Chiara Floridi

C-arm cone-beam computed tomography in interventional oncology: technical aspects and clinical applications

C-arm cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a new imaging technology integrated in modern angiographic systems. Due to its ability to obtain cross-sectional imaging and the possibility to use dedicated planning and navigation software, it provides an informed platform for interventional oncology procedures. In this paper, we highlight the technical aspects and clinical applications of CBCT imaging and navigation in the most common loco-regional oncological treatments.

Microwave ablation of pancreatic head cancer: safety and efficacy.

PURPOSE To evaluate the safety and efficacy of percutaneous microwave (MW) ablation treatment in locally advanced, nonresectable, nonmetastatic pancreatic head cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS Ten patients with pancreatic head cancer treated with percutaneous (n = 5) or laparotomic (n = 5) MW ablation were retrospectively reviewed. The MW generator used (45 W at 915 MHz) was connected by coaxial cable to 14-gauge straight MW antennas with a 3.7- or 2-cm radiating section. One or two antennae were used, with an ablation time of 10 minutes. Ultrasonographic (US) and combined US/cone-beam computed tomographic (CT) guidance were used in five patients each. Follow-up was performed by CT after 1, 3, 6, and, when possible, 12 months. Tumor response was assessed per Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors (version 1.1) and Choi criteria. The feasibility, safety, and major and minor complications associated with quality of life (QOL) were recorded prospectively. RESULTS The procedure was feasible in all patients (100%). One late major complication was observed in one patient, and no visceral injury was detected. No patient had further surgery, and all minor complications resolved during the hospital stay. An improvement in QOL was observed in all patients despite a tendency to return to preoperative levels in the months following the procedure, without the influence of minor complications. No repeat treatment was performed. CONCLUSIONS Despite the small number of patients, the present results can be considered encouraging, showing that MW ablation is a feasible approach in the palliative treatment of pancreatic tumors.

Microwave ablation of liver metastases to overcome the limitations of radiofrequency ablation

PurposeThe purpose of our study was to evaluate technical success, effectiveness and safety of microwave ablation (MWA) in patients with unresectable liver metastases, where radiofrequency ablation (RFA) presents some limits.Materials and methodsTwenty-five patients (17 men, 8 women) with 31 liver metastases >3 cm or located near vessels (>3 mm) were treated in a total of 29 sessions. Tumours were subdivided as follows: colorectal metastases (n=21) and no colorectal metastases (n=10). All procedures were performed percutaneously under ultrasound (US) guidance. Follow-up was performed with computed tomography (CT) scan at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after treatment; mean follow-up period was 12.04 (range, 3–36) months. Technical success, mean disease-free survival, effectiveness and safety were evaluated.ResultsTechnical success was obtained in all cases. Mean disease-free survival was of 20.5 months. Local recurrence was recorded in 12.9% of metastases treated (4/31). No major complications were recorded. The rate of minor complications was 44.8% (13/29 sessions). Mortality at 30 days was 0%.ConclusionsPercutaneous MWA of liver metastases >3 cm or located near vessels (>3 mm) can be considered a valid and safe option, probably preferable to RFA. Further studies are required to confirm these encouraging initial results.RiassuntoObiettivoLo scopo del nostro studio è stato quello di valutare il successo tecnico, l’efficacia e la sicurezza della ablazione con microonde (MWA) di metastasi epatiche inoperabili, nei casi in cui la radiofrequenza (RFA) presenta alcuni limiti.Materiali e metodiVenticinque pazienti (17 uomini, 8 donne), con un’età media di 65,9 anni (range 49-83), sono stati sottoposti ad ablazione percutanea con microonde (MWA) eco-guidata di 31 metastasi epatiche con un diametro medio maggiore di 3 cm e/o situate in prossimità di grossi vasi (diametro>3 mm). I tumori erano così suddivisi: metastasi da carcinoma del colon-retto (n=21) e metastasi da carcinoma non del colon-retto (n=10). In totale sono state eseguite 29 sessioni di ablazione. Il followup è stato eseguito con la tomografia computerizzata (TC) a 1, 3, 6 e 12 mesi dopo il trattamento; il periodo medio di follow-up è di 12,04 mesi (range 3–36 mesi). Sono stati valutati il successo tecnico, la sopravvivenza libera da malattia, l’efficacia e la sicurezza.RisultatiIl successo tecnico della procedura è stato del 100%. L’efficacia clinica è stata ottenuta nell’87,1% dei casi: in 4 delle 31 lesioni trattate si è avuta una recidiva locale. Non sono state registrate complicanze maggiori. La percentuale delle complicanze minori è stata del 44,8% (13/29 procedure). La mortalità a 30 giorni è stata dello 0%. La sopravvivenza media libera da malattia è stata di 20,5 mesi.ConclusioniLa MWA percutanea di metastasi epatiche con diametro maggiore di 3 cm e/o localizzate in siti critici, in vicinanza di vasi di grosse dimensioni e/o di organi cavi, può essere considerata una opzione valida e sicura, probabilmente preferibile alla RFA, in questi casi. Ovviamente sono necessari ulteriori studi per confermare questi incoraggianti risultati iniziali.

Treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysm with a new type of polymer-filled low profile device

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY To evaluate the mid-term safety and effectiveness of a novel stent graft for treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). METHODS Thirty-three patients with AAA (20 males and 13 females; mean age: 71.3 y) were treated with the Ovation™ Abdominal Stent Graft System (TriVascular, Inc., Santa Rosa, CA, USA). Indications for endovascular aneurysm repair: AAA ≥ 5.5 cm, neck ≥ 7 mm, angulation ≤ 60° and with an inner wall diameter of no less than 16 mm and no greater than 30 mm; the presence of neck calcification and thrombosis is not much of a problem in this device because aortic seal is achieved with 2 polymer-filled sealing rings and the fixation by means of a suprarenal stent with 8 pairs of anchors. Patients were followed through discharge and returned for follow-up visits. The follow-up protocol included a CT-A exam at 1 and 12 months after the intervention; the mid-term follow up was performed at 3 and 6 months with contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS). Mean follow-up duration was 18.6 months (range: 3-25 months). MAIN FINDINGS Technical success was 100%. Mean implantation procedure time was 31.1 minutes, and median hospital stay was 4.6 days. None of the patients required conversion to open surgery, and no aneurysm enlargement, rupture, fracture, or migration were observed. No type I, III or IV endoleaks were observed. Hospitalization death rate was 0%. Death rate at 30 days was 0%. No major complications were observed. CONCLUSIONS The first results from this 3-center study with the Ovation stent graft are promising with high technical success and excellent safety and effectiveness.

Efficacy, safety and effectiveness of image-guided percutaneous microwave ablation in cystic renal lesions Bosniak III or IV after 24 months follow up

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy, safety and effectiveness of percutaneous image-guided microwave ablation (MWA) in Bosniak category III or IV cystic renal lesions after 24 months follow-up duration. METHODS Between May 2008 and December 2012, computed tomography (CT)- or ultrasound (US)-guided MWA was performed in 6 patients with 7 cystic renal lesions (range 13.8-27 mm, mean 17.02 mm, SD 8.5 mm) Bosniak category III or IV. The number of treatment sessions, treatment results, lesion size changes and complications were evaluated. Technical success (TS), technical effectiveness (TE), local tumor progression rate (LTPR), cancer-specific survival rate (CSSR) and overall survival rate (OSR) were computed. MAIN FINDINGS TS was 100% (7/7) and TE was 100%; LTPR was 0%; CSSR and OSR were 100%. No major complications were observed. CONCLUSION Our preliminary experience with MWA shows a potential role for US/CT-guided percutaneous MWA in treating Bosniak category III or IV cystic renal lesions, as a safe approach to treat selected patients not suitable for surgery.

Vascular and interventional radiology radiofrequency ablation of benign thyroid nodules and recurrent thyroid cancers: literature review

Thermal radiofrequency ablation is a relatively new, minimally invasive modality employed as an alternative to surgery in patients with benign thyroid nodules and recurrent thyroid cancers. Different recommendations are necessary for the optimal use of radiofrequency ablation for thyroid nodules. These recommendations are based on a comprehensive analysis of the current literature, the results of multicenter studies, and expert consensus.

Systematic review of minimally invasive ablation treatment for locally advanced pancreatic cancer.

Unresectable locally advanced pancreatic cancer with or without metastatic disease is associated with a very poor prognosis. Ablation techniques are based on direct application of chemical, thermal, or electrical energy to a tumor, which leads to cellular necrosis. Initial studies about ablation therapies of the pancreas were associated with significant morbidity and mortality, which limited widespread adoption. Modifications to the various applications, in particular combining the techniques with high-quality imaging and intra-operative approach has enabled real-time treatment monitoring and significant improvements in safety. Inoperable cases of pancreatic cancer have been treated by various ablation techniques in the last few years with promising results. The purpose of this review is to present the current status of local ablative therapies in the treatment of pancreatic advanced tumor.

Initial experience with percutaneous biopsies of bone lesions using XperGuide cone-beam CT (CBCT): technical note

PurposeThis paper describes our preliminary experience with percutaneous bone biopsy under XperGuide conebeam computed tomography (CBCT) guidance.Materials and methodsSeventeen patients (11 men and 6 women; mean age 57.8; range 17–81) with 17 bone lesions underwent biopsy with XperGuide CBCT (Philips Medical System, Best, The Netherlands). The mean diameter of the lesions was 2.32 cm (range 1–8 cm). Technical success (defined as the correct positioning of the needle within the lesion), diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity and specificity were evaluated. Complication rate was also recorded.ResultsThe technical success rate was 100%. In 15 patients, a sample of adequate material for histopathological analysis to yield a definitive diagnosis was obtained; in two patients, the sample was inadequate for a definitive diagnosis. In one of these two cases, the lesion was closely followed up for 1 year, during which it remained stable in size, and as a result, it was considered a false positive; the other was considered a false negative. Diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity and specificity were 94.12%, 90.91% and 100%, respectively. No major complications were recorded; only one patient had slight bleeding, with a consequent small haematoma, which reabsorbed in about 15 days.ConclusionsBone biopsy under XperGuide CBCT guidance can be considered accurate as a result of the combination of real-time needle orientation and spatial resolution of CT fluoroscopy. Moreover, our results are encouraging in terms of complication rate, diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, specificity and reduction of CT workload.RiassuntoObiettivoScopo del lavoro è descrivere la nostra esperienza preliminare delle biopsie ossee percutanee eseguite sotto guida XperGuide cone-beam (CBCT).Materiali e metodiDiciassette pazienti (11 maschi e 6 femmine; età media 57,8 anni, range 17–81) con 17 lesioni ossee sono stati sottoposti a biopsia percutanea con guida XperGuide CBCT. Il diametro medio delle lesioni era di 2,32 cm (range 1–8 cm). Sono stati valutati il successo tecnico (definito come il corretto posizionamento dell’ago all’interno della lesione), l’accuratezza diagnostica, la sensibilità e la specificità. è stata inoltre riportata la percentuale di complicanze.RisultatiIl successo tecnico è stato del 100%. In 15 pazienti, è stato ottenuto un campione di materiale adeguato per l’esame isto-patologico e per giungere ad una diagnosi definitiva; in 2 pazienti il campione è risultato inadeguato per giungere ad una diagnosi. In uno dei 2 casi, la lesione è stata seguita per un periodo di follow-up di 1 anno, durante il quale le sue dimensioni sono rimaste stabili; pertanto questa è stata considerata un falso positivo. L’altra è stata considerata un falso negativo. Accuratezza diagnostica, sensibilità e specificità erano rispettivamente del 94,12%, 90,91% e 100%. Non è stata registrata nessuna complicanza maggiore; solo un paziente ha presentato un lieve sanguinamento con un conseguente piccolo ematoma, assorbitosi spontaneamente in circa 15 giorni.ConclusioniLa biopsia ossea sotto guida XperGuide CBCT può essere considerata accurata grazie alla combinazione tra la possibilità di orientamento nello spazio real-time dell’ago e la risoluzione spaziale della fluoro-tomografia computerizzata (TC). Inoltre, i nostri risultati sono incoraggianti in termini di percentuale di complicanze, accuratezza diagnostica, sensibilità, specificità e non ultimo, riduzione del carico di lavoro del servizio TC.

Abdominal vascular emergencies: US and CT assessment

Acute vascular emergencies can arise from direct traumatic injury to the vessel or be spontaneous (non-traumatic).The vascular injuries can also be divided into two categories: arteial injury and venous injury.Most of them are life-treatening emergencies, sice they may cause an important ipovolemic shock or severe ischemia in their end organ and require prompt diagnosis and treatment.In the different clinical scenarios, the correct diagnostic approach to vascular injuries isn’t firmly established and advantages of one imaging technique over the other are not obvious.Ultrasound (US) is an easy accessible, safe and non-invasive diagnostic modality but Computed Tomography (CT) with multiphasic imaging study is an accurate modality to evaluate the abdominal vascular injuries therefore can be considered the primary imaging modality in vascular emergencies.The aim of this review article is to illustrate the different imaging options for the diagnosis of abdominal vascular emergencies, including traumatic and non traumatic vessel injuries, focusing of US and CT modalities.

Uterine fibroid therapy using interventional radiology mini-invasive treatments: current perspective

Uterine fibroids are common benign tumors of unclear etiopathology that affect the female reproductive tract. They are responsible for considerable morbidity and deterioration of life quality, and may have a negative impact on the reproductive system as well. Besides surgery aided by uterus-saving techniques, several minimally invasive procedures are now available within the field of interventional radiology that represent a valid solution for women who desire pregnancy and relief from disease-specific symptomatology. The main advantages offered by these techniques are low grade of invasiveness and short times of hospitalization. The most diffuse techniques are uterine artery embolization (UAE) and magnetic resonance-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (MRgFUS). UAE is an endovascular procedure whose goal is obtained by provoking ischemia of the uterine vessels. MRgFUS is a thermoablation procedure that selectively ablates the symptomatic fibroids. In this review study, both procedures will be described, including a description of technical details, indications, contraindications, complications, and outcomes.