Sn Nagel

Satisfaction and quality of life: a survey-based assessment in patients with a totally implantable venous port system

The purpose was to assess the satisfaction and quality of life in patients with a totally implantable central venous port system using a questionnaire-based survey. A self-designed questionnaire to assess patient satisfaction and the impact of the port on daily life was dispatched 180 days after implantation. The questionnaire was combined with the commonly used short form (SF)-12 Health Survey quality of life questionnaire. Of the 98 patients who received a port system, 75 were contacted, and 42 (56%) returned the questionnaire. Most of the responding patients reported high overall satisfaction. The impact of the system on daily life was widely perceived not to be negative. The physical component summary (PCS) and the mental component summary (MCS) scores from the SF-12 were 35.5 and 45.23 respectively (general German population: PCS = 49.6, MCS = 52.3). The multiple stepwise regression showed that the cosmetic result was a predictor of overall satisfaction; the cosmetic result and a painful port together were predictors of the MCS. Overall, it was found that the cosmetic result of the implantation procedure was a predictor of satisfaction and quality of life and should thus not be underestimated.

Evaluation of radiologically implanted central venous port systems explanted due to complications.

Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate explantations of central venous port systems that were implanted by interventional radiologists in cases where complications demanded the removal of the port device. Methods In this retrospective single-center study, explantation rates of central venous port catheter systems (CVPS) associated with complications were investigated over a 10-year period. All CVPS were implanted and explanted in our radiology departments interventional suite. Port catheter dysfunctions were divided into early and late complications, as well as into nonthrombotic and thrombotic events. Indications for implantation and explantation as well as clinical demographics were considered. Results One hundred and ninety-three CVPS were removed from 182 patients, due to complications. The total indwelling time of all CVPS was 55,132 catheter-days (mean 285.7; range 1–2,704). The most common diagnoses were gastrointestinal cancers 77 (39.9%) and hematological malignancies 32 (16.6%). Bloodstream infections 134 (69.4%) were the most common indication for the explantation procedure. These were followed by catheter-related thrombosis 28 (14.5%), nonthrombotic CVPS dysfunction 18 (9.3%), port pocket infections 9 (4.7%), and others 4 (2.1%). The highest percentages of explantations related to bloodstream infections were observed in patients with malabsorption (81.8%) and hematological malignancies (81.3%). Conclusion Bloodstream infections were the most common cause for port explantation, followed by catheter-related thrombosis. Complication-related explantations were mainly for late-onset complications. Prevention and management strategies should be applied regarding care and usage of port systems to reduce the rate of complication-related explantations.

Hepatic arterial supply in 1297 CT-angiographies.

PURPOSE Analysis, evaluation and classification of hepatic arterial supply variants and determination of their frequency distribution in CT-angiographies. MATERIALS AND METHODS CT-angiographies of 1,568 patients were evaluated retrospectively for the period between January 1, 2010 and August 30, 2012. The hepatic arterial anatomy was assessed and categorized according to Michelss classification. So far unclassified variants were considered separately. RESULTS CT-angiographies of 1297 patients were included in the study. Type I according to Michels was seen in 937 cases (72.2 %), followed by type V in 114 patients (8.8 %) and type III in 83 patients (6.4 %). Type X could not be found in any of the patients. Not yet classified variants were discovered in 26 patients. The most frequent variant in this connection was a right hepatic artery originating from the superior mesenteric artery with the left hepatic artery originating from the left gastric artery (n = 10). CONCLUSION Michelss classification could be largely confirmed on the basis of a radiologically examined patient population. Not yet classified variants were categorized into subgroups of the existing classification. KEY POINTS Imaging of hepatic arterial supply variants using CT-angiography. Distribution of variations of arterial liver supply in a general patient population. Expansion of Michelss classification to include new variations of the arterial liver supply.

Can magnetic resonance imaging be an alternative to computed tomography in immunocompromised patients with suspected fungal infections? Feasibility of a speed optimized examination protocol at 3 Tesla

OBJECTIVE To prospectively evaluate a short MRI examination protocol for the detection of nodular pulmonary infiltrates in immunocompromised patients with hematologic diseases and suspected invasive fungal infections. METHODS Patients with nodular infiltrates on CT scans were examined on a 3T MRI scanner. The standardized protocol included axial T2-weighted fast spin echo (FSE) sequences +/- fat saturation (FS), and axial T1-weighted gradient echo (GRE) sequences. Long and short axis diameters of nodular infiltrates and visibility were assessed on MR images at least six months after the CT scan, blinded to patient and examination data. Inter- and intra-reader reliability was assessed in two patients. Statistical testing included Wilcoxon-test, Cohens kappa, and intra-class correlation coefficients. Bland-Altman plots were created to visualize differences in the measurements. RESULTS In all 13 patients MRI examinations were completed successfully (average examination time 12 min and maximum breath-hold time of 8s). CT detected 409 nodules. Sensitivity of MRI was 93.2% when using all sequences in combination; considering nodules >5mm, sensitivity increased to 97.9%. Reliability analysis showed excellent correlations with an intra-class correlation coefficient of at least 0.89 for T2 FSE (95% CI 0.79-0.93, p<0.01) images for the intra-, and the lowest of 0.77 for T2 FSE (95% CI 0.55-0.89, p<0.01) images for the inter-reader comparison. Agreement on nodule visibility was at least kappa=0.95 (p<0.01) for the intra- and 0.72 (p<0.01) for the inter-reader analysis. CONCLUSION With an average examination time of 12 min, pulmonary MRI at 3T is feasible in immunocompromised patients with hematologic diseases and suspected invasive fungal infections. MRI might serve as an alternative diagnostic tool during follow-up examinations.

Postpartum woman with pneumomediastinum and reverse (inverted) takotsubo cardiomyopathy: a case report

IntroductionPneumomediastinum is known to occur during labor. Patients typically present with chest pain and symptoms may be suspicious, for example of pulmonary embolism or aortic dissection. The condition itself, however, is rather harmless and self-limiting.Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is associated with psychologically or physiologically stressful events and its symptoms mimic myocardial infarction. Yet, symptoms often improve quickly as the initially impaired cardiac function is usually restored within days or weeks.Although the initial presentation of the patient in this case report was dramatic, the clinical course was positive and the patient could be quickly dismissed in a good general condition. To the best of our knowledge, no presentation of a combined occurrence of postpartum pneumomediastinum and reverse (inverted) takotsubo cardiomyopathy exists.Case presentationWe present the case of a 30-year-old Caucasian woman with sudden onset of thoracic back and chest pain approximately 24 hours after an otherwise unremarkable vaginal delivery. A contrast-enhanced chest computed tomography showed cervical and mediastinal emphysema without proof for pulmonary embolism or aortic dissection. She received a symptomatic analgesic treatment and was dismissed to the obstetrics department for monitoring.Within hours, slightly increased levels of troponin I were observed without corresponding electrocardiography changes. Immediate cardiac catheterization and a cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (performed within 24 hours) revealed basal to midventricular hypokinesia, but were otherwise unremarkable. A low-dose treatment for congestive heart failure was initiated, under which symptoms subsided within days. She was dismissed after 12 days in a good general condition.ConclusionsAlthough the clinical presentation of the combination of the diseases initially was dramatic, the prognosis is positive. In the context of the preceding delivery, knowledge about the postpartum pneumomediastinum lets the radiologist of the emergency department quickly make this diagnosis. The takotsubo cardiomyopathy, however, needs broader diagnostics to not miss intervention-requiring causes.

Double-lumen central venous port catheters: simultaneous application for chemotherapy and parenteral nutrition in cancer patients.

Purpose This study was designed to evaluate the clinical benefit of low-profile double-lumen port catheters in patients receiving simultaneous chemotherapy and parenteral nutrition (PN). Potential advantages, complications, and the durations of simultaneous and single use of the catheter were assessed. Methods At a university teaching hospital, 10 patients received a double-lumen port catheter (5 men, 5 women; mean age 61.5 ± 12 years). All port implantations were performed under ultrasonographic and fluoroscopic guidance in the radiologic interventional suite. Procedure-related immediate, early, and late complications were recorded until removal of the device, patients death, or completion of follow-up period. Application times and durations for chemotherapy or PN were determined. Results No immediate complications were observed. First use of the port system for chemotherapy was within 12 days (± 25 days, range 0–84 days) and within 17 hours (± 22 hours, range 0–72 hours) for PN on average. During the application of PN, no delay or interruption of chemotherapy was observed. The port catheter was used for the simultaneous application of chemotherapy and PN for a total of 1,216 hours. One port catheter was removed after 30 days due to suspected port infection. Conclusion Central venous double-lumen port systems as a therapeutic option in patients requiring chemotherapy and PN can increase safety during those simultaneous applications, while offering improved patient comfort.

Evaluation of correlations between underlying disease and port complications.

PURPOSE Evaluation of correlations between underlying disease and port complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS Retrospective analysis of a data set of 3160 port systems, which had been interventionally implanted over a period of 10 years. Of these, 1393 were included in the final evaluation. The 7 most common underlying diseases and port-induced complications were considered. Port-related thrombotic events, port pocket infections as well as the port-induced sepsis were evaluated and classified as either early or late complications. RESULTS In 1393 ports, 131 experienced complications. Of these, 22.1 % (n = 29) were early and 79.6 % (n = 102) late complications. The overall incidence rate of late complications was 0.253/1000 observed days. It differed significantly between the underlying diseases (p < 0.001) and was significantly lower in colon carcinoma when compared with pancreatic (p = 0.049), gastric (p = 0.012) and bronchial carcinoma (p = 0.042). The incidence rate of the port sepsis between the underlying diseases also differed significantly (p =  0.006) and had the highest rate in gastric and bronchial carcinoma. The occurrence of a thrombotic event also showed a significant difference in the incidence rates between the underlying diseases (p = 0.045) and was highest in pancreatic and gastric carcinoma. CONCLUSION There are significant differences in the incidences of complications between the underlying diseases. Knowledge about this can help to improve the port-care and to take specific preventive measures.

Interventional Radiological Imaging and Treatment of Port Catheter Dysfunctions

PURPOSE To evaluate the impact of interventional radiological imaging and treatment of central venous port catheter complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this retrospective analysis 429 port catheter dysfunctions were evaluated in 393 port catheter systems for a total of 389 patients over a period of 10 years. The study included 193 (49.1 %) patients with radiologically implanted port catheter systems and 200 (50.9 %) referred patients with surgically implanted port systems. Port catheter dysfunctions were subdivided into early and late complications as well as into non-thrombotic and thrombotic events. After administration of contrast medium, the port system was visualized using digital subtraction angiography. Data were retrospectively collected from the in-house databases and then analyzed descriptively. RESULTS 429 contrast media injections via port catheters were performed in 393 port catheter systems. There were 359 (83.7 %) late complications and 70 (16.3 %) early complications. In 299 (69.7 %) cases thrombotic events occurred and 130 (30.3 %) non-thrombotic events were recorded. The most common reason for contrast media injection via port catheter system was port catheter-related thrombosis in 269 (62.7 %) cases. 70 (16.3 %) catheter migrations and 30 (7.0 %) fibrin sheath formations were detected. 18 (4.2 %) port needle malfunctions could be resolved through needle exchange. All 15 (3.5 %) catheter disconnections had to be revised in all cases. Also six port explantations were performed in 6 (1.4 %) catheter fractures. CONCLUSION The possibilities of angiographic imaging and interventional radiological correction of port catheter dysfunctions must be exploited fully in order to avoid premature port explantation.

Cephalad dislocation of PICCs under different upper limb positions: influence of age, gender, BMI, number of lumens

Purpose: To evaluate parameters that influence the amount of movement of peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) tips regarding upper limb movement. Methods: In a prospective 12-month observational study, 200 PICCs were implanted in 162 patients (mean age 56.8 ± 15.2 years) by interventional radiologists into the basilic vein of the mid-aspect of the upper arm. Three PICC tip positions were documented with a chest x-ray: patient supine with an abducted (90°), an adducted arm, and in an upright position with an adducted arm. Multivariable analyses were performed, based on the three positions: body mass index (BMI), number of lumens, age, gender, side of the implantation, and brand. Results: Up to 88% of the PICCs dislocated in a mean of 19 mm cephalad when the patient was positioned from a supine in an upright position. The greatest influence upon dislocation was the position change from supine to upright. The side of the implanted PICC (left vs. right) had no influence. Conclusions: Cephalad dislocations of mean 19 mm regularly occur in the upright position induced by gravity. This needs to be taken in account and the PICC should be safely positioned one vertebra lower in the superior vena cava superior with a last confirmation of the PICC placement in an upright position.

Pulmonary MRI at 3T: Non-enhanced pulmonary magnetic resonance Imaging Characterization Quotients for differentiation of infectious and malignant lesions

OBJECTIVE To investigate 3T pulmonary magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for characterization of solid pulmonary lesions in immunocompromised patients and to differentiate infectious from malignant lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty-eight pulmonary lesions in 29 patients were evaluated. Seventeen patients were immunocompromised (11 infections and 6 lymphomas) and 12 served as controls (4 bacterial pneumonias, 8 solid tumors). Ten of the 15 infections were acute. Signal intensities (SI) were measured in the lesion, chest wall muscle, and subcutaneous fat. Scaled SIs as Non-enhanced Imaging Characterization Quotients ((SILesion-SIMuscle)/(SIFat-SIMuscle)*100) were calculated from the T2-weighted images using the mean SI (T2-NICQmean) or the 90th percentile of SI (T2-NICQ90th) of the lesion. Simple quotients were calculated by dividing the SI of the lesion by the SI of chest wall muscle (e.g. T1-Qmean: SILesion/SIMuscle). RESULTS Infectious pulmonary lesions showed a higher T2-NICQmean (40.1 [14.6-56.0] vs. 20.9 [2.4-30.1], p<0.05) and T2-NICQ90th (74.3 [43.8-91.6] vs. 38.5 [15.8-48.1], p<0.01) than malignant lesions. T1-Qmean was higher in malignant lesions (0.85 [0.68-0.94] vs. 0.93 [0.87-1.09], p<0.05). Considering infections only, T2-NICQ90th was lower when anti-infectious treatment was administered >24h prior to MRI (81.8 [71.8-97.6] vs. 41.4 [26.6-51.1], p<0.01). Using Youdens index (YI), the optimal cutoff to differentiate infectious from malignant lesions was 43.1 for T2-NICQmean (YI=0.42, 0.47 sensitivity, 0.95 specificity) and 55.5 for T2-NICQ90th (YI=0.61, 0.71 sensitivity, 0.91 specificity). Combining T2-NICQ90th and T1-Qmean increased diagnostic performance (YI=0.72, 0.77 sensitivity, 0.95 specificity). CONCLUSION Considering each quotient alone, T2-NICQ90th showed the best diagnostic performance and could allow differentiation of acute infectious from malignant pulmonary lesions with high specificity. Combining T2-NICQ90th with T1-Qmean increased overall performance, especially regarding sensitivity.