Use of 18F-FDG PET to predict tumor progression and survival in patients with intermediate hepatocellular carcinoma treated by transarterial chemoembolization

BACKGROUND/AIMS: 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose positron-emission tomography (18F-FDG PET) has been used to assess the biological behavior of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, we investigated the usefulness of 18F-FDG PET for predicting tumor progression and survival in patients with intermediate Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) intermediate-stage HCC treated by transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). METHODS: From February 2006 to March 2013, 210 patients treated with TACE, including 77 patients with BCLC intermediate-stage HCC, underwent examination by 18F-FDG PET. 18F-FDG uptake was calculated based on the tumor maximum (Tmax) standardized uptake value (SUV), the liver mean (Lmean) SUV, and the ratio of the Tmax SUV to the Lmean SUV (Tmax/Lmean). RESULTS: The mean follow-up period for the 77 patients (52 males, 25 females; average age, 63.3 years) was 22.2 months. The median time to progression of HCC in patients with a low Tmax/Lmean ( or = 1.83) was 17 and 6 months, respectively (p < 0.001). The median overall survival time of patients with a low and high Tmax/Lmean was 44 and 14 months, respectively (p = 0.003). Multivariate analysis revealed that the Tmax/Lmean was an independent predictor of overall survival (hazard ratio [HR], 1.96; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.210 to 3.156; p = 0.006) and tumor progression (HR, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.264 to 3.308; p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: 18F-FDG uptake calculated by the Tmax/Lmean using PET predicted tumor progression and survival in patients with BCLC intermediate-stage HCC treated by TACE.

MRI Findings of Intramuscular Foreign Body Injection: A Case Report

There are various types of foreign body reactions, such as inflammation, edema, fluid collection, hematoma, infection, abscess and granulomas. There are various imaging findings according to types of foreign bodies and depending on the lapse of time. Therefore, correct diagnosis of a foreign body reaction is difficult and easily confused with soft tissue neoplasm. The MRI is ideal for the detection of foreign bodies regardless of radiolucency or acoustic impedance. It is especially very useful in the evaluation of the surrounding tissue reaction. The authors report a case of a 26-year-old female patient with both forearm swelling due to self-injection of a mixture of powdered tablets and saline. The lesion shows numerous internal T1 and T2 dark signal intensity micro-spots with surrounding fluid collection, which are diagnosed as foreign bodies with surrounding inflammatory changes during an operation.

Sonographic Features of Dual Ectopic Thyroid: Report of Two Cases

Ectopic thyroid is an uncommon congenital abnormality, but ectopic thyroid tissue can be present anywhere along the course of the thyroglossal duct and the embryologic descent from the base of the tongue. We report here on two cases with the ultrasonograpic findings of dual ectopy of the thyroid, and these findings were well correlated with the findings of nuclear scintigraphy.

Pictorial Review of Diffuse Central Airway Diseases: Focus on CT Findings / 결핵및호흡기질환

Various diseases can diffusely involve central airways, including the trachea and main stem bronchi. Central airway abnormalities are frequently not apparent or are overlooked on chest radiographs, even though the patient may have significant symptoms. Recent advances in spiral and multi-detector computed tomography (CT) with multi-planar reconstruction and three-dimensional demonstration, including virtual bronchoscopy, allow for excellent display of central airway anatomy and abnormalities with visualization of accurate locations of lesions. Early detection and proper diagnosis of airway diseases based on various radiographic findings will help determine appropriate treatment, including surgical planning and evaluation of treatment response. Herein we describe and illustrate the imaging findings of a wide spectra of diffuse central airway diseases.

Pictorial Review of Diffuse Central Airway Diseases: Focus on CT Findings / 결핵및호흡기질환

Various diseases can diffusely involve central airways, including the trachea and main stem bronchi. Central airway abnormalities are frequently not apparent or are overlooked on chest radiographs, even though the patient may have significant symptoms. Recent advances in spiral and multi-detector computed tomography (CT) with multi-planar reconstruction and three-dimensional demonstration, including virtual bronchoscopy, allow for excellent display of central airway anatomy and abnormalities with visualization of accurate locations of lesions. Early detection and proper diagnosis of airway diseases based on various radiographic findings will help determine appropriate treatment, including surgical planning and evaluation of treatment response. Herein we describe and illustrate the imaging findings of a wide spectra of diffuse central airway diseases.

Acute Diffuse Phlegmonous Esophagogastritis: A Case Report

Acute phlegmonous infection of the gastrointestinal tract is characterized by purulent inflammation of the submucosa and muscular layer with sparing of the mucosa. The authors report a rare case of acute diffuse phlegmonous esophagogastritis, which was well diagnosed based on the typical chest computed tomographic (CT) findings and was successfully treated. A 48-yr-old man presented with left chest pain and dyspnea for three days. Chest radiograph on admission showed mediastinal widening and bilateral pleural effusion. The patient became febrile and the amount of left pleural effusion is increased on follow-up chest radiograph. Left closed thoracostomy was performed with pus drainage. A CT diagnosis of acute phlegmonous esophagogastritis was suggested and a surgery was decided due to worsening of clinical condition of the patient and radiologic findings. Esophageal myotomies were performed and the submucosal layer was filled with thick, cheesy materials. The patient was successfully discharged with no postoperative complication.

Concurrent Occurrence of Type II and Type III Endoleak of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Stent Graft: A Case Report

Endoleak is an important complication following stent grafts for abdominal aortic aneurysms. Here we describe ultrasonography findings in an 86-year-old man including doppler ultrasonography and CT scan in an unusual and interesting case of the concurrent occurrence of a type II endoleak that originated from the left accessory renal artery and a type III endoleak due to shaft fracture of the stent.

Hounsfield Number Measurement after a Uterine Fibroid Embolization: Significance as a Predictive Factor of Embolization Success

PURPOSE: To assess the usefulness of the Hounsfield number, measured by a non-contrast enhanced pelvic CT, after a uterine artery embolization as an index of the successful outcome of a uterine fibroid embolization (UFE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study subjects included 15 women (age range: 28-49 years, mean age: 36.4 years) diagnosed with symptomatic uterine myomas and seen from March 2003 to August 2005. A non-contrast enhanced pelvic CT scan was performed six hours after a uterine artery embolization. The global and maximal CT numbers were measured for each myoma. In addition, a pelvic MRI was performed to measure the volume of each myoma prior to and 6 months after the UFE. The relationship between fibroid volume reduction and the global CT number were prospectively analysed. RESULTS: The mean global CT number was 91.25 HU in Group I and 40.8 HU in Group II. Further, the mean fibroid volume reduction rate was 73% in Group I and 10% in Group II (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The global CT number measured by a non-contrast enhanced pelvic CT is a useful predictive factor of a successful uterine fibroid embolization.

Comparison of MDCTA (16-Slice Multi-Detector Row Computed Tomography Arthrography) and MRA (Magnetic Resonance Arthrography) for Detecting Labral Lesions of the Shoulder

PURPOSE: To compare the accuracy of 16-slice multi-detector row computed tomographic arthrography (MDCTA) and magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA) for making the diagnosis and classification of labroligamentous injuries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study is a prospective series that used MRA and MDCTA to examine 23 patients who complained of shoulder instability. Two radiologists independently analyzed the MRA and MDCTA. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive and negative predictive values were calculated from the arthrograms and the arthroscopic findings. The images of MDCTA and MRA corresponded with the findings on arthroscopy. RESULTS: Both imaging modalities had the same sensitivity for detecting Bankart lesions (n=10, 90%) and posterior labral tears (n=2, 50%) on McNemar test (p=1.00). For superior labrum anterior-to-posterior (SLAP) lesions, 6 MRA cases and 4 MDCTA cases corresponded with the arthroscopic findings. The difference between the sensitivities of MDCTA (66.7%) and MRA (100%) was not significant (p=0.09). CONCLUSION: We suggest that the sensitivity of diagnosing labral lesions that induce shoulder instability is similar for MDCTA and MRA. MDCTA is effective for diagnosing and evaluating shoulder instability.

Endovascular Management of Immediate Procedure-Related Complications of Failed Hemodialysis Access Recanalization

Endovascular procedures are becoming the standard type of care for the management of hemodialysis vascular access dysfunction. As with any type of medical procedure, these techniques can result in procedure-related complications, although the expected number of complications is low. The clinical extent of these complications varies from case to case. Management of these cases depends on the clinical presentation. Major complications such as vein rupture, arterial embolism, remote site bleeding or hematoma, symptomatic pulmonary embolism and puncture site complications necessitating treatment require major therapy. Minor complications such as non-flow compromising small puncture site hematoma or pseudoaneurysms require little or no therapy. It is essential that the interventionist be prepared to manage these complications appropriately when they arise.

A Study of Inter-observer Agreements of Spiral Chest Computed Tomography in Diagnosing Pulmonary Embolism / 결핵및호흡기질환

BACKGROUND: A pulmonary embolism often presents with nonspecific symptoms and signs. However, a delayed diagnosis can result in catastrophic outcome. The majority of preventable deaths associated with a pulmonary embolism can be ascribed to a missed diagnosis rather than to the failure of existing treatments. Therefore, accurate and rapid diagnostic methods are essential for the management of a pulmonary embolism. The recent generation of multidetector-row spiral CT scanners appears to outperform other imaging modalities in detecting a central and peripheral pulmonary embolism. However, there are some variations in the interpretations of the findings between observers. This study examined the inter-observer differences of the diagnoses in patients with a pulmonary embolism. METHOD: 64 patients who were diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism either clinically or with spiral chest CT from 2002 to 2004, were included. Two thoracic radiologists interpreted the multidetector-row spiral CT in terms of the diagnosis of a pulmonary embolism and the location of the thrombus independently. Among 64 patients, 14 patients were excluded because there was no evidence of a pulmonary embolism or there was different interpretation of the pulmonary embolism between radiologists. A clinical diagnosis was based on "Rules for predicting the probability of embolism". RESULTS: The mean score of the patients according to the Wells method was 3.91 +/- 0.30 (0-9). The accordance of the radiologists was 95% in the main, 85% in the lobar, 91.2% in the segmental, and 96% in the sub-segmental pulmonary arteries. After excluding the negative interpretation from both radiologists, their agreement was 76.2%(kappa: 0.83) in the main, 57.6%(kappa: 0.63) in the lobar, 51.5%(kappa: 0.63) in the segmental, and 34.6%(kappa: 0.49) in the sub-segmental pulmonary arteries. CONCLUSION: Chest CT has been recently applied to patients suspected of having a pulmonary embolism. It was found that spiral CT is a rapid test for diagnosing a thrombus, and there was reliable accordance between the observers from the area of the large pulmonary arteries. However, there was a lack of agreement between the observers in diagnosing thrombi located distal to the sub-segmental arteries.

Spontaneous Intratumoral Hemorrhage into Hepatocellular Carcinoma During Transcatheter Arterial Embolization: A Case Report

Spontaneous extrahepatic rupture of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a rare but serious complication that occurs with an incidence of between 5 and 15% of patients with HCC. It is thought to be preceded by rapid expansion due to intratumoral bleed-ing. Extrahepatic rupture of HCC has been reported as a rare complication of tran-scatheter arterial embolization (TAE). Although there have been reports of extrahepatic rupture of HCC after TAE, but there is no report regarding intratumoral hemor-rhage into HCC during TAE. We report a unique case of intratumoral hemorrhage into HCC during TAE presumably triggered by TAE. Although a rare complication, intratumoral hemorrhage into HCC after TAE should be considered in any patient with TAE due to HCC.

Usefulness of Thromboaspiration with Desilets-Hoffman Sheath in Thrombosed Hemodialysis Access Graft

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, efficacy and safety of percutaneous thromboaspiration with a Desilets-Hoffman Sheath compared with the previously established percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy technique in cases of occluded dialysis graft. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and sixty eight patients (103 women, 65 men; mean age, 54.7 years; mean graft age, 20.9 months) with 225 episodes of dialysis graft thrombosis underwent percutaneous thromboaspiration with a 7F Desilets-Hoffman sheath using the crossing catheter or single puncture technique. The technical success rate, procedure time, and complication and patency rates were analyzed. RESULTS:Technical success was achieved in 200 of the 225 procedures (88.9%). The average duration of the intervention was 74.3+/-35 minutes. The primary patency rate was 63.1% at 3 months, 44.2% at 6 months and 26.3% at 1 year. Major complications occurred in 4% of the cases (4 venous ruptures; 4 arterial embolisms; 1 arterial rupture) and minor complications occurred in 13.8% of the cases (26 minor venous ruptures; 4 intragraft ruptures; 1 venous dissection). These results were quite similar to those obtained with the previous mechanical thrombectomy technique. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous thromboaspiration of occluded dialysis grafts with a Desilets-Hoffman Sheath is an effective and safe method.

Renal Perfusion Image Using Harmonic Ultrasound with Microbble Contrast Agent: Preliminary Study

PURPOSE: To compare, in terms of their feasibility and normal range, 99mTc-DTPA renal perfusion imaging and renal perfusion imaging using harmonic ultrasound (US) with a microbubble contrast agent for the evaluation of renal perfusion after renal transplantation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: During a six-month period, thirty patients who had received a renal transplant underwent both 99mTc-DTPA renal perfusion imaging and renal perfusion imaging using harmonic US with a microbubble contrast agent. Sonographic renal perfusion images were obtained before and after a bolus injection of the microbubble contrast agent LevovistTM (SH U 508A; Schering AG, Berlin, Germany) every 3 seconds for 3 minutes. Sonographic renal perfusion images were converted into a renal perfusion curve by a computer program and Tpeak of the curve thus obtained was compared with that of the 99mTc-DTPA curve. RESULTS: Average Tpeak of the 99mTc-DTPA renal perfusion curve was 16.2 seconds in the normal group and 39.6 seconds in the delayed perfusion group, while average Tpeak of the sonographic renal perfusion curve was 23.7 seconds and 46.2 seconds, respectively. Tpeak of the sonographic renal perfusion curve showed a good correlation with that of the 99mTc-DTPA curve (correlation coefficient=0.8209; p=0.0001). The cut-off value of Tpeak of the sonographic renal perfusion curve was 35 seconds (sensitivity=90%, specificity=95%). CONCLUSION: In patients who have received a renal transplant, the findings of renal perfusion imaging using harmonic US with a microbubble contrast agent show close correlation with those of 99mTc-DTPA renal perfusion imaging. The optimal cut-off value of Tpeak of the sonographic renal perfusion curve was 35 seconds.

Spontaneous Partial Regression of Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformation

Arteriovenous malformation (AVM) of the brain is one of the important pathologic conditions which cause intracerebral or subarachnoid hemorrhage, epilepsy, or chronic cerebral ischemia. The spontaneous regression of cerebral AVM is reported to be very rare and more likely to occur when the AVM is small, is accompanied by hemorrhage, and has fewer arterial feeders. We report a case of right occipital AVM which at follow-up angiography performed four years later showed near-complete spontaneous regression.

Progression of Desmoid Tumors in Familial Polyposis: A Case Report

Multiple large bowel polyps are the hallmark of familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), and many progress to colorectal cancer. Desmoid tumors are more common in patients with FAP than in other people, occurring, particularly, in those who have previously undergone prophylatic total colectomy. In such patients, desmoid tumors are a common cause of death. In an FAP patient without extracolic manifestation, who has undergone prophylatic surgery, multifocal desmoid tumors occur periodically. We report the serial radiologic findings of progressive desmoid tumors in FAP, drawing attention to the related findings of previous research.

Usefulness of Ultrasound-guided Autonomated Gun Biopsy and Fine Needle Aspiration in Thyroid Disease

PURPOSE: To compare ultrasound-guided automated gun biopsy (USG-AGB) with ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (USG-FNA) in thyroid disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The findings of 156 patients who underwent both USG-AGB and USG-FNA were reviewed. The histopathologic results were categorized as group I (non-tumorous disease), group II (benign tumor), or group III (malignant tumor) on the basis of the results of USG-AGB and surgery. The results of USGAGB and USG-FNA were compared, and the agreement rate between the two was obtained. Based on the histopathologic results of USG-AGB, the sensitivity and specificity of USG-FNA were obtained for each histopathologic group. The histopathologic results obtained at surgery (n=38) and the findings of USG-AGB and USG-FNA were correlated. RESULTS: The pathologic agreement rate between the two methods was very high (kappa=0.805, p<0.01). Based on the histopathologic results of USG-AGB, the sensitivity and specificity of USG-FNA were, respectively, 100%/97.9% for group I, 94.7%/91.7% for group II, and 87.5%/97.1% for group III. When the results of USG-AGB and USG-FNA were correlated with the surgical results obtained in the 38 patients, 21.7 % (5/23) and 27.3 (6/22) of patients found at USG-AGB and USG-FNA, respectively, to be group II, were found at surgery to be group III, while in 93.3 % (14/15) and 81.3 % (13/16) of group II, the respective USG-AGB and USG-FNA findings, and those abtained at surgery, coincided. CONCLUSION: Although the agreement rate between USG-AGB and USG-FNA is high, USG-AGB is a potentially valuable tool in the diagnosis of thyroid malignant tumor, which can be missed at USG-FNA.

HRCT Findings of Asthmatic Children under Maintenance Therapy

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the HRCT findings of bronchial asthma during maintenance bronchodilator therapy and to determine whether there were irreversible bronchial changes occurred in pediatric patients with this condition. MATERIALS AND METHODS: HRCT findings of the lung in 21 asthmatic children [14 boys and 7 girls aged between 3.5 and 13.8 (mean : 7.7) years] who were receiving maintenance bronchodilator therapy were retrospectively studied. At the time of CT examination, 16 were receiving nonsteroid bronchodilator therapy only, and five were receiving both bronchodilator and steroid therapy. Thirteen patients were defined as allergic and eight were nonallergic. The clinical severity of chronic asthma was graded as severe in seven cases, and moderate in 14. The duration of the disease ranged from 4 months to 6 years (mean 3.2 years). HRCT was performed in 19 cases for evalvation of the atelectasis, hyperinflation, and prominent bronchovascular bundles seen on plain radiographs, and in two cases for evaluation following acute exacerbation. A CT W-2000 scanner (Hitachi Medical Co. Tokyo, Japan) was used during the end inspiratory phase, and in addition, ten patients were scanned during the expiratory phase. Scans were reviewed for evidence of bronchial thickening, bronchiectasis, emphysema, abnormal density, mucus plugs, and other morphological abnormalities. The presence of bronchial wall thickening or air trapping was evaluated according to the duration, severity and type of asthma. RESULTS: Among the 21 patients, 7(33.3%) had normal HRCT findings, while in 14 (66.7%), bronchial wall thickening was demonstrated. Eleven of the 14 patients with bronchial wall thickening (78.6%) also had air trapping. No patient was suffering from bronchiectasis or emphysema. There were no statistically significant correlations between the presence of bronchial wall thickening or air trapping and the duration of the disease, its severity, or type of asthma. There was, however, a statistically significant correlation between bronchial wall thickening and air trapping (p < . 0 5 ). CONCLUSION: In asthmatic children who were under maintenance therapy, the most frequent HRCT findings were bronchial wall thickening and air trapping, with significant correlation between the presence of these two phenomena. No destructive lesion such as bronchiectasis or emphysema was found in these asthmatic children, however, and this is probably due to the short duration of the disease, and different disease processes.

Percutaneous Mechanical Declotting of Thrombosed Dialysis Graft

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of percutaneous mechanical declotting in thrombosed dialysis graft. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two patients with thrombosed dialysis graft in 260 cases involving insufficient hemodialytic access underwent mechanical declotting. Using a 7-F Desilets-Hoffman sheath and the crossed-catheter technique, we aspirated the intragraft clot and pushed the residual clot into the central circulation with balloon catheters. The success rate, procedure time, complications and patency rates were evaluated. RESULTS: Technical success was achieved in 24 of 32 cases, with a procedure time of 30 -240 (average, 111) minutes. In five of eight cases in which technical failure occurred, the guide wire failed to reach the stenotic site and in the other three, there was insufficient luminal dilatation. Complications included vein ruptures (n=2), arterial emboli (n=1) and arterial dissection (1), but there was no evidence of clinical symptoms of pulmonary embolism. The six-month patency rate was 67.8%. CONCLUSION: Mechanical declotting of thrombosed dialysis graft using a balloon catheter is relatively inexpensive, safe and fast, and is well tolerated.

The Usefulness of Wire-Loop Technique for Percutaneous Angioplasty of Insufficient Hemodialysis Fistula

PURPOSE: To evaluate the usefulness of the Wire-Loop technique, used to perform percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) in occluded arteriovenous fistula when standard methods fail to pass the balloon catheter. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 30 patients [M:F=14:16; aged 27 -77 (mean, 51.3) years], the Wire-Loop technique was used to perform percutaneous transluminal angioplasty of insufficiently hemodialysed arteriovenous fistula where a balloon catheter had failed to pass through the stenotic lesion after a guide wire had successfully passed. Native and Goretex fistula were used in 22 and eight cases, respectively. Sixteen stenoses were located in the central vein, and fourteen in the peripheral. The punture sites used in order to perform the technique were the femoral vein in all cases of central stenosis; three basilic, four cephalic, and five femoral veins in cases of peripheral stenosis and one femoral and one radial artery in cases of anastomotic stenosis. The guide wire was passed through the stenotic lesion, pulled out using the snare technique, and then stretched in order to tighten it. The balloon catheter was then passed through the lesion and traditional balloon angioplasty was performed. The technical success rate and complications of the technique, and the patency rate of recanalized arteriovenous fistula, were evaluated. RESULTS: In 26 of the thirty patients, (86.7%), the procedure was technically successful. In the remaining four cases, failure was due to venous dissection (n=1), marked residual stenosis (n=2), or cardiac arrest (n=1) during the procedure. The average procedure time was 105 (range, 40 -210) minutes, and in three cases rupture of the vein occurred. The patency rate of PTA was 80% (24/30) at four months, 63% (19/30) at six months, and 30% (9/30) at twelve months. The expected technical success rate of traditional PTA, without the Wire-Loop technique, would have been 79.3%, but using the technique, the rate increased to 86.7%. CONCLUSION: The Wire-Loop technique appears to be a safe and valuable procedure in patients with insufficiently hemodialysed arteriovenous fistula, and is therefore useful in cases in which traditional PTA fails.