Long term impact of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) creation on hepatic morphology

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate long-term morphologic changes occurring in the liver after TIPS creation with correlation with hepatic function to gain insight on the physiologic impact of TIPS on the liver.

METHODS

This retrospective study included patients who underwent TIPS creation between 2005 and 2022 and had contrasted CT or MRI studies prior to and between 1 and 2 years post procedure. Strict exclusion criteria were applied to avoid confounding. Parenchymal volume and vessel measurements were assessed on the pre- and post-TIPS CT or MRI and MELD scores calculated.

RESULTS

Of 580 patients undergoing TIPS creation, 65 patients (mean age, 55 years; 36 males) had pre-TIPS and post-TIPS imaging meeting inclusion criteria at median 16.5 months. After TIPS, the mean MELD score increased (12.9 to 15.4; p = 0.008) and total liver volume decreased (1730 to 1432 mL; p < 0.001). However, the magnitude of volume change did not correlate with MELD change. Neither portosystemic gradient nor TIPS laterality correlated with total or lobar hepatic volume changes or MELD changes. The main portal vein diameter increased (15.0 to 18.7 mm; p < 0.001). Thrombosis of the hepatic vein used for TIPS creation resulted in a mean increase in MELD of +4.1 compared to -2.1 in patients who had a patent and normal hepatic vein (p = 0.007).

CONCLUSIONS

Given lack of correlation between portosystemic gradient, hepatic atrophy, hepatic function, and TIPS laterality, the alterations in portal flow dynamics after TIPS may not be impactful to hepatic function. However, hepatic vein patency after TIPS correlated with improved hepatic function.

Complex epistatic interactions between ELF3, PRR9, and PRR7 regulate the circadian clock and plant physiology

Circadian clocks are endogenous timekeeping mechanisms that coordinate internal physiological responses with the external environment. EARLY FLOWERING3 (ELF3), PSEUDO RESPONSE REGULATOR (PRR9), and PRR7 are essential components of the plant circadian clock and facilitate entrainment of the clock to internal and external stimuli. Previous studies have highlighted a critical role for ELF3 in repressing the expression of PRR9 and PRR7. However, the functional significance of activity in regulating circadian clock dynamics and plant development is unknown. To explore this regulatory dynamic further, we first employed mathematical modeling to simulate the effect of the prr9/prr7 mutation on the elf3 circadian phenotype. These simulations suggested that simultaneous mutations in prr9/prr7 could rescue the elf3 circadian arrhythmia. Following these simulations, we generated all Arabidopsis elf3/prr9/prr7 mutant combinations and investigated their circadian and developmental phenotypes. Although these assays could not replicate the results from the mathematical modeling, our results have revealed a complex epistatic relationship between ELF3 and PRR9/7 in regulating different aspects of plant development. ELF3 was essential for hypocotyl development under ambient and warm temperatures, while PRR9 was critical for root thermomorphogenesis. Finally, mutations in prr9 and prr7 rescued the photoperiod-insensitive flowering phenotype of the elf3 mutant. Together, our results highlight the importance of investigating the genetic relationship among plant circadian genes.

Increasing utilization of contrast-enhanced ultrasound during abdominal biopsies: impact of an educational training program

RATIONAL AND OBJECTIVES

To increase utilization of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) during ultrasound-guided targeted liver biopsies.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Two educational training interventions performed to increase use of CEUS. First, 14 radiologists (fellowship-trained in Abdominal Imaging) given didactic teaching and case presentations on the use of CEUS. Second, hands-on teaching on how to use CEUS provided to the same group. To determine the efficacy of these two interventions, radiologists completed anonymous surveys to determine the level of understanding and acceptability of using CEUS before and 6 months after CEUS training. In addition, the percentage of CEUS assisted liver biopsies was compared for the 6 months before and 6 months after the training.

RESULTS

Pre-training survey completed by 11 radiologists and post-training survey completed by 9 radiologists. Before training, 11% survey responders use CEUS routinely, whereas 89% never or rarely used it. After training, 54% of respondents were new users and 100% reported they planned to use CEUS in the future. Unfamiliarity (71%) was the main reason for not using it. After training, 25% reported lack of comfort with using CEUS as the main reason for not using CEUS. During six months before training, CEUS was administered in 6% (10/172) of targeted liver biopsies. Six months after training, CEUS was used nearly twice as often (10%, 16/160, P = 0.09, 1-sided Boschloo test). The number of radiologists using CEUS increased to 57% (8/14) after training compared to 20% (3/14, P = 0.03, 1-sided Boschloo) before training.

CONCLUSION

Educational training intervention increases use of CEUS during ultrasound-guided targeted liver biopsies.

Computed Tomography Volumetry of Bone Cement: Retrospective Blinded Validation of Commercially Available Semi-automated Edge Detection Software

OBJECTIVE

Cement volumes are increasingly linked to orthopedic oncology and neurosurgical outcomes (construct durability, adjacent fracture), but manual cement volumetry remains time prohibitive. The authors aim to report performance of PACS-integrated volumetric software specifically for barium-enhanced polymethylmethacrylate cement.

METHODS

Institutional review board-approved single-institution retrospective review of patients from 2019-2022 undergoing kyphoplasty for pathological compression fractures with a quantitative cement infuser providing true cement volume. An operator blinded to true cement volumes retrospectively performed software-assisted volumetry on follow-up computed tomography scans.

RESULTS

Included were 91 kyphoplasty levels in 56 patients: mean age, 62 years (range, 34-85 years), 73% female. True cement volume (available for 44 of 66 procedures) was mean 4.5 mL per level (range, 1.2-15.6 mL). Measured cement volume (available for all procedures) yielded a mean of 6.1 mL per level (range, 1.5-27.9 mL). For the 57 levels (39 patients) where both true and measured cement volumes were available, linear regression intercept and slope were 1.46 (95% CI = 0.97-1.95, P < 0.001) and 0.52 (CI = 0.47-0.57, P < 0.001), respectively, suggesting measured volume averaged 1.46 mL greater than true volume, with each additional milliliter of measured volume corresponding to approximately 0.52 mL of true volume. There was no significant difference in the relationship between estimated and actual cement volume in thoracic levels (intercept = -0.24, CI = -1.13 to 0.66, P = 0.61; slope = 0.03, CI = -0.14 to 0.19, P = 0.73) compared with lumbar levels. The goodness-of-fit of the regression model was strong (R2 = 0.81). Discrepancies ranged from 90% underestimation to 52% overestimation; average, 17% overestimation.

CONCLUSIONS

Semi-automated volumetry maintained a strong correlation with true volumes across the thoracic and lumbar curvatures, overestimating cement volume by a mean of 17% or 1.46 mL.

Vortex-assisted resin y90 delivery via 175 cm Truselect microcatheter: case factors for high residual despite double-flush protocol

PURPOSE

To report efficiency of resin y90 delivery using SIROS via 175 cm TruSelect microcatheter with double-flush protocol (40 ml dextrose total).

METHODS

IRB-approved retrospective review of all patients undergoing SIROS injection of y90 Sir-Spheres via TruSelect from 2019 through 2022 at one quaternary-care academic institution, including medical records.

RESULTS

Included were 48 infusions in 25 patients across 11 cancer histologies. Mean planned, delivered, and residual activities were 28 ± 17, 27 ± 17, 1.1 ± 0.56 mCi respectively (mean residual 4.9% ± 2.8%) across flex-dosing precalibrations including 1-day, 2-day, and 3-day SIROS (4/51, 16/51, and 28/51). Mean liver treatment volume was 483 ± 306 ml with target dose mean of 128 ± 26 Gy in non-segmentectomy cases; Radiation segmentectomy was performed in 15/48 (31%). Arterial stasis was documented in 9/48 (19%) of cases. Use of a 3-day precalibrated SIROS dose, use of activity <10 mCi, treatment of smaller liver volumes (<200 ml) and documentation of stasis were associated with higher residual activity ( P  = 0.025, P  = 0.0007, P  = 0.0177, and P  = 0.049, respectively) were associated with higher residuals.

CONCLUSION

Combining the new technologies of SIROS and the Truselect microcatheter with a double-flush protocol yielded <10% residual in 94% of y90 infusions. Future studies may clarify if the predictors of high residual dose seen here may warrant microcatheter-specific considerations for dosimetry or dose preparation at the Radiopharmacy level.

Intravascular Ultrasound Guidance for Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt Creation Reduces Laboratory Markers of Acute Liver Injury

PURPOSE

To compare the laboratory markers of acute liver injury after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) creation performed using intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) guidance with those using other techniques.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This single-center, retrospective study examined 293 TIPS procedures performed between 2014 and 2022 (160 men; mean age, 57.4 years; 71.7% with ascites, 158 with IVUS). Laboratory changes on postprocedural day (PPD) 1 were classified based on Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) grades and were compared between IVUS and non-IVUS cases.

RESULTS

IVUS cases had a lower baseline Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score (12.5 vs 13.7, P = .016), higher pre- (16.8 vs 15.2, P = .009), and post-TIPS (6.6 vs 5.4 mm Hg, P < .001) pressure gradient, smaller stent diameter (9.2 vs 9.9 mm, P < .001), and fewer needle passes (2.4 vs 4.2, P < .001). IVUS predicted a lower PPD 1 CTCAE grade for aspartate transaminase (8.0% vs 22.2% grade ≥ 2, P = .010), alanine transaminase (ALT) (2.2% vs 7.1%, P = .017), and bilirubin (9.4% vs 26.2%, P < .001), findings confirmed using multivariable regression and propensity score analysis. IVUS predicted fewer adverse events (1.3% vs 8.1%, P = .008) and an increased likelihood of PPD 1 discharge (81% vs 59%, P = .004). IVUS was not associated with differences in PPD 30 MELD scores or 30-day survival; however, higher PPD 1 ALT (β = 1.96, P = .008) and bilirubin levels (β = 1.38, P = .004) predicted larger PPD 30 MELD score increase. Higher increases in ALT level predicted worse 30-day survival (hazard ratio, 1.93; P = .021).

CONCLUSION

IVUS resulted in less laboratory evidence of acute liver injury immediately following TIPS creation.

Phototropin phosphorylation of ROOT PHOTOTROPISM 2 and its role in mediating phototropism, leaf positioning, and chloroplast accumulation movement in Arabidopsis

Directional movements impact the ability of plants to respond and adjust their growth accordingly to the prevailing light environment. The plasma-membrane associated protein, ROOT PHOTOTROPISM 2 (RPT2) is a key signalling component involved in chloroplast accumulation movement, leaf positioning, and phototropism, all of which are regulated redundantly by the ultraviolet/blue light-activated AGC kinases phototropin 1 and 2 (phot1 and phot2). We recently demonstrated that members of the NON-PHOTOTROPIC HYPOCOTYL 3 (NPH3)/RPT2-like (NRL) family in Arabidopsis thaliana, including RPT2, are directly phosphorylated by phot1. However, whether RPT2 is a substrate for phot2, and the biological significance of phot phosphorylation of RPT2 remains to be determined. Here, we show that RPT2 is phosphorylated by both phot1 and phot2 at a conserved serine residue (S591) within the C-terminal region of the protein. Blue light triggered the association of 14-3-3 proteins with RPT2 consistent with S591 acting as a 14-3-3 binding site. Mutation of S591 had no effect on the plasma membrane localization of RPT2 but reduced its functionality for leaf positioning and phototropism. Moreover, our findings indicate that S591 phosphorylation within the C-terminus of RPT2 is required for chloroplast accumulation movement to low level blue light. Taken together, these findings further highlight the importance of the C-terminal region of NRL proteins and how its phosphorylation contributes to phot receptor signalling in plants.

Intravascular Ultrasound-Guided Transvenous Biopsy of Retroperitoneal Lymph Nodes: Diagnostic Accuracy and Safety Compared with CT-Guided Percutaneous Biopsy

PURPOSE

To compare the diagnostic accuracy and adverse event rates of intravascular ultrasound (US)-guided transvenous biopsy (TVB) versus those of computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous needle biopsy (PNB) for retroperitoneal (RP) lymph nodes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this single-institution, retrospective study, 32 intravascular US-guided TVB procedures and a sample of 34 CT-guided PNB procedures for RP lymph nodes where targets were deemed amenable to intravascular US-guided TVB were analyzed. Procedural metrics, including diagnostic accuracy, defined as diagnostic of malignancy or a clinically verifiable benign result, and adverse event rates were compared.

RESULTS

The targets of intravascular US-guided TVB were primarily aortocaval (47%, 15/32) or precaval (34%, 11/32), whereas those of CT-guided PNB were primarily right pericaval (44%, 15/34) or retrocaval (44%, 15/34) (P < .001). The targets of intravascular US-guided TVB averaged 2.4 cm in the long axis (range, 1.3-3.7 cm) compared with 2.9 cm (range, 1.4-5.7 cm) for those of CT-guided PNB (P = .02). There was no difference in the average number of needle passes (3.8 for intravascular US-guided TVB vs 3.9 for CT-guided PNB; P = .68). The diagnostic accuracy was 94% (30/32) and the adverse event rate was 3.1% (1/32) for intravascular US-guided TVB, similar to those of CT-guided PNB (accuracy, 91% [31/34]; adverse event rate, 2.9% [1/34]).

CONCLUSIONS

Intravascular US-guided TVB had a diagnostic accuracy and adverse event rate similar to CT-guided PNB for RP lymph nodes, indicating that intravascular US-guided TVB may be as safe and effective as conventional biopsy approaches for appropriately selected targets.

Coaxial Stent Graft inside a Constraining Stent for Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt Reduction

A technique to create a coaxial, self-expanding stent graft inside a constraining, bare-metal, balloon-expandable stent for transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) reduction is described. The key steps are performed on a back table rather than inside the patient, and the resulting construct is deployed using standard unsheathing maneuvers. The construct was used in 4 patients to make 6 TIPS diameter reductions (mean postreduction diameter, 6 mm; range, 0-8 mm), all resulting in increases in the portosystemic pressure gradient (mean increase, 6 mm Hg; range, 1-19 mm Hg). On average, hepatic encephalopathy improved 1 point on the West Haven scale (range, 0-2).

Transfusion Requirements with Hybrid Management of Placenta Accreta Spectrum Incorporating Targeted Embolization and a Selective Use of Delayed Hysterectomy

OBJECTIVE

This study compares the number of units of red blood cells (RBCs) transfused in patients with placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) treated with or without a multidisciplinary algorithm that includes placental uterine arterial embolization (P-UAE) and selective use of either immediate or delayed hysterectomy.

STUDY DESIGN

This is a retrospective study of deliveries conducted at a tertiary care hospital from 2001 to 2018 with pathology-confirmed PAS. Those with previable pregnancies or microinvasive histology were excluded. To improve the equity of comparison, analyses were made separately among scheduled and unscheduled cases, therefore patients were assigned to one of four cohorts as follows: (1) scheduled/per-algorithm, (2) scheduled/off-algorithm, (3) unscheduled/per-algorithm, or (4) unscheduled/off-algorithm. Primary outcomes included RBCs transfused and estimated blood loss (EBL). Secondary outcomes included perioperative complications and disposition.

RESULTS

Overall, 95 patients were identified, with 87 patients meeting inclusion criteria: 36 treated per-algorithm (30 scheduled and 6 unscheduled) and 51 off-algorithm patients (24 scheduled and 27 unscheduled). Among scheduled deliveries, 9 (30.0%) patients treated per-algorithm received RBCs compared with 20 (83.3%) patients treated off-algorithm (p < 0.01), with a median (interquartile range [IQR]) of 3.0 (2.0, 4.0) and 6.0 (2.5, 7.5) units transfused (p = 0.13), respectively. Among unscheduled deliveries, 5 (83.3%) per-algorithm patients were transfused RBCs compared with 25 (92.6%) off-algorithm patients (p = 0.47) with a median (IQR) of 4.0 (2.0, 6.0) and 8.0 (3.0, 10.0) units transfused (p = 0.47), respectively. Perioperative complications were similar between cohorts.

CONCLUSION

A multidisciplinary algorithm including P-UAE and selective use of delayed hysterectomy is associated with a lower rate of blood transfusion in scheduled but not unscheduled cases.

KEY POINTS

· An algorithm with delayed hysterectomy had less transfusion in scheduled, but not unscheduled, cases.. · Over time, more cases were managed per algorithm; among scheduled cases, the transfusion rate and volume transfused decreased.. · There were similar transfusion outcomes among off-algorithm cases, regardless if delivery was scheduled..

Cellular localization of Arabidopsis EARLY FLOWERING3 is responsive to light quality

Circadian clocks facilitate the coordination of physiological and developmental processes to changing daily and seasonal cycles. A hub for environmental signaling pathways in the Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) circadian clock is the evening complex (EC), a protein complex composed of EARLY FLOWERING3 (ELF3), ELF4, and LUX ARRYTHMO (LUX). Formation of the EC depends on ELF3, a scaffold protein that recruits the other components of the EC and chromatin remodeling enzymes to repress gene expression. Regulating the cellular distribution of ELF3 is thus an important mechanism in controlling its activity. Here, we determined that the cellular and sub-nuclear localization of ELF3 is responsive to red (RL) and blue light and that these two wavelengths have apparently competitive effects on where in the cell ELF3 localizes. We further characterized the RL response, revealing that at least two RL pathways influence the cellular localization of ELF3. One of these depends on the RL photoreceptor phytochrome B (phyB), while the second is at least partially independent of phyB activity. Finally, we investigated how changes in the cellular localization of ELF3 are associated with repression of EC target-gene expression. Our analyses revealed a complex effect whereby ELF3 is required for controlling RL sensitivity of morning-phased genes, but not evening-phased genes. Together, our findings establish a previously unknown mechanism through which light signaling influences ELF3 activity.

Measuring Hypocotyl Length in Arabidopsis

Circadian clocks allow organisms to synchronize growth to occur at the most optimal time of the day. In plants, the circadian clock controls the timing of hypocotyl (seedling stem) elongation. The activity of the circadian clock subsequently results in hypocotyl elongation being restricted to a small window around dawn and the early morning. Measuring hypocotyl elongation has provided circadian biologists a quick and non-intensive experimental tool to understand the effect of a circadian mutation on plant growth. Furthermore, hypocotyl elongation is also independently regulated by light, temperature, and hormone signaling pathways. Thus, hypocotyl assays can be expanded to investigate the crosstalk between the circadian clock and other extrinsic and intrinsic signaling pathways in controlling plant development. In this chapter we describe the resources and methods required to set up and analyze hypocotyl elongation in Arabidopsis.

Hemodialysis Reliable Outflow (HeRO) graft creation in upper extremities abandoned due to stent obstruction via recanalization and HeRO outflow component insertion across stent interstices

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility and outcomes of recanalization and subsequent HeRO graft outflow component insertion across stent interstices in patients with an otherwise abandoned upper extremity.

METHODS

Over a 10-year period, 15 patients underwent central venous recanalization by interventional radiology across the interstices of one or more occluded stents for the purpose of subsequent HeRO graft creation. A tunneled central venous catheter was left across the stent and occlusions with tip in right atrium. On a later date, the catheter was used for rapid guidewire access for HeRO graft implantation in the OR by vascular surgery. Procedural and clinical outcomes were determined by retrospective review. Primary and secondary HeRO graft patency rates were estimated with the Kaplan-Meier technique.

RESULTS

The technical success rates of recanalization across stent interstices was 100% (15/15). Between one and four overlapping stent walls were traversed. The technical success of the patients who underwent attempted HeRO graft implantation with outflow component traversing across stent interstices was 91% (11/12). No major complications were encountered with either recanalization or HeRO graft implantation. The primary and secondary HeRO patency rates at 12 months were 64% and 80%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

HeRO graft insertion across stent interstices is feasible and can provide effective permanent AV access; thus, the presence of stents across the subclavian and brachiocephalic veins should not be considered a contraindication.

EARLY FLOWERING3 sub-nuclear localization responds to changes in ambient temperature

EARLY FLOWERING3 sub-nuclear localization responds to changes in ambient temperature

The Prevalence of Uterine Fibroids in African American Women with Hemoglobin SS Sickle Cell Disease as Determined by Pelvic Magnetic Resonance Imaging

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

This study explores the relationship between the development of uterine fibroids and hemoglobin SS sickle cell disease (SCD) by examining the prevalence of uterine fibroids as detected by pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in African American (AA) women with and without SCD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A single-center, retrospective review was performed of all adult AA women at a large, academic medical center who received pelvic MRI from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2018. Propensity score matching conditional on age and ZIP code evaluated the differences in fibroid prevalence between the two groups. Subanalyses by age in 10-year intervals were also performed.

RESULTS

Twenty-one (23.9%) of 88 patients with SCD had fibroids on pelvic MRI versus 1493 (52.1%) of 2868 patients without SCD (p value <0.001). After propensity score matching, 21 (24.7%) of 85 patients with SCD compared to 52 (61.2%) of 85 patients without SCD had fibroids (p value <0.001). Subanalyses in 10-year age intervals showed significance for patients between 30 and 39 years old in which 4 (13.8%) of 29 SCD patients versus 374 (65.3%) of 573 no SCD patients had fibroids (p value <0.001), and for patients between 40 and 49 years old in which 9 (42.9%) of 21 SCD patients versus 667 (73.8%) of 904 no SCD patients had fibroids (p value = 0.002).

CONCLUSION

These findings indicate an overall significantly lower prevalence of uterine fibroids in AA women with SCD, suggesting that SCD may be protective against the development of uterine fibroids in these patients.

Safety Profile of Particle Embolization for Treatment of Acute Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding

PURPOSE

To assess ischemic adverse events following particle embolization when used as a second-line embolic to coil embolization for treatment of acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding(LGIB).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This single-institution retrospective study examined 154 procedures where embolization was attempted for LGIB. In 122 patients (64 males, mean age 69.9 years), embolization was successfully performed using microcoils in 73 procedures, particles in 34 procedures, and both microcoils and particles in 27 procedures. Particles were used as second-line only when coil embolization was infeasible or inadequate. Technical success was defined as angiographic cessation of active extravasation after embolization. Clinical success was defined as absence of recurrent bleeding within 30 days of embolization.

RESULTS

Technical success for embolization of LGIB was achieved in 87.0% of cases (134/154), and clinical success was 76.1%(102/134) among technically successful cases. Clinical success was 82.2%(60/73) for coils alone and 68.9%(42/61) for particles +/- coils. Severe adverse events involving embolization-induced bowel ischemia occurred in 3 of 56 patients who underwent particle embolization +/- coils (5.3%) versus zero out of 66 patients when coils alone were used (P=0.09). In patients who had colonoscopy or bowel resection within 2 weeks of embolization, ischemic findings attributable to the embolization were found in 3 of 15 who underwent embolization with coils alone, versus 8 of 18 who underwent embolization with particles +/- coils (p=0.27).

CONCLUSION

Particle embolization for treatment of LGIB as second line to coil embolization was associated with a 68.9% clinical success rate and a 5.3% rate of ischemia-related adverse events.

Evaluation of repeat distal transradial access in the anatomic snuffbox

PURPOSE

There is increasing interest in the distal radial artery in the anatomic snuffbox as an alternative arterial access point, but the durability of the distal radial artery to support repetitive accesses over multiple procedures is not well established. The purpose of this study was therefore to evaluate success rates for repeated left-sided distal transradial access (ldTRA) in the anatomic snuffbox.

METHODS

In this single institution retrospective study, all patients undergoing radioembolization treatments from January 1st, 2019 to May 1st, 2020 were prospectively evaluated for ldTRA. ldTRA was performed by 15 different operators. Exclusion criteria were a left radiocephalic hemodialysis fistula, inability to properly position the arm, Barbeau D waveform, or failed prior ldTRA due to tortuosity. Barbeau patterns, arterial sizes, and success rates at the first, second, and third ldTRA were compared.

RESULTS

Fifty patients were evaluated for ldTRA and 44, 39, and 10 underwent one, two, and three ldTRA attempts for a total of 93 procedures. There was no significant change in Barbeau patterns between the first and second (p = 0.13) or first and third (p = 1.0) ldTRA. There was no significant change in artery size between the first (mean, 2.3 mm; range, 1.5-3.4 mm) and second (mean, 2.3 mm; range, 1.6-3.3 mm) (p = 0.59) and first and third (mean, 2.4 mm; range, 1.9-3.3) (p = 0.45) ldTRA. The success rate was not significantly different between the first (93%, 41/44, 95% CI 81%-99%), second (95%, 37/39, 95% CI 83%-99%), and third (100%, 10/10, 95% CI 69%-100%) procedure (p = 1.0). The asymptomatic occlusion rate was 4.1% (2/49, 95% CI 0%-14%), and subsequent ldTRA was successfully completed in both patients with occlusions. There were no hemorrhagic or ischemic complications.

CONCLUSION

Success rates are indistinguishable among first, second, and third time ldTRA suggesting that this is a durable access point.

Placental uterine artery embolization followed by delayed hysterectomy for placenta percreta: A case series

•

Approximately 23% of women intending delayed hysterectomy for placenta accreta spectrum will have an unscheduled surgery.

•

Targeted embolization for placenta accreta spectrum appears to be a safe and feasible adjunct to surgical management.

•

Placental regression may contribute to discrepancy between intraoperative and pathology diagnoses in delayed hysterectomy.

•

A multidisciplinary approach to placenta accreta spectrum is associated with a lower blood loss.

We describe outcomes of patients with suspected placenta percreta treated with placental uterine artery embolization (P-UAE) followed by delayed hysterectomy. This is a prospective case series of subjects from 2005 to 2018 with suspected placenta percreta who underwent P-UAE at the time of cesarean delivery followed by delayed hysterectomy. Both scheduled and unscheduled surgical cases were included. Maternal characteristics, surgical approaches, intra- and postoperative outcomes were abstracted from medical records. In total, twenty-two subjects were included. Median (interquartile range, IQR) delivery gestational age was 34.6 (31.9, 35.7) weeks, occurring as scheduled in 17 (77.3%) subjects and unscheduled in 5 (22.7%). Delayed hysterectomy was performed as scheduled in 17 (77.3%) subjects at a median (IQR) 40.5 (38.0, 44.0) days after delivery, and 5 (22.7%) subjects had a hysterectomy prior to scheduled date, median (IQR) 27.0 (17.0, 35.0) days after delivery. Indications for the 5 unscheduled hysterectomies included bleeding (n = 3) and suspected endometritis (n = 2). Three subjects (13.6%) received a blood transfusion (1, 3, 3 units) during delivery, and 7 (31.8%) were transfused during delayed hysterectomy (median [IQR] 2 [1,3] units). Three (13.6%) subjects had bladder resection at the time of hysterectomy; 1 (4.5%) had an unintentional cystotomy and 1 (4.5%) had a ureteral injury. P-UAE followed by delayed hysterectomy appears to be a safe and feasible, although appropriate patient selection and close surveillance are imperative, as 22.7% of patients underwent unscheduled hysterectomy.

Intravascular Ultrasound-Guided Transvenous Biopsy of Abdominal and Pelvic Targets Difficult to Access by Percutaneous Needle Biopsy: Technique and Initial Clinical Experience

PURPOSE

To report initial clinical experience with intravascular ultrasound (US)-guided transvenous biopsy (TVB) for perivascular target lesions in the abdomen and pelvis using side-viewing phased-array intracardiac echocardiography catheters.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this single-institution, retrospective study, 48 patients underwent 50 intravascular US-guided TVB procedures for targets close to the inferior vena cava or iliac veins deemed difficult to access by conventional percutaneous needle biopsy (PNB). In all procedures, side-viewing phased-array intracardiac echocardiography intravascular US catheters and transjugular liver biopsy sets were inserted through separate jugular or femoral vein access sheaths, and 18-gauge core needle biopsy specimens were obtained under real-time intravascular US guidance. Diagnostic yield, diagnostic accuracy, and complications were analyzed.

RESULTS

Intravascular US-guided TVB was diagnostic of malignancy in 40 of 50 procedures for a diagnostic yield of 80%. There were 5 procedures in which biopsy was correctly negative for malignancy, with a per-procedure diagnostic accuracy of 90% (45/50). Among the 5 false negatives, 2 patients underwent repeat intravascular US-guided TVB, which was diagnostic of malignancy for a per-patient diagnostic accuracy of 94% (45/48). There were 1 (2%) mild, 2 (4%) moderate, and 1 (2%) severe adverse events, with 1 moderate severity adverse event (venous thrombosis) directly attributable to the intravascular US-guided TVB technique.

CONCLUSIONS

Intravascular US-guided TVB performed on difficult-to-approach perivascular targets in the abdomen and pelvis resulted in a high diagnostic accuracy, similar to accepted thresholds for PNB. Complication rates may be slightly higher but should be weighed relative to the risks of difficult PNB, surgical biopsy, or clinical management without biopsy.

Proton pump inhibitor use is associated with increased rates of post-TIPS hepatic encephalopathy: Replication in an independent patient cohort

PURPOSE

Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use is a potential risk factor for hepatic encephalopathy (HE), but few studies have examined the effect on post-TIPS HE. The purpose of this study was to determine whether PPIs are associated with increased rates of post-TIPS HE in an independent patient cohort.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This single-institution retrospective study analyzed 86 patients (54 male, mean age 58.2) following TIPS from 1/1/2017 to 12/31/2019. Dates of PPI usage and episodes of new or worsening HE were recorded. Poisson regression with generalized estimating equations was used to test for association between PPI use and post-TIPS HE and to test for dose dependence. Post-TIPS HE was also analyzed using the Andersen-Gill survival model for recurrent events.

RESULTS

There were 1.88 episodes of new or worsening post-TIPS HE per person-year among 35 patients on uninterrupted PPIs therapy, 1.95 on PPIs and 0.94 off PPIs among 35 patients on intermittent therapy, and 0.47 among 16 patients never on PPIs. PPI use was significantly associated with post-TIPS HE in both univariable (incidence rate ratio (IRR) = 2.62; CI = 1.41-4.84; p = 0.002) and multivariable (IRR = 2.31; CI = 1.37-3.89; p = 0.002) regression. Analysis of only those patients on PPIs showed increased rates of HE with higher doses (IRR = 1.17 per 10 mg omeprazole equivalent; CI = 1.04-1.33; p = 0.011). Recurrent events survival analysis supported the association between PPI use and HE in univariable (hazard ratio (HR) = 2.17; CI = 1.19-3.95; p = 0.011) and multivariable (HR = 1.87; CI = 1.12-3.13; p = 0.017) analysis.

CONCLUSION

In an independent patient cohort PPI use was associated with increased rates of new or worsening post-TIPS HE.

Socioeconomic Status Is Associated with the Risk of Hepatic Encephalopathy after Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt Creation

PURPOSE

To determine whether socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with hepatic encephalopathy (HE) risk after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) creation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This single-institution retrospective study included 368 patients (mean age = 56.7 years; n = 229 males) from 5 states who underwent TIPS creation. SES was estimated using the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality SES index, a metric based on neighborhood housing, education, and income statistics. Episodes of new or worsening HE after TIPS creation, defined as hospitalization for HE or escalation in outpatient medical therapy, were identified from medical records. Multivariable ordinal regression, negative binomial regression, and competing risks survival analysis were used to identify factors associated with SES quartile, the number of episodes of new or worsening HE per unit time after TIPS creation, and mortality after TIPS creation, respectively.

RESULTS

There were 83, 113, 99, and 73 patients in the lowest, second, third, and highest SES quartiles, respectively. In multivariable regression, only older age (β = 0.04, confidence interval [CI] = 0.02-0.05; P < .001) and white, non-Hispanic ethnicity (β = 0.64, CI = 0.07-1.21; P = .03) were associated with higher SES quartile. In multivariable regression, lower SES quartile (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 0.80, CI = 0.68-0.94; P = .004), along with older age, male sex, higher model for end-stage liver disease score, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, and proton pump inhibitor use were associated with higher rates of HE after TIPS creation. Ethnicity was not associated with the rate of HE after TIPS creation (IRR = 0.77, CI = 0.46-1.29; P = .28). In multivariable survival analysis, neither SES quartile nor ethnicity predicted mortality after creation of a TIPS.

CONCLUSION

Lower SES is associated with higher rates of new or worsening HE after TIPS creation.

Ferumoxytol-enhanced MR Venography of the Central Veins of the Thorax for the Evaluation of Stenosis and Occlusion in Patients with Renal Impairment

Purpose

To assess the diagnostic performance of ferumoxytol-enhanced MR venography for the detection of thoracic central vein stenosis or occlusion with conventional venography as the reference standard.

Materials and Methods

In this retrospective study, consecutive patients from May 2012 to December 2018 underwent dedicated ferumoxytol-enhanced MR venography of the thoracic central veins and conventional venography within 6 months for detecting central venous stenosis. The central veins were divided into seven segments for evaluation. MR venography images were evaluated by three radiologists for presence of stenosis or occlusion. Interobserver agreement was assessed using Fleiss κ.

Results

A total of 35 patients were included (mean age, 49 years; age range, 12-75 years; 18 females). Of the 122 total venous segments with corresponding conventional venography, 73 were stenotic or occluded. The sensitivity and specificity for detection of stenosis or occlusion was 99% and 98%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity for detecting occlusion alone was 96% and 98%, respectively. MR venography readers demonstrated moderate agreement in their ability to grade stenosis or occlusion (κ = 0.59). There were no adverse events related to contrast agent administration.

Conclusion

Ferumoxytol-enhanced MR venography demonstrated excellent sensitivity and specificity for detection of thoracic central vein stenosis or occlusion.© RSNA, 2020See also the commentary by Finn in this issue.

Percutaneous gastrojejunostomy tubes: Identification of predictors of retrograde jejunal limb migration into the stomach

PURPOSE

To identify whether technically modifiable factors during gastrojejunostomy (GJ) tube insertion are predictive of retrograde jejunal limb migration into the stomach.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective review of our procedural database over a 5-year period revealed 988 successful primary GJ tube insertions. Medical records and imaging were reviewed for cases of retrograde jejunal limb migration. Primary analysis was performed on 74 patients with retrograde tip migration within 3 months after placement (37 males, mean age = 57). Comparison was performed on 67 control patients (34 males, mean age = 51) who had radiologically confirmed GJ tube stability for at least 6 months. Procedural fluoroscopic images were analyzed for multiple GJ tube configuration parameters. The stomach was designated into antrum, body, and fundus. Predictors of retrograde tip migration were analyzed with univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 110 patients (11.1%) had retrograde jejunal limb migration, with 74 (7.5%) occurring within 3 months of placement. On multivariate analysis, the factors associated with a significantly lower risk of tip malposition included gastric puncture site in the antrum (OR: 0.27, 95% CI: 0.13-0.56, p < 0.001) and GJ tract angle less than 30 degrees away from the pylorus (OR: 0.35, 95% CI: 0.16-0.76, p = 0.008). No patient in either cohort had a major complication within 30 days of procedure.

CONCLUSION

To minimize the risk of retrograde tip migration, GJ tubes should be inserted into the gastric antrum with an entry tract oriented as directly towards the pylorus as possible.

Metoclopramide Reduces Fluoroscopy and Procedure Time during Gastrojejunostomy Tube Placement: A Placebo-Controlled Trial

PURPOSE

To determine whether a single 10-mg intravenous dose of the promotility agent metoclopramide reduces the fluoroscopy time, radiation dose, and procedure time required for gastrojejunostomy (GJ) tube placement.

METHODS

This prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial enrolled consecutive patients who underwent primary GJ tube placement at a single institution from April 10, 2018, to October 3, 2019. Exclusion criteria included age less than 18 years, inability to obtain consent, metoclopramide allergy or contraindication, and altered pyloric anatomy. Average fluoroscopy times, radiation doses, and procedure times were compared using t-tests. The full study protocol can be found at www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03331965).

RESULTS

Of 110 participants randomized 1:1, 45 received metoclopramide and 51 received placebo and underwent GJ tube placement (38 females and 58 males; mean age, 55 ± 18 years). Demographics of the metoclopramide and placebo groups were similar. The fluoroscopy time required to advance a guide wire through the pylorus averaged 1.6 minutes (range, 0.3-10.1 minutes) in the metoclopramide group versus 4.1 minutes (range, 0.2-27.3 minutes) in the placebo group (P = .002). Total procedure fluoroscopy time averaged 5.8 minutes (range, 1.5-16.2 minutes) for the metoclopramide group versus 8.8 minutes (range, 2.8-29.7 minutes) for the placebo group (P = .002). Air kerma averaged 91 mGy (range, 13-354 mGy) for the metoclopramide group versus 130 mGy (range, 24-525 mGy) for the placebo group (P = .04). Total procedure time averaged 16.4 minutes (range, 8-51 minutes) for the metoclopramide group versus 19.9 minutes (range, 6-53 minutes) for the placebo group (P = .04). There were no drug-related adverse events and no significant differences in procedure-related complications.

CONCLUSIONS

A single dose of metoclopramide reduced fluoroscopy time by 34%, radiation dose by 30%, and procedure time by 17% during GJ tube placement.

Jejunostomy Tube Insertion for Enteral Nutrition: Comparison of Outcomes after Laparoscopic versus Radiologic Insertion

PURPOSE

To retrospectively compare technical success and major complication rates of laparoscopically versus radiologically inserted jejunostomy tubes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this single-institution retrospective study, 115 patients (60 men; mean age, 59.7 y) underwent attempted laparoscopic jejunostomy tube insertion as a standalone procedure during a 10-year period and 106 patients (64 men; mean age, 61.0 y) underwent attempted direct percutaneous radiologic jejunostomy tube insertion during an overlapping 6-year period. Clinical outcomes were retrospectively reviewed with primary focus on predictors of procedure-related major complications within 30 days.

RESULTS

Patients undergoing laparoscopic jejunostomy tube insertion were less likely to have previous major abdominal surgery (P < .001) or to be critically ill (P < .001) and had a higher body mass index (P = .001) than patients undergoing radiologic insertion. Technical success rates were 95% (110 of 115) for laparoscopic and 97% (103 of 106) for radiologic jejunostomy tube insertion (P = .72). Major procedural complications occurred in 7 patients (6%) in the laparoscopic group and in 5 (5%) in the radiologic group (P = 1.0). For laparoscopic jejunostomy tubes, only previous major abdominal surgery was significantly associated with a higher major procedure complication rate (14% [5 of 37] vs 3% [2 of 78] in those without; P = .039). In the radiologic jejunostomy group, only obesity was significantly associated with a higher major complication rate: 20% (2 of 10) vs 3% (3 of 96) in nonobese patients (P = .038).

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic and radiologic jejunostomy tube insertion both showed high success and low complication rates. Previous major abdominal surgery and obesity may be pertinent discriminators for patient selection.

A mobile ELF4 delivers circadian temperature information from shoots to roots

The circadian clock is synchronized by environmental cues, mostly by light and temperature. Explaining how the plant circadian clock responds to temperature oscillations is crucial to understanding plant responsiveness to the environment. Here, we found a prevalent temperature-dependent function of the Arabidopsis clock component EARLY FLOWERING 4 (ELF4) in the root clock. Although the clocks in roots are able to run in the absence of shoots, micrografting assays and mathematical analyses show that ELF4 moves from shoots to regulate rhythms in roots. ELF4 movement does not convey photoperiodic information, but trafficking is essential for controlling the period of the root clock in a temperature-dependent manner. Low temperatures favour ELF4 mobility, resulting in a slow-paced root clock, whereas high temperatures decrease movement, leading to a faster clock. Hence, the mobile ELF4 delivers temperature information and establishes a shoot-to-root dialogue that sets the pace of the clock in roots.