The Use of External-beam Radiotherapy for Muscle-invasive Bladder Cancer in Elderly or Medically-fragile Patients.

AIM: To evaluate the clinical results of external-beam radiotherapy (EBRT) for muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) in elderly or medically-fragile patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-five consecutive patients with MIBC (cT2-4N0-1M0) receiving EBRT were retrospectively analyzed. Their median age was 82 years. Radiotherapy median dose was 60 Gy administered in 30 fractions. RESULTS: Median follow-up period was 14.7 months. Median overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were 14.7 months and 7.8 months, respectively. The OS, cause-specific survival (CSS), and PFS rates at 1-year were 56.0%, 68.5%, and 40.0%, respectively. The local progression-free rates (LPFR) at 6 months and 1 year were 89.3% and 59.5%, respectively. Performance status 3 was a significantly unfavorable factor for OS, CSS, and progression-free survival; clinical N stage was a significantly unfavorable factor for progression-free survival; and lower irradiation dose (≤50.4 Gy) was a significantly unfavorable factor for LPFR. CONCLUSION: EBRT for elderly or medically-fragile patients is feasible, and achieves acceptable local progression-free status.

Usefulness of C-arm CT during superselective infusion chemotherapy for advanced head and neck carcinoma.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: To evaluate the usefulness of C-arm computed tomography (CT) during superselective intra-arterial infusion chemotherapy for advanced head and neck carcinoma. METHODS: C-arm CT was performed during superselective intra-arterial infusion chemotherapy for 11 patients with advanced head and neck carcinoma located in the hypopharynx (n = 3), maxillary sinus (n = 3), oropharynx (n = 1), larynx (n = 1), extra-auditory canal (n = 1), tonsil (n = 1) and tongue (n = 1). The usefulness of C-arm CT during superselective catheterisation was evaluated. RESULTS: On arteriography, nine tumours showed tumour stains and two in the oropharynx or tonsil showed no obvious tumour stains. C-arm CT was performed one to four times (mean ± standard deviation, 2.5 ± 0.8) in each patient during a single procedure. C-arm CT clearly showed not only the vascular territory of the selected branch but also the tumour itself in all patients. Intra-arterial infusion chemotherapy was performed through one to three branches (mean, 1.7 ± 0.9) according to C-arm CT findings without any complications. CONCLUSION: C-arm CT during superselective intra-arterial infusion chemotherapy was useful to determine the arterial supply of head and neck carcinoma. C-arm CT may replace conventional CT during superselective arteriography in this procedure.

Efficacy of cone-beam computed tomography during transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma.

Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) using a flat-panel detector is an alternative method of obtaining cross-sectional images. This technique is now being used during transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) for inoperable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Several CBCT techniques are performed to detect HCC lesions: CBCT during portography (CBCTAP), CBCT during hepatic arteriography (CBCTHA), CBCT after iodized oil injection (LipCBCT), CBCT during arteriography (CBCTA) of extrahepatic collaterals. Almost all HCC lesions can be detected using these CBCT images. Three-dimensional arteriography using maximum intensity projection from CBCTHA images can identify the tumor-feeding branch. In particular, this technique is useful when the tumor stain cannot be demonstrated on arteriography. In addition, dual-phase CBCTHA can improve the diagnostic accuracy for hypervascular HCCs because corona enhancement can be detected around the tumor. To monitor the embolized area during TACE, selective CBCTHA or LipCBCT at the embolization point is useful. Two sequential CBCT scans without and with contrast material injection is also useful to confirm each embolized area of two vessels. Furthermore, CBCTA can prevent nontarget embolization. Although the image quality of CBCT is low compared to that of conventional CT, CBCT provides useful information that helps perform TACE for HCCs safely and effectively.

Portal blood supply to locally progressed hepatocellular carcinoma after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization: Observation on CT during arterial portography.

AIM: To analyze the clinical features of locally progressed hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) supplied by portal blood (PB) after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE). METHODS: This cohort included 12 tumors (mean diameter ± SD, 1.8 ± 0.8 cm) in 10 patients. PB supply to tumors was judged by CT during arterial portography (CTAP). Imaging data and the clinical course were retrospectively evaluated. RESULTS: Six tumors initially had a small tumor portion supplied by PB. In four tumors, TACE was incomplete because of technical problems. PB supply to recurrent tumors was demonstrated 7.3 ± 3.7 months after TACE. On follow-up arteriography, all embolized branches were occluded or severely attenuated. Four tumors showing a partial stain were treated by additional TACE (n = 3) or TACE plus radiofrequency (RF) ablation (n = 1), one without staining was treated by RF ablation, and seven were followed-up. All tumors progressed except for one treated by RF ablation. On serial CTAP images, relatively large-diameter portal veins directly entered 11 tumors (91.7%) and connected with intratumoral vessels in nine (75%). During follow-up, partial arterial supply was demonstrated in two tumors and additional TACE was performed. Nine patients died after 31.4 ± 16.2 months due to tumor progression (n = 8), or hepatic failure (n = 1). One patient has survived for 53 months despite multiple tumors. CONCLUSIONS: PB supply to locally progressed tumor after TACE became apparent on CTAP. Arterial damage by TACE, incomplete TACE, and preexisting tumor tissues supplied by PB may be the main causes.

Microcoil embolization during abdominal vascular interventions through microcatheters with a tip of 2 French or less.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the technical aspects of embolization using microcoils through a microcatheter with a tip of 2F or smaller during abdominal vascular interventions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Coil embolization through a microcatheter with a tip of 2F or smaller was attempted in 73 procedures. Two types of microcoil-Liquid Coil (Boston Scientific, Watertown, MA, USA) and Tornado Coil (Cook, Bloomington, IN, USA)-were deployed through four types of thinner microcatheter [2F tip (n = 49) and 1.8F tip (n = 24)]. Coil jams in the microcatheter and coil migration were evaluated. RESULTS: In total, 286 microcoils were placed (mean ± SD, 3.9 ± 4.3 coils per procedure, range 1-32 coils). In 19 procedures (26.9%), Liquid Coils were used alone. In 44 (60.3%), Tornado Coils were used alone. In 10 (13.7%), Liquid Coils and Tornado Coils were combined. There were no coil jams in the microcatheter in this series. One Tornado Coil (0.3%) delivered into the gastroduodenal artery migrated to the right hepatic artery. CONCLUSION: Liquid Coils and Tornado Coils can be placed through a thinner microcatheter without difficulty. However, there is a risk of coil migration in large vessels or at the proximal site because the catheter tip is not stabilized.

Detection of corona enhancement of hypervascular hepatocellular carcinoma by C-arm dual-phase cone-beam CT during hepatic arteriography.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the detectability of corona enhancement around the hypervascular hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by dual-phase cone-beam computed tomography during hepatic arteriography (CBCTHA). Dual-phase CBCTHA was performed for 71 HCC lesions (mean ± SD 1.7 ± 0.9 cm), including seven presenting a nodule-in-nodule appearance and nine hypervascular pseudolesions. The first scan was performed during injection of 30-40 ml half-diluted contrast material at a rate of 1.5-2 ml/s through the hepatic artery. Scanning was initiated 7 s after the beginning of contrast material injection. The second scan was started 30 s after the end of the first scan. Detectability of corona enhancement on second-phase CBCTHA was evaluated. Thickness of corona enhancement was also analyzed as thin (≤2 mm) or thick (>2 mm). Corona enhancement was detected in 63 (88.7%) of 71 tumors (1.8 ± 0.9 cm), but it was not detected in eight tumors (1.0 ± 0.2 cm). Thin corona enhancement was seen in 18 tumors (1.2 ± 0.5 cm), and thick corona enhancement was seen in 45 tumors (2.0 ± 0.9 cm). There was a significant difference in tumor diameter between tumors with and those without corona enhancement (P = 0.0157) and between thin and thick corona enhancement (P = 0.001). In all seven early-stage tumors, corona enhancement was demonstrated around the hypervascular focus within the hypovascular tumor portion. None of the nine pseudolesions showed any corona enhancement. Dual-phase CBCTHA depicted corona enhancement in 88.7% of hypervascular HCC lesions. This technique may improve the diagnostic accuracy of HCC.

Angiographic evaluation of feeding arteries of hepatocellular carcinoma in the caudate lobe of the liver.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the origins of feeders of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the caudate lobe (S1). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-eight HCCs (mean diameter 21.4 mm) were treated by chemoembolization. The tumor-feeding caudate artery was confirmed when a tumor stain was demonstrated on angiogram and iodized oil was accumulated into the HCC and S1 on computed tomography (CT). The origins were divided into R(1) (right proximal), R(2) (right distal), L(1) (left proximal), L(2) (left distal), A (anterior segmental), P (posterior segmental), M (middle hepatic or medial segmental), Ph (proper hepatic), Ch (common hepatic), and Ex (extrahepatic). The origins of feeders supplying HCCs in the Spiegel lobe (SP; n = 36), the paracaval portion (PC; n = 38), and the caudate process (CP; n = 14) were also analyzed. RESULTS: One hundred sixteen feeders were identified: 11 (9.5%) arose from R(1); 21 (18.1%) arose from R(2); nine arose (0.9%) from L(1); 15 (12.9%) arose from L(2); 24 (20.7%) arose from A; 25 (21.6%) arose from P; seven (6.0%) arose from M; one (0.9%) arose from Ph; and three (2.6%) arose from Ex. HCCs in the SP and the PC were fed by feeders from both hepatic arteries (the ratios of right to left were 3:2 and 3:1, respectively), and HCCs in the CP were dominantly fed by feeders from the right hepatic artery. CONCLUSION: The caudate artery most frequently arises from the right hepatic artery, followed with almost equal frequency by the left hepatic, the anterior segmental, and the posterior segmental artery. The origins of the caudate arteries differ according to the subsegmental locations.

Hepatocellular carcinoma in the caudate lobe of the liver: variations of its feeding branches on arteriography.

There are usually multiple caudate arteries arising from the right, left, and middle hepatic arteries, and they are frequently connected to each other. Therefore, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the caudate lobe is frequently fed by multiple branches arising from different origins. HCC located in the Spiegel lobe is usually fed by the caudate arteries derived from the right and/or left hepatic artery. HCC in the paracaval portion is mainly fed by the caudate artery derived from the right hepatic artery; with low frequency, it is fed by the caudate artery derived from the left hepatic artery. HCC in the caudate process is usually fed by the caudate artery derived from the right hepatic artery. Because of the complexity and overlap of vascular territories, the tumor-feeding branch of a recurrent HCC lesion in the caudate lobe frequently changes on follow-up arteriograms. In addition, several extrahepatic collateral vessels supply the recurrent tumor. To perform effective transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) for HCC in the caudate lobe, radiologists should have sufficient knowledge of vascular anatomy supplying HCC in the caudate lobe.

Inferior phrenic arteries: angiographic anatomy, variations, and catheterization techniques for transcatheter arterial chemoembolization.

The inferior phrenic artery (IPA) is the most common extrahepatic collateral vessel to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); however, there are many anatomical variations in its origin and branches. In addition, the IPA is frequently reconstructed through several pathways, mainly through the retroperitoneal network, because of the occlusion of its orifice due to atherosclerosis or previous catheter manipulation. Infrequently, selective catheterization into the IPA is impossible even using a microcatheter, particularly in the IPA that originates from the proximal or distal portion of the celiac trunk or from the aorta with an acute angle. In this article, we describe anatomical variations of the IPA and catheterization techniques, such as a catheter with a large side hole and a catheter with a cleft, to facilitate catheterization into the IPA that is difficult using a conventional coaxial technique. Radiologists should have sufficient knowledge of such variations and catheterization techniques to perform transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for HCCs through the IPA effectively and safely.

Technical success rates and long-term patency of endovascular treatment for occluded native hemodialysis fistulas: comparison between thrombotic occlusion and nonthrombotic occlusion.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the technical success and long-term patency of endovascular treatment for occluded native hemodialysis fistulas caused by thrombotic occlusion (TO) and nonthrombotic occlusion (NTO). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cohort included 96 consecutive occlusions (70 TOs and 26 NTOs) at the forearm. Clinical success and patency rates of endovascular treatment were calculated and compared between the TO and NTO groups. RESULTS: Overall clinical success rate was 91.6%; and primary, assisted primary, and secondary patency rates at 1, 2, and 3 years were 49.6%, 30.7%, and 28.3%, respectively; 73.8%, 48.3%, and 48.3%, respectively; and 80.7%, 72.3%, and 66.2%, respectively. Clinical success rates of the TO and NTO groups were 91.4% and 92.3%, respectively. The 1-, 2-, and 3-year primary, assisted primary, and secondary patency rates of the TO group were 54.4%, 29.3%, and 25.6%, respectively; 70.7%, 49.4%, and 49.4%, respectively, and 78%, 68.8%, and 64,2%, respectively. Those of the NTO group were 38.9%, 32.4%, and 32.4%, respectively; 81.2%, 47.3%, and 40.6%, respectively; and 87%, 80.3%, and 70.2%, respectively. There were no significant differences between the clinical success and patency rates of the two groups. CONCLUSION: Occluded native hemodialysis fistulas were restored with high frequency, without significant differences between clinical success and patency in the TO and NTO groups.

Main bile duct stricture occurring after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical course of main bile duct stricture at the hepatic hilum after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Among 446 consecutive patients with HCC treated by TACE, main bile duct stricture developed in 18 (4.0%). All imaging and laboratory data, treatment course, and outcomes were retrospectively analyzed. All patients had 1 to 2 tumors measuring 10 to 100 mm in diameter (mean ± SD 24.5 ± 5.4 mm) near the hepatic hilum fed by the caudate arterial branch (A1) and/or medial segmental artery (A4) of the liver. During the TACE procedure that caused bile duct injury, A1 was embolized in 8, A4 was embolized in 5, and both were embolized in 5 patients. Nine patients (50.0%) had a history of TACE in either A1 or A4. Iodized oil accumulation in the bile duct wall was seen in all patients on computed tomography obtained 1 week later. Bile duct dilatation caused by main bile duct stricture developed in both lobes (n = 9), in the right lobe (n = 3), in the left lobe (n = 4), in segment (S) 2 (n = 1), and in S3 (n = 1). Serum levels of alkaline phosphatase and γ-glutamyltranspeptidase increased in 13 patients. Biloma requiring drainage developed in 2 patients; jaundice developed in 4 patients; and metallic stents were placed in 3 patients. Complications after additional TACE sessions, including biloma (n = 3) and/or jaundice (n = 5), occurred in 7 patients and were treated by additional intervention, including metallic stent placement in 2 patients. After initial TACE of A1 and/or A4, 8 patients (44.4%), including 5 with uncontrollable jaundice or cholangitis, died at 37.9 ± 34.9 months after TACE, and 10 (55.6%) have survived for 38.4 ± 37.9 months. Selective TACE of A1 and/or A4 carries a risk of main bile duct stricture at the hepatic hilum. Biloma and jaundice are serious complications associated with bile duct strictures.

The march of extrahepatic collaterals: analysis of blood supply to hepatocellular carcinoma located in the bare area of the liver after chemoembolization.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in vascular supply to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) located in the bare area of the liver in patients who were mainly treated with chemoembolization. Twenty-six patients with HCC showing a mean diameter of 3.1 +/- 1.4 cm (mean +/- standard deviation) were mainly treated with chemoembolization. All patients underwent 2.7 +/- 2.3 chemoembolization sessions over 40.1 +/- 25.2 months. Tumor feeding branches demonstrated in each chemoembolization session were retrospectively evaluated. Initially, 18 tumors (59.2%) were supplied by the hepatic artery (H) and 8 (30.8%) by both the hepatic and the extrahepatic arteries (H + C). Fourteen tumors (53.8%) recurred at the posterior aspect of the tumor and were supplied by H (n = 4), H + C (n = 5), and extrahepatic collaterals (C) (n = 5). Several tumors recurred despite repeated chemoembolization, and these were supplied by H (n = 1), H + C (n = 7), and C (n = 2) at the second recurrence, by H (n = 1), H + C (n = 2), and C (n = 3) at the third, by H + C (n = 2) and C (n = 2) at the fourth, by H + C (n = 2) and C (n = 2) at the fifth, and by H (n = 1) and C (n = 1) at the sixth. One tumor was supplied by H at the seventh and by H + C at the eighth recurrence. As the number of local recurrences increased, the feeding vessel shifted from H to C. Especially, the right inferior phrenic artery (IPA) and renal capsular artery (RCA) supplied the tumor early, while the small right RCAs, adrenal arteries, and intercostal and lumbar artery supplied late recurrences in turns. In conclusion, HCCs located in the bare area are frequently supplied by extrahepatic vessels initially, while recurrence after chemoembolization is mainly due to extrahepatic blood supply. The right IPA and RCA are common feeding vessels demonstrated early, while other extrahepatic collateral supply from the retroperitoneal circulation occurs in turns during the later course.