Retrospective Comparative Study to Assess the Safety and Efficacy of Transradial Arterial Access for Hepatic Tumor Embolizations: A Single Operator Experience

Objectives To assess the efficacy and safety of transradial arterial access (TRA) for hepatic tumor embolizations and compare the outcomes between the TRA and transfemoral arterial access (TFA). Materials and Methods A retrospective analysis of all consecutive hepatic tumor embolization procedures done through TFA or TRA by a single operator from November 2017 to April 2019 was performed. The procedural variables, including fluoroscopy time, radiation dose (reference air kerma [RAK]), conversion and complication rates, and patient preferences were recorded. The primary endpoint was technical success, which was defined as the successful completion of the embolization procedure. Procedural variables including radiation exposure and patient preferences, and complications were analyzed as secondary endpoints. Results Out of 102 procedures in 90 patients, 44 were performed through TFA and the rest by TRA. A technical success rate of 98.2% and a crossover rate of 1.7% were recorded for TRA. There were no major vascular complications and similar rates of minor complications (8.6% for TRA, 2.3% for TFA; P = 0.055), without any clinical sequelae. After the initial learning curve, no significant differences for other procedural variables were noted between the two access sites. Faster ambulation were achieved following TRA (P < 0.055). All 12 patients who underwent repeat TACE after initial TRA chose this again over TFA. Conclusions TRA is safe and effective for hepatic tumor embolization. Its safety and efficacy profile is comparable to that of TFA, with added improved patient comfort and faster ambulation. Advances in Knowledge New catheter options and modifications of the existing techniques as explained in this article proved radial arterial access as a safe and effective alternative in hepatic arterial embolization

MRI of ectopic posterior pituitary gland with dysgenesis of pituitary stalk in a patient with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism

The ectopic posterior pituitary is a rare condition which is characterized by the ectopic location of posterior lobe of pituitary, pituitary stalk abnormalities, and associated clinical manifestations of anterior lobe related growth hormone dysfunction or less commonly multiple anterior pituitary dysfunctions. We present a rare case of posterior ectopic pituitary and pituitary stalk hypoplasia with isolated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in a 36-year-old female patient. Keywords: Ectopic posterior pituitary, Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, Infundibulum, MR

Transcatheter transcaval embolization of a type II endoleak after EVAR using a transseptal needle-sheath system

Purpose. The purpose of this study is to present an alternative technique for management of a type II endoleak associated with aneurysm sac enlargement. Technique. We report the use of a transseptal needle-sheath system for a transcatheter transcaval embolization (TTE) in a 3-staged treatment of a persistent type II endoleak after abdominal EVAR. Inferior vena cava is cannulated through a femoral venous access, and aneurysmal sac access is gained with a puncture through the walls of the 2 vessels at the site where the vein is adjacent to the aneurysm. The whole system (sheath-dilator-needle) is then advanced across the vascular walls into the aortic sac. Thus, embolization with glue is performed. Conclusion. The TTE using a transseptal needle-sheath system demonstrated to be feasible and effective to treat a persistent type II endoleak after failure of 2 attempts of transarterial embolization of the feeding vessels. \uc2\ua9 The Author(s) 2012

Outcomes of Transarterial Embolisation (TAE) vs. Transarterial Chemoembolisation (TACE) for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Although hepatocellular carcinoma is increasingly common, debate exists surrounding the management of patients with unresectable disease comparing transarterial embolisation (TAE) or transarterial chemoembolisation (TACE). This study aimed to compare the outcomes of patients receiving TAE and TACE. A systematic review was performed using PubMed, Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases to identify randomised controlled trials (RCTs) until August 2021. The primary outcome was overall survival (OS) and the secondary outcomes were progression-free survival (PFS) and adverse events. Five studies with 609 patients were included in the analysis. There was no statistically significant difference in the OS (p = 0.36) and PFS (p = 0.81). There was no difference in OS among patients treated with a single TACE/TAE versus repeat treatments. Post-procedural adverse effects were higher in the TACE group but were not statistically significant. TACE has comparable long-term survival and complications profile to TAE for patients with HCC. However, the low-to-moderate quality of current RCTs warrants high-quality RCTs are necessary to provide enough evidence to give a definitive answer and inform treatment plans for the future

Risk factors to differentiate between benign proximal biliary strictures and perihilar cholangiocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to evaluate potential risk factors associated with benign lesions and perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHC) in patients presenting with proximal biliary strictures (PBS). METHODS Patients with PBS who were referred to a specialist HPB centre between 2008 and 2016 were identified. Patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis, metastatic PHC or hilar obstruction by a peripheral tumour were excluded. The final diagnosis was determined either by (1) resection histology or (2) combination of biopsy and clinical course. Multivariable analysis of clinical, laboratory and radiological data was undertaken to identify independent predictors of benign and malignant lesions. RESULTS 155 consecutive patients were identified, including 25 patients (16%) with benign PBS. Abdominal pain (odds ratio [OR] 3.36; p = 0.027), serum CA19.9 < 100 U/ml (OR 10.35; p = 0.001), and absence of mass on imaging (OR 4.66; p = 0.004) were all associated with the presence of benign lesions on multivariable analysis. CONCLUSIONS This study has identified several independent variables that may differentiate between benign and malignant proximal biliary strictures. A larger multi-institutional study would be warranted to validate these findings, and to develop a risk score to stratify patients with suspected PHC