Research Progress in Diagnostic Reference Levels in Interventional Radiology / 中国医学科学院学报

During interventional procedures,subjects are exposed to direct and scattered X-rays.Establishing diagnostic reference levels is an ideal way to optimize the radiation dose and reduce radiation hazard.In recent years,diagnostic reference levels in interventional radiology have been established in different countries.However,because of the too many indicators for characterizing the radiation dose,the indicators used to establish diagnostic reference levels vary in different countries.The research achievements in this field remain to be reviewed.We carried out a retrospective analysis of the definition,establishment method,application,and main factors influencing the dose difference of the diagnostic reference level,aiming to provide a basis for establishing the diagnostic reference level for interventional procedures in China.

Punción percutánea transtorácica con aguja gruesa: complicaciones y factores de riesgo inherentes al paciente / Imaging-guided Chest Biopsies with Thick Needle: Complications and Risk Factors Inherent to the Patient

Objetivo Determinar la incidencia de complicaciones con el uso de una aguja gruesa (semiautomática Trucut 18), para punción pulmonar y realizar un análisis exploratorio de las variables inherentes al paciente que probablemente puedan tener relación con el desarrollo de complicaciones. Materiales y Métodos Estudio retrospectivo de una serie de casos de pacientes sometidos a punción percutánea transtorácica (PPT) con aguja gruesa y guiada por tomografía computada (TC) para el estudio de lesiones pulmonares; se realizó un análisis univariado. Resultados Se realizaron 26 punciones, la tasa de incidencia de complicaciones fue del 38,46% en 1 año; los pacientes presentaron: neumotórax leve (n » 7), neumotórax moderado (n » 3) y hemorragia alveolar difusa (n » 1). El análisis estadístico univariado mostró una diferencia estadísticamente significativa en la edad de los pacientes que presentaron complicaciones v/s los pacientes que no presentaron complicaciones (61,18 þ/- 3,6 versus 75,1 þ/- 2,46 años, p » 0,0107). Conclusión La PPT-TC es un procedimiento con una tasa considerable de complicaciones no severas; en nuestra serie de casos, la edad fue la variable que se asoció con mayor fuerza al probable desarrollo de complicaciones.

Objective Establish the incidence of complications with the use of thick needle (Trucut 18) for pulmonary puncture and perform an exploratory analysis of the inherent variables to the patient that may be related to complication development. Materials and Methods Retrospective study of a case series of patients undergoing transthoracic percutaneous puncture (PPT) with thick needle,guided by computed tomography (CT) for the study of pulmonary lesions; a univariate and multivariate analysis was performed. Results 26 punctures were performed, the incidence rate of complications was 38.46% in 1 year: patients presented: mild pneumothorax (n » 7), moderate pneumothorax (n » 3) and diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (n » 1). The univariate statistical analysis showed a statistically significant difference in the age of the patients who presented complications v/s patients who did not present complications (61.18 þ/- 3.6 versus 75.1 þ/- 2.46 years, p » 0.0107). Conclusion PPT-CT is a procedure with a considerable rate of non-severe complications; in our case series, age was the variable that was most strongly associated with the probable development of complications.

Towards precision medicine: from quantitative imaging to radiomics / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

Radiology (imaging) and imaging-guided interventions, which provide multi-parametric morphologic and functional information, are playing an increasingly significant role in precision medicine. Radiologists are trained to understand the imaging phenotypes, transcribe those observations (phenotypes) to correlate with underlying diseases and to characterize the images. However, in order to understand and characterize the molecular phenotype (to obtain genomic information) of solid heterogeneous tumours, the advanced sequencing of those tissues using biopsy is required. Thus, radiologists image the tissues from various views and angles in order to have the complete image phenotypes, thereby acquiring a huge amount of data. Deriving meaningful details from all these radiological data becomes challenging and raises the big data issues. Therefore, interest in the application of radiomics has been growing in recent years as it has the potential to provide significant interpretive and predictive information for decision support. Radiomics is a combination of conventional computer-aided diagnosis, deep learning methods, and human skills, and thus can be used for quantitative characterization of tumour phenotypes. This paper discusses the overview of radiomics workflow, the results of various radiomics-based studies conducted using various radiological images such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron-emission tomography (PET), the challenges we are facing, and the potential contribution of radiomics towards precision medicine.

Interventional radiology and endovascular surgery in the treatment of ectopic pregnancies / Radiologia intervencionista e cirurgia endovascular no tratamento das prenhezes ectópicas

The advent of interventional radiology enabled remarkable advances in diagnosis and treatment of several situations in obstetrics and gynecology. In the field of obstetrics, these advances include temporary occlusion of the iliac arteries to the management of placenta accreta and/or prior, arteriovenous fistulas after embolization of uterine curettage and management of ectopic uterine and extra-uterine pregnancies. The non-tubal ectopic pregnancy, either cervical, abdominal, ovarian or in a cesarean scar, often represents major therapeutic challenge, especially when exists a desire to maintain fertility. Despite the systemic methotrexate therapy and surgical resection of the ectopic gestational sac be the most used therapeutic options, the interventionist approach of non-tubal ectopic pregnancies, direct injection of methotrexate in the gestational sac and intra-arterial chemoembolization of uterine arteries constitute in the currently literature viable, safe, effective modalities with low morbidity, shorter hospital stay, and rapid clinical recovery. Because of little variety of materials used, and the increase in training of specialists in the area, the radiological intervention as a treatment option in ectopic pregnancies is financially viable and present considerable accessibility in the world and at most of Brazilian medical centers.

O advento da radiologia intervencionista tornou possível avanços notáveis no diagnóstico e no tratamento de diversas situações, na área de ginecologia e obstetrícia. No campo da obstetrícia, esses avanços incluem oclusão temporária das artérias hipogástricas para o manejo de placenta acreta e/ou prévia, embolização de fístulas arteriovenosas após curetagem uterina e manejo de prenhezes ectópicas uterinas e extrauterinas. A gravidez ectópica não tubária, seja cervical, abdominal, ovariana ou na cicatriz de cesárea, muitas vezes representa grande desafio terapêutico, principalmente quando há desejo de manutenção da fertilidade. As opções terapêuticas mais utilizadas para o tratamento de prenhez ectópica não tubária, são: terapia sistêmica com metotrexato e ressecção cirúrgica do saco gestacional ectópico; porém a abordagem intervencionista com injeção direta de metotrexato no saco gestacional ou quimiembolização intra-arterial das artérias uterinas, apresentam-se na literatura recente, como modalidades terapêuticas viáveis, seguras, eficazes, com baixa morbidade, menor tempo de internação e rápida recuperação clínica. Devido ao diminuto arsenal de materiais utilizados e à crescente formação de especialistas na área, a intervenção radiológica, como opção de tratamento nas prenhezes ectópicas, é financeiramente viável e apresenta acessibilidade considerável no mundo e na maioria do centros médicos brasileiros.

Malformaciones vasculares: manejo mediante técnicas de radiología intervencional y satisfacción de los pacientes / Vascular malformations: interventional radiology management and assesment of patient satisfaction

Background: Vascular anomalies are prevalent in the general population and may produce significant impairment in quality of life. In recent years, minimally invasive interventional radiology techniques have become an efficient alternative for the treatment of these patients. The aim of this study was to present our experience in the management of vascular malformations with such techniques at Clínica Alemana in Santiago, Chile, and assess the satisfaction of patients with this management. Material and Methods: Evaluation of the follow-up of patients with vascular malformations treated in the Interventional Radiology Unit at our center since June - 2006 to June - 2009. Patients were classified according to the hemodynamics of the lesions (high vs low-flow). Complications and patient satisfaction with the treatment were assessed. Results: Eighty-seven patients (253 procedures) were included in the study, 36 men and 51 women, all with complete follow-up during the period of the study. Their average age was 20.6 years. In over 50 percent of the patients the vascular anomaly was located on the face or the lower extremities. Twenty-eight percent (25 patients) had a high-flow malformation (pure or mixed) and 62 (72 percent) had a low-flow lesion (vascular malformation, lymphangioma or mixed). On average, each patient underwent 2.9 procedures (1-10). There were 4 major complications (1.65 percent), one of which was predominantly cosmetic with necrosis in the area of the lesion. The average satisfaction rate was 7.95 (on a rating scale of 1 to 10). Satisfaction was significantly higher in patients with low-flow malformations (8.27) than in those with high-flow lesions (7.16). (p < 0.05) Discussion: Treatment of vascular malformations using interventional radiology techniques is an effective alternative, with good prospects of clinical improvement, patient satisfaction and low complication rates.

Introducción: Las anomalías vasculares son una patología frecuente en la población general, y son causa de deterioro de la calidad de vida de los pacientes que las padecen. En los últimos años, las técnicas mínimamente invasivas de radiología intervencional se han convertido en una alternativa eficaz para el tratamiento de estos pacientes. El objetivo del presente estudio es mostrar nuestra experiencia en el manejo de malformaciones vasculares con estas técnicas en la Clínica Alemana de Santiago y evaluar la satisfacción de los pacientes con este manejo. Material y Métodos: Evaluación del seguimiento de todos los pacientes con malformaciones vasculares tratados en la Unidad de Radiología Intervencional desde el año 2006 hasta junio del año 2009. Los pacientes fueron clasificados en base a la hemodinamia de la malformación vascular (alto flujo vs. bajo flujo). Se evaluaron las complicaciones, y se realizó una encuesta sobre la satisfacción de los pacientes con el tratamiento. Resultados: Ochenta y siete pacientes (253 procedimientos) fueron incluidos en el estudio, 36 hombres y 51 mujeres, todos con seguimiento completo en este periodo. La edad promedio de ellos fue de 20,6 años. En más del 50 por ciento de los pacientes la anomalía vascular se ubicó en la cara o extremidades inferiores. Un 28 por ciento (25 pacientes) presentó malformación de alto flujo (pura o mixta) y 72 por ciento (62 pacientes) de bajo flujo (malformaciones vasculares, linfangiomas o mixtas). En promedio, cada paciente se realizó 2,9 procedimientos (1-10). Del total de procedimientos realizados, hubo 4 complicaciones mayores (1,65 por ciento), una de ellas con secuelas estéticas producto de necrosis de la zona. El promedio de satisfacción fue de un 7,95 en una escala de 1 a 10, siendo significativamente mayor en pacientes con malformaciones de bajo flujo (8,27) que en los de alto flujo (7,16) (p < 0.05)...

Correlações técnicas e ocupacionais da radiologia intervencionista: [revisão] / Occupational and technical correlations of interventional radiology: [review]

A radiologia diagnóstica é a área da física médica relacionada ao uso de raios X para a obtenção de informações anatômicas e funcionais do corpo humano. As técnicas associadas a essa área utilizam tubos de raios X como fontes de radiação, filmes para o registro das informações, sistemas de monitoração por televisão e equipamentos que digitalizam as imagens utilizando computadores. Os equipamentos de fluoroscopia são considerados fontes artificiais de radiação ionizante e são utilizados para a realização de exames e procedimentos nas doenças vasculares. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar criticamente os métodos de proteção em relação à radiação emitida pela fluoroscopia utilizados pelos profissionais que lidam com a radiologia intervencionista no ambiente hospitalar. Foi realizada uma análise crítica das atitudes de proteção tomadas pelos profissionais engajados nos procedimentos da radiologia intervencionista a partir da revisão bibliográfica realizada em livros-textos e em revistas periódicas indexadas no MEDLINE, nas línguas portuguesa, inglesa, francesa e espanhola, no período de 1966 a 2005, conforme os princípios e as normas de segurança de proteção radiológica norteadas pela Portaria 453/98 do Ministério da Saúde e a norma da Comissão Nacional de Energia Nuclear NN-3.01 do Ministério da Ciência e Tecnologia.

Diagnostic radiology is a field of physical medicine that uses X rays to obtain functional and anatomical information on the human body. The techniques associated to this area use X ray tubes as radiation sources, films to record information, and monitoring systems using television and computers for the digitalization of images. Fluoroscopic equipment is considered as artificial springs of ionizing radiation and is used in diagnostic exams and procedures of vascular illnesses. The objective of this study was to critically analyze the protection methods regarding the radiation emitted by fluoroscopy used by professionals dealing with interventional radiology in a hospital environment. An evaluation of protection methods adopted by professionals directly involved in procedures of interventional radiology was performed based on extensive literature review of textbooks and medical journals indexed on MEDLINE in Portuguese, English, French, and Spanish from 1966 to 2005. It is in accordance with the radiological protection security norms and regulations guided by Edict 453/98 of the Brazilian Department of Health and the National Commission of Nuclear Energy NN-3.01 of the Brazilian Department of Science and Technology.

Utilização da veia ilíaca externa recanalizada para implante de cateter de longa permanência para hemodiálise / Using recanalized external iliac vein for tunneled hemodialysis catheter insertion

O uso de cateteres venosos cervicais para hemodiálise leva freqüentemente à oclusão dessas veias. Como alternativa, os acessos venosos femorais são válidos, porém o seu uso também está associado à oclusão dessas veias e a um maior índice de infecção. Vias alternativas são cada vez mais utilizadas na impossibilidade dos acessos previamente mencionados. Descrevemos neste relato de caso uma alternativa para o implante de cateter de longa permanência para hemodiálise usando a veia ilíaca externa recanalizada. Comentamos os detalhes da técnica utilizada, suas vantagens e desvantagens.

The frequent insertion of cervical venous catheters for hemodialysis is closely related to venous stenosis or occlusion. As an alternative, femoral catheter insertions are helpful but are also associated with femoral vein occlusion and an even higher infection rate. Alternative venous accesses have been increasingly used when the aforementioned accesses are not feasible. We report a case in which a recanalized external iliac vein was used for hemodialysis tunneled catheter insertion. The technique approach is discussed, focusing on its advantages and disadvantages.

Resultados da vertebroplastia percutânea na doença vertebral cervical / Results of percutaneous vertebroplasty in the cervical spine

A vertebroplastia percutânea (VP) consiste na injeção de polimetilmetacrilato (PMMA) no corpo vertebral para alívio da dor e estabilização vertebral, porém seu uso na região cervical é restrito. No intuito de avaliar a efetividade e a segurança da VP na região cervical (VPC), foram avaliados 75 pacientes que se submeteram à VPC (n=101) por doença maligna (n=69) ou hemangioma vertebral (n=6) no período de janeiro de 1994 a outubro de 2007. A VPC foi realizada por uma abordagem ântero-lateral guiada por fluoroscopia. A dor foi graduada por uma escala variando de 0 a 10. O seguimento clinico (período médio de 8,8 meses) foi obtido em 57 (76%) pacientes: 48 tiveram a VPC indicada para controle da dor e nove para estabilização vertebral. Os dados foram analisados de forma univariada e multivariada. A efetividade analgésica foi obtida em 37 (77,1%) dos 48 pacientes seguidos, tendo sido associada ao volume de cimento injetado (P=0,011) e ao preenchimento vertebral (P=0,007) na análise multivariada. A estabilidade vertebral foi observada em 55 (96,5%) dos 57 pacientes, não se correlacionando com as variáveis estudadas. A curva de ROC identificou o preenchimento vertebral como preditor da efetividade analgésica (P=0,008), sendo 50% o melhor ponto de corte para discriminar a maior probabilidade de efetividade analgésica (sensibilidade de 78,0% e especificidade de 62,5%). O extravasamento de cimento foi identificado em 83 (82,2%) das 101 vértebras tratadas não se correlacionando com as variáveis estudadas. As complicações clínicas foram detectadas em 13 (17,3 %) pacientes: complicações locais em 10 (13,3%) e sistêmicas em três (4%) pacientes. As complicações clínicas foram estatisticamente relacionadas à ruptura do muro posterior (P=0,026) e ao extravasamento de PMMA no plexo venoso transverso (P=0,023). A taxa de mortalidade e morbidade a longo termo foi de 1,3% (um paciente) e 1,3% (um paciente). Pode se inferir que a VPC é um procedimento efetivo e seguro...

Percutaneous vertebroplasty (PV) consists of an injection of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) into the vertebral body for pain relief and spinal stabilization, however reports of PV in the cervical spine (CPV) are scarce in the literature. To evaluate the effectiveness and security of CPV, we evaluated 75 patients (mean age, 51.3 years) who underwent CPV (n=101) for malignancies (n=69) and vertebral hemangiomas (n=6) between January 1994 and October 2007. CPV was performed via an antero-lateral approach, using fluoroscopic guidance. Pain intensity was scored with a scale ranging from 0 to 10. Follow-up (mean time of 8.8 months) was avaible in 57 (76 %) patients: 48 of them had CPV indicated for pain control and nine for spinal stabilization. Data were analysed by means of univariate and multivariate analysis. Pain improvement was observed in 37 (77.1%) out of 48 followed patients and was correlated in multivariate analysis with cement volume (P=0.011) and with vertebral filling (P=0.007). Spinal stabilization was observed in 55 (96.5%) of 57 followed patients and was related with none of the evaluated variables. The ROC curve identified the vertebral filling as a good predictor of pain improvement (P=0.008). The best cut-off point to discriminate pain improvement was 50% of vertebral filling (78.0% sensitivity and 62.5% specificity). In 83 (82.2%) of the 101 treated vertebral levels, at least one type of PMMA leakage was found. None of the evaluated factors were related significantly to PMMA leakage. Clinical complications were detected in 13 (17.3%) patients: local complications in 10 (13.3%) patients and systemic clinical complications in three (4.0%) patients. Posterior wall disruption (P=0.026) and transverse venous PMMA leakage (P=0.023) were significantly associated with clinical complications. Long-term morbidity and mortality rate was 1.3% (one patient) and 1.3% (one patient). CPV is a safe and efficacious procedure, but the potential for local...

Tratamento endovascular de ruptura traumática da aorta torácica descendente / Endovascular treatment of traumatic descending thoracic aortic rupture

Paciente do sexo feminino, 55 anos de idade, vítima de atropelamento, foi admitida em unidade de emergência, onde se realizou o diagnóstico clínico, radiológico e tomográfico de ruptura traumática da aorta torácica descendente. Diante do achado, a paciente foi encaminhada para tratamento endovascular com colocação de endoprótese auto-expansível (stent) pela artéria femoral. O tratamento obteve sucesso, evidenciado pela exclusão da lesão localizada previamente no istmo aórtico. O tratamento endovascular tem sido indicado nas afecções de aorta torácica descendente com bons resultados iniciais. Na ruptura traumática de aorta, a terapêutica endovascular representa uma alternativa aceitável, especialmente devido aos riscos do tratamento operatório convencional.

A 55-year-old, female patient who was run over by a motor vehicle was admitted at an emergency room. Clinical, radiological and tomographic diagnosis of traumatic descending aortic thoracic rupture was performed. The patient was referred for endovascular treatment with placement of a self-expandable stent through the femoral artery. Treatment was successful, with exclusion of the lesion previously located in the aortic isthmus. Endovascular treatment has been indicated in the treatment of descending thoracic aortic diseases, with good initial results. In case of traumatic aortic rupture, endovascular treatment is a feasible alternative, especially due to risks offered by the conventional surgical treatment.

Embolização intra-arterial pré-operatória de tumor do corpo carotídeo / Preoperative intraarterial embolization of carotid body tumor

Os autores relatam um caso de tumor de corpo carotídeo (paraganglioma) em um paciente de 74 anos de idade, submetido a embolização intra-arterial com micropartículas esféricas, de polivinil acetato, com casca de polivinil álcool (PVAc + PVA), previamente à ressecção do tumor. O estudo angiográfico demonstrou massa altamente vascularizada na bifurcação carotídea esquerda, sendo a embolização pré-operatória utilizada no intuito de diminuir a vascularização e reduzir a perda sangüínea, aumentando a segurança do tratamento cirúrgico. O estudo histopatológico confirmou a presença de trombose e isquemia tecidual.

The authors report a case of carotid body tumor (paraganglioma) in a 74-year-old male patient, submitted to intraarterial embolization with spherical core/shield polyvinyl acetate and polyvinyl alcohol (PVAc + PVA) microparticles prior to surgical excision. Angiography has demonstrated a highly vascularized mass in the left carotid bifurcation, and preoperative embolization was used in order to decrease vascularity, reduce blood loss and improve safety of surgical treatment. Microscopic study confirmed presence of thrombosis and tissue ischemia.

Removal of central venous catheter fragment embolus in a young male.

A 22 years male admitted with severe pancreatitis with central venous catheter implanted for central venous pressure monitoring and for providing total parental nutrition developed catheter fragment embolus due to accidental fracture of the same while manipulating it. Non surgical retrieval of the same was done by radiological intervention without any complication.

Acceso venoso percutáneo braquial: Su utilidad en el cateterismo diagnóstico e intervencionista en cardiopatías complejas / Brachial percutaneous venous access: Its usefulness in the diagnostic and interventionist catheterism of complex cardiopathies

Introducción: El acceso venoso a la vena cava superior es obligatorio en pacientes portadores de anastomosis tipo Glenn. En cardiopatías complejas, es habitual la repetición de cateterismos, encontrando frecuentemente dificultades de acceso femoral. Para evitar la punción venosa yugular interna, potencialmente peligrosa, hemos utilizado la vena mediana basílica como acceso inicial. Objetivo: Valorar la efectividad y seguridad de la vía venosa braquial en pacientes, que precisan cateterismo cardíaco. Material y métodos: Se intentó la punción en 37 pacientes. Edad media 10 años (3.1-33.5). Todos ellos postoperados de cardiopatías complejas y con un promedio de 2.45 cirugías y 3.6 cateterismos por paciente. 40% de los pacientes: trombosis femoroilíaca bilateral. Técnica: Compresión venosa axilar, punción venosa basílica y canalización con introductor 4 a 6F. Resultados: Acceso efectivo: en 34 de los 37 pacientes (91.8%). En todos se realizó cateterismo diagnóstico, en 3, prueba pronóstica de oclusión y en 6 -angioplastía de rama pulmonar. Complicaciones: 2 obstrucciones tardías de la vena mediana basílica derecha (6%). Conclusiones: La punción venosa braquial es una técnica alternativa útil que permite acceso a cava superior y cavidades derechas a partir de los 3 años de edad, asociándose a un bajo porcentaje de complicaciones. Ciertas dilataciones vasculares pueden realizarse por esta vía.

Venous access through the superior caval vein is mandatory to study the pulmonary arteries in patients with a Glenn anastomosis. In complex congenital heart disease, repeat catheterizations may lead to iliac vein thrombosis and superior access is needed. In order to avoid the internal jugular venous puncture, we have used puncture of the antecubital vein as an elective access. Material: Brachial puncture was attempted in 37 patients. Mean age: 10 years (3.1-33.5). 2.45 heart surgeries and 3.6 cardiac catheterizations per patient had been previously performed in this group. 40% of patients had bilateral iliac vein thrombosis. Technique: Axillary vein external compression, venous puncture and introduction of 4-6 F sheath. Results: Venous access through brachial vein was achieved in 34 of 37 pts (91.8%). Diagnostic catheterization was done in all, balloon test occlusion of the pulmonary valve in 3 and pulmonary artery branch dilation in 6 pts. Complications: 2 late thrombosis of the right brachial vein (6%). Conclusions: Antecubital venous puncture is an alternative and useful technique that allows easy catheterization of superior caval vein, pulmonary artery and right heart chambers. It is associated with minor complication rate, avoiding internal jugular vein puncture. Certain therapeutic procedures can be performed through such route.

Ecocardiografía intracardíaca (EIC) en sala de operaciones como método de apoyo en la evaluación de resultados quirúrgicos inmediatos en cardiopatías congénitas / Intracardiac Echocardiography (ICE) in the Operating Room as a Support Measure in the Evaluation of Immediate Surgical Results in Congenital Cardiopathies

La utilización de ecocardiografía intracardíaca es una alternativa reciente en el control de procedimientos en la sala de hemodinámica. Presentamos el resultado de un estudio piloto, en 10 pacientes sometidos a corrección total de su cardiopatía, en quienes la valoración inmediata de los resultados quirúrgicos se realizó en base a la aplicación de ecocardiografía intracardíaca (EIC) en sala de operaciones. En todos los pacientes fue posible obtener imágenes adecuadas con EIC, sólo se presentó un caso falso negativo, postoperado de corrección de conexión anómala de venas pulmonares, en el que no se identificó obstrucción de venas pulmonares derechas. Concluimos que EIC es una alternativa en la evaluación de resultados quirúrgicos inmediatos.

The utilization of intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) is a recent alternative in the control of procedures in the Cath Lab. In this paper we presents the results of a pilot study, in 10 patients submitted to total correction of its congenital heart disease, in who the analysis of the surgical results was done in base to the application of intracardiac echocardiography in operations room. In all the patients it was possible to obtain adequate images with ICE, there was a case false negative, a Total anomalous return Pulmonary Veins, in whom there not indentified a obstruction in right pulmonary veins flow. We conclude that ICE is a good alternative in the evaluation of surgical results.

Transcatheter closure of coronary artery fistulas.

BACKGROUND: Transcatheter closure of coronary artery fistulas has emerged as a successful alternative to surgery. We describe various techniques and short-term findings in 15 patients who were taken up for transcatheter closure of these fistulas. METHODS AND RESULTS: Fifteen patients (aged 2-55 years; 12 males) with coronary artery fistulas underwent percutaneous transcatheter closure between June 1997 and December 2002. Site of origin of these fistulas were: right coronary artery in 7, left anterior descending coronary artery in 4, left main coronary artery in 2 and left circumflex coronary artery in 2 patients. Drainage site of these fistulas were: right ventricle in 9, right atrium in 4 and pulmonary artery in 2 patients. Out of these 15 fistulas, 14 were congenital and one was iatrogenically produced following inadvertent cutting balloon angioplasty of a septal perforator in a patient with chronic total occlusion of left anterior descending coronary artery. Various occlusion devices used to close these fistulas were: conventional metallic coils in 10, floppy tips of coronary angioplasty guidewires in 2, Amplatzer duct occluder in 1 and Amplatzer septal occluder in 2 patients. One of our patients had a coronary artery fistula draining by two openings into the right atrium, both of which were successfully closed using 2 Amplatzer duct occluders. Check angiogram after the procedure revealed complete occlusion in 13 (86.6%) and small residual flow in 2 patients. Follow-up studies at 3-55 months (mean 18 months) showed complete abolition of shunt in all patients with no evidence of recanalization leading to recurrence of shunt. CONCLUSION: Transcatheter closure of coronary artery fistulas is feasible and safe in the anatomically suitable vessels. Use of floppy tips of coronary angioplasty guidewires reduces the cost of the procedure significantly. which is an important consideration in developing countries like India.

Radiofrequency ablation: a new therapeutic modality for the management of hepatocellular cancer.

We report two patients of hepatocellular cancer who recently underwent radiofrequency ablation at our center. Both underwent successful ablation of the tumour requiring 1-2 sessions of upto 15 minutes. There were no post procedure complications. One of the patients had developed another lesion after 10 months of follow up and underwent another session of RFA, while the second patient is doing well after one year of the procedure.

Importancia de la protección radiológica y del control de calidad en las instalaciones de cardiología intervencionista / The role of the X-ray protection and the quality control program in the equipment of interventional cardiology laboratories

Se describen los aspectos básicos relacionados con la protección radiológica de los especialistas médicos y del personal auxiliar en las instalaciones de cardiología intervencionista. La protección radiológica del paciente se plantea como un compromiso entre la información necesaria que depende de la calidad de las imágenes y las dosis de radiación que se deben impartir para obtener dicha información. Se citan las recomendaciones internacionles más relevantes y las acciones programadas de investigación que se están desarrollando para mejorar el nivel de protección y calidad en las instalaciones de cardiología. Se describe la influencia de las características de los equipos de rayos X y de las salas en las que están instalados, la complejidad de los procedimientos, la formación en protección radiológica de los diferentes grupos profesionales y la disponibilidad de elementos de protección. En algunos casos, la falta de programas de control de calidad adecuados ha contribuido a que se produzcan lesiones graves en la piel de los pacientes. Se discuten los procedimientos para reducir los riesgos de los especialistas y de los pacientes sin comprometer la calidad de los procedimientos destacando que al proteger al paciente se mejora también el nivel de protección de los especialistas médicos. Estos procedimientos se deben incorporar a los programas de garantía de calidad, incluyendo los aspectos de formación en protección radiológica, revisión de los dispositivos de protección, dosimetría personal, medidas de dosis a los pacientes y evaluación de la calidad de imagen, control de calidad de equipos de rayos X e introducción de medidas correctoras cuando proceda y su seguimiento. Se debe prestar especial atención a la detección y seguimiento de los casos de posibles dosis altas en piel