Lymphatic Intervention, the Frontline of Modern Lymphatic Medicine: Part I. History, Anatomy, Physiology, and Diagnostic Imaging of the Lymphatic System

Recent advances in lymphatic imaging have provided novel insights into the lymphatic system. Interventional radiology has played a significant role in the development of lymphatic imaging techniques and modalities. Radiologists should be familiar with the basic physiology and anatomy of the lymphatic system to understand the imaging features of lymphatic disorders, which reflect their pathophysiology. This study comprehensively reviews the physiological and anatomical aspects of the human lymphatic system as well as the latest lymphatic imaging techniques.

Lymphatic Intervention, the Frontline of Modern Lymphatic Medicine: Part II. Classification and Treatment of the Lymphatic Disorders

Lymphatic disorders encompass a broad spectrum of diseases involving the lymphatic system, ranging from traumatic lymphatic leaks to lymphatic malformations. Lymphatic disorders can be categorized into traumatic and non-traumatic disorders according to their etiology. These two categories may be further divided into subgroups depending on the anatomical location of the lymphatic pathology and their association with clinical syndromes. Thoracic duct embolization was a milestone in the field of lymphatic intervention that encouraged the application of percutaneous embolization techniques to treat leaks and reflux disorders in the lymphatic system. Additional access routes for embolization, including retrograde thoracic duct and transhepatic lymphatic access, have also been developed. This article comprehensively reviews a variety of options for the treatment of lymphatic disorders, from conservative management to the most recent embolization techniques.

Atherectomy in Peripheral Artery Disease: Current and Future

Atherectomy has become a promising treatment option for peripheral artery disease caused by diabetes mellitus or end-stage renal disease. Atherectomy refers to the removal of atheromatous tissue by mechanical method, resulting in an enlarged lumen of the treated blood vessel. Based on this method, the term is limited to the percutaneous minimally invasive approach, and there are currently two types of atherectomy devices available in Korea. The increased prevalence of atherectomy has led to the concept of “vascular preparation” and a new treatment concept of “leave nothing behind.” Various studies have proven the safety and effectiveness of atherectomy; however, there are some limitations. We need to remain focused on patient selection and subsequent large-scale research.

Atherectomy in Peripheral Artery Disease: Current and Future

Atherectomy has become a promising treatment option for peripheral artery disease caused by diabetes mellitus or end-stage renal disease. Atherectomy refers to the removal of atheromatous tissue by mechanical method, resulting in an enlarged lumen of the treated blood vessel. Based on this method, the term is limited to the percutaneous minimally invasive approach, and there are currently two types of atherectomy devices available in Korea. The increased prevalence of atherectomy has led to the concept of “vascular preparation” and a new treatment concept of “leave nothing behind.” Various studies have proven the safety and effectiveness of atherectomy; however, there are some limitations. We need to remain focused on patient selection and subsequent large-scale research.

Thoracic Duct Embolization for Chyle Leakage after Thyroid Surgery

Chyle leakage (CL) due to lymphatic injuries is one of the rare complications that can develop after thyroidectomy. There are few studies on lymphatic embolization performed in case of CL after thyroid surgery. We report two cases of CL after thyroid surgery that were effectively treated by thoracic duct embolization. The patients had previously undergone total thyroidectomy with central compartment neck dissection with or without modified radical neck dissection. The amount of drainage from the operative site was ＞1000 mL per day in one patient and ＞500 mL per day in the other. In both cases, CL stopped after the thoracic duct embolization. Thoracic duct embolization seems to be an effective and important treatment option for CL after thyroid surgery.

Assessment of Venographic Abnormalities during Replacement of Dysfunctional Tunneled Hemodialysis Catheters and Outcome of Endovascular Salvage Techniques

PURPOSE@#To assess the venographic findings of central venous abnormalities before exchanging dysfunctional tunneled hemodialysis catheters and the outcome of endovascular salvage techniques.@*MATERIALS AND METHODS@#A total of 110 episodes of tunneled hemodialysis catheter dysfunction in 78 patients undergoing catheter-directed hemodialysis treatment from January 2011 to December 2015 were retrospectively evaluated. Venography was performed before catheter exchange, and the following procedures were conducted according to the venographic findings: balloon disruption of a fibrin sheath, angioplasty for central vein stenosis, or stent insertion. Technical success was defined as at least one successful session of hemodialysis with the exchanged catheter. Patients were followed until the study endpoints or the last hospital visit.@*RESULTS@#Venography showed abnormalities in patients with 67 of the 110 exchanged catheters, including central vein stenosis (n = 27), fibrin sheath formation (n = 17), and thrombus formation (n = 12). Technical success was confirmed in all cases. The estimated 30-day catheter patency for all assessable catheters was 61.7%. Nine catheters were removed during the follow-up period because of suspected catheter-related infections.@*CONCLUSION@#In approximately 60% of cases of dysfunctional tunneled hemodialysis catheter, abnormal venographic findings were observed in the patients. Following appropriate endovascular techniques could be helpful in improving catheter patency with a low risk of procedure-related complications.

Plasma MicroRNA-21, 26a, and 29a-3p as Predictive Markers for Treatment Response Following Transarterial Chemoembolization in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma

BACKGROUND: We investigated an association between the levels of plasma microRNA (miRNA)-21,

Placement of feeding tubes using fluoroscopy guidance and over-the-wire technique: A technical review

Nutritional support is essential for improving the outcome in critically ill patients. Enteral nutrition possesses advantages over total parenteral nutrition in that it maintains the physiologic barrier function of the gastrointestinal mucosa. Short-term enteral nutrition can be achieved through transnasal feeding tubes. Traditionally, feeding tubes have been placed at bedside in a blind fashion. However, blind tube placement is unreliable as it may result in improper positioning of the tubes. Numerous complications arising from misplacement have been reported in the literature. A number of modalities may be used in order to improve the accuracy and safety of transnasal feeding tube placement. Fluoroscopy is widely accepted for this purpose. Together with the use of water-soluble contrast media and over-the-wire technique, fluoroscopy-guided placement of nasogastric or nasojejunal feeding tubes offers a higher rate of technical success while decreasing procedure time as well as the incidence of procedure-related complications.

Hepatic Venous Pressure Gradient Predicts Long-Term Mortality in Patients with Decompensated Cirrhosis

PURPOSE: The present study aimed to investigate the role of hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) for prediction of long-term mortality in patients with decompensated cirrhosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinical data from 97 non-critically-ill cirrhotic patients with HVPG measurements were retrospectively and consecutively collected between 2009 and 2012. Patients were classified according to clinical stages and presence of ascites. The prognostic accuracy of HVPG for death, survival curves, and hazard ratios were analyzed. RESULTS: During a median follow-up of 24 (interquartile range, 13-36) months, 22 patients (22.7%) died. The area under the receiver operating characteristics curves of HVPG for predicting 1-year, 2-year, and overall mortality were 0.801, 0.737, and 0.687, respectively (all p17 mm Hg, respectively (p=0.015). In the ascites group, the mortality rates at 1 and 2 years were 3.9% and 17.6% with HVPG 17 mm Hg, respectively (p=0.044). Regarding the risk factors for mortality, both HVPG and model for end-stage liver disease were positively related with long-term mortality in all patients. Particularly, for the patients with ascites, both prothrombin time and HVPG were independent risk factors for predicting poor outcomes. CONCLUSION: HVPG is useful for predicting the long-term mortality in patients with decompensated cirrhosis, especially in the presence of ascites.

Percutaneous transgastric stenting of proximal jejunal obstruction secondary to direct invasion of a pancreatic carcinoma

Pancreatic cancer has been identified as one of the most common malignant causes of upper gastrointestinal obstruction. Most common sites of obstruction include the pyloric region and second and third portions of the duodenum. If surgical gastrojejunostomy is not a viable option, metallic stent placement may be performed either by transoral or transgastric approach. Transgastric technique is considered to be more invasive and is often employed only in failed attempts to insert a stent using transoral technique. This report presents a 70-year-old patient with pancreatic cancer involving the proximal jejunum. Although this is a rarely described location for stenting, the patient was successfully treated using transgastric technique.

Risk factor analysis for massive lymphatic ascites after laparoscopic retroperitonal lymphadenectomy in gynecologic cancers and treatment using intranodal lymphangiography with glue embolization / 부인종양

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate risk factors for massive lymphatic ascites after laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy in gynecologic cancer and the feasibility of treatments using intranodal lymphangiography (INLAG) with glue embolization. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 234 patients with gynecologic cancer who received laparoscopic retroperitonal lymphadenectomy between April 2006 and November 2015 was done. In June 2014, INLAG with glue embolization was initiated to manage massive lymphatic ascites. All possible clinicopathologic factors related to massive lymphatic ascites were determined in the pre-INLAG group (n=163). Clinical courses between pre-INLAG group and post-INLAG group (n=71) were compared. RESULTS: In the pre-INLAG group (n=163), four patients (2.5%) developed massive lymphatic ascites postoperatively. Postoperative lymphatic ascites was associated with liver cirrhosis (three cirrhotic patients, p<0.001). In the post-INLAG group, one patient with massive lymphatic ascites had a congestive heart failure and first received INLAG with glue embolization. She had pelvic drain removed within 7 days after INLAG. The mean duration of pelvic drain and hospital stay decreased after the introduction of INLAG (13.2 days vs. 10.9 days, p=0.001; 15.2 days vs. 12.6 days, p=0.001). There was no evidence of recurrence after this procedure. CONCLUSION: Underlying medical conditions related to the reduced effective circulating volume, such as liver cirrhosis and heart failure, may be associated with massive lymphatic ascites after retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy. INLAG with glue embolization can be an alternative treatment options to treat leaking lymphatic channels in patients with massive lymphatic leakage.

Risk factor analysis for massive lymphatic ascites after laparoscopic retroperitonal lymphadenectomy in gynecologic cancers and treatment using intranodal lymphangiography with glue embolization / 부인종양

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate risk factors for massive lymphatic ascites after laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy in gynecologic cancer and the feasibility of treatments using intranodal lymphangiography (INLAG) with glue embolization. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 234 patients with gynecologic cancer who received laparoscopic retroperitonal lymphadenectomy between April 2006 and November 2015 was done. In June 2014, INLAG with glue embolization was initiated to manage massive lymphatic ascites. All possible clinicopathologic factors related to massive lymphatic ascites were determined in the pre-INLAG group (n=163). Clinical courses between pre-INLAG group and post-INLAG group (n=71) were compared. RESULTS: In the pre-INLAG group (n=163), four patients (2.5%) developed massive lymphatic ascites postoperatively. Postoperative lymphatic ascites was associated with liver cirrhosis (three cirrhotic patients, p<0.001). In the post-INLAG group, one patient with massive lymphatic ascites had a congestive heart failure and first received INLAG with glue embolization. She had pelvic drain removed within 7 days after INLAG. The mean duration of pelvic drain and hospital stay decreased after the introduction of INLAG (13.2 days vs. 10.9 days, p=0.001; 15.2 days vs. 12.6 days, p=0.001). There was no evidence of recurrence after this procedure. CONCLUSION: Underlying medical conditions related to the reduced effective circulating volume, such as liver cirrhosis and heart failure, may be associated with massive lymphatic ascites after retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy. INLAG with glue embolization can be an alternative treatment options to treat leaking lymphatic channels in patients with massive lymphatic leakage.

Alteration of laboratory findings after radiofrequency ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma: relationship to severity of the underlying liver disease and the ablation volume

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To investigate sequential changes in laboratory markers after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the relationship of these changes to the severity of the underlying liver disease. METHODS: This retrospective analysis included 65 patients (44 males, 21 females) who underwent RFA of HCC. Hematologic and biochemical markers were assessed at the pre-RFA period and 1 day, 2-3 days, and 1-2 weeks after RFA. We classified the subjects into two groups: Child-Pugh A (n=41) and Child-Pugh B (n=24). The ablative margin volume (AMV) of each patient was measured. We analyzed the changes in laboratory profiles from the baseline, and investigated whether these laboratory changes were correlated with the AMV and the Child-Pugh classification. RESULTS: Most of the laboratory values peaked at 2-3 days after RFA. AMV was significantly correlated with changes in WBC count, hemoglobin level, and serum total bilirubin level (Pearson's correlation coefficient, 0.324-0.453; P<0.05). The alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level varied significantly over time (P=0.023). CONCLUSIONS: Most of the measured laboratory markers changed from baseline, peaking at 2-3 days. The ALT level was the only parameter for which there was a significant difference after RFA between Child-Pugh A and B patients: it increased significantly more in the Child-Pugh A patients.

Percutaneous Thrombin Injection with Balloon Occlusion for the Treatment of a Femoral Artery Pseudoaneurysm / 대한내과학회지

Femoral artery pseudoaneurysm (FAP) is an uncommon but potentially serious vascular complication that may develop after cardiac and peripheral angiographic procedures. Here we describe the case of a 75-year-old female who presented with a life-threatening bleeding episode due to an FAP 4 days after diagnostic coronary angiography, which was treated with a percutaneous thrombin injection and transient balloon occlusion of the femoral artery during thrombin injection. This case reminds us of the importance of close observation and proper evaluation for complications, even if the risk of bleeding complications is low. Furthermore, although ultrasound-guided compression and a percutaneous thrombin injection are the standard treatment for FAP, this case demonstrates that transient balloon dilation during the percutaneous injection of thrombin is an important treatment option in cases of a wide-necked pseudoaneurysm in which the risk of thrombin escape is high.

Management of Bleeding Uterine Arteriovenous Malformation with Bilateral Uterine Artery Embolization

PURPOSE: To evaluate the technical feasibility and clinical outcome of bilateral uterine artery embolization (UAE) as a first-line therapeutic option for bleeding uterine arteriovenous malformation (AVM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2002 and 2012, 19 patients were diagnosed with acquired uterine AVM clinically and through imaging studies. The clinical characteristics, angiographic features, technical success rate of embolization, procedure-related complications, imaging, and clinical follow-up data were assessed. Clinical success was defined as immediate symptomatic resolution with disappearance of vascular abnormality on subsequent imaging studies. RESULTS: A total of 20 bilateral UAE, with or without embolization of extra-uterine feeders, were performed as the first-line treatment. Technical and clinical success rate was 90.0% (18/20) and 89.5% (17/19), respectively. Embolization was incomplete in two patients who had residual extra-uterine fine feeders to the AVM or a procedure-related complication (ruptured uterine artery); the former showed slow regression of the vascular malformation during the observation period, while the latter underwent a successful second bilateral UAE. Immediate clinical success was achieved in the remaining 17 patients after a single session and no recurrence of bleeding was found. Recovery to normal menstrual cycle was seen in all 17 patients with clinical success within one or two months, two of whom subsequently had uneventful intrauterine pregnancies carried to term. CONCLUSION: Bilateral UAE is a safe and effective first-line therapeutic option for the management of bleeding uterine AVMs. However, incomplete embolization due to unembolizable feeders or difficult access into the uterine artery may lead to suboptimal treatment.

Pseudocirrhosis as a complication after chemotherapy for hepatic metastasis from breast cancer

No abstract available.

Hepatocellular carcinoma composed of two different histologic types: imaging features on gadoxetic acid-enhanced liver MRI

No abstract available.

Primary hepatic lymphoma mimicking acute hepatitis

No abstract available.

MR imaging of hepatic lymphangioma / 대한간학회지

No abstract available.

Hepatic inflammatory pseudotumor misinterpreted as hepatocellular carcinoma

No abstract available.