of Tumor (PRETEXT) staging classification. All hepatoblastoma cases had multiple feeding arteries, most of which were branches of the right hepatic artery. The largest diameter of the feeding artery was 1.82 mm, and the smallest was 0.63 mm. Most cases (84.62%) had strong contrast absorption, and spread evenly, either at the edges or in the center of the tumor. DSA is believed to be an accurate procedure to provide a detailed description of the feeding artery; enhancement patterns of hepatoblastoma were influenced by an adequate TACE.

Embolization in Pediatric Patients: A Comprehensive Review of Indications, Procedures, and Clinical Outcomes

Embolization in pediatric patients encompasses a large spectrum of indications, ranging from the elective treatment of congenital diseases of the cardiovascular system to the urgent management of acute hemorrhagic conditions. In particular, the endovascular treatment of central and peripheral vascular malformations and hypervascular tumors represents a wide chapter for both congenital and acquired situations. Thanks to the progressive availability of low-profile endovascular devices and new embolic materials, the mini-invasive approach has gradually overtaken surgery. In this review, the main embolization procedures will be illustrated and discussed, with a focus on clinical indications and expected outcomes. The most recent mini-invasive techniques will be described, with hints on the cutting-edge devices and embolic materials.