Role of interventional radiology in the management of acute gastrointestinal bleeding

Acute gastrointestinal bleeding(GIB) can lead to significant morbidity and mortality without appropriate treatment. There are numerous causes of acute GIB including but not limited to infection, vascular anomalies, inflammatory diseases, trauma, and malignancy. The diagnostic and therapeutic approach of GIB depends on its location, severity, and etiology. The role of interventional radiology becomes vital in patients whose GIB remains resistant to medical and endoscopic treatment. Radiology offers diagnostic imaging studies and endovascular therapeutic interventions that can be performed promptly and effectively with successful outcomes. Computed tomography angiography and nuclear scintigraphy can localize the source of bleeding and provide essential information for the interventional radiologist to guide therapeutic management with endovascular angiography and transcatheter embolization. This review article provides insight into the essential role of Interventional Radiology in the management of acute GIB.

Recent advances in endovascular techniques for management of acute nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding

Over the past two decades,transcatheter arterial embolization has become the first-line therapy for the management of upper gastrointestinal bleeding that is refractory to endoscopic hemostasis.Advances in catheter-based techniques and newer embolic agents, as well as recognition of the effectiveness of minimally invasive treatment options,have expanded the role of interventional radiology in the management of hemorrhage for a variety of indications,such as peptic ulcerbleeding,malignant disease,hemorrhagic Dieulafoy lesions and iatrogenic or trauma bleeding.Transcatheter interventions include the following:selective embolization of the feeding artery,sandwich coil occlusion of the gastroduodenal artery,blind or empiric embolization of the supposed bleeding vessel based on endoscopic findings and coil pseudoaneurysm or aneurysm embolization by three-dimensional sac packing with preservation of the parent artery.Transcatheter embolization is a fast,safe and effective,minimally invasive alternative to surgery when endoscopic treatment fails to control bleeding from the upper gastrointestinal tract.This article reviews the various transcatheter endovascular techniques and devices that are used in a variety of clinical scenarios for the management of hemorrhagic gastrointestinal emergencies.

Management of duodenal ulcer bleeding resistant to endoscopy:Surgery is dead!

Acute massive duodenal bleeding is one of the most frequent complications of peptic ulcer disease.Endoscopy is the first-line method for diagnosing and treating actively bleeding peptic ulcers because its success rate is high.Of the small group of patients whose bleeding fails to respond to endoscopic therapy,increasingly the majority is referred for embolotherapy.Indeed,advances in catheter-based techniques and newer embolic agents,as well as recognition of the effectiveness of minimally invasive treatment options,have expanded the role of interventional radiology in the management of hemorrhage from peptic ulcers over the past decade.Embolization may be effective for even the most gravely ill patients for whom surgery is not a viable option,even when extravasation is not visualized by angiography.However,it seems that careful selection of the embolic agents according to the bleeding vessel may play a role in a successful outcome.The role of the surgeon in this clinical sphere is dramatically diminishing and will certainly continue to diminish in ensuing years,surgery being typically reserved for patients whose bleeding failed to respond all previous treatments.Such a setting has become extremely rare.

Cutting balloon treatment of anastomotic biliary stenosis after liver transplantation: Report of two cases

Biliary stenosis is a common complication after liver transplantation,and has an incidence rate ranging from4.7%to 12.5%based on our previous study.Three types of biliary stenosis(anastomotic stenosis,nonanastomotic peripheral stenosis and non-anastomotic central hilar stenosis)have been identified.We report the outcome of two patients with anastomotic stricture after liver transplantation who underwent successfulcutting balloon treatment.Case 1 was a 40-year-old male transplanted due to subacute fulminant hepatitis C.Case 2 was a 57-year-old male transplanted due to hepatitis B virus-related end-stage cirrhosis associated with hepatocellular carcinoma.Both patients had similar clinical scenarios:refractory anastomotic stenosis after orthotopic liver transplantation and failure of balloon dilation of the common bile duct to alleviate biliary stricture.

Isolated limb infusion chemotherapy with or without hemofiltration for recurrent limb melanoma

AIM: To better define the efficacy and the safety of intra-arterial infusion performed with or without hemofiltration for recurrent limb melanoma. METHODS: Patients with the following characteristics were included in the study: recurrent limb melanoma not indicated for surgical resection, measurable disease in the extremity, > 18 years, performances status(Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group) was 0-1 and life expectancy of at least 6 mo. Twenty nine consecutive patients were enrolled in the study. Patients underwent fluoroscopic placement of angiographic arterial and venous catheters to infuse the drug in the artery [isolated limb infusion(ILI)], and to stop the out flow(venous). Melphalan was rapidly infused into the isolated limb via the arterial catheter after the inflation of venous balloon catheter. Then the circulation of the limb was completely blocked with a pneumatic cuff at the root of the limb. Haemofiltration(HF) was available only in the main center, and was performed with an extracorporeal perfusion system, in order to reduce high systemic toxic peaks of drug.RESULTS: Thirty seven ILI were done in 29 cases(31 ILI-HF and 6 ILI) between 2001 and 2014 at Ancona and Pesaro Hospitals, Italy. Clinical outcomes were monitored 30 d after treatment. Eleven patients(38%) received infusion of melphalan alone, 7(24%) melphalan associated to mitomicin C and 7(24%) melphalan associated to cisplatin, the remaining 4 were treated with cisplatin, melphalan and epirubicin or cisplatin and mitomicin C. The overall response rate was 66%, in particular, 3 patients(10%) were complete responders and 16(56%) were partial responders; whereas 7 patients(24%) had stable disease, and 3(10%) showed progressive disease. Limb toxicity was assessed adopting Wieberdink scale, with evidence of 90% of low grade(I and II) toxicity.CONCLUSION: ILI-HF and ILI are effective and safe treatments for recurrent non-resectable limb melanoma. They present evidence of favorable clinical benefit and is effective in delaying progression.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the safety and efficacy of uterine artery embolization vs. surgery for symptomatic uterine fibroids

Purpose: The aim of this study was to systematically review the safety and efficacy of uterine artery embolization(UAE) versus surgery for symptomatic uterine fibroids. Materials and Methods: An electronic search of the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase and Web of Science databases was conducted from their inception to May 2017 for randomized controlled trials(RCTs) that assessed UAE versus surgery for the treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids. The references of the included studies were also retrieved. Two reviewers independently screened the studies based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, extracted the data, and assessed the methodological quality. The meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.3 software. Results: A total of seven RCTs involving 859 patients were included. The results of the meta-analysis showed a shorter hospital stay and recovery time for UAE as compared to surgery. Surgery was not reported to be better for improving health-related quality of life in any of the included studies. There were no significant differences in patient satisfaction(1-2 and 5 years), and intra-procedural complications or major complications(1 year). However, the rates of minor complications(1 year) and further interventions(2 and 5 years) were significantly higher in patients who underwent UAE rather than surgery. The rates of pregnancy and live births were significantly lower among patients who underwent UAE than surgery. Conclusion: UAE is safe and effective, and has the advantages of shorter hospital stay and recovery time as compared to surgery. However, UAE has the risk of re-intervention, and lower pregnancy and live birth rates.

Manual aspiration thrombectomy for acute and subacute inferior vena cava thrombosis and lower extremity deep venous thrombosis

Deep vein thrombosis(DVT), which can lead to pulmonary embolism(PE), is a major contributor to the global disease burden and is the third most common cardiovascular pathology after coronary artery disease and stroke. Venous thromboembolic disease, which encompasses the disease entities of DVT and PE, affects up to 10 million cases every year and represents a serious and potentially life-threatening condition. Standard anticoagulation therapy alone is ineffective at promoting deep venous system thrombus removal. Many patients develop postthrombotic syndrome(PTS) despite being on adequate anticoagulation therapy. Aggressive therapy for rapid thrombus removal is important to prevent the development of PTS. Besides impeding the onset of PTS, rapid clearance of the thrombus is also required in the treatment of phlegmasia cerulea dolens, an uncommon but life-threatening complication of acute DVT that can lead to arterial insufficiency, compartment syndrome, venous gangrene, and limb amputation. Manual aspiration thrombectomy(MAT) can provide rapid and effective therapy that could be compared to the open surgical thrombectomy approach with minimal risk of morbidity, mortality, or recurrence after surgery. Though many devices have been developed to date for pharmacomechanical thrombolysis, the cost of the treatment using these devices is very expensive. MAT is simple to perform, easy to learn, inexpensive, and rapid. This review will outline and dissect several studies and case reports, sourced from the Pub Med database, on the subject of the use of MAT in treating inferior vena cava thrombosis and lower extremity DVT, including in patients with compression of the iliac vein and phlegmasia cerulea dolens.

透析静脉通路狭窄:球囊血管成形术治疗——1min和3min扩张时间对照

目的前瞻性评估透析静脉通路狭窄行球囊血管成形术球囊扩张时间对手术成功性和术后初期血管开放情况的影响。

Transarterial chemoembolization with pirarubicin-eluting microspheres in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: Preliminary results

Purpose:To present the early results of pirarubicin-eluting microsphere transarterial chemoembolization(PETACE)for patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).Materials and methods:We retrospectively analyzed 55 consecutive patients with HCC who received PE-TACE between April 1,2015 and August 30,2016.The complication rate,tumor response rate,progression-free survival(PFS),and overall survival(OS)were analyzed.Results:Adverse events were generally mild and included abdominal pain and fever,although a major complication was reported in 1 patient(1.8%).During a median follow-up of 10.0 months(range,3.0-24.0 months),14 patients(25.5%)achieved a complete tumor response,25(45.5%)had a partial response,9(16.4%)showed stable disease,and 7(12.7%)had disease progression.The 1-month overall response rate was 70.9%,and the local tumor response rate was 89.0%.The 1-month tumor response rate was 100%for Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer(BCLC)stage A or B disease and 62.8%for BCLC stage C disease.The median PFS was 6.1 months(95%confidence interval[95%CI],3.4-8.8 months;range,1.0-24.0 months).The median OS was 11.0 months(95%CI,7.1-14.9 months;range,2.0-24.0 months).Kaplan-Meier analysis(log-rank test)found significant differences in OS between patients grouped by tumor number(P=0.006),tumor size(P=0.035),and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group(ECOG)score(P=0.005).The tumor number(1 vs.>2)was the only factor independently associated with OS(hazard ratio[HR],2.867;95%CI,1.330-6.181;P=0.007).Conclusions:PE-TACE for unresectable HCC may be safe,with favorable tumor response rates and survival time,especially in patients with a single large tumor.Longer follow-up using a larger series is necessary to confirm these preliminary results.

ERCP无法治疗的良性吻合口胆道狭窄:一种避免留置导管的新型经皮球囊扩张技术

目的评价一种新型经皮3次球囊扩张方案治疗良性吻合口胆道狭窄的远期通畅率。方法对于肝胆道手术或肝移植术后出现良性胆道狭窄且内镜无法治疗的病人,采用周期性经皮治疗的方法:在第1天进行20 min球囊扩张,并于第3、5天重复操作。

一种诊断肝纤维化的有效方法——评Wáng等IVIM诊断肝纤维化的论文

自从Le Bihan等作者于1986年描述体素内不相干运动(intravoxel incoherent motion,IVIM)磁共振弥散成像以来,这项技术取得了很大进展[1-4]。特别是在肝硬化和纤维化的情况下,许多研究显示了各种病理对弥散参数的影响。然而由于IVIM弥散参数值扫描的不稳定性,这些参数在个体患者诊断方面临床意义不大[5]。精确测量PF(f)和Dfast(D*)非常困难[6,7]。许多研究者试图提高测量精度、更好地理解扩弥散模式、改进图像采集序列或图像后处理。但是直到今天,肝脏IVIM参数测量的稳定性仍然不足,并难以满足日常的临床应用[5]。

Intractable hematuria due to giant prostatic hyperplasia effectively treated with prostatic artery embolization

Giant prostatic hyperplasia(GPH)is a rare pathology traditionally treated with an open suprapubic prostatectomy.This procedure is risky,and fatal hemorrhagic complications can occur.Often,patients with GPH present with diminished renal function due to obstructive nephropathy,making them unfit for less invasive endovascular therapies using traditional contrast agents.Here we present a case of a patient with intractable hematuria due to GPH,as well as diminished renal function,who was successfully treated using prostatic artery embolization with CO2 digital subtraction arteriography as a contrast agent.

Transcatheter embolization as the new reference standard for endoscopically unmanageable upper gastrointestinal bleeding

Acute nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding(UGIB) is a major medical emergency problem associated with significant morbidity and mortality.Endoscopy is considered the first method of choice to detect and treat UGIB.Endoscopic therapy usually achieves primary hemostasis,but 10%-30% of these patients have repeat bleeding.In patients in whom hemostasis is not achieved with endoscopic techniques,treatment with transcatheter angiographic embolization(TAE) or surgery is needed.Surgical intervention is usually an expeditious and gratifying endeavor,but it can be associated with high operative mortality rates.A large number of studies support the use of TAE as salvage therapy as an alternative to surgery.However,few studies have compared the results of TAE with that of emergency surgery in terms of efficiency,the frequency of repeat bleeding,and complications.Recently,Ang et al retrospectively compared the outcome of TAE and surgery as salvage therapy of UGIB after failed endoscopic treatment.There were no significant differences in 30 d mortality,complication rates and length of stay although higher rebleeding rates were observed after TAE compared with surgery.In this commentary,we discuss the advantages and drawbacks of these two therapeutic strategies for UGIB.We also attempt to define the exact role of TAE for acute nonvariceal UGIB.

Metastatic appendiceal cancer treated with Yttrium 90 radioembolization and systemic chemotherapy:A case report

BACKGROUND Primary appendiceal cancers are rare,and they generally present with liver and/or peritoneal metastases.Currently there are no guidelines to treat metastatic appendiceal cancer,and hence they are treated as metastatic colorectal cancer.Combining Yttrium 90(Y-90)radioembolization(RE)with systemic chemotherapy early in the treatment of right sided colon cancers has been shown to improve survival.Based on this data,a combination of systemic chemotherapy and Y-90 RE was used to treat a case of metastatic appendiceal cancer.CASE SUMMARY A 76-year-old male presented to the emergency room with progressive right lower quadrant pain.A Computed Tomography of the abdomen and pelvis was performed which showed acute appendicitis and contained perforation.Urgent laparoscopic appendectomy was then followed by histological analysis,which was significant for appendiceal adenocarcinoma.After complete workup he underwent right hemicolectomy and lymph node dissection.He received adjuvant chemotherapy as the local lymph nodes were positive.Follow-up imaging was significant for liver metastasis.Due to rapid growth of the liver lesions and new peritoneal nodules,the patient was treated with a combination of Y-90 RE and folinic acid,fluorouracil,and irinotecan with bevacizumab and not microwave ablation as previously planned.Follow up imaging demonstrated complete response of the liver lesions.At 12-mo follow-up,the patient continued to enjoy good quality of life with no recurrent disease.CONCLUSION Utilization of Y-90 RE concomitantly with systemic chemotherapy early in the treatment of appendiceal cancer may provide improved control of this otherwise aggressive cancer.

Locoregional therapy and systemic cetuximab to treat colorectal liver metastases

AIM: To investigate efficacy and safety of second-line treatment with irinotecan-loaded drug-eluting beads(DEBIRI) and cetuximab(DEBIRITUX) of unresectable colorectal liver metastases.METHODS: Patients with the following characteristics were included in the study: unresectable hepatic metastases from colorectal carcinoma(CRC-LM), progression after first line chemotherapy(any type of chemotherapeutic drug and combination was allowed), second line treatment(mandatory), which included for each patient(unregarding the KRas status) two cycles of DEBIRI(using 100-300 μm beads loaded with irinotecan at a total dose 200 mg) followed by 12 cycles of cetuximab that was administered weekly at a first dose of 400 mg/m2 and then 250 mg/m2; good performance status(0-2) and liver functionality(alanine aminotransferase and gamma-glutamyl transferase not exceeding three times the upper limit of normal, total bilirubin not exceeding 2.5 mg/m L). Data were collected retrospectively and included: tumor response(evaluated monthly for 6 mo then every 3 mo), overall response rate(ORR), KRas status, type and intensity of adverse events(G according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v3.0, CTCAE), overall survival(OS) and progression free survival(PFS).RESULTS: Forty consecutive cases of CRC hepatic metastases were included in the study. Median duration of DEBIRITUX was 4.4 mo(range, 4.0-6.5). Sixteen patients(40%) received the planned 2 cycles of DEBIRI and an average of 10 cetuximab cycles. ORR of the whole sample was 50%, in particular 4 patients were complete responders(10%) and 16(40%) partial responders. The most observed side effects(G2) were: post-embolization syndrome(30%), diarrhea(25%), skin rushes(38%) and asthenia(35%). The retrospective evaluation of KRas status(24 wild type, 16 mutated) showed that the group of patients with wild type KRas had ORR significantly higher than mutant KRas. Median follow-up was 29 mo(8-48 range); median PFS was 9.8 mo and OS was 20.4 mo. Future randomized trials are required in this setting to establish a role for DEBIRITUX compared with systemic chemotherapy.CONCLUSION: DEBIRITUX seems to be efficacious after first line chemotherapy for the treatment of unresectable CRC-LM.

Popliteal Venous Pseudoaneurysm and Arteriovenous Fistula after Orthopedic Surgery

Arthroscopically assisted reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (LCA) is generally a safe and effective procedure with a low rate of vascular complications. We report on a case of a 33-year-old woman with a combined arteriovenous fistula (AVF) and venous popliteal aneurysm that developed 6 months after arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. At clinical exam the patient presented with left popliteal and calf pain, a tender pulsatile mass posterior to her left knee, popliteal bruit and a thrill at the popliteal fossa. CT scan showed an AVF arising from the left popliteal artery. An aneurysm was seen to fill at the same time as the popliteal vein. Findings at open surgical revision included AVF between the tibioperoneal trunk and the popliteal vein and a venous popliteal aneurysm at the level of the arteriovenous communication. The aneurysm and fistula were repaired. The patient had an uneventful follow up with complete recovery. We also report an endovascular treatment of a iatrogenic arterio-venous fistula.

The combination of EGCG with warfarin reduces deep vein thrombosis in rabbits through modulating HIF-1αand VEGF via the PI3K/AKT and ERK1/2 signaling pathways

Deep venous thrombosis(DVT)poses a major challenge to public health worldwide.Endothelial cell injury evokes inflammatory and oxidative responses that contribute to thrombus formation.Tea polyphenol(TP)in the form of epigallocatechin-3-gallate(EGCG)has anti-inflammatory and oxidative effect that may ameliorate DVT.However,the precise mechanism remains incompletely understood.The current study was designed to investigate the anti-DVT mechanism of EGCG in combination with warfarin(an oral anticoagulant).Rabbits were randomly divided into five groups.A DVT model of rats was established through ligation of the inferior vena cava(IVC)and left common iliac vein,and the animals were orally administered with EGCG,warfarin,or vehicle for seven days.In vitro studies included pretreatment of human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs)with different concentrations of EGCG for 2 h before exposure to hydrogen peroxide.Thrombus weight and length were examined.Histopathological changes were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining.Blood samples were collected for detecting coagulation function,including thrombin and prothrombin times,activated partial thromboplastin time,and fibrinogen levels.Protein expression in thrombosed IVCs and HUVECs was evaluated by Western blot,immunohistochemical analysis,and/or immunofluorescence staining.RT-qPCR was used to determine the levels of AGTR-1 and VEGF mRNA in IVCs and HUVECs.The viability of HUVECs was examined by CCK-8 assay.Flow cytometry was performed to detect cell apoptosis and ROS generation was assessed by 2′,7ʹ-dichlorofluorescein diacetate reagent.In vitro and in vivo studies showed that EGCG combined with warfarin significantly reduced thrombus weight and length,and apoptosis in HUVECs.Our findings indicated that the combination of EGCG and warfarin protects HUVECs from oxidative stress and prevents apoptosis.However,HIF-1αsilencing weakened these effects,which indicated that HIF-1αmay participate in DVT.Furthermore,HIF-1αsilencing significantly up-regulated cell apoptosis and ROS generation,and enhanced VEGF expression and the activation of the PI3K/AKT and ERK1/2 signaling pathways.In conclusion,our results indicate that EGCG combined with warfarin modifies HIF-1αand VEGF to prevent DVT in rabbits through anti-inflammation via the PI3K/AKT and ERK1/2 signaling pathways.

Comparative study of endoscopy vs.transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in the management of gastric variceal bleeding

Background and Aim:Gastric varices are associated with high mortality.There have been conflicting reports on whether endoscopic treatment with cyanoacrylate or the placement of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS)is more effective in the treatment of gastric varices.We compared the outcomes of patients treated with cyanoacrylate glue or TIPS for the management of acute gastric variceal bleeding.Methods:The study was designed as a retrospective cohort analysis of patients undergoing either TIPS or endoscopic treatment with cyanoacrylate for acute gastric variceal bleeding at our institution from 2001 to 2011.Primary compared to studied between the two treatment modalities were the short-term treatment outcomes,including re-bleeding within 30 days,length of hospital stay and in-hospital mortality.Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed to assess factors associated with in-hospital mortality.Results:A total of 169 patients were included in the analysis.The TIPS arm contained 140 patients and the cyanoacrylate arm contained 29 patients.There was no evidence to suggest any significant differences in demographics or disease severity.There were no differences between the TIPS arm and the cyanoacrylate armtwo groups in treatment outcomes including re-bleeding within 30 days(17.4%vs.17.2%;P=0.98),median length of stay in the hospital(4.5 days vs.6.0 days;P紏0.35)or in-hospital mortality(9.0%vs.11.1%;P=0.74).In-hospital mortality was evaluated for 149 patients and lower albumin(P=0.015),higher MELD score(P<0.001),higher CTP score(P=0.005)and bleeding(P=0.008)were all significantly associated with in-hospital death.Conclusion:These findings suggest that both treatments are equally effective.Cyanoacrylate offers a safe,effective alternative to TIPS for gastric varices,and physician may choose the best therapy for each patient,factoring in the availability of TIPS or cyanoacrylate,the individual patient’s presentation,and cost.

Impact of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt on post-colectomy complications in patients with ulcerative colitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis

Objective:Primary sclerosing cholangitis(PSC)occurs in approximately 5%of patients with ulcerative colitis(UC).The risk of colon cancer is higher in patients undergoing colectomy,who have simultaneous PSC&UC.Our aim was to study the impact,in terms of post-colectomy survival and complications,of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS)before colectomy in these patients.Methods:In this retrospective,case-control study,information was obtained on demographics,disease characteristics,TIPS characteristics,and post-colectomy complications.Nine patients with PSC and UC who underwent TIPS prior to colectomy(the Study group)and 37 patients with PSC and UC who underwent only colectomy without TIPS(the Control group)were included.Either an analysis of variance or the non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test were used for continuous variables and Fisher’s Exact test or Pearson’s chi-squared test was used for categorical factors.Results:There was no difference in themean age between the two groups;however patients in the Study group had lower platelet count(P=0.005)as well as higher Model for End-Stage Liver disease(MELD)scores(P<0.001).Also,patients in the Study group had increased PSC severity as determined by Mayo PSC Risk Scores(1.50 vs.0.20)(P=0.001).Total bilirubin levels were higher in the Study group(2.3 vs.0.8mg/dL)(P=0.011).Comparing the post-operative complication rates without adjusting for disease severity,the Study group hadmore wound infections(P=0.034),more wound dehiscence(P=0.022),and a higher re-admission rate within 30 days(P=0.032);however,the post-operativemortality was not significantly different.Conclusion:Patients with PSC and UC who underwent TIPS prior to colectomy had higher rates of complications;however,this was probably due to the greater severity of cirrhosis and PSC in this population.