Single-procedure 8Fr rheolytic pharmacomechanical thrombectomy for treatment of acute iliofemoral deep venous thrombosis

PURPOSE

We hypothesize that single-procedure venous-specific rheolytic thrombectomy for treatment of acute iliofemoral deep venous thrombosis (DVT) will result in improved clinical symptoms as measured by the venous clinical severity score (VCSS), as well as durable venous patency, with decreased hemorrhagic risks and costs associated with conventional catheter-directed therapy and prolonged lytic exposure.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-three consecutive patients with symptomatic, unilateral, iliofemoral DVT who were treated with single-procedure therapy using the 8Fr rheolytic thrombectomy catheter were retrospectively analyzed from 2012-2021. Abstracted data included technical success (> 95% clearance of acute thrombus), adverse events (AEs), and clinical and imaging outcomes at 1-month and 1-year.

RESULTS

Technical success was achieved in all 33 patients. Mean pre-procedure VCSS was 7.5 with mean edema and pain sub-scores of 2.6 and 1.8, respectively. Post-procedural total mean VCSS at one month was significantly improved (mean post-procedure VCSS = 0.3, mean reduction of 7.2, P < 0.01). Clinical improvement was sustained at 1-year (mean total VCSS = 0.2, P < 0.01). Primary patency was achieved in all patients at 1-month and 30 (91%) patients at 1-year. Among the 3 patients in which primary patency was not achieved at 1-year, primary-assisted patency was achieved in 2 patients. Secondary patency was achieved in the remaining patient at 1-year. No hemorrhagic AEs occurred in this study.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that single-procedure venous-specific rheolytic thrombectomy for treatment of acute iliofemoral DVT is safe and effective, resulting in durable clinical and radiographic results at one year, while also limiting hemorrhagic risks, mitigating costs of admission, and expediting patient discharge.

Prostatic Artery Embolization in Patients with Refractory Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms after a Prior Minimally Invasive Surgical Treatment

The purpose of this study was to report on prostate artery embolization (PAE) outcomes in patients with refractory or recurrent lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) who had previously undergone a minimally invasive surgical technique (MIST). A single-center retrospective study identified 16 eligible patients. Baseline prostate volume at time of PAE was 112.9 ± 52.7 mL. There were no adverse events throughout the follow-up period. There was significant improvement in International Prostate Symptom Score / Quality of Life from baseline of 23.5 ± 5.1 / 4.9 ± 0.9 to the last follow-up of 11.6 ± 7.2 / 2 ± 1.6. There was non-significant improvement in sexual function post-PAE compared to baseline post-MIST. PAE can be a safe and effective treatment in patients who have undergone prior MIST without negatively impacting erectile or ejaculatory function.

Percutaneous sequential closure of an Abernethy malformation: A case report

Abernethy malformation (congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunt [CEPS]) is rare and is characterized by an aberrant connection between the portal and systemic veins, bypassing the liver. It can have varying presentations and can lead to severe complications if left untreated. It is usually diagnosed incidentally on abdominal imaging. Occlusion venography and measurement of portal pressures (pre- and postocclusion) is an important step in management. Complete occlusion of the malformation in cases where the portal veins in the liver are very small and the gradient is more than 10 mm Hg, can potentially lead to acute portal hypertensive complications, such as porto-mesenteric thrombosis. We report a case of Abernethy malformation diagnosed on an abdominal computed tomography scan that presented with neurological symptoms and was successfully managed by interventional radiology via endovascular closure through placement and sequential occlusion of 2 metal stents.

Yttrium-90 Radiation Segmentectomy in Oligometastatic Secondary Hepatic Malignancies

PURPOSE

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of yttrium-90 (⁹⁰Y) radiation segmentectomy (RS) in the treatment of oligometastatic secondary hepatic malignancies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This institutional review board-approved retrospective study evaluated 16 patients with oligometastatic secondary hepatic malignancies who were treated with RS. The median patient age was 61.9 years (range, 38.6-85.7 years). Of the 16 patients, 11 (68.8%) presented with solitary lesions. The median index tumor size was 3.1 cm (95% CI, 2.3-3.9). Primary outcomes were evaluation of clinical and biochemical toxicities using National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 5.0, and imaging response using Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors, version 1.1. Secondary outcomes were time to progression (TTP) and overall survival (OS) as estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

Clinical Grade 3 toxicities were limited to 1 (6.7%) patient who experienced fatigue, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Biochemical Grade 3 toxicities occurred in 1 (6.7%) patient who experienced lymphopenia. No Grade 4 clinical or biochemical toxicities were identified. Disease control was achieved in 14 (93.3%) of 15 patients. The median TTP of the treated tumor was 72.9 months (95% CI, 11.2 to no estimate). The median OS was 60.9 months (95% CI, 24.7 to no estimate).

CONCLUSIONS

⁹⁰Y RS displayed an excellent safety profile and was effective in achieving a high disease control rate in the treatment of oligometastatic secondary hepatic malignancies.

TIPS for Adults Without Cirrhosis With Chronic Mesenteric Venous Thrombosis and EHPVO Refractory to Standard-of-Care Therapy

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Extrahepatic portal vein occlusion (EHPVO) from portal vein thrombosis is a rare condition associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study is to investigate the efficacy of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS) for the treatment of chronic EHPVO, cavernomatosis, and mesenteric venous thrombosis in adults without cirrhosis who are refractory to standard-of-care therapy.

APPROACH AND RESULTS

Thirty-nine patients with chronic EHPVO received TIPS. Laboratory parameters and follow-up were assessed at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months, and every 6 months thereafter. Two hepatologists adjudicated symptom improvement attributable to mesenteric thrombosis and EHPVO before/after TIPS. Kaplan-Meier was used to assess primary and overall TIPS patency, assessing procedural success. Adverse events, radiation exposure, hospital length-of-stay and patency were recorded. Cavernoma was present in 100%, with TIPS being successful in all cases using splenic, mesenteric, and transhepatic approaches. Symptom improvement was noted in 26 of 30 (87%) at 6-month follow-up. Twelve patients (31%) experienced TIPS thrombosis. There were no significant long-term laboratory adverse events or deaths. At 36 months, freedom from primary TIPS thrombosis was 63%; following secondary interventions, overall patency was increased to 81%.

CONCLUSIONS

TIPS in chronic, noncirrhotic EHPVO with cavernomas and mesenteric venous thrombosis is technically feasible and does not adversely affect liver function. Most patients demonstrate subjective and objective benefit from TIPS. Improvement in patency rates are needed with proper timing of adjuvant anticoagulation.

Yttrium-90 Radioembolization to the Prostate Gland: Proof of Concept in a Canine Model and Clinical Translation

PURPOSE

To investigate the feasibility, safety, and absorbed-dose distribution of prostatic artery radioembolization (RE) in a canine model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fourteen male castrated beagles received dihydroandrosterone/estradiol to induce prostatic hyperplasia for the duration of the study. Each dog underwent fluoroscopic prostatic artery catheterization. Yttrium-90 (⁹⁰Y) microspheres (TheraSphere; Boston Scientific, Marlborough, Massachusetts) were delivered to 1 prostatic hemigland (dose escalation from 60 to 200 Gy), with the contralateral side serving as a control. Assessments for adverse events were performed throughout the follow-up (Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v5.0). Positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance (MR) imaging provided a confirmation after the delivery of absorbed-dose distribution. MR imaging was performed before and 3, 20, and 40 days after RE. Tissue harvest of the prostate, rectum, bladder, urethra, penis, and neurovascular bundles was performed 60 days after RE.

RESULTS

All the animals successfully underwent RE. Positron emission tomography/MR imaging demonstrated localization to and good coverage of only the treated hemigland. No adverse events occurred. The MR imaging showed a significant dose-dependent decrease in the treated hemigland size at 40 days (25%-60%, P < .001). No extraprostatic radiographic changes were observed. Necropsy demonstrated no gross rectal, urethral, penile, or bladder changes. Histology revealed RE-induced changes in the treated prostatic tissues of the highest dose group, with gland atrophy and focal necrosis. No extraprostatic RE-related histologic findings were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Prostate ⁹⁰Y RE is safe and feasible in a canine model and leads to focal dose-dependent changes in the gland without inducing unwanted extraprostatic effects. These results suggest that an investigation of nonoperative prostate cancer is warranted.

Streamlining radioembolization in UNOS T1/T2 hepatocellular carcinoma by eliminating lung shunt estimation

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Pre-treatment Tc-99m macroaggregated albumin (MAA) scans are routinely performed prior to transarterial radioembolization (TARE) to estimate lung shunt fraction (LSF) and lung dose. In this study, we investigate LSF observed in early hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and provide the scientific rationale for eliminating this step from routine practice.

METHODS

Patients with HCC who underwent Y90 from 2004 to 2018 were reviewed. Inclusion criteria were early stage HCC (UNOS T1/T2/Milan criteria: solitary ≤5 cm, 3 nodules ≤3 cm). LSF was determined using MAA in all patients. Associations between LSF and baseline characteristics were investigated. A "no-MAA" paradigm was then proposed based on a homogenous group that expressed very low LSF.

RESULTS

Of 1,175 patients with HCC treated with TARE, 448 patients met inclusion criteria. Mean age was 65.6 years and 303 (68%) were males. A total of 352 (79%) had solitary lesions and 406 (91%) unilobar disease. Two-hundred and forty-three (54%), 178 (40%) and 27 (6%) patients were Child-Pugh class A, B and C, respectively. Median LSF was 3.9% (IQR 2.4-6%). Median administered activity was 0.9 GBq (IQR 0.6-1.4), for a median segmental volume of 170 cm³ (range: 60-530). Median lung dose was 1.9 Gy (IQR: 1.0-3.3). The presence of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS; n = 38) was associated with LSF >10% (odds ratio 12.2; 95% CI 5.2-28.6; p <0.001). Median LSF was 3.8% (IQR: 2.4-5.7%) and 6% (IQR: 3.8-15.3%) in no-TIPS vs. TIPS patients (p <0.001).

CONCLUSION

LSF is clinically negligible in patients with UNOS T1/T2 HCC without TIPS. When segmental injections are planned, this step can be eliminated, thereby reducing time-to-treatment, number of procedures, and improving convenience for patients traveling from faraway.

LAY SUMMARY

Transarterial radioembolization is a microembolic transarterial treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma. In our study, we found that early stage patients, where segmental injections are planned, exhibited low lung shunting, effectively eliminating the risk of radiation pneumonitis. We propose that the lung shunt study be eliminated in this subgroup, thus leading to fewer procedures, a cost reduction and improved convenience for patients.

MR imaging findings of the prostate gland following prostate artery embolization: results from a prospective phase 2 study

PURPOSE

To assess changes in imaging and volume characteristics of the prostate gland by magnetic resonance (MR) following prostatic artery embolization (PAE) for benign prostate hyperplasia.

METHODS

With IRB approval, we analyzed prospectively acquired MR data of PAE patients at baseline and 6-month following treatment from 2015 to 2017. We reviewed prostate MRs looking for sequelae of embolization [changes in signal intensity and/or enhancement, infection/inflammation, infarction, edema, and change in intravesical prostatic protrusion (IPP)]. We calculated the total volume (TV) and central gland volumes (CGV) using DynaCAD^® and measured change in volumes. Analyses were performed using SPSS with p < 0.05 considered significant.

RESULTS

Forty-three patients (n = 43) met our inclusion criteria. 93% (30/43) and 100% (43/43) showed a decrease in TV and CGV at 6-months respectively. At baseline, median TV was 86 cc (range 29.4-232) and median CGV was 54.4 cc (range 12.9-165.5). Median decrease in TV was 18.2% (CI 13.3-27.2) (p = 0.0001) and median decrease in CGV was 26.7% (CI 20.4-35.9) (p = 0.0001). Thirty-seven percent (16/43) of patients had IPP at baseline; 100% showed a decrease in size of median lobe at follow-up. At 6-month follow-up, 33% (14/43) showed imaging features of infarction, 79% (34/43) had decrease in T2-signal intensity, and 51% (22/43) showed a decrease in enhancement. None had edema, peri-prostatic fat changes or infection/inflammation.

CONCLUSION

PAE causes a statistically significant reduction in the TV and CGV. There is also a reduction of the degree of IPP. Non-specific findings of infarction, decrease in T2-signal, and enhancement were also seen.

Pretransplantation Portal Vein Recanalization and Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt Creation for Chronic Portal Vein Thrombosis: Final Analysis of a 61-Patient Cohort

PURPOSE

To report the final analysis of the safety and efficacy of portal vein (PV) recanalization (PVR) and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) creation (PVR-TIPS) in patients with PV thrombosis (PVT) in need of liver transplantation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty-one patients with cirrhosis and PVT underwent PVR-TIPS to improve transplantation candidacy. Median patient age was 58 years (range, 22-75 y), and median pre-TIPS Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score was 14 (range, 7-42). The most common etiologies of cirrhosis were nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in 18 patients (30%) and hepatitis C in 13 patients (21%). Twenty-seven patients (44%) had partial PVT, and 34 patients (56%) had complete thrombosis. Forty-nine patients (80%) had Yerdel grade 2 PVT, and 12 (20%) had Yerdel grade 3 PVT. Twenty-nine patients (48%) had cavernous transformation of the PV.

RESULTS

PVR-TIPS was technically successful in 60 of 61 patients (98%). PV/TIPS patency was maintained in 55 patients (92%) at a median follow-up of 19.2 months (range, 0-105.9 mo). Recurrent PV/TIPS thrombosis occurred in 5 patients (8%), all of whom initially presented with complete PVT. The most common adverse events were TIPS stenosis in 13 patients (22%) and transient encephalopathy in 11 patients (18%). Twenty-four patients (39%) underwent transplantation, 23 of whom (96%) received an end-to-end anastomosis. There were no cases of recurrent PVT following transplantation, with a median imaging follow-up of 32.5 months (range, 0.4-75.4 mo). Five-year overall survival rate was 82%.

CONCLUSIONS

PVR-TIPS is a safe, effective, and durable treatment option for patients with chronic PVT who need liver transplantation.

Unresectable solitary hepatocellular carcinoma not amenable to radiofrequency ablation: multicenter radiology-pathology correlation and survival of radiation segmentectomy

Resection and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) are treatment options for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) <3 cm; there is interest in expanding the role of ablation to 3-5 cm. RFA is considered high-risk when the lesion is in close proximity to critical structures. Combining microcatheter technology and the localized emission properties of Y90, highly selective radioembolization is a possible alternative to RFA in such cases. We assessed the efficacy (response, radiology-pathology correlation, survival) of radiation segmentectomy in solitary HCC not amenable to RFA or resection. Patients with treatment-naïve, unresectable, solitary HCC ≤ 5 cm not amenable to RFA were included in this multicenter study. Administered dose, response rate, time-to-progression (modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors [mRECIST]), radiology-pathology correlation and long-term survival were assessed. In all, 102 patients were included in this study. mRECIST complete response (CR), partial response (PR), and stable disease (SD) were 47/99 (47%), 39/99 (39%), and 12/99 (12%), respectively. Median time-to-disease-progression was 33.1 months. In all, 33/102 (32%) patients were transplanted with a median (interquartile range [IQR]) time-to-transplantation of 6.3 months (3.6-9.7). Pathology revealed 100% and 50-99% necrosis in 17/33 (52%) and 16/33 (48%), respectively. Median overall survival was 53.4 months. Univariate analysis demonstrated a survival benefit for Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) 0 patients. In the multivariate model, age <65, ECOG 0, and Child-Pugh A were characteristics associated with longer survival.

CONCLUSION

Radiation segmentectomy is an effective technique with a favorable risk profile and radiology-pathology outcomes for solitary HCC ≤ 5 cm. This approach may allow for treatment of HCC in difficult locations. Since RFA and resection are not options given tumor location, there appears to be a strong rationale for this technique as second choice.

Twelve-year experience of radioembolization for colorectal hepatic metastases in 214 patients: survival by era and chemotherapy

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to analyze the safety, treatment characteristics and survival outcomes of Yttrium-90 (Y90) radioembolization for unresectable colorectal carcinoma (CRC) liver metastases refractory to standard of care therapy.

METHODS

A total of 214 patients with CRC metastases were treated with Y90 radioembolization over 12 years. Toxicity was assessed using National Cancer Institute common terminology criteria. Overall survival was analyzed from date of diagnosis of primary cancer, hepatic metastases and from the first Y90. Uni/multivariate analyses were performed. Substratification by era of chemotherapeutics was performed.

RESULTS

Most patients were male (60 %) and <65 years old (61 %). Of them, 98 % had been exposed to chemotherapy. Grade 3 lymphocyte, bilirubin, albumin, ALP and AST toxicities were observed in 39 %, 11 %, 10 %, 8 % and 4 % of patients, respectively. Grade 4 lymphocyte and ALP toxicities were observed in 5 % and 3 % of patients, respectively. Median overall survival was 43.0, 34.6, and 10.6 months from date of diagnosis of primary cancer, hepatic metastases and first Y90, respectively. Survival was significantly longer in patients: (1) who received ≤2 cytotoxic drugs (n = 104) than those who received 3 (n = 110) (15.2 vs. 7.5 months, p = 0.0001); and (2) who received no biologic agents (n = 52) compared with those that did (n = 162) (18.6 vs. 9.4 months, p = 0.0001). Multivariate analyses identified ≤2 cytotoxic agents, no exposure to biologics, ECOG 0, tumor burden <25 %, lack of extrahepatic disease and albumin >3 g/dL as independent predictors of survival.

CONCLUSION

In this largest metastatic CRC series published to date, Y90 radioembolization was found to be safe; survival varied by prior therapy. Further studies are required to further refine the role of Y90 in metastatic CRC.

Cancer concepts and principles: primer for the interventional oncologist-part II

This is the second of a two-part overview of the fundamentals of oncology for interventional radiologists. The first part focused on clinical trials, basic statistics, assessment of response, and overall concepts in oncology. This second part aims to review the methods of tumor characterization; principles of the oncology specialties, including medical, surgical, radiation, and interventional oncology; and current treatment paradigms for the most common cancers encountered in interventional oncology, along with the levels of evidence that guide these treatments.

Cancer concepts and principles: primer for the interventional oncologist-part I

A sophisticated understanding of the rapidly changing field of oncology, including a broad knowledge of oncologic disease and the therapies available to treat them, is fundamental to the interventional radiologist providing oncologic therapies, and is necessary to affirm interventional oncology as one of the four pillars of cancer care alongside medical, surgical, and radiation oncology. The first part of this review intends to provide a concise overview of the fundamentals of oncologic clinical trials, including trial design, methods to assess therapeutic response, common statistical analyses, and the levels of evidence provided by clinical trials.