Evaluating Image Quality and Radiation Dose in Low-Dose Thoraco-Abdominal CT Angiography with a Tin Filter for Patients with Aortic Disease

Background: We aimed to compared radiation exposure and image quality between tin-filter-based and standard dose thoraco-abdominal computed tomography angiography (TACTA) protocols, aiming to address a gap in the existing literature. Methods: In this retrospective study, ninety consecutive patients undergoing TACTA were included. Of these, 45 followed a routine standard-dose protocol (ST100kV), and 45 underwent a low-dose protocol with a tin filter (TF100kV). Radiation metrics were compared. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and figure of merit (FOM) were calculated for the thoracic and abdominal aorta and right common iliac artery. Two independent readers assessed the image noise, image contrast, sharpness, and subjective image quality. Results: The mean dose for the TF100kV group was significantly lower (DLP 128.25 ± 18.18 mGy*cm vs. 662.75 ± 181.29, p p = 0.001), with an effective dose close to 2.3 mSv (2.31 ± 0.33 mSv; p −1, p Conclusions: Dedicated low-dose TACTA using a tin filter can significantly reduce the radiation dose while maintaining sufficient diagnostic image quality

Usefulness of Cone-Beam CT-Based Liver Perfusion Mapping for Evaluating the Response of Hepatocellular Carcinoma to Conventional Transarterial Chemoembolization

We investigated the cone beam computed tomography (CBCT)-based-liver-perfusion-mapping usefulness during transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) to access treatment response and predict outcomes. From October 2016 to September 2018, 42 patients with HCCs scheduled for conventional TACE were prospectively enrolled. Three reviewers evaluated the unenhanced and contrast-enhanced CBCT and CBCT-based-liver-perfusion-mapping of each tumor. Parenchymal blood volume (PBV) was measured. The operator’s judgment on the technical results was recorded. Response outcome was determined on follow-up CT or magnetic resonance imaging, according to the modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors. Diagnostic performance for detection of a viable tumor was evaluated using multiple logistic regression with C-statistics. CBCT-based-liver-perfusion-mapping and the maximum PBV of the tumor were significant in multiple logistic regression analysis of response (p < 0.0001, p = 0.0448, respectively), with C-statistics of 0.9540 and 0.7484, respectively. Diagnostic accuracy of operator’s judgment was 79.66% (95%CI 69.39%–89.93%). Diagnostic performance of CBCT-based-liver-perfusion-mapping showed a high concordance in three reviewers. The mean PBV of tumor, maximum PBV of tumor, and mean PBV of liver significantly decreased after TACE (each p < 0.001). In ROC curve analysis, the AUC for prediction of residual tumor by the maximum PBV of tumor after TACE was 0.7523, with 80.8% sensitivity and 60.6% specificity

Usefulness of Cone-Beam CT-Based Liver Perfusion Mapping for Evaluating the Response of Hepatocellular Carcinoma to Conventional Transarterial Chemoembolization

We investigated the cone beam computed tomography (CBCT)-based-liver-perfusion-mapping usefulness during transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) to access treatment response and predict outcomes. From October 2016 to September 2018, 42 patients with HCCs scheduled for conventional TACE were prospectively enrolled. Three reviewers evaluated the unenhanced and contrast-enhanced CBCT and CBCT-based-liver-perfusion-mapping of each tumor. Parenchymal blood volume (PBV) was measured. The operator’s judgment on the technical results was recorded. Response outcome was determined on follow-up CT or magnetic resonance imaging, according to the modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors. Diagnostic performance for detection of a viable tumor was evaluated using multiple logistic regression with C-statistics. CBCT-based-liver-perfusion-mapping and the maximum PBV of the tumor were significant in multiple logistic regression analysis of response (p p = 0.0448, respectively), with C-statistics of 0.9540 and 0.7484, respectively. Diagnostic accuracy of operator’s judgment was 79.66% (95%CI 69.39%–89.93%). Diagnostic performance of CBCT-based-liver-perfusion-mapping showed a high concordance in three reviewers. The mean PBV of tumor, maximum PBV of tumor, and mean PBV of liver significantly decreased after TACE (each p < 0.001). In ROC curve analysis, the AUC for prediction of residual tumor by the maximum PBV of tumor after TACE was 0.7523, with 80.8% sensitivity and 60.6% specificity

Temporary Ureter Occlusion with Simultaneous Urinary Diversion via a Single-Access Route Using a 4-French Balloon Catheter and a Pigtail Nephrostomy Drainage Catheter

Background and Objectives: This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of temporary ureteral occlusion combined with urinary diversion using a single-access route created by inserting a balloon catheter through a pigtail nephrostomy drainage catheter. With this approach, we aimed to offer an alternative for patients with ureteral leaks who are suboptimal surgical candidates. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included nine patients (eight of which were bilateral cases and one was unilateral, totaling seventeen cases) who underwent the surgery between September 2023 and March 2024. The method involved gaining percutaneous access to the pelvicalyceal system, inserting a 4-French Fogarty balloon catheter through a pigtail nephrostomy catheter, and inflating the balloon at the proximal or mid-ureter. Results: All 17 cases achieved technical successful with no major complications. The procedure effectively relieved symptoms associated with urinary leakage in most patients. However, the significant deflation of the balloon catheter occurred in five cases (29.4%), with three (17.6%) experiencing complete deflation. In these five cases, the final balloon size was 5.81 mm (range: 0–8.9 mm), confirming a 25.0% decrease in size from pre- to post-procedure. Ureteral occlusion was 28.3 d long on average (range: 8–57 d). All patients experienced symptom relief during temporary ureteral occlusion. Except for two patients lost to follow-up, three patients showed symptom improvement with only PCN and four patients underwent surgical closure of the fistula tract before or after balloon catheter removal. Conclusions: This study confirms that this approach is safe and effective

Subcutaneous tunnelling versus conventional insertion of peripherally inserted central catheters in hospitalized patients (TUNNEL-PICC): a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are now widely used in modern medicine, and associated complications have also increased. Central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) is the most serious complication because it can cause extended hospital stays and increase costs. Furthermore, it can contribute to dire consequences for critically ill patients. Subcutaneous tunnelling for central venous catheters is an accepted method to reduce the risk of CLABSI. However, it is not generally adopted for PICC placement in most hospitals because its safety and efficacy have not been thoroughly evaluated. Methods In this multi-institutional, prospective, non-blinded pragmatic randomized controlled trial, 1694 patients treated at five referral hospitals will be assigned to one of two parallel arms (conventional and tunnelled PICC groups) using computer-generated stratified randomization. The conventional group will undergo PICC placement by routine practice. In the tunnelled PICC (tPICC) group, additional subcutaneous tunnelling will be applied. Patients will be followed until PICC removal or the end of this study. The primary endpoint is whether subcutaneous tunnelling reduced the rate of CLABSI compared to the conventional method. The secondary endpoints are technical success rates, complications including exit-site bleeding or infection, and the procedure time between the groups. Discussion Subcutaneous tunnelling is a widely used method to reduce catheter-associated infection. However, it has not been thoroughly applied for PICC. A randomized trial is needed to objectively assess the effects of the subcutaneous tunnel in PICC placement. This TUNNEL-PICC trial will provide evidence for the effectiveness of subcutaneous tunnelling in decreasing the risk of CLABSI.N

Ultrasound‐guided central venous catheterization via internal jugular vein in a patient with subcutaneous neck emphysema: A case report

Abstract In patients with subcutaneous neck emphysema, ultrasound images of the internal jugular vein are unclear due to air bubbles. Central venous catheterization can be safely achieved by pushing the accumulated air laterally using an ultrasound probe

Predictive factors affecting percutaneous drainage duration in the percutaneous treatment of common bile duct stones.

The duration of percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) is a critical factor that determines the duration of treatment. This study aimed to evaluate factors affecting the PTBD duration in patients who underwent percutaneous treatment of common bile duct (CBD) stones. This study analyzed data of 169 patients who underwent percutaneous treatment of CBD stones from June 2009 to June 2019. Demographic data, characteristics of stone, procedure-related factors, and laboratory findings before the insertion of PTBD tubes were retrospectively evaluated. To assess the effect of confounding factors on the PTBD duration, multivariate linear regression analysis was applied, incorporating significant predictive factors identified in the univariate regression analysis. In the univariate regression analysis, the predictive factor that showed high correlation with the PTBD duration was the initial total bilirubin level (coefficient = 0.68, P < .001) followed by the short diameter of the largest stone (coefficient = 0.19, P = .056), and previous endoscopic sphincterotomy (coefficient = -2.50, P = .086). The multivariate linear regression analysis showed that the initial total bilirubin level (coefficient = 0.50, P < .001) and short diameter of the largest stone (coefficient = 0.16, P = .025) were significantly related to the PTBD duration. The total bilirubin level before PTBD tube insertion and the short diameter of the largest CBD stone were predictive factors for the PTBD duration in patients who underwent percutaneous CBD stone removal. Careful assessment of these factors might help in predicting the treatment period, thereby improving the quality of patient care

Validation of Deep Learning-Based Artifact Correction on Synthetic FLAIR Images in a Different Scanning Environment

We investigated the capability of a trained deep learning (DL) model with a convolutional neural network (CNN) in a different scanning environment in terms of ameliorating the quality of synthetic fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) images. The acquired data of 319 patients obtained from the retrospective review were used as test sets for the already trained DL model to correct the synthetic FLAIR images. Quantitative analyses were performed for native synthetic FLAIR and DL-FLAIR images against conventional FLAIR images. Two neuroradiologists assessed the quality and artifact degree of the native synthetic FLAIR and DL-FLAIR images. The quantitative parameters showed significant improvement on DL-FLAIR in all individual tissue segments and total intracranial tissues than on the native synthetic FLAIR (p &lt; 0.0001). DL-FLAIR images showed improved image quality with fewer artifacts than the native synthetic FLAIR images (p &lt; 0.0001). There was no significant difference in the preservation of the periventricular white matter hyperintensities and lesion conspicuity between the two FLAIR image sets (p = 0.217). The quality of synthetic FLAIR images was improved through artifact correction using the trained DL model on a different scan environment. DL-based correction can be a promising solution for ameliorating the quality of synthetic FLAIR images to broaden the clinical use of synthetic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Combined treatment (image-guided thrombectomy and endovascular therapy with open femoral access) for acute lower limb ischemia: Clinical efficacy and outcomes.

ObjectivesTo evaluate the effectiveness and safety of combined treatment (image guided thrombectomy and endovascular therapy with open femoral access) for acute lower limb ischemia.MethodsFrom 2009 to 2017, 52 patients (44 men, eight women, mean 67.2 years) underwent combined treatment for acute thrombotic occlusion of lower extremity arteries. The patients presented with acute limb ischemia and we selectively perform combined treatment in the cases with challenging clinical considerations (e.g. various spectrum of thrombus, underlying atherosclerotic lesions). Combined treatment included cutdown of common femoral artery, thrombectomy using a Fogarty balloon catheter, balloon angioplasty, stenting, and catheter-introduced thrombus fragmentation and aspiration. Patients' medical records were retrospectively reviewed and follow-up data were collected. The technical and clinical success rates and limb salvage were assessed. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to analyze primary patency rates and overall survival rates. Univariate analyses were performed to determine the factors related to clinical outcomes.ResultsTechnical and clinical success rate was 90.4% and 80.8%, respectively. The mean follow-up duration was 26.5 ± 25.8 months. Primary patency was 91.4%, 86.1%, and 74.6% at six months, 1-, and 2-year, respectively. Limb salvage without amputation was 88.5% (46/52). The overall survival rates at six months, 1-, and 3-year were 82.6%, 80.2, and 56.9%, respectively. The 30-day mortality was 5.8% (3/52). Univariate analysis showed that percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) type (balloon versus stent) was related to clinical failure.ConclusionsCombined treatment can be effective and safe for ALI patients even under challenging clinical conditions