Joyce Wai Yi Hui

Intracranial Aneurysms: Midterm Outcome of Pipeline Embolization Device—A Prospective Study in 143 Patients with 178 Aneurysms

PURPOSE To evaluate the midterm clinical and angiographic outcomes after pipeline embolization device (PED) placement for treatment of intracranial aneurysms. MATERIALS AND METHODS This prospective nonrandomized multicenter study was approved by the review boards of all involved centers; informed consent was obtained. Patients (143 patients, 178 aneurysms) with unruptured saccular or fusiform aneurysms or recurrent aneurysms after previous treatment were included and observed angiographically for up to 18 months and clinically for up to 3 years. Study endpoints included complete aneurysm occlusion; neurologic complications within 30 days and up to 3 years; clinical outcome of cranial nerve palsy after PED placement; angiographic evidence of occlusion or stenosis of parent artery and that of occlusion of covered side branches at 6, 12, and 18 months; and clinical and computed tomographic evidence of perforator infarction. RESULTS There were five (3.5%) cases of periprocedural death or major stroke (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] > 3) (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.3%, 8.4%), including two posttreatment delayed ruptures, two intracerebral hemorrhages, and one thromboembolism. Five (3.5%) patients had minor neurologic complications within 30 days (mRS = 1) (95% CI: 1.3%, 8.4%), including transient ischemic attack (n = 2), small cerebral infarction (n = 2), and cranial nerve palsy (n = 1). Beyond 30 days, there was one fatal intracerebral hemorrhage and one transient ischemic attack. Ten of 13 patients (95% CI: 46%, 93.8%) completely recovered from symptoms of cranial nerve palsy within a median of 3.5 months. Angiographic results at 18 months revealed a complete aneurysm occlusion rate of 84% (49 of 58; 95% CI: 72.1%, 92.2%), with no cases of parent artery occlusion, parent artery stenosis (<50%) in three patients, and occlusion of a covered side branch in two cases (posterior communicating arteries). Perforator infarction did not occur. CONCLUSION PED placement is a reasonably safe and effective treatment for intracranial aneurysms. The treatment is promising for aneurysms of unfavorable morphologic features, such as wide neck, large size, fusiform morphology, incorporation of side branches, and posttreatment recanalization, and should be considered a first choice for treating unruptured aneurysms and recurrent aneurysms after previous treatments. SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL http://radiology.rsna.org/lookup/suppl/doi:10.1148/radiol.12120422/-/DC1.

Angioplasty and Stenting of Atherosclerotic Middle Cerebral Arteries with Wingspan: Evaluation of Clinical Outcome, Restenosis, and Procedure Outcome

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: MCA is a common location of intracranial stenosis. It is relatively more peripherally located and of a smaller caliber, and could therefore be a site technically more challenging and risky for angioplasty and stenting. The study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcome, restenosis rate, and procedural safety of Wingspan stent placement for atherosclerosis in the MCA compared with stenosis in other arteries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent Wingspan stent placement for symptomatic intracranial stenosis of ≥70% (or stenosis of ≥50% for recurrent ischemia despite medical therapy) were recruited prospectively and allocated into a study group (MCA stenosis, n = 35) and a control group (other stenosis, n = 25). Primary end points were the following: 1) all stroke or death rate at 1 year, and 2) significant in-stent restenosis rate at 1 year. Secondary end points were the following: 1) periprocedural complications within 24 hours, rate of TIA during the procedure, all stroke or death rate within 30 days; and 2) the inability to complete the procedure due to technical problems. RESULTS: Results of study group versus the control group were the following: degree of stenosis, 78.4 ± 10.9% versus 72.5 ± 11.2% (P value = .0456); diameter of stenosis, 0.6 ± 0.3 versus 1.0 ± 0.5 mm (P = .0017); all stroke or death rate at 1 year, 14.3% versus 12% (OR = 1.22); in-stent restenosis rate at 1 year, 10% versus 10.5% (OR = 1.05); periprocedural complication rate at 24 hours, 2.9% versus 4% (OR = 0.70); TIA rate during the procedure, 8.6% versus 4% (OR = 2.25); all stroke or death rate at 30 days, 5.7% versus 12% (OR = 0.44); and technical failure rate, 2.9% versus 0%. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, there were no significant differences in procedural safety, patient outcome, and restenosis rates of stent placement between the group with MCA stenosis and the group with stenoses located at other sites.

Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Randomized Controlled Trial of Transarterial Ethanol Ablation versus Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization

PURPOSE To compare effectiveness of transarterial ethanol ablation (TEA) and transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma and determine whether TEA leads to better overall survival and tumor response than TACE. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this institutional review board-approved preregistered randomized controlled trial (n = 200), informed consent was obtained. Primary outcome was overall survival; secondary outcomes were time to progression (TTP), progression-free survival (PFS), tumor response at computed tomography, and treatment-related toxicity. Eligible patients were randomized at a 1:1 ratio. Treatment included transcatheter delivery of ethiodized oil-ethanol mixture (2:1 ratio by volume up to 60 mL) for TEA and cisplatin-ethiodized oil emulsion (0.5 mg cisplatin per milliliter up to 30 mg), followed by 1-mm gelatin-sponge pellets, for TACE. Study was terminated after interim analysis (n = 98); 90 patients were available for analysis. Overall survival, TTP, and PFS were analyzed with Kaplan-Meier method; differences were compared with log-rank test. RESULTS Study was terminated prematurely after interim analysis, which showed no difference in overall survival; this was unlikely to change with further patient accrual. Median overall survival in TEA and TACE was 24.3 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 12.8, 32.7) and 20.1 months (95% CI: 9.3, 31.2), respectively (P = .358). Median TTP and PFS for intralesional progression were longer with TEA than TACE (TTP, 34.6 months [95% CI: 28.2, 41] vs 26.05 months [95% CI: 18.7, 33.3]; PFS, 14.8 months [95% CI: 10.2, 19.5] vs 9.3 months [95% CI: 7.1, 11.5]) (P = .028 and 0.029, respectively). Complete response rate on a tumor basis was persistently and significantly higher with TEA at 3 months (62 of 88 [70%] vs 39 of 76 [51%], P = .012), 6 months (64 of 88 [73%] vs 41 of 76 [54%], P = .012), and 12 months (66 of 88 [75%] vs 45 of 76 [59%], P = .031). CONCLUSION Although there was no significant difference in overall survival, TEA demonstrated better complete tumor response, longer time to intralesional progression, and longer PFS.

Embolization Efficacy and Treatment Effectiveness of Transarterial Therapy for Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Case-Controlled Comparison of Transarterial Ethanol Ablation with Lipiodol-Ethanol Mixture versus Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization

PURPOSE To compare the embolization efficacy and treatment effectiveness of transarterial ethanol ablation (TEA) versus those of chemoembolization and evaluate the correlation between embolization efficacy and treatment effectiveness of these treatments for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS A case-controlled study was undertaken with 30 patients in each group matched based on Child-Pugh grade, tumor characteristics, and performance status. Primary endpoints were embolization efficacy (ie, Lipiodol retention within tumor at 2 months) and treatment effectiveness as evaluated by tumor response, disease progression, progression-free survival, and overall survival. The secondary endpoint was correlation between embolization efficacy and treatment effectiveness. RESULTS Lipiodol retention was greater in the TEA group (89.5% +/- 10.7% vs 47.5% +/- 21.2%; P < .0001). The tumor progression rate at 1 year was higher in the chemoembolization group (five of 30 vs zero of 30; P = .0261). One- and 2-year overall survival rates were higher in the TEA group (93.3% and 80.0%, respectively, vs 73.3% and 43.3%, respectively; P = .0053). One- and 2-year extrahepatic disease progression rates were lower in the TEA group (P = .0002). There were no differences in progression-free survival and intrahepatic disease progression rates at 1 and 2 years. Patients with greater Lipiodol retention (ie, >60%) had better treatment outcomes at 1 year than those with lesser retention, with higher overall survival rates (88.9% vs 66.7%; P = .0192), lower intrahepatic disease progression rates (25.6% vs 59.4%; P = .0169), lower extrahepatic disease progression rates (0.31% vs 35.5%; P = .0047), and higher progression-free survival rates (72.1% vs 36.3%; P = .005). CONCLUSIONS The embolization efficacy and treatment effectiveness of TEA are probably superior to those of chemoembolization for HCC.

Comparison of clinical outcomes of tris-acryl microspheres versus polyvinyl alcohol microspheres for uterine artery embolization for leiomyomas: results of a randomized trial.

PURPOSE To compare tris-acryl microspheres and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) microspheres as embolic agents in uterine artery embolization (UAE) for uterine leiomyomas in terms of clinical outcome, inflammatory response, and adverse reactions. MATERIALS AND METHODS A double-blinded randomized controlled trial was performed, with 27 patients in the tris-acryl microsphere group and 29 in the PVA microsphere group. The primary endpoint was clinical success, defined as a 2-year freedom from subsequent surgery as a result of persistent or deteriorated symptoms. Secondary endpoints included (i) posttreatment leiomyoma enlargement, (ii) leiomyoma volume reduction at 3 and 9 months, (iii) significant residual intratumoral perfusion, (iv) increase in inflammatory and stress markers, (v) incidence of complications, and (vi) duration of hospital stay. RESULTS There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in patient demographics, clinical presentation, initial tumor findings, change in inflammatory and stress markers after treatment, incidence of complications, and duration of hospital stay. Tris-acryl microspheres were associated with a higher rate of clinical success than PVA microspheres (96.3% [26 of 27] vs 69% [20 of 29]; P = .012), a lower incidence of posttreatment leiomyoma enlargement (P = .030), and a lower incidence of significant residual intratumoral perfusion (P = .030). CONCLUSIONS In the treatment of uterine leiomyomas, UAE with tris-acryl microspheres was associated with a higher clinical success rate, a lower incidence of tumor enlargement, and no significant differences in adverse reactions and inflammatory response compared with the use of PVA microspheres. Tris-acryl microspheres therefore represent the preferred agent for UAE of uterine leiomyomas.

Evaluation of Carotid Angioplasty and Stenting for Radiation-Induced Carotid Stenosis

Background and Purpose— We aimed to evaluate the procedural safety, clinical, and angiographic outcome of carotid angioplasty and stenting for high-grade (≥70%) radiation-induced carotid stenosis (RIS) using atherosclerotic stenosis (AS) as a control. Methods— In this 6-year prospective nonrandomized study, we compared the carotid angioplasty and stenting outcome of 65 consecutive patients (84 vessels) with RIS with that of a control group of 129 consecutive patients (150 vessels) with AS. Study end points were 30-day periprocedural stroke or death, ipsilateral ischemic stroke, technical success, procedural characteristics, instent restenosis (ISR; ≥50%) and symptomatic ISR. Results— The median follow-up was 47.3 months (95% confidence interval, 26.9–61.6). Imaging assessment was available in 74 vessels (RIS) and 120 vessels (AS) in 2 years. Comparing RIS group with AS group, the rates of periprocedural stroke or death were 1.5% (1/65) versus 1.6% (2/129; P=1); ipsilateral ischemic stroke rates were 4.6% (3/65) versus 4.7% (6/129; P=1); the annual risks of ipsilateral ischemic stroke were 1.2% (3 patient/254.7 patient year) versus 1.2% (6 patient/494.2 patient year; P=0.89); technical success rates were both 100%. Stenting of common carotid artery and the use of multiple stents was more common in the RIS group (P=0 in both cases); ISR rates were 25.7% (19/74) versus 4.2% (5/120; P<0.001); symptomatic ISR rates were 6.8% (5/74) versus 0.8% (1/120; P=0.031). Conclusions— The safety, effectiveness, and technical difficulty of carotid angioplasty and stenting for RIS are comparable with that for AS although it is associated with a higher rate of ISR. Clinical Trial Registration— This trial was not registered as enrollment started in 2006.

3-Methylglutaconic aciduria in a Chinese patient with glycogen storage disease Ib

We report elevated urinary excretion of 3-methylglutaconic (3MGC) and 3-methylglutaric acids (3MGR) in a patient with glycogen storage disease Ib. Combined excretion was 10-fold elevated in comparison to control during inadequate glucose maintenance, and still elevated following dietary improvement. 3MGC acid excretion correlated with plasma lactate and glucose. We speculate that imbalanced gluconeogenesis and de novo cholesterol synthesis result in secondarily increased 3MGC/3MGR production.

Irreversible Electroporation of the Femoral Neurovascular Bundle: Imaging and Histologic Evaluation in a Swine Model

PURPOSE To evaluate imaging, histologic changes, and safety of irreversible electroporation (IRE) on the femoral neurovascular bundle in a swine model. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study was approved by the institutional animal ethics committee. IRE was performed on the right femoral neurovascular bundle of 9 swine, which were subsequently sacrificed at 24 hours (n = 4, acute group), 7 days (n = 4, subacute group), or 21 days (n = 1, delayed group). Clinical observation, computed tomography (CT), and pathologic examination were carried out. RESULTS After the procedure, 7 of 9 subjects were able to stand and walk, and the remaining 2 subjects could eventually do so within 1 week. The femoral vessels were patent on CT and gross examination. There was microscopic evidence of venous thrombosis in 75% of the subacute group. Except for mild perineural inflammation observed in 1 subject in the subacute group, the femoral nerves were intact on gross and histologic examination. Significant damage to the surrounding muscle and soft tissue was identified on CT and histology, manifesting as necrosis, hematoma, and inflammation. CONCLUSIONS The ablative effect of IRE on muscle and soft tissue manifested as necrosis, hemorrhage, and inflammation. Histologic changes were observed in the perineural tissue and veins in a few subjects. The clinical implication of such changes and safety of clinical use of IRE for lesions encasing the neurovascular bundle in humans are yet to be determined.

Delayed Stent Deformity and Fracture of Djumbodis Dissection System

In recent years, a novel approach using the Djumbodis dissection system aortic stent has been introduced as an alternative to aortic arch replacement in acute type A aortic dissection involving the arch. From 2010 to 2013, we treated 7 patients with acute type A aortic dissection using the technique of replacing the ascending aorta with interposition graft and stenting of the aortic arch with the Djumbodis dissection system. We followed up the patients with serial imaging and in 3 consecutive patients who had been followed up for more than 10 months, we noted significant deformity and fracture of the Djumbodis stent.

Prognostic values of EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-HCC18 index-scores in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma – clinical application of health-related quality-of-life data

BackgroundHealth-related quality-of-life (HRQOL) assessment with EORTC QLQ-C30 was prognostic for overall survival (OS) in patients with advance-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but no data existed for early-stage patients. The HCC-specific QLQ-HCC18 has not been evaluated for prognostic value in HCC patients. Utilization of raw HRQOL data in clinical setting has been impractical and non-meaningful. Therefore we developed index scores of QLQ-C30 and QLQ-HCC18 in an attempt to enable clinical utilization of these HRQOL measurements. This study investigates the prognostic significance of QLQ-C30, QLQ-HCC18 and C30/HCC18 index-scores in patients with newly diagnosed HCC which encompasses all stages.MethodsFrom 2007–2011, 517 patients were prospectively recruited. HRQOL was assessed at diagnosis using QLQ-C30 and QLQ-HCC18; C30 and HCC18 index-scores were calculated from raw HRQOL data. Cox regression was performed using continuous, dichotomized QLQ-C30 and QLQ-HCC18 variables, or index-scores, together with clinical factors to identify independent factors for OS. Various multivariate models were validated with c-index and bootstrapping for 1000 replications.ResultsFour hundred and seventy two patients had complete HRQOL data. Their median OS was 8.6 months. In multivariate analysis, independent prognostic HRQOL variables for OS were QLQ-C30 pain (HR 1.346 [1.092–1.661], p = 0.0055), QLQ-C30 physical functioning (HR 0.652 [0.495–0.860], p = 0.0024); QLQ-HCC18 pain (HR 1.382 [1.089–1.754], p = 0.0077) and QLQ-HCC18 fatigue (HR 1.441 [1.132–1.833], p = 0.0030). C30 index-score (HR 2.143 [1.616–2.841], p < 0.0001) and HCC18 index-score (HR 1.957 [1.411–2.715], p < 0.0001) were highly significant factors for OS. The median OS of patients with C30 index-score of 0–20, 21–40, 41–60, 61–100 were 16.4, 7.3, 3.1, 1.8 months respectively (p < 0.0001); while for HCC18 index-score: 16.4, 6.0, 2.8, 1.8 months respectively (p < 0.0001). All the multivariate models were validated, with mean optimism <0.01. The bootstrap validated c-index was 0.78.ConclusionsQLQ-C30 and QLQ-HCC18 were prognostic for OS in patients with newly diagnosed HCC irrespective of stage. Both C30 and HCC18 index-scores were highly significant prognostic factors for OS in newly diagnosed HCC patients. Index-scoring provides an effective way to summarize, analyze and interpret raw HRQOL data, and renders QLQ-C30 and QLQ-HCC18 meaningful and communicable in clinical practice. Index-scores could potentially serve as a standardized tool for future HRQOL research.