Angioscopic evaluation of vascular healing at 1 and 12 months after drug-coated stent implantation

Background

Polymer- and carrier-free Biolimus-A9-coated stent (DCS) is expected better vascular healing compared with conventional durable polymer drug-eluting stents (DES). Moreover, DCS had been demonstrated in clinical trials to allow one-month short dual antiplatelet therapy, which might achieve sufficient healing at only 1 month after implantation. However, the process of vascular healing after DCS implantation has not been elucidated by angioscopic observation.

Purpose

To evaluate the process of vascular healing at 1 month and 12 months after DCS implantation.

Methods

This study included 57 patients treated with DCS or durable polymer everolimus-eluting stents (EES) in our hospital from April 2017 to April 2019. Firstly, the angioscopic findings of DCS at 1 month (n=16) and 12 months (n=14) after implantation were respectively compared with EES at 12 months after implantation (EES-12, n=35) as a standard healing status of DES. Secondary, angioscopic findings of DCS at 1 month and 12 months after implantation were compared among the serially observed eight patients. Neointimal coverage (NIC) grade, yellow colour grade, and the presence of thrombus were evaluated. NIC grade was classified as grade 0 (no neointimal coverage), grade 1 (struts were bulged into lumen but covered), grade 2 (struts were embedded in the neointima but visible), or grade 3 (struts were fully embedded and invisible). Yellow colour grade was classified as grade 0 (white), grade 1 (light yellow), grade 2 (yellow), or grade 3 (intensive yellow).

Results

At 1 month after DCS implantation, dominant NIC grade was lower (0.3±0.5 vs. 1.5±0.7, p<0.001) and the frequency of thrombus was higher (38% vs. 6%, p=0.008) than EES-12. On the other hands, at 12 months after DCS implantation, dominant NIC grade was higher (2.1±0.6 vs. 1.5±0.7, p=0.013) and the frequency of thrombus was not different (7% vs. 6%, p=1.000) in comparison with EES-12. By serial observation of DCS, dominant NIC grade was higher at 12 months than at 1 month (2.3±0.5 vs. 0.4±0.5, p<0.001), while yellow colour grade (1.0±0.5 vs. 1.5±1.2, p=0.227) and the frequency of thrombus adhesion (0% vs. 38%, p=0.200) were not different.

Conclusion

Compared with EES-12, vascular healing of DCS was inferior at 1 month but superior at 12 months.

Figure 1

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

P3587Tip detection method using the new short-tip IVUS with pull-back system which facilitates the 3D wiring technique in percutaneous coronary intervention for chronic total occlusion

Background

The strategy of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS)-guided wiring for CTO PCI, that is, leading the second guidewire into the true lumen under observing by IVUS from subintimal space, is the last resort. We developed the angiography-based 3D wiring method. During establishment of the angiography-based 3D wiring method, we deduced that observation of the guidewire tip as well as the shaft named “The tip detection method” simplifies and facilitates 3D wiring under IVUS-guided wiring. Therefore, we produced New CTO IVUS which is the upgraded version of Navifocus WR IVUS by adding the pull-back transducer system. This pull-back system enables us to detect the tip as well as the shaft of the second guidewire in real time (tip detection method), which facilitates the 3D wiring technique under IVUS-guided wiring.

Objective

We evaluated the efficacy of the tip detection method during 3D wiring for CTO PCI with New CTO IVUS.

Method

We created a target pinpoint penetration model and performed the procedures using an experimental heartbeat model. The target (a tube with a lumen 0.6 mm in diameter) was placed in the distal part of a CTO 20 mm in length made of 2.5% agar. After the second guidewire (Conquest-12g) was advanced into the CTO lesion to within 5mm of the target using the angiography-based wiring, IVUS-guided wiring was performed by using Navifocus WR or New CTO IVUS each five times.

Result

The frequency of the puncture time was reduced using the new CTO IVUS compared to the Navifocus WR (1.7±0.8 vs. 28.8±23.2, p=0.17). The procedure time was significantly shorter using the new CTO IVUS compared to the Navifocus WR (103±61 vs. 459±373 seconds, p=0.04).

Conclusion

The tip detection method during 3D wiring with the new short tip IVUS with the pull-back system enables us to easily perform 3D wiring and will change the CTO PCI strategy.

Aberrant Right Gastric Vein Directly Communicating with Left Portal Vein System

In 3 patients with primary hepatic malignancies, a communication between the right gastric vein and the left portal vein system was recognized at angiography. The right gastric vein entered directly into the left lateral portal veins in 2 patients and into the left medial portal veins in one. Portal angio-CT performed in one patient demonstrated a specific defect only in the left lateral superior area of the liver, consistent with the segmental opacification of the portal vein branch recognized on the angiogram. This rare communication was seen in 3 (1.5%) of 200 consecutive patients who underwent celiac angiography and is most likely an anomaly in which the right gastric vein directly enters the left portal vein instead of the portal vein trunk. When interpreting a filling defect not associated with a mass lesion on portal angio-CT for hepatic neoplasms or the right gastric vein communicating with the left portal vein system on the angiogram, this particular anomaly should be considered.

Recurrence-free survival more than 10 years after liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

High recurrence rates after liver resection with curative intent for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain a problem. The characterization of long-term survivors without recurrence after liver resection may help improve the therapeutic strategy for HCC.

METHODS

A nationwide Japanese database was used to analyse 20 811 patients with HCC who underwent liver resection with curative intent.

RESULTS

The 10-year recurrence-free survival rate after liver resection for HCC with curative intent was 22.4 per cent. Some 281 patients were recurrence-free after more than 10 years. The HCCs measured less than 5 cm in 83.2 per cent, a single lesion was present in 91.7 per cent, and a simple nodular macroscopic appearance was found in 73.3 per cent of these patients; histologically, most HCCs showed no vascular invasion or intrahepatic metastases. Multivariable analysis revealed tumour differentiation as the strongest predictor of death from recurrent HCC within 5 years.

CONCLUSION

Long-term recurrence-free survival is possible after liver resection for HCC, particularly in patients with a single lesion measuring less than 5 cm with a simple nodular appearance and low tumour marker levels.

Targeted transarterial oily chemoembolization for small foci of hepatocellular carcinoma using a unified helical CT and angiography system: analysis of factors affecting local recurrence and survival rates

OBJECTIVE

We assessed the local recurrence rate after a single targeted transarterial oily chemoembolization for small hepatocellular carcinoma with the unified helical CT and angiography system and analyzed the factors affecting the local recurrence rate and survival rate with Cox proportional hazards model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

For 54 consecutive patients with 71 small hepatocellular carcinomas (< or = 5 cm) with no more than two associated lesions, targeted oily chemoembolization was performed with an emulsion of doxorubicin hydrochloride mixed with iodized oil or a suspension of zinostatin stimalamer followed by gelatin sponge particles. When local recurrence or a new lesion appeared, follow-up targeted oily chemoembolization was performed.

RESULTS

For 52 of 71 lesions, the catheterization to a subsegmental or more distal feeding artery could be performed. Local recurrence was recognized in 33.2% at 1 year and 37.8% at 2 and 3 years. The significant factors that affected local recurrence were tumor size (p = 0.005) and degree of deposition of iodized oil within the lesion (p = 0.049). The survival rates at 1, 2, and 3 years were 93.3%, 77.1%, and 77.1%, respectively. The significant factors affecting survival rate were tumor thrombus in large vessels (p = 0.0001), appearing after the first chemoembolization, and maximum tumor size (p = 0.022).

CONCLUSION

Single targeted transarterial oily chemoembolization with the unified helical CT and angiography system had a low local recurrence rate for small hepatocellular carcinoma, and follow-up embolization resulted in a good survival rate. Tumor size along with degree of intratumoral iodized oil deposition and tumor thrombus along with maximum tumor size were significant factors affecting local recurrence and survival rate, respectively.

Comparison of CT findings with resected specimens after chemoembolization with iodized oil for hepatocellular carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

We assessed the role of dynamic CT in the evaluation of the efficacy of transarterial chemoembolization with iodized oil for hepatocellular carcinoma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We examined 41 hepatocellular carcinoma lesions (mean diameter, 5.0 cm) in 40 patients (mean age, 60.6 years) who underwent transarterial injection of iodized oil alone (n = 3) or emulsion of iodized oil and doxorubicin hydrochloride (n = 10) followed by gelatin sponge particles (n = 27) and subsequent hepatectomy. On dynamic CT performed within 3 weeks before oily transarterial chemoembolization and within 4 weeks before surgery, we calculated the rate of necrosis on the basis of the assumption that the portion that retained iodized oil represented necrosis. We also calculated the reduction rate of the tumor. CT findings were compared with pathologic findings of resected specimens.

RESULTS

Pathologic specimens and the necrosis rate measured on CT showed a good correlation (r = 0.83) when the portion of tumor that retained iodized oil was considered necrosis. No correlation existed if the portion that retained iodized oil was considered viable. We noted no significant correlation (r = 0.38) between the reduction rate of the tumor and necrosis rate. Also, we noted no correlation (r = 0.52) between the interval between transarterial oily chemoembolization and surgery and the reduction rate of the tumor.

CONCLUSION

CT is suitable for the evaluation of the efficacy of oily chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma on the basis of the assumption that the portion of tumor that retains iodized oil is necrotic. The rate of tumor size reduction measured on CT did not correlate with the therapeutic effect of chemoembolization.

CT fluoroscopy-assisted needle puncture and ethanol injection for hepatocellular carcinoma: a preliminary study

OBJECTIVE

We assessed the usefulness of real-time CT fluoroscopy for needle guidance and evaluated the clinical usefulness of a unified CT fluoroscopy and angiography system in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A single-session percutaneous ethanol injection was performed with CT fluoroscopy guidance and monitoring for 15 hepatocellular carcinomas with an average size of 2.5 cm (range, 0.7-4.7 cm) in 10 consecutive patients. Of these, seven lesions were not seen on sonography. To mark the lesion for puncture, we performed CT arteriography or arterial injection of iodized oil. A puncture guide was applied to 12 lesions.

RESULTS

The average depth from the skin's surface to the lesion was 9.3 cm (range, 4.5-11.5 cm), and the puncture route was transthoracic in five lesions and transabdominal in 13. The overall success rate in puncturing the lesions was 94.4% (17/18 sessions). The average number of punctures was 3.3, and it significantly decreased after introduction of a puncture guide compared with freehand puncture (p < .01). The average amount of injected ethanol was 12.7 ml (range, 4-27 ml). The ratio of injected ethanol dose to calculated ethanol dose was 0.6. Local recurrence occurred in four (26.7%) of 15 lesions after an average of 5 months.

CONCLUSION

Using CT fluoroscopy for guidance of the needle and for monitoring ethanol infusion in the target lesion, we have found single-session percutaneous ethanol injection to be possible for hepatocellular carcinomas smaller than 5 cm or not revealed by sonography. The puncture guidance equipment was helpful for accurate insertion of the needle into the lesion, allowing a minimum number of punctures and minimal radiation exposure.

Haemodynamic changes in non-alcoholic (viral) liver cirrhosis studied by computed tomography (CT) arterial portography and CT arteriography

AIMS

To evaluate haemodynamic and vascular changes in non-alcoholic (viral) cirrhosis on conventional computed tomography (CT), CT arteriography (CTA) and CT arterial portography (CTAP), and to determine the cause of the observed reticular stain on angiography.

METHODS

Using surgically resected liver specimens from 31 patients with viral hepatitis associated hepatocellular carcinoma, images of conventional CT, CTA, CTAP and the sinusoidal phase of hepatic arteriography were retrospectively analysed and compared with pathology of the non-cancerous portion of the liver.

RESULTS

Computed tomography arteriography showed inhomogeneous enhancement (diffuse, low-density nodules) in a total of 16 samples (52%); in eight of 10 (80%) cirrhotic livers, three of six (50%) precirrhotic livers, five of 12 (42%) livers with chronic active hepatitis and none of three with no active liver disease. The frequency of inhomogeneous enhancement became significantly higher with increasing severity of parenchymal damage (P < 0.05). In contrast, conventional CT and CTAP showed homogeneous enhancement in all 31 (100%) patients. There was no correlation between inhomogeneous enhancement on CTA and reticular staining on sinusoidal-phase hepatic angiograms. Inhomogeneous enhancement was frequently seen in patients with hepatitis B surface antigen and/or anti-hepatitis C virus antibody compared with those without them (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The CTA was much more sensitive in detecting haemodynamic changes in the cirrhotic liver than CTAP, conventional CT and sinusoidal-phased hepatic angiography. Further study is required to clarify the mechanism of inhomogeneous enhancement on CTA and homogeneous enhancement on CTAP seen in cirrhosis.

Early hepatocellular carcinoma as an entity with a high rate of surgical cure

Early hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been defined as a well-differentiated cancer containing Glisson's triad, but it remains unknown whether this lesion is curable. We prospectively studied 70 patients (enrolled from 1,172 referrals between 1982 and 1991) who had a diagnosis of a single HCC 2 cm or less in diameter (Stage T1) and who underwent curative hepatectomy and long-term follow-up (range, 0.2 to 14.3 years). Patients were eligible for surgery if they had a tumor that met the diagnostic criteria for HCC and were in Child-Pugh class A (n = 59) or B (n = 11) status. Among the 70 patients, there was 1 operative death. Based on our typing system, the tumors were assigned as early HCC (n = 15), overt HCC (n = 52), and non-HCC tumor (n = 3). The rate of microscopic regional spread was lower in early HCCs than in overt HCCs (7% vs. 42%; P = .01). The early HCC group had a longer time to recurrence than did the overt HCC group (3.9 vs. 1.7 years; P < .001) and had no local recurrence. After a median follow-up of 6.3 years, both overall survival and recurrence-free survival in the early HCC group were significantly better than those in the overt HCC group (P = .01; P = .001). In these two groups, the 5-year rates of overall survival were 93% and 54% (P = .01), and those of recurrence-free survival were 47% and 16% (P = .05), respectively; a significant survival benefit persisted over a decade (57% vs. 21%; P = .05). The early HCC group was at a lower risk of recurrence (relative risk, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.15 to 0.65; P = .002) and death (relative risk, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.09 to 0.73; P = .01) than was the overt HCC group. Early HCC is a distinct clinical entity with a high rate of surgical cure, thereby justifying its definition. It can be a lesion that corresponds to "Stage 0" cancer in other organs.

Transarterial chemotherapy with zinostatin stimalamer for hepatocellular carcinoma

Zinostatin stimalamer (SMANCS) is a lipophilic intra-arterial chemotherapeutic agent for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Thirty HCC patients underwent transcatheter arterial injection of 4 mg SMANCS-lipiodol emulsion. Their responses were evaluated by computed tomography 1 month after treatment. Complete response (CR) was defined as disappearance or 100% necrosis of all tumors. Partial response (PR) was defined as > or = 50% reduction and/or > or = 50% necrosis. We regarded the lipiodol accumulation in tumors as being necrotic. CR and PR were observed in 8 patients (27%) and 4 patients (13%), respectively, and the overall response rate (CR + PR/all patients) was 40% (12/30). Of 12 patients whose serum alpha-fetoprotein levels had been more than 200 ng/ml before treatment, 5 patients (42%) showed more than 50% reduction in this level within 1 month after treatment. Toxicity was quite acceptable, although grade 4 toxicity (WHO) was observed as liver dysfunction in 1 patient. Transarterial chemotherapy with SMANCS, which is well tolerated, appears to have moderate antitumor effect in patients with HCC.

Imaging of large early and early advanced hepatocellular carcinomas of more than 5 cm in diameter: report of two cases

In an attempt to clarify the imaging characteristics of large early and early advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), we present two such cases which were greater than 5 cm in diameter. One case had four early HCCs and the other had early advanced HCC which was followed for five years and nine months. Multiphasic CT, CT arteriography (CTA), CT arterial portography (CTAP), and MR imaging were performed. Early HCC was shown as a low density mass by multiphasic contrast CT, CTAP and as a hyperintense mass on a T1-weighted image (WI) and isointense on T2WI. Early advanced HCC was demonstrated as a hypodense mass with hyperenhancing interior nodules on CTA, and isodense with hypodense internal foci on CTAP. One follow-up case showed a multi-step progression from early to early advanced HCC, and finally to overtly advanced HCC. Despite the unusually large size of these two tumors, the findings of multiphasic CT, CTA, CTAP, and MR imaging were consistent with those seen in common-sized (less than 2 cm) early and early advanced HCCs. Multi-step progression of hepatocarcinogenesis was observed in one case.

Pheochromocytoma growing exophytically from the right adrenal gland and invaginating into the liver

A 5-cm pheochromocytoma located in segment 7 of the liver was found incidentally in a 45-year-old man with mild diabetes mellitus and hypertension, and resected. The tumor was demonstrated by computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging to have completely invaginated itself into the liver and to be receiving blood from a dilated right hepatic artery alone. Surgery revealed the hepatic mass to be tightly adherent to the right adrenal gland. The histopathologic diagnosis was pheochromocytoma growing exophytically from the right adrenal gland. There was no association with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 and type 2. A postoperative 131I metaiodobenzylguanidine scan revealed no accumulation, and the patient is currently doing well without recurrence or hypertension one year after the operation. A pheochromocytoma deeply invaginating into the liver should be considered in the differential diagnosis of primary hypervascular hepatic tumors.

Hepatocellular carcinoma with gastrointestinal hemorrhage caused by direct tumor invasion to the duodenum

Gastrointestinal hemorrhage from hepatocellular carcinoma invading the duodenum is very rare. A 60-year-old man with multiple hepatocellular carcinoma was admitted to our hospital because of massive melena and hematemesis. We succeeded in hemostasis of an esophageal variceal rupture by endoscopic varicial ligation. The duodenum could not be observed endoscopically due to extramural compression to the stomach from the liver tumor. Massive gastrointestinal hemorrhage occurred again and the patient died of hepatic failure. The postmortem examination revealed that the liver tumor had invaded the second portion of the duodenum and perforated into the lumen.

Hepatic tumor invasion of bile ducts: wedge-shaped sign on MR images

PURPOSE

To clarify the diagnostic importance of wedge-shaped areas of increased signal intensity that surround liver tumors on T1-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) images.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In five patients with hepatic tumors, T1-weighted MR images that demonstrated wedge-shaped areas of increased signal intensity in the liver were reviewed; findings were compared with those at surgical and histologic examinations.

RESULTS

MR images showed localized intrahepatic bile duct dilatation lateral (three patients) and medial (two patients) to liver tumors within the wedge-shaped areas. At histopathologic examination, intraductal tumor growth was seen in local bile ducts in the same areas in five patients, and lipofuscin deposits were seen in the cytoplasm of atrophic hepatocytes in three patients.

CONCLUSION

On T1-weighted images, wedge-shaped areas of increased signal intensity associated with liver tumors indicate intraductal tumor extension in intrahepatic bile ducts. T1 shortening is possibly caused by lipofuscin deposits in atrophic hepatocytes.

Retroperitoneal schwannoma mimicking hepatic tumor in the caudate lobe

We report a 41-year-old woman with a retroperitoneal schwannoma mimicking hepatic tumor in the caudate lobe. Dynamic computed tomography in the early phase showed an enhanced tumor (2.7 cm in diameter) in the Spiegel lobe of the liver, which compressed the inferior vena cava (IVC). We also performed left hepatic angiographic computed tomography, and found that the tumor was less enhanced. The patient underwent laparotomy under a preoperative diagnosis of primary hepatic caudate tumor with faint neovascularity. At surgery, the tumor was found to be located between the left caudate lobe and the IVC, and was resected as being of a retroperitoneal origin. This case illustrates that tumor location must be determined with great care when the mass seems to exist at the dorsal edge of the liver, and especially when the tumor is hypovascular.

Intersegmental attenuation difference on CT caused by partial Budd-Chiari syndrome secondary to hepatocellular carcinoma: report of two cases

For two patients with partial Budd-Chiari syndrome secondary to hepatocellular carcinoma, dynamic CT was evaluated. The obstructed hepatic veins were both the middle and left hepatic veins in Case 1 and the right hepatic vein in Case 2. The area affected by obstructed hepatic vein(s) was seen as low density on both unenhanced and contrast enhanced CT in Case 1 and as high density on enhanced CT in Case 2. The border of attenuation differences caused by the obstruction of the middle (Case 1) or right (Case 2) hepatic vein was intersegmental planes of the anterior segment of the right lobe, and that caused by the obstruction of the left hepatic vein was the intersegmental plane of the medial third of the left lateral segment. Once intersegmental attenuation difference is recognized on CT, partial Budd-Chiari syndrome should be considered.

Prospective and randomized trial of lipiodol-transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma: a comparison of epirubicin and doxorubicin (second cooperative study). The Cooperative Study Group for Liver Cancer Treatment of Japan

A randomized, controlled clinical trial was conducted to compare the use of epirubicin (EPI) and doxorubicin (DOX) in Lipiodol (Laboratoire Guerbet, Roissy-Charles-de-Gaulle Cedex, France)-transcatheter arterial chemoembolization as a treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. One hundred ninety-two hospitals participated, and 415 patients were enrolled in the study during the period between October 1989 and December 1990. The patients were randomly allocated to group A (EPI) or group B (DOX) by a centralized telephone registration. The actual doses of EPI and DOX were 72 mg/body and 48 mg/body, respectively. The 1-, 2-, and 3-year survival rates were, respectively, 69%, 44%, and 33% for group A and 73%, 54%, and 37% for group B. There were no statistically significant differences (P = .2296, log-rank test). When each group of patients was classified retrospectively into high-risk and low-risk subgroups based on the severity index calculated by the Cox regression model from the significant prognostic factors (the pretreatment tumor size, the pretreatment serum alpha-fetoprotein level, tumor encroachment, and Child's classification), the survival curve of the low-risk DOX subgroup was significantly superior to that of the low-risk EPI subgroup (P = .0182). However, there was no significant difference between the high-risk subgroups (P = .4606). The change in the serum alpha-fetoprotein level, the extent of Lipiodol accumulation in the tumor, and the extent of tumor reduction after the treatment did not show any significant differences between the groups. The white blood cell count in group B showed a tendency to decrease slightly more than in group A at 3 weeks after Lipiodol-transcatheter arterial chemoembolization. In conclusion, there was no statistically significant difference between the survival curves of the EPI and DOX groups in Lipiodol-transcatheter arterial embolization treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.

CT diagnosis of intraductal papillary neoplasm of the pancreas in comparison with histopathologic findings

CONCLUSION

The existence of excrescent nodules in the cystic component of intraductal papillary neoplasms (IPN) on computed tomography (CT) is useful for differentiating between malignant and benign lesions.

BACKGROUND

We sought to evaluate the ability of CT to differentiate malignant from benign lesions in IPN of the pancreas.

METHODS

CT findings in 20 cases of IPN (11 benign and 9 malignant lesions) were compared with histopathological findings from subsequent surgery.

RESULTS

The size of the cystic portion on CT did not correlate with the malignant potential of the lesion. Seven (78%) of 9 malignant lesions had excrescent nodules on CT, whereas 1 (9%) of 11 benign lesions did.

Computed tomography of pancreatic adenocarcinoma: comparison of tumor size measured by dynamic computed tomography and histopathologic examination

Our objective was to assess the detection rate and the accuracy of tumor size determination in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma using dynamic computed tomography (CT). Preoperative dynamic CT was evaluated in 35 surgically resected pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas and the findings were compared with the results of histopathological examination. Pancreatic adenocarcinoma was visualized by dynamic CT as a low-density mass in 97% of cases. All three lesions < or = 2 cm in size were demonstrated in good contrast to normal pancreatic parenchyma. The tumor size measured on dynamic CT showed a good correlation with that measured histopathologically, especially in small tumors. Dynamic CT was useful for evaluating the extent of pancreatic adenocarcinoma, especially for small tumors. The detectability of lesions by CT depended on the manner of tumor extension and the degree of associated pancreatitis as well as the tumor size.

Late contrast-enhanced CT for small pancreatic carcinoma: delayed enhanced area on CT with histopathological correlation

PURPOSE

To determine the appearance of pancreatic adenocarcinoma on delayed contrast enhanced computed tomography (CT) and verify the diagnostic significance.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Twenty-two surgically resected lesions of pancreatic adenocarcinoma were studied with dynamic CT and findings were compared with those on histopathology.

RESULTS

Ten (45%) of 22 pancreatic adenocarcinoma demonstrated masses on unenhanced CT, while 21 (95%) demonstrated on early contrast-enhanced CT (early CT), and 15 (68%) demonstrated masses on delayed contrast-enhanced CT (late CT). Pancreatic mass was demonstrated as a low-density area on unenhanced and early CT, but mass density varied on late CT. Delayed enhancement of the mass was predominantly observed in small lesions; 3 (75%) of 4 lesions 2 cm or smaller were detected as high-density areas. Histologically, delayed enhanced lesions showed severe or moderate degrees of fibrosis.

CONCLUSION

Late CT is useful for the detection of pancreatic adenocarcinoma with fibrosis as a high-density area, especially in small lesions.

Treatment of rupture of a liver metastasis from esophageal leiomyosarcoma

We describe a case of rupture of a liver metastasis from esophageal leiomyosarcoma which was treated successfully by hepatic arterial embolization, thus facilitating hepatectomy. A 59-year-old woman who had previously undergone esophagectomy for leiomyosarcoma was admitted in a state of hypovolemic shock. Ultrasonography revealed multiple tumors in the left lobe of the liver and massive intraperitoneal hemorrhage, confirmed by paracentesis, possibly due to spontaneous rupture. Subsequent hepatic angiography showed extravasation from the tumor, and embolization of the feeding left hepatic artery was performed. After achieving hemostasis, a left hepatic lobectomy was carried out just beneath the reconstructed stomach tube. The patient made an uneventful recovery and remains well after one year. Emergency arterial embolization followed by hepatectomy is an appropriate treatment for patients with spontaneous rupture of liver metastases.

Effect of percutaneous ethanol injection for postoperative recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma in combination with transcatheter arterial embolization

BACKGROUND/AIMS

This study was conducted to clarify the effect of percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI) in combination with transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) on prolonging the survival time of patients with postoperative recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The subjects were 97 consecutive patients (pts) treated for postoperative recurrent HCC between February 1987 and March 1993. Of these, 25 pts received both TAE and PEI and 72 pts received TAE alone. In the TAE & PEI group, treatment was selected according to the indications: 15 pts received TAE for multiple recurrences following PEI, and the other 10 pts received PEI for a new or residual lesion following TAE. Fourteen demographic, pathological, and clinical variables were evaluated to estimate the relative risk of pts treated with TAE & PEI or with TAE alone.

RESULTS

The 1-, 3- and 5- year survival rates in the TAE & PEI group were 100%, 73.2% and 27.2%, respectively, and those in the TAE alone group were 88.9%, 30.2% and 5.5%, respectively. Based on multi-variate Cox regression analysis, the relative risk of cancer death in the TAE & PEI group was 0.32 (95% confidence interval, 0.15 to 0.67).

CONCLUSION

The combination of TAE and PEI had a positive palliative effect and increased survival time of patients with postoperative recurrent HCC, compared to results obtained by TAE alone.

Serous cystadenoma of the pancreas communicating with a pancreatic duct

CONCLUSION

To differentiate serous cystadenoma from other cystic lesions communicating with the pancreatic duct, careful radiological examination is necessary.

BACKGROUND

Communication between the cystic cavity and the pancreatic duct in an ordinary serous cystadenoma is uncommon, although it is not uncommon in other cystic lesions, such as pseudocyst, mucinous cystadenoma/adenocarcinoma, and intraductal papillary tumor. METHODS. A serous cystadenoma of the pancreas communicating with main pancreatic duct in a 76-yr-old male is reported.

RESULTS

The communication was preoperatively demonstrated by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and confirmed by histopathological examination of the resected specimen.

CT evaluation of small polypoid lesions of the gallbladder

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The ability of CT to differentiate small polypoid lesions of the gallbladder was evaluated.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

CT followed by cholecystectomy was performed in 20 patients with small polypoid lesions (< or = 20mm) of the gallbladder measured by preoperative ultrasonography. Detectability of the lesions on both unenhanced and enhanced CT, and the configuration and density of the polypoid lesions on enhanced CT were evaluated in comparison with histopathology.

RESULTS

Unenhanced CT detected 8 of 20 polypoid lesions (40%), whereas enhanced CT detected all lesions. All the cholesterol polyp (n = 9) and hyperplastic polyp (n = 2) were not detected on unenhanced CT. Configurations of the polypoid lesions were classified into three types; pedunculated, sessile, and mass forming type. All of cholesterol polyp and hyperplastic polyp were demonstrated as pedunculated type, and adenomyomatosis (n = 2) as mass forming type in all lesions, respectively. Two of adenoma were seen as pedunculated type in one and as mass forming type in the other. Adenocarcinoma (n = 5) was depicted as sessile type in four lesions and as pedunculated type in one. The density of the lesions compared with the liver parenchyma on enhanced CT was not specific.

CONCLUSIONS

The configuration of polypoid lesions depicted on enhanced CT and visualization of them on unenhanced CT are helpful in differentiating neoplastic lesions which should be resected from other benign lesions.

Ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreas associated with intratumoral calcification

An invasive ductal carcinoma of the pancreas with intratumoral calcification is reported in a 59-yr-old female. The calcification was preoperatively demonstrated by ultrasonography and computed tomography. On the cut surface of the resected specimen of the pancreas tail, calcification was observed in the central part of the ductal adenocarcinoma. Although calcification is not uncommon in chronic pancreatitis or serous cystadenoma, mucinous cystadenoma/adenocarcinoma, solid and cystic tumor, and islet cell tumor, intratumoral calcification is uncommon in an ordinary ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreas. For differential diagnosis from other conditions associated with calcification, careful examinations are necessary.

CT diagnosis of early hepatocellular carcinoma: sensitivity, findings, and CT-pathologic correlation

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to determine the sensitivity of CT in detecting early hepatocellular carcinoma and to evaluate its CT appearance. An early hepatocellular carcinoma is a nodular lesion with no fibrous capsule composed of well-differentiated tumor histologically. It differs from a small hepatocellular carcinoma, which is an overt tumor that is moderately to poorly differentiated and has a fibrous capsule. Size is not a criterion for distinguishing between early and small hepatocellular carcinomas.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-one patients with 39 histopathologically proved early hepatocellular carcinomas (mean diameter, 1.7 cm) found by sonography, MR imaging, and/or intraoperative sonography were included in a retrospective study. We reviewed unenhanced CT scans of the entire liver in 30 patients (37 lesions) and early and late (35 sec and 5 min after the beginning of injection of contrast material) contrast-enhanced CT scans of the entire liver in all 31 patients (table incremental CT in 21; helical CT in 10; 39 lesions). Eighteen histologically proved small hepatocellular carcinomas (< or = 3 cm; mean diameter, 2.3 cm), present in the same patients, served for comparison. Histopathologically, nine patients had chronic hepatitis, and 22 had cirrhosis.

RESULTS

The overall sensitivity of CT in detecting early hepatocellular carcinoma was 56%. These tumors were usually isodense with respect to surrounding liver on unenhanced, early enhanced, and late enhanced CT scans (iso-iso-iso). This pattern was seen in 17 (46%) of 37 lesions; thus, these 17 histologically proved early hepatocellular carcinomas were not detected with CT. An iso-iso-low density pattern was recognized in eight (22%), a low-low-low pattern in seven (19%), and several different patterns in five (13%) of the 37 lesions. Only two (5%) of 39 early hepatocellular carcinomas had a high-density appearance on early enhanced CT scans. In comparison, the most common pattern of small overt hepatocellular carcinomas on CT scans was low-high-low, seen in 17 lesions (94%) detected with CT. When the density of lesions on unenhanced CT scans was compared with the histopathologic appearance of the masses, low-density lesions showed mild to moderate fatty change and isodense lesions showed no or minimal fatty change (p = .006).

CONCLUSION

The sensitivity of CT in detecting early hepatocellular carcinoma is poor (56%). However, the diagnosis of early hepatocellular carcinoma should be considered if CT scans show a small lesion with an iso-low or low-low density enhancement pattern on early and late contrast-enhanced CT scans, respectively, in patients with chronic liver disease.

CT of lymphoepithelial cysts of the pancreas

OBJECTIVE

To clarify imaging and clinicopathologic features of lymphoepithelial cysts (LEC), a benign lesion of the pancreas.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two male patients with LECs that were found incidentally and proven surgically were reviewed.

RESULTS

Sonography revealed a hypoechoic mass in both cases, one of which had septation and an intracystic isoechoic component within it. The mass was shown as low attenuation on unenhanced CT, and the intracystic solid component was not enhanced by dynamic CT or computed tomographic arteriography. One lesion had calcifications around the mass. Magnetic resonance imaging showed hyper- in hypointensity on T1-weighted imaging and hypo- in hyper- on T2-weighted imaging in one case. Both lesions were located on the surface of the head of the pancreas, and the main pancreatic ducts appeared normal on endoscopic retrograde pancreatography. Both patients were asymptomatic.

CONCLUSION

These imaging and clinical findings suggest LEC, which should be considered when one encounters cystic lesions of the pancreas.

Early hepatocellular carcinoma: appearance at CT during arterial portography and CT arteriography with pathologic correlation

PURPOSE

To use computed tomography (CT) during arterial portography (CTAP) and CT arteriography to compare the hemodynamic properties of early hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with those of small HCC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty-four early HCCs (mean diameter, 1.5 cm) in 37 patients (26 men and 11 women aged 52-74 years; mean age, 59.2 years) were studied. CTAP was performed on 35 early HCCs, CT arteriography on 20, and both studies on 11. CTAP, CT arteriography, or both were performed on 90 small HCCs (mean diameter, 2.0 cm) in 57 patients (44 men and 13 women aged 48-71 years; mean age, 61 years). The findings for small HCC were compared with those for early HCC.

RESULTS

CTAP depicted 23 early HCCs as hypoattenuating masses and 12 as isoattenuating. CT arteriography depicted 11 early HCCs as hypoattenuating masses, six as isoattenuating, and three as hyperattenuating. CTAP depicted 85 of 88 small HCCs as hypoattenuating masses and three as isoattenuating. CT arteriography depicted 13 of 14 small HCCs as hyperattenuating masses.

CONCLUSION

CTAP, the standard of reference for the detection of small HCC, is not sensitive enough for the detection of early HCC.

Case report: ectopic hepatocellular carcinoma arising from the left diaphragm

A 57-year-old man with high alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and suspected submucosal tumour of the stomach was referred for investigation. A 6 cm hypervascular tumour with tumour vessels in the left diaphragm was diagnosed by a combination of angiography and computed tomography. At laparotomy, the tumour was confirmed to be located just beneath the left diaphragm and to be isolated from the liver parenchyma. The resected specimen was histopathologically hepatocellular carcinoma. The level of AFP returned to normal, and the patient is free of recurrence 8 years after operation.

Early advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: evaluation of CT and MR appearance with pathologic correlation

PURPOSE

To determine the computed tomographic (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging appearances of early advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-seven surgically resected cases of early advanced HCC were studied with CT, CT during arterial portography, CT arteriography, and MR imaging.

RESULTS

The sensitivity of standard CT (unenhanced, early, and late CT combined) for the detection of early advanced HCC was 81%, while that of standard MR imaging (T1- and T2-weighted MR imaging combined) was 83%. A nodule-in-nodule appearance was identified in approximately one-third to one-half of cases. Signal behavior of early and advanced components of early advanced HCC followed the expected behaviors of isolated early HCC and isolated advanced HCC, respectively. Tumor size was accurately estimated with standard CT and standard MR imaging.

CONCLUSION

More research must be performed to ascertain whether any relationship exists between the different types of HCC and the clinical outcome.

Case report: hepatocellular carcinoma diagnosed radiologically, treated by transcatheter arterial embolization and limited-field radiotherapy

Even though the resection rate for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has risen recently, many patients cannot be treated surgically because of the advanced stage of the tumour and/or coexisting cirrhosis. An alternative therapeutic approach for some of these patients is transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) which has become very common in Japan. However, it is not a curative measure, and an additional therapy is required to eradicate the residual disease. In this communication, we report a case in which a patient with HCC has been successfully treated by TAE followed by limited-field radiotherapy. The results suggest that this is a very promising therapeutic approach for HCC and that the potential of limited-field radiotherapy for HCC with or without TAE also needs to be explored.

Accuracy of computed tomography in determining pancreatic cancer tumor size

We compared tumor sizes determined by computed tomography (CT) with those of the resected specimens in 26 patients with pancreatic cancer in order to clarify whether or not the size of a pancreatic tumor can be accurately determined by CT. From the precontrast, postcontrast and arterial dominant phases of dynamic CT, the arterial dominant phase was found to yield the highest correlation between CT measured tumor size and that of the resected specimens (P < 0.01). The correlation coefficient was, however, not high (r = 0.67). CT alone may therefore be insufficient to determine tumor size in pancreatic cancer accurately.

Radiological study of idiopathic Budd-Chiari syndrome complicated by hepatocellular carcinoma. A report of four cases

During an 11-yr period (1979-1989), we have experienced five patients with idiopathic Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS), four (80%) of whom had associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In contrast, the incidence of BCS complicated by HCC was 0.7% of a total of 556 patients who underwent surgery for HCC or were autopsied. Hepatitis B virus-related antigen or antibody was positive in one patient each. Four of our five patients were asymptomatic and were initially diagnosed by ultrasonography (n = 3) or computed tomography (n = 1). The hepatic parenchyma histopathological findings were cirrhosis and fibrosis in one each. Infection of hepatitis B virus rather than BCS was speculated as a causative factor for HCC in two patients. Membranous obstruction with spotty calcification, intrahepatic bizarre communicating vessels, and the dilated anterior longitudinal veins in spinal canal were recognized in three patients. Three patients had two HCCs which were similar in size and arose from the right and left hepatic lobe, separately, suggesting multicentricity of HCC. Both percutaneous transluminal angioplasty with Gruntzig balloon catheters for the obstruction of the inferior vena cava and hepatic arterial embolization for HCC(s) were performed in three patients. These patients survived 29.3 months on average after the diagnosis of BCS complicated by HCC(s). The opened IVC was confirmed to be patent on an average of 26.3 months after the first angioplasty.

Combined hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma: clinical features and computed tomographic findings

Clinicoradiological features were studied in 20 patients with 22 mass lesions of combined hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinomas and findings of computed tomography in 12 of these patients with 14 hepatocellular carcinoma-cholangiocarcinomas. Five of these patients also had single overt hepatocellular carcinomas. The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma-cholangiocarcinoma was 3.3% among the patients with primary liver cancer treated in our hospital. HBsAg was present in 25%, and increased levels of serum alpha-fetoprotein (> 200 ng/ml) and carcinoembryonic antigen (> 5 ng/ml) were found in 25% and in 47%, respectively. Associated cirrhosis was present in 60%. Analysis of 14 hepatocellular carcinoma-cholangiocarcinomas in 12 patients in whom the enhancement pattern on dynamic computed tomography and pathological findings could be studied and compared suggested three tumor types. Nine lesions (type A) were demonstrated only as areas with high-density peripheries in the early phase of enhancement that evolved into a pattern of peripheral low density and central high density in the late phase. Four masses (type B) were shown as hyperdense tumors (early phase) that changed to low density in the late phase. One mass (type C) was seen as a low-density lesion that did not change. Histopathologically, type A comprised hepatocellular carcinoma-predominant components in the peripheral area, cholangiocarcinoma-predominant components with abundant fibrous stroma in the central area and a tissue transitional between the two in the midzone. By contrast, two of four type B masses comprised hepatocellular carcinoma with scattered cholangiocarcinoma components throughout the tumor.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Myelodysplastic syndrome developing acute myelocytic leukemia with gastric mucormycosis]

80-year-old female was admitted to our hospital because of pancytopenia. Her peripheral and bone marrow examinations were performed. According to the criteria of FAB classification, the diagnosis was myelodysplastic syndrome (refractory anemia with excess of blasts in transformation). Etoposide was administered to decrease leukemic blasts. However, she still had high fever and increasing of CRP. Hematological data also showed the increasing of WBC count, blast cells, and LDH enzyme. Antibiotics and anti fungal drugs were also not effective. She died of respiratory failure, although the cautions and extensive treatment was tried. Autopsy findings revealed proliferation of mucor in the mucosa of stomach. So, we reported here a very rare case of gastric mucormycosis, localizing exclusively in the stomach which was difficult to diagnose while she was alive.

Small hepatocellular carcinomas and associated nodular lesions of the liver: pathology, pathogenesis, and imaging findings

Hepatocellular carcinomas frequently occur in association with liver cirrhosis, as chronic liver disease is one of the most important factors in carcinogenesis. In addition to small hepatocellular carcinomas (less than 3 cm in diameter), recent reports of pathologic studies of resected specimens from cirrhotic liver describe associated small nodular lesions (i.e., regenerating nodule, adenomatous hyperplasia, and early hepatocellular carcinoma). In hepatocarcinogenesis of the cirrhotic liver, a regenerating nodule might be the first step in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma, going through phases of adenomatous hyperplasia and early hepatocellular carcinoma in a multistep fashion. We describe the pathologic characteristics of small hepatocellular carcinomas and associated nodular hepatic lesions and review the current concepts of the role of these associated lesions in carcinogenesis. We also discuss the imaging findings of these abnormalities, the efficacy of various imaging techniques for diagnosing them, and the importance of imaging in treatment planning.

Hepatocellular carcinoma with portal tumor thrombus: analysis of factors determining prognosis

For 104 consecutive patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with portal tumor thrombus (PTT) seen in the past nine years, prognostic factors were analyzed retrospectively using Cox's multivariate analysis. There was a significant difference in survival rate with hepatic functional reserve (Child classification, P = 0.005), type of treatment (surgical vs non-surgical treatment, P = 0.009) and PTT grade (P = 0.04). The survival rates for patients with Child's A (n 49) or Child's B (n 55) were 60.8 vs 20.0% at one year, 41.6 vs 9.1% at two years and 35.4 vs 5.5% at three years. The survival rates of patients with surgical (n 32) and non-surgical (n 72) therapy were 71.7 vs 25.0% at one year, 58.5 vs 9.4% at two years and 53.6 vs 4.7% at three years. Among patients with PTT grades in the third or lower order branch (Vp1, n 29), the second order branch (Vp2, n 32) and the first or portal vein trunk (Vp3, n 43), the one-year, two-year and three-year survival rates were 61.6, 43.8 and 20.9%; 47.1, 27.5 and 6.2% and 42.8, 27.5 and 0%, respectively. When analysis was focused on 32 patients with Child's A and PTT (Vp1 plus Vp2) with respect to treatment, the survival rates in the surgical (n 22) and nonsurgical (n 10) groups were 86.1 vs 70.0% at one year, 71.5 vs 30.0% at two years and 64.3 vs 20.0% at three years (P < 0.05), respectively. In HCC patients with PTT, surgery seems to be indicated where hepatic function is well preserved and the PTT is localized in a peripheral portal branch.

Response of early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma and borderline lesions to therapeutic arterial embolization

OBJECTIVE

In Japan, borderline lesions and early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are now histopathologically divided into two subgroups; one includes adenomatous hyperplasia and atypical adenomatous hyperplasia, and the other includes early HCC and early advanced HCC. In order to evaluate the efficacy of transcatheter arterial embolization for treating such lesions, histopathologic studies were done after embolization and resection in 27 patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The lesions consisted of two adenomatous hyperplasias, one atypical adenomatous hyperplasia, 22 early HCCs, and 13 early advanced HCCs. All patients had chronic liver diseases in nontumorous parenchyma in addition to HCC. For transcatheter arterial embolization, one of the following embolizing materials was used: iodized oil (Lipiodol) alone (n = 4), an emulsion of doxorubicin in Lipiodol (n = 8), and the same emulsion followed by gelatin sponge particles (n = 15).

RESULTS

The frequencies of tumor stain on the angiogram and retention of Lipiodol within the tumor were 84% and 94% in overt HCC, 23% and 69% in early advanced HCC, and 9% and 9% in early HCC, respectively. The average size of overt HCC was significantly (p < .01) larger than that of early advanced HCC and early HCC. The amount of necrosis induced by embolization relative to the size of the mass was 56% on average in overt HCCs, 14% in early advanced HCCs, and 0% in early HCCs, atypical adenomatous hyperplasias, and adenomatous hyperplasias. Significant differences (p < .01) in mean necrosis rate were seen between overt HCCs and early advanced HCCs, between early advanced HCCs and early HCCs, and between overt HCCs and early HCCs. The frequency of Lipiodol retention correlated with mean necrosis rate for tumor. With reference to therapeutic techniques, only for the overt HCCs was a significant difference (p < .01) in the mean necrosis rate found between the group that received the emulsion of doxorubicin in Lipiodol and the group that received the emulsion and then particles of gelatin.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that transcatheter arterial embolization has limited efficacy for treating early-stage HCC and borderline lesions compared with its efficacy for treating overt HCC.

Postresection recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma treated by arterial embolization: analysis of prognostic factors

Of 270 consecutive patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who underwent surgery, 50 who had recurrence and were subsequently treated with transcatheter arterial embolization were analyzed. The longest interval between surgery and recurrence in the 50 patients who underwent transcatheter arterial embolization was 7 yr. Recurrence was initially found in the remnant liver in all patients but one; extrahepatic metastases were detected in 13 patients (26%) during follow-up. A "multiple" type was the most common (64%) hepatic recurrence pattern on angiography, followed by the "solitary" (16%) and "tumor thrombus" (12%) patterns. Hepatic recurrence was most frequently found in the ipsilateral lobe (48%) relative to the site of the primary hepatocellular carcinoma. Multivariate analysis of the factors affecting survival after transcatheter arterial embolization indicated that recurrence pattern (p = 0.025) and distant metastases (p = 0.011) were significant. Of 13 patients with distant metastases, 11 had the "multiple" pattern of hepatic recurrence. Survival rates for all 50 patients after initial surgery and after transcatheter arterial embolization were 90% and 64%, respectively, at 1 yr; 52% and 24%, respectively, at 3 yr; and 27% and 5%, respectively, at 5 yr. On analysis of survival rates after transcatheter arterial embolization in 37 patients with recurrence only in the liver and of the response of recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma to transcatheter arterial embolization, a significant difference was noted between those with "partial response" and "progressive disease" (p less than 0.05) and between those with "no change" and "progressive disease" (p less than 0.05).

Computed tomography of sclerosing hepatocellular carcinoma

We reviewed computed tomography (CT) in eight patients with sclerosing hepatocellular carcinoma who underwent resection. Dynamic CT was performed 25-40 s (rapid phase) and 5-10 min (late phase) after injection of contrast medium. Most of the lesions were round and homogeneous. Tumors tended to show density equal to the liver. The relative density of the tumors in the rapid phase, however, tended to be higher than in other phases. A peripheral low-density area was absent. Dynamic CT was thus important in the diagnosis of sclerosing hepatocellular carcinoma.