Iatrogenic Portobiliary Fistula following Endoscopic Biliary Stent Placement: A Case Series and Review of the Literature.

Iatrogenic portobiliary fistula is a rare adverse event following endoscopic biliary stent placement. Damage to the portal vein following endoscopic biliary stent placement has previously only been reported as single case reports. Management has ranged from conservative monitoring to surgery. Here, the authors present 4 cases of inadvertent endoscopic placement of a biliary stent into the portal vein. Interventional radiology was called to assist in the management of each of these cases. The experience presented here in conjunction with review of the previously reported cases helps shed light on potential management strategies if this adverse event is encountered in the future.

Outcomes of Stroke Thrombectomy Performed by Interventional Radiologists versus Neurointerventional Physicians.

PURPOSE: To test the hypothesis that interventional radiologists (IRs) and neurointerventional (NI) physicians have similar outcomes of endovascular stroke thrombectomy (EVT), which could be used to improve the availability of thrombectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight hospitals providing EVT performed by IRs and NI physicians at the same institution submitted sequential retrospective data limited to the era of modern devices. Good clinical outcomes (a 90-day modified Rankin score [mRS] of 0-2) and technically successful revascularization (a modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction score of ≥2b) were compared between the specialties after adjusting for treating hospital, patient age, stroke severity, Alberta stroke program early computed tomography score, time from symptom onset to door, and clot location. Propensity score matching was used to compare the outcomes. A total of 1,009 patients were evaluated (622 treated by IRs and 387 treated by NI physicians). RESULTS: The median time from stroke onset to puncture was 245 versus 253 minutes (P = .49), the technically successful revascularization rate was 81.8% versus 82.4% (P = .81), and the good clinical outcome rate was 45.5% versus 50.1% (P = .16). After adjusting, the physician specialty was not a significant predictor of good clinical outcomes (odds ratio, 1.028; 95% confidence interval, 0.760-1.390; P = .86). After matching, an mRS of 0-2 was present in 47.7% of IR treated patients and 51.1% of NI treated patients (P = .366). CONCLUSIONS: There were no significant differences in the successful revascularization rate and good clinical outcomes between IRs and NI physicians. The outcomes of EVT performed by IRs were similar to those of EVT performed by NI physicians, as determined using previously published trials and registries. This may be useful for addressing coverage and access to stroke interventions.

Acute Ischemic Stroke: Acute Management and Selection for Endovascular Therapy.

Stroke is a medical emergency and expeditious treatment is critical to reducing permanent disability or death. Acute management of patients suffering from acute ischemic stroke (AIS) requires early recognition of symptoms, rapid assessment and stabilization (hyperacute workup), and appropriate selection of patients for reperfusion with intravenous alteplase and/or mechanical thrombectomy. Established stroke protocols which involve both prehospital emergency medical services and in-hospital multidisciplinary stroke teams have been shown to be crucial to reducing the long term, devastating effects of stroke.

#TwittIR: Understanding and Establishing a Twitter Ecosystem for Interventional Radiologists and Their Practices.

The use of social media among interventional radiologists is increasing, with Twitter receiving the most attention. Twitter is an ideal forum for open exchange of ideas from around the world. However, it is important for Twitter users to gain a rudimentary understanding of the many potential communication pathways to connect with other users. An intentional approach to Twitter is vital to efficient and successful use. This article describes several common communication pathways that can be utilized by physicians in their interventional radiology practice.

Multidisciplinary Approach to PAD: Who's on Your Team?

The complexity of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and its multiorgan involvement requires the utilization of a multispecialty team approach. Members of this team include a vascular specialty (interventional radiology, cardiology, and vascular surgery), podiatry, orthopedic surgery, primary care, infectious disease, endocrinology, plastic surgery, wound care nursing, and dietetics. A team approach has been proven to significantly improve patient outcomes as well as decreasing amputation rates. In order to promote collaboration and avoid duplication of care, the team can be broken down into three main pillars: medical management, wound care, and revascularization. A complete team approach is vital for this population, with an overall goal to treat all manifestations of the disease and prevent further progression and risk of major sequelae of the disease.

Primary Pulmonary Lymphoid Lesions: Radiologic and Pathologic Findings.

The pulmonary lymphoid system is complex and is composed of two compartments: the pulmonary lymphatics and the bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue (BALT). Additional important cells that function in the pulmonary lymphoid system include dendritic cells, Langherhans cells, macrophages, and plasma cells. An appreciation of the normal lymphoid anatomy of the lung as well as its immunology is helpful in understanding the radiologic and pathologic findings of the primary pulmonary lymphoid lesions. Primary lymphoid lesions of the lung arise from the BALT and are uncommon. However, they are increasingly recognized within the growing number of posttransplant patients as well as other patients who are receiving immunosuppressive therapies. Primary lymphoid lesions encompass a wide range of benign and malignant lesions. Benign lymphoid lesions of the lung include reactive lymphoid hyperplasia, follicular bronchiolitis, lymphoid interstitial pneumonia, and nodular lymphoid hyperplasia. Malignant lymphoid lesions of the lung include low-grade B-cell lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT), other non-Hodgkin lymphomas, and Hodgkin lymphoma. Last, a miscellaneous group of primary lymphoid lesions includes lymphomatoid granulomatosis, posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorders, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related lymphoma, and intravascular lymphoma/lymphomatosis. These lesions are best evaluated with multidetector chest computed tomography. The radiologic findings of the primary lymphoid lesions are often nonspecific and are best interpreted in correlation with clinical data and pathologic findings. The purpose of this article is to review pulmonary lymphoid anatomy as well as the most common primary pulmonary lymphoid disorders.

The Role of Potentially Retrievable Inferior Vena Cava Filters in High-Risk Patients Undergoing Joint Arthroplasty.

INTRODUCTION: Some patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty are at increased risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of prIVCF in preventing PE in patients undergoing joint replacement surgery who are at high-risk for VTE. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective, IRB-approved study, prIVCF were placed in consecutive patients who met specific high-risk criteria (history of VTE or hypercoaguable state) prior to total joint arthroplasty. Patients were followed until the IVC filter was removed. Outcomes and complications were recorded per Society of Interventional Radiology guidelines. RESULTS: One hundred and nine potentially retrievable IVC filters were placed in 105 patients, who all subsequently underwent joint arthroplasty. One hundred eight IVC filters (98.9%) were retrieved successfully in a mean time of 44.1 days (range 13-183 days). There was 1 failed IVC filter retrieval attempt (0.9%) at 46 days post implantation. Two patients (1.9%) presented with recurrent PE and were successfully treated with anticoagulation prior to IVC filter retrieval. There were no fatalities from perioperative PE. In 1 patient (0.9%), a fractured filter leg had embolized during retrieval. CONCLUSION: Potentially retrievable IVC filters are safe and effective for prophylaxis against PE in patients at high-risk for VTE undergoing joint arthroplasty.

Radiology education 2.0--on the cusp of change: part 1. Tablet computers, online curriculums, remote meeting tools and audience response systems.

We are in the midst of an evolving educational revolution. Use of digital devices such as smart phones and tablet computers is rapidly increasing among radiologists who now regularly use them for medical, technical, and administrative tasks. These electronic tools provide a wide array of new tools to the radiologists allowing for faster, more simplified, and widespread distribution of educational material. The utility, future potential, and limitations of some these powerful tools are discussed in this article.

Radiology education 2.0--on the cusp of change: part 2. eBooks; file sharing and synchronization tools; websites/teaching files; reference management tools and note taking applications.

Increasing use of smartphones and handheld computers is accompanied by a rapid growth in the other related industries. Electronic books have revolutionized the centuries-old conventional books and magazines markets and have simplified publishing by reducing the cost and processing time required to create and distribute any given book. We are now able to read, review, store, and share various types of documents via several electronic tools, many of which are available free of charge. Additionally, this electronic revolution has resulted in an explosion of readily available Internet-based educational resources for the residents and has paved the path for educators to reach out to a larger and more diverse student population.

Hepatic transcatheter arterial chemoembolization complicated by postembolization syndrome.

Postembolization syndrome (PES) is a common complication after embolic procedures, and it is a frequent cause of extended inpatient hospital admissions. PES is a self-limited constellation of symptoms consisting of fevers, unremitting nausea, general malaise, loss of appetite, and variable abdominal pain following the procedure. Although a definite cause is unknown, this syndrome is thought to be a result of therapeutic cytotoxicity, tumor ischemia, and resulting intrahepatic and extrahepatic inflammation. The authors report a case of PES precipitated by transcatheter intrarterial chemoembolization of hepatic metastases.

Prospective evaluation of the embolic agent bead block in the treatment of uterine leiomyomas with uterine artery embolization: a phase II study.

PURPOSE: To assess symptom reduction and follow-up magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings in patients who have undergone uterine artery embolization (UAE) for symptomatic leiomyomas with the use of Bead Block. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Symptomatic patients with uterine leiomyomas were treated with UAE with Bead Block. Degree of tumor infarction was assessed 3 months after treatment with contrast material-enhanced MR imaging. Each case was categorized as showing less than 25% infarction, 25%-89% infarction, or at least 90% infarction. Imaging-based failure was defined as tumor infarction of less than 90% (12). Symptom and quality status were determined by scores from symptom and quality of life (QOL) and health-related QOL questionnaires collected 1 and 3 months after embolization. RESULTS: This prospective trial enrolled 23 patients. Three-month follow-up MR imaging was completed in 22 patients. Tumor necrosis of 90% or greater occurred in 10 of 22 patients (45%), and 12 (54%) had partial necrosis of 25%-89%. The QOL subscale evaluation showed significant reduction of symptom severity from baseline to 1 month after treatment (P < .0001), with no significant difference between 1 and 3 months of follow-up (P = .42). Because of the unacceptably high imaging failure rate of 54%, enrollment was terminated before the anticipated 30-patient goal. CONCLUSIONS: The use of Bead Block in the manner described resulted in significant clinical improvement. However, there was an unacceptably high rate of imaging failure under the existing protocol. Modification of the existing protocol should be considered.

Effect of postprocedural pelvic MR imaging on medical decision-making in women who have undergone uterine artery embolization.

The utility of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in the follow-up of patients who have undergone uterine artery embolization (UAE) for leiomyomas is controversial. The present study was undertaken to determine how follow-up MR imaging affects interventional radiologists' (i) anticipated percentage of tumor necrosis, (ii) projected treatment plans, and (iii) confidence in treatment plans. Interventional radiologists completed questionnaires before and after reviewing MR images of patients treated with UAE to determine how imaging altered projected treatment plans. Follow-up MR imaging was found to significantly alter projected treatment plans, primarily as they relate to follow-up imaging; therefore, follow-up MR imaging should be considered for all patients after UAE.