David M. Sella

Complications of inferior vena cava filters

With the introduction of retrievable inferior vena cava filters, the number being placed for protection from pulmonary embolism is steadily increasing. Despite this increased usage, the true incidence of complications associated with inferior vena cava filters is unknown. This article reviews the known complications associated with these filters and suggests recommendations and techniques for inferior vena cava filter removal.

Single-institution experience of radioembolization with yttrium-90 microspheres for unresectable metastatic neuroendocrine liver tumors: Y-90 treat liver neuroendocrine tumor

The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of yttrium‐90 (90Y) microspheres for the treatment of unresectable metastatic liver neuroendocrine tumors (NET).

Image-Guided Renal Intervention

The role of interventional radiology in the management of renal malignancy has expanded in the past 2 decades, largely because of the efficacy of image-guided ablation in treating renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Clinical guidelines now incorporate ablation into standardized RCC management algorithms. Importantly, both radiofrequency ablation and cryoablation have shown long-term durability in the definitive treatment of RCC, and early outcomes following microwave ablation are equally promising. While selective renal artery embolization has a role in the palliation of select patients with RCC, it can also be used to minimize complications in the ablation of larger renal masses.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Thoracic Aorta Interventional Planning and Follow-Up

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) has undergone rapid evolution and is now applied to a range of aortic pathologies. Imaging plays a vital role in the pre- and postintervention assessment of TEVAR patients. Accurate characterization of pathology and evaluation for high-risk anatomic features are necessary in the planning phase, and careful assessment for graft stability, aortic lumen diameter, and presence of endoleak are paramount in the follow-up period. CTA is the imaging modality of choice for pre- and postintervention assessment, and MRA is an acceptable alternative depending on patient stability and graft composition. Lifelong imaging follow-up is necessary in TEVAR patients because endoleaks may develop at any time. The exact surveillance interval is unclear and may be procedure and patient specific. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.

Percutaneous Retrograde Transhepatic Arterial Puncture to Regain Access in the True Lumen of the Dissected and Acutely Occluded Transplant Hepatic Artery.

Iatrogenic hepatic artery dissection is a serious complication that can progress to complete hepatic artery occlusion and graft loss. Restoration of arterial flow to the graft is urgent, but the severity and extent of the dissection may interfere with endovascular techniques. The authors describe a technique of percutaneous retrograde transhepatic arterial puncture to regain access into the true lumen of the dissected hepatic artery to restore in‐line flow to the liver graft.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria ® Radiologic Management of Uterine Leiomyomas

Uterine fibroids, also known as leiomyomas, are the most common benign tumor in women of reproductive age. When symptomatic, these patients can present with bleeding and/or bulk-related symptoms. Treatment options for symptomatic uterine leiomyomas include medical management, minimally invasive treatment such as uterine artery embolization, and surgical options, such as myomectomy. It is important to understand the role of these treatment options in various clinical scenarios so that appropriate consultation is performed. Furthermore, patients should be presented with the outcomes and complications of each of these treatment options. A summary of the data and clinical trials of the treatment options for symptomatic uterine leiomyomas is outlined in this article. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.

Percutaneous Computed Tomography-Guided Radiotracer-Assisted Localization of Difficult Pulmonary Nodules in Uniportal Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery

OBJECTIVE To report our institutional experience with radiotracer-assisted localization of lung nodules (RALN) in combination with uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (UVATS). METHODS We retrospectively reviewed electronic medical records and radiology images of 27 consecutive adult patients who underwent planned UVATS lung resections combined with RALN from January 2014 to May 2017. Based on preoperative imaging, 29 nondescript nodules were marked with technetium 99 m macroaggregated albumin under computed tomography guidance before resection. Perioperative outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS All 29 nodules were successfully marked and resected with negative margins by UVATS; 12 (41.5%) were pure ground-glass opacities. Three patients had prior ipsilateral lung resections. There were no conversions to multiport VATS or thoracotomy. The majority (86.5%) of the nodules were malignant. The median nodule size was 8 mm (range: 3-20 mm) and depth, 56 mm (range: 22-150 mm). The majority (21/27; 77.8%) of patients underwent wedge resections alone, while 6 patients had anatomical resections. Median times were as follows: radiotracer injection to surgery, 219 minutes (range: 139-487 minutes); operative time, 85.5 minutes (32-236 minutes); chest tube removal, 1 day (range: 1-2 days); and length of stay, 2 days (range: 1-4 days). Four patients (14.8%) had a pigtail catheter placed for pneumothorax after radiotracer injection. One patient was readmitted 1 week after discharge for a spontaneous pneumothorax. There were no other morbidities or any 90-day mortality. CONCLUSION RALN can be combined with UVATS to effectively resect small, deep, or low-density lung lesions that are difficult to visualize or palpate by thoracoscopy.

Feraheme-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Angiography (FEMRA) vs. Digital Subtraction Angiography in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Peripheral Vascular Disease in Patientswith Renal Insufficiency

Background: Ferumoxytol is an Ultrasmall Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide (USPIO) which has demonstrated promise as a novel contrast agent with an excellent safety profile in patients with CKD. Our aim was to evaluate the safety and utility of this agent for diagnosis and operative planning in the setting of PAD and CKD. A comparison with digital subtraction angiography is also provided. Methods: Between April, 2013 and September, 2014 seven patients with renal insufficiency (CKD ≥ Stage 3) and symptomatic PAD underwent Fe-MRA. This was followed by DSA limited to the vascular bed with significant stenosis as detected by Fe-MRA. Renal function was assessed before and after each procedure. Images were qualitatively scored at the iliac, femoral, popliteal and tibial levels by two interventional radiologists. Degree of stenosis was also scored for comparison. Results: Seven male patients were studied with a mean age of 75 years (64-92). 5 therapeutic procedures (4 endovascular and 1 open) were performed. There were no statistically significant differences in creatinine or GFR after Fe-MRA or DSA. Iodinated contrast load (mg I) for DSA was reduced in comparison with age and disease matched controls (8240 ± 5206 vs. 29320 ± 15605, p=0.001). No statistically significant differences were found for degree of stenosis or mean image quality score below the iliac level. There were no adverse events in response to Ferumoxytol administration. Conclusion: Fe-MRA provides image quality and estimation of degree of stenosis comparable to DSA. Fe-MRA may serve as an alternative to CTA or gadoliniumbased MRA for patients with end-stage renal disease.