Uterine Artery Embolization after Internal Iliac Artery Ligation

Uterine artery embolization (UAE) is one of the primary therapies to treat symptomatic uterine fibroids. Even if the patient underwent internal iliac artery ligation during a massive pelvic hemorrhage or peripartum bleeding previously, UAE can be done through the collaterals for any other reasons.

We report a 44-year-old woman who underwent UAE for symptomatic multiple uterine fibroids after internal iliac artery ligation with collaterals originating from the left external iliac artery. We briefly present the case's details and review collaterals pathways after left internal iliac artery ligation that might be encountered during UAE.

Selective arterial embolization of aneurysmal bone cyst in the pubic bone: A possible primary treatment

Aneurysmal bone cyst is a benign highly vascular lesion that occurs in children. Traditionally ABCs were treated by surgical resection. However, lesions at difficult to access anatomical locations such as the pelvis have higher morbidity when treated surgically. Recently with the advances in endovascular treatment selective arterial embolization became a promising option for primary treatment of ABC. The authors present a case of a 14-year-old female with a pelvic ABC that was successfully treated by selective arterial embolization. Selective arterial embolization is a cost-efficient way of managing ABC especially in cases where surgical treatment carries high risk.

Uterine Artery Embolization Improves Quality of Life in Patients with Pure Adenomyosis: A Single‑Center Experience

Aim: The aim of the study was to assess clinical outcomes following uterine artery embolization (UAE) in the treatment of dysmenorrhea and menorrhagia related to pure adenomyosis. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of 14 patients with dysmenorrhea and menorrhagia related to pure adenomyosis treated with UAE using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) between January 2017 and September 2019. The baseline and 3-month and 12-month postintervention outcomes were assessed using Uterine Fibroid Symptom-Health-Related Quality of Life Questionnaire (UFS-QOL), Symptom Severity Score (SSS), and magnetic resonance imaging findings. The median age of the patients was 47 years (28–55). The main clinical presentation was dysmenorrhea and menorrhagia, with a median duration of symptom of 24 (12–84) months. All patients received combined estrogen-progestin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs prior to UAE without clinical improvement. Results: According to UFS-QOL and SSS results, the score for distress level was statistically significantly reduced from baseline 4.6 (3.6–5) to 2.25 (1–3.37) (P = 0. 018) after 3 months, and remained stable 12 months later. The score of symptom level was statistically significantly reduced from 4 (3.6–5) at baseline to 1.6 (1–3.58) (P = 0. 018) after 3 months with maintained clinical satisfaction after 12-month follow-up. The junctional zone was statistically significantly reduced from baseline with a median of 33.5 mm (19–79 mm) to 25 mm (8–77 mm) after 3 and 12 months (P = 0.046). The incidence of post-UAE permanent amenorrhea is 71% with a mean age of 49 years. No patient underwent hysterectomy during the follow-up period. Conclusion: UAE using PVA can improve the quality of life in patients with menorrhagia and dysmenorrhea related to adenomyosis. However, larger prospective studies are needed to establish the long-term outcomes and risk of amenorrhea.

Portosystemic Encephalopathy in a Noncirrhotic Patient Treated by Vascular Plug Embolization of Mesoiliac Shunt

Mesoiliac shunts in the absence of liver cirrhosis are rarely reported as a cause of hyperammonemia with encephalopathy. Here, we report the case of a 65-year-old female patient with no history of liver disease, who developed significant confusion. Workup showed hyperammonemia and encephalopathy due to spontaneous mesoiliac shunt with no imaging signs of portal hypertension. Liver biopsy showed no evidence of cirrhosis. The shunt was occluded using a vascular plug, resulting in complete resolution of symptoms with no recurrence at 8-year follow-up.

Endovascular Management of Symptomatic Hypervascular Endometrial Polyposis in a Virgin Patient

We report a case of uterine artery embolization (UAE) of endometrial polyposis in a 42-year-old virgin female who had a 10-year history of menorrhagia resulting in with chronic anemia. Endometrial polyps resolved and patient's symptoms improved with no recurrence at 18-month follow-up pelvic magnetic resonance imaging. This case presents UAE as an alternative option for the management of endometrial polyps in patients who decline surgical or hysteroscopic options.

Doxorubicin-loaded drug-eluting beads versus conventional transarterial chemoembolization for nonresectable hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND/AIMS

To compare the efficacy and safety profile of doxorubicin-loaded drug-eluting beads (DEB) to the conventional TACE (C-TACE) in the management of nonresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

All patients with nonresectable HCC who underwent either c-TACE or DEB-TACE during the period 2006-2014 and fulfilled the inclusion criteria were included in this retrospective study. Primary endpoints were tumor response rate at first imaging follow up, treatment-related liver toxicity, and treatment emergent adverse events (TEAE).

RESULTS

Thirty-five patients (51 procedures) in the DEB-TACE group and 19 patients (25 procedures) in the c-TACE group were included in the analysis. The median follow up time was 61 days (range 24-538 days) in the DEB-TACE group and 86 days (range 3-152 days) for the c-TACE group patients. Complete response (CR), objective response (OR), disease control (DC), and progressive disease (PD) rates were 11%, 24%, 17%, and 47%, respectively, in the DEB = TACE group compared with 4%, 32%, 28%, and 36%, respectively, in the c-TACE group. Mean ALT change from baseline was minimal in the DEB-TACE patients compared with c-TACE group (7.2 vs 79.4 units, P = 0.001). Hospital stay was significantly shorter in the DEB-TACE group (7.8 days vs 11.4 days; P = 0.038). The 2-year survival rate was 60% for the c-TACE patients and 58% for the DEB-TACE (P = 0.4).

CONCLUSIONS

DEB-TACE compared with c-TACE is associated with lesser liver toxicity benefit, better tolerance, and shorter hospital stay. The two modalities however had similar survival and efficacy benefits.