Stephen P. Johnson

Hepatic Artery Chemoembolization for Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients Listed for Liver Transplantation

We retrospectively analyzed all listed patients having hepatic artery chemoembolization (HACE) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) stage T2 or less. Outcomes were transplantation, waiting list removal, death, and HCC recurrence. Twenty patients (mean age 55.7 years; 15 males) were identified. Twelve (60%) were transplanted, seven (35%) were removed from the list and one (5%) remains listed. Fourteen (70%) are alive. All 12 transplanted patients are alive (mean 2.94 years); one of seven removed from the list is alive (mean 1.45 years). Survival was significantly higher for those transplanted or listed vs. removed from the list (100% vs. 14.3%, p = 0.0002). No HCCs recurred. Three patients (15%) were removed from the list after prolonged waiting times before MELD. Hepatic artery chemoembolization induced deterioration and removal from the list of one (5%) patient. Survival for those transplanted was excellent(100%), but overall survival was significantly lower (61.3%) at a mean 5.48 years. Hepatic artery chemoembolization for listed patients with ≤€ T2 stage HCC is beneficial, but must be weighed against decreased waiting times and risk of HACE‐induced deterioration. This balance is influenced greatly by the MELD systems determination of waiting times for HCC patients.

The role of TIPS for portal vein patency in liver transplant patients with portal vein thrombosis

The purpose of this research was to study the efficacy and outcomes of transjugular intrahepatic shunt (TIPS) in end‐stage liver disease (ESLD) patients with portal vein thrombosis (PVT) eligible for orthotopic liver transplant. Nine consecutive patients with PVT underwent TIPS as a nonemergent elective outpatient procedure. The primary indication for TIPS was to maintain portal vein patency for optimal surgical outcome. Eight patients underwent contrast enhanced computed tomography (CT) and 1 magnetic resonance imaging diagnosing PVT. Shunt creation was determined by available targets at the time of TIPS and by prior imaging. Patients were followed with portography, ultrasound, CT, or magnetic resonance imaging, and the luminal occlusion was estimated before and after TIPS. Primary endpoints were transplantation, removal from the transplant list, or death. Stabilization, improvement, or complete resolution of thrombosis was considered successful therapy. Failures included propagation of thrombosis or vessel occlusion, and poor surgical anatomy due to PVT. Of 9 patients with PVT, TIPS was successfully placed in all patients without complication or TIPS‐related mortality. Eight of 9 patients (88.8%) had improvement at follow‐up. One patient failed therapy and re‐thrombosed. Two patients (22.2%) were transplanted without complication and had no PVT at the time of transplant. Eight of 9 patients were listed for transplant at the time of their TIPS. Eight of 9 PVTs were nonocclusive. Four of 9 patients (44%) had evidence of cavernous transformation. Two patients expired during follow‐up 42 and 44 months after TIPS. Three patients remain on the transplant list. One patient has not been listed due to nonprogression of disease. One patient has been removed from the transplant list because of comorbid disease. In conclusion, TIPS is safe and effective in patients with PVT and ESLD requiring transplant. Patients can be successfully transplanted with optimal surgical anatomy. Liver Transpt 12:1544–1551, 2006.

Single Institution Prospective Evaluation of the Over-the-Wire Greenfield Vena Caval Filter

PURPOSEnTo assess the technical and clinical success of the over-the-wire (OTW) Greenfield inferior vena caval (IVC) filter.nnnMATERIALS AND METHODSnProspective evaluation of the OTW Greenfield filter in 47 patients was performed during the course of 18 months. Technical success and deployment problems were documented. Caval perforation, leg asymmetry, and tilt were evaluated with a postprocedure, noncontrast computed tomographic (CT) scan. Follow-up was performed at 6- and 12-month intervals after the procedure and included a clinical history, chart review, and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging examination of the IVC.nnnRESULTSnNinety-one percent of filters were placed without technical difficulties and 100% were successfully deployed. Technical difficulties included sheath kinking prior to deployment (n = 3), initial incomplete filter opening (n = 1), and wire entrapment within the filter (n = 1). Of 38 patients evaluated with CT, there was no case of caval perforation. Twenty-one patients (55%) demonstrated tilt and 14 (37%) had leg asymmetry. Tilting occurred more frequently when the filter was placed from a femoral approach (51%) than from a jugular approach (12%). Of patients with leg asymmetry, the vena cava was narrow in anteroposterior (AP) dimension in five (36%). Of 13 deaths, none were attributed to pulmonary embolism. One patient (2%) had a recurrent pulmonary embolus. Two of 16 patients (12%) with MR imaging follow-up had documented IVC thrombosis.nnnCONCLUSIONSnThe OTW Greenfield filter has an effective delivery system, with few difficulties encountered during deployment. Filter tilt and leg asymmetry are common. The etiology of leg asymmetry is likely multifactorial but is often associated with a cava with a small AP diameter. Because OTW deployment appears to offer no benefit in centering the filter, the authors have elected to remove the wire prior to filter deployment to avoid possible entanglement. MR imaging follow-up reveals an acceptable incidence of IVC thrombosis.

Transjugular portosystemic shunts in pediatric patients awaiting liver transplantation

Three pediatric patients from 6 to 11 years of age awaiting liver transplantation for end stage liver disease underwent transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) placement for control of variceal bleeding. Two of the three procedures were performed emergently after endoscopic sclerotherapy failed to stop active bleeding. One procedure was performed electively after multiple prior bleeding episodes. The shunts were created from the middle or left hepatic vein to the left portal vein, and none of the subsequent transplant surgeries was complicated by the presence of the stents. No major or minor complications were related to TIPS placement. Two patients underwent concomitant variceal embolization. Bleeding was successfully controlled in each patient. We conclude that TIPS placement in children is technically feasible, does not complicate subsequent surgery, and is useful treating acute variceal hemorrhage in pediatric patients awaiting liver transplantation.

Acute Arterial Occlusions of the Small Vessels of the Hand and Forearm: Treatment with Regional Urokinase Therapy

PURPOSEnArterial occlusions of the small vessels of the forearm and hand may have the same consequences as arterial occlusions in the distal lower extremity. There is limited reported experience with the regional thrombolytic therapy in this setting. The authors reviewed their experience with thrombolytic therapy in acute and subacute arterial occlusions of the distal upper extremity to further clarify its role.nnnMATERIALS AND METHODSnTwelve patients with acute or subacute arterial occlusions of the forearm and hand who had ischemic digits and were treated with regional urokinase infusion were identified retrospectively. Their medical and radiology records were reviewed.nnnRESULTSnAll 12 patients demonstrated angiographic improvement and 11 patients demonstrated clinical improvement after treatment. Tissue necrosis in four patients led to partial amputation of one digit in two patients and three digits in two patients. Three of these patients had category III ischemia at presentation. The level of resulting amputation was altered in all but one patient. Vasospasm was noted frequently but responded to vasodilators. No significant complications occurred.nnnCONCLUSIONSnWhen therapeutic alternatives are limited to anticoagulation and expectant amputation, regional urokinase infusion can optimize distal runoff, obviate or improve the options for distal surgical bypass, and limit tissue loss.

State of the art: noninvasive imaging and management of neurovascular trauma

Neurotrauma represents a significant public health problem, accounting for a significant proportion of the morbidity and mortality associated with all traumatic injuries. Both blunt and penetrating injuries to cervicocerebral vessels are significant and are likely more common than previously recognized. Imaging of such injuries is an important component in the evaluation of individuals presenting with such potential injuries, made all the more important since many of the vascular injuries are clinically silent. Management of injuries, particularly those caused by blunt trauma, is constantly evolving. This article addresses the current state of imaging and treatment of such injuries.

Preoperative transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) for cirrhotic patients undergoing abdominal and pelvic surgeries

BackgroundSurgery for patients with cirrhosis is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Perioperative complications including hemorrhage, wound dehiscence, and peritonitis result from underlying portal hypertension. Perioperative control of portal hypertension could decrease the risk of such complications. This study aimed to describe the authors’ experience with the placement of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS) in patients with cirrhosis to improve surgical outcomes.MethodsA retrospective chart review was performed for seven patients who underwent TIPS placement before elective abdominal or pelvic surgery at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center from 1998 to 2006. The TIPS indication for each patient was to minimize perioperative complications.ResultsThe seven patients in this study underwent their planned surgical procedure within a mean of 13xa0days from the time of TIPS placement. Two patients required a blood transfusion of two units or less. Three patients experienced a total of four postoperative complications including wound infection, peritonitis, pneumonia, and new ascites. One patient died of liver failure 14xa0months after surgery.ConclusionsThe preparation of patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension for elective surgery using preoperative portal decompression may decrease the risk of perioperative morbidity and mortality.

Sedation and Analgesia in the Performance of Interventional Procedures

Interventional procedures can produce pain, anxiety, and physical and mental distress. Analgesia and sedation in the interventional radiology suite are given routinely during interventional procedures and allow a safe, comfortable, and technically successful procedure to be performed. Appropriate sedation decreases patient movement, patient anxiety, pain perception, and is crucial to successfully perform percutaneous interventions. A thorough understanding of the preoperative patient assessment, intraprocedural monitoring, pharmacologic characteristics of medications, postoperative care, and treatment of complications is required for the practicing interventionalist. Complications related to sedation and analgesia can occur secondary to preexisting medical conditions, incorrect drug administration, and/or inadequate patient monitoring.1,2.

The Role of Infrapopliteal MR Angiography in Patients Undergoing Optimal Contrast Angiography for Chronic Limb-threatening Ischemia

PURPOSEnTo determine the benefit of infrapopliteal magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia who have undergone optimal contrast angiography (CA).nnnPATIENTS AND METHODSnThirty-four patients (37 limbs) with limb-threatening chronic lower extremity ischemia underwent MRA and CA of the symptomatic extremity. Selective, vasodilator-enhanced digital subtraction angiography of the infrapopliteal vessels was possible for 34 limbs. Two vascular surgeons retrospectively formulated treatment plans based on CA. They then formulated treatment plans based on CA and MRA together.nnnRESULTSnCA clearly visualized 495 of 888 vascular segments as patent, while MRA clearly visualized 412 of 888 segments. Treatment plans differed for at least one of two surgeons in eight limbs, but MRA would possibly have improved clinical outcome in only one. The amount of inflow disease did not appear to influence segment visualization or treatment planning. In eight of 11 limbs that eventually required below- or above-knee amputation, CA clearly visualized more vascular segments than MRA. One patient developed renal insufficiency after CA.nnnCONCLUSIONnMost patients undergoing optimal CA for chronic limb-threatening ischemia will not benefit from the addition of MRA. However, MRA should be considered when CA is suboptimal and when it is necessary to conserve contrast material.

Torulopsis glabrata Fungemia from Infected Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt Stent

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS) are used to manage multiple complications of portal hypertension. Accounts of infection of TIPS stents are uncommon. The literature reports two cases of TIPS-associated Torulopsis glabrata (Candida glabrata) fungemia; both patients died within a year of TIPS placement despite therapy with intravenous antifungal agents. This report describes the successful long-term survival of a patient with Torulopsis TIPS stent infection.