Multidisciplinary Taiwan consensus for the use of conventional TACE in hepatocellular carcinoma treatment.

Developed in early 1980s, transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) with Lipiodol was adopted globally after large-scale randomized control trials and meta-analyses proving its effectiveness were completed. Also known as "conventional TACE" (cTACE), TACE is currently the first-line treatment for patients with unresectable intermediate stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and delivers both ischemic and cytotoxic effects to targeted tumors. Although new technology and clinical studies have contributed to a more comprehensive understanding of when and how to apply this widely-adopted therapeutic modality, some of these new findings and techniques have yet to be incorporated into a guideline appropriate for Taiwan. In addition, differences in the underlying liver pathologies and treatment practices for transcatheter embolization between Taiwan and other Asian or Western populations have not been adequately addressed, with significant variations in the cTACE protocols adopted in different parts of the world. These mainly revolve around the amount and type of chemotherapeutic agents used, the type of embolic materials, reliance on Lipiodol, and the degree of selectiveness in catheter positioning. Subsequently, interpreting and comparing results obtained from different centers in a systematic fashion remain difficult, even for experienced practitioners. To address these concerns, we convened a panel of experts specializing in different aspects of HCC treatment to devise modernized recommendations that reflect recent clinical experiences, as well as cTACE protocols which are tailored for use in Taiwan. The conclusions of this expert panel are described herein.

Predictors of technical success of percutaneous transhepatic common bile duct stone removal: is it only a matter of stone size?

OBJECTIVES: The common practice is to remove symptomatic common bile duct (CBD) stones in patients. This study aimed to investigate the factors affecting the percutaneous transhepatic removal of CBD stones. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the data of 100 patients (66 men and 34 women; age: 25-105 years, mean 79.1 years) with symptomatic CBD stones who underwent percutaneous transhepatic stone removal (PTSR) from January 2010 through October 2019. After balloon dilation of the ampulla of Vater or bilioenteric anastomosis, the stones were pushed out of the CBD into the small bowel with a balloon catheter. If failed, basket lithotripsy was performed. Technical success was defined as complete clearance of the bile ducts on a cholangiogram. RESULTS: The technical success rate was 83%, and achieved 90.2% in patients with altered gastroduodenal/pancreatobiliary anatomy. Multivariable analysis revealed that CBD diameter (odds ratio [OR]: 506.460, p = 0.015), failed ERCP (OR: 16.509, p = 0.004), Tokyo guidelines TG18/TG13 severity (grade III; OR: 60.467, p = 0.006), and left-sided transhepatic approach (OR: 21.621, p = 0.012) were risk factors for technical failure. The appropriate cutoff CBD size was 15.5 mm (area under the curve: 0.91). CBD stone size, radiopacity of stones, and CBD angle between retroduodenal and pancreatic portion did not influence technical success. CONCLUSIONS: PTSR is effective for CBD stone removal in older adults and individuals with altered gastrointestinal tract anatomy. The aforementioned risk factors for technical failure should be considered in preoperative evaluation before PTSR to improve the success rate. KEY POINTS: • PTSR is effective in symptomatic CBD stone management among older adults and individuals with altered anatomy. Investigating clinical /anatomic factors can guide radiologists toward a more comprehensive preoperative evaluation to maximize the success rate. • Our data indicate that dilated CBD (diameter ≥ 15.5 mm) and left-sided PTBDs reduce the technical success rate by 506-fold and 22-fold, respectively. • Clinical factors such as previous failed ERCP for stone removal and higher severity of acute cholangitis lessen the technical success rate.

Preventive covered stent placement at the gastroduodenal artery stump in angiogram-negative sentinel hemorrhage after pancreaticoduodenectomy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical outcomes of preventive covered stent placement at the gastroduodenal artery stump in patients with angiogram-negative sentinel hemorrhage after pancreaticoduodenectomy. METHODS: Between July 2006 and September 2018, patients undergoing computed tomography angiography or diagnostic angiography for sentinel hemorrhage after pancreaticoduodenectomy were retrospectively reviewed. Patients having angiogram-negative angiography and undergoing preventive covered stent placement or conservative treatment were included. Clinical outcomes, technique success, and complications were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 25 patients (mean age 62.5 years) were evaluated, including 15 patients underwent preventive covered stent placement at the gastroduodenal artery stump and 10 patients received conservative treatments. The clinical success rates were 50% (5/10) and 86.7% (13/15) for conservative treatments and covered stent groups, respectively (p = 0.07). In the conservative treatment group, delayed massive hemorrhage occurred in five patients, two of whom died of recurrent bleeding due to gastroduodenal artery pseudoaneurysm within 16 days, and two had intraluminal hemorrhage within 5 days. In the covered stent group, one patient had inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery pseudoaneurysm 1 day after the placement of the covered stent, and one had recurrent bleeding due to duodenal ulcer within 14 days. The 30-day mortality was 40% (4/10) and 0 in the conservative treatment and covered stent groups, respectively (p = 0.02). The difference in the overall survival was nonsignificant between the two groups (p = 0.23). CONCLUSIONS: The preventive covered stent placement at the gastroduodenal artery stump is safe and reduces delayed massive hemorrhage and short-term mortality in patients with angiogram-negative sentinel hemorrhage after pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Less barium enema, more colonoscopy: A 12-year nationwide population-based study in Taiwan.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common and third most fatal cancer in Taiwan. To reduce incidence and mortality rates from cancer, including CRC, the Health Promotion Administration in Taiwan initiated the National Program on Cancer Prevention in 2005. For patients who have a positive fecal occult blood test, colonoscopy is recommended, and double-contrast barium enema (BE) is reserved as an alternative for those who cannot receive colonoscopy. In addition, single-contrast BE is sometimes used in pediatrics to evaluate colonic condition. This study evaluated the usage trends of BE and colonoscopy in Taiwan. METHODS: Data from the National Health Insurance Research Database from 2001 to 2013 were used in this study. Patients who received BE and colonoscopy were identified using the procedure codes of the National Health Insurance program. Age-standardized, yearly rates of BE and colonoscopy procedures were calculated. RESULTS: According to the data, the total number of colonoscopies increased 3.7-fold from 2001 to 2013. The compound annual growth rates for BE and colonoscopy were -5.36% and 10.47%, respectively, during the same period. The compound annual growth rates for BE and colonoscopy were -3.89% and 11.64% from 2005 to 2009, and -11.36% and 9.82% from 2010 to 2013, respectively. BE was conducted significantly more frequently than colonoscopy in patients who were aged <12 years and in female patients. CONCLUSION: Professional association guidelines, national cancer prevention programs, patient and physician preferences, and increasing awareness and knowledge of CRC may all contribute to the increasing use of colonoscopy and the dramatic decline in the use of BE in Taiwan.

Objective Measurement of Arterial Flow Before and After Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization: A Feasibility Study Using Quantitative Color-Coding Analysis.

PURPOSE: To quantitatively measure the hemodynamic change of hepatic artery before and after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by quantitative color-coding analysis (QCA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study registered 64 consecutive HCC patients who underwent segmental or subsegmental TACE with epirubicin and lipiodol at level 2 or 3 of the subjective angiographic chemoembolization endpoint. QCA was used to determine the maximal density time (T(max)) of selected intravascular region of interest (ROI). Relative T(max) (rT(max)) was defined as the T(max) at the selected ROI minus the time of contrast medium spurting from the catheter tip. The rT(max) of hepatic arteries was analyzed before and after embolization. RESULTS: The pre- and post-treatment rT(max) of the landmarks at the treated segmental artery were 1.96 ± 0.48 and 3.14 ± 1.77 s, p < 0.001. According to the treated lobe, 30 patients were treated for the right lobe alone, and 8 patients were treated for the left lobe alone. The pre- and post-rT(max) of treated segmental artery were 2.06 ± 0.54, 3.34 ± 1.63 s, p < 0.001 and 1.89 ± 0.45, 2.68 ± 1.46 s, p = 0.12, respectively. The rT(max) of the proximal lobar hepatic arteries or proper hepatic artery had no significant change before and after TACE. CONCLUSIONS: The QCA is feasible to quantify embolization endpoints by comparing the rT(max) in selected hepatic arteries before and after TACE. The rT(max) of treated segmental artery was significant prolonged after optimized procedures.

Imaging spectrum after pancreas transplantation with enteric drainage.

Since the introduction of pancreas transplantation more than 40 years ago, surgical techniques and immunosuppressive regiments have improved and both have contributed to increase the number and success rate of this procedure. However, graft survival corresponds to early diagnosis of organ-related complications. Thus, knowledge of the transplantation procedure and postoperative image anatomy are basic requirements for radiologists. In this article, we demonstrate the imaging spectrum of pancreas transplantation with enteric exocrine drainage.

Severe proteinuria secondary to amyloidosis requiring bilateral renal artery embolization.

In the case reported here, after prolonged medical therapy resistance, severe proteinuria subsided following bilateral renal artery embolization (RAE). Thereafter, respiratory distress, anasarca edema, muscle mass, and serum albumin level improved after regular hemodialysis. Although RAE is reported to be a safe and effective therapeutic procedure, it is rarely used for severe proteinuria with prolonged medical therapy resistance. The limited use of bilateral RAE for nephrological purposes may be partly related to its tendency to destroy renal function, which results in anuria and subsequent regular dialysis. However, delayed RAE could cause the patient to reach a life-threatening cachexic state and could increase the risk of morbidity and mortality due to severe proteinuria-induced hypoalbuminemia. Our case and selected previous reports reveal important information for physicians and patients while discussing prognoses and considering the pros and cons of bilateral RAE.

Application of stent placement or nasojejunal feeding tube placement in patients with malignant gastric outlet obstruction: a retrospective series of 38 cases.

BACKGROUND: Malignant gastric outlet obstruction (MGOO), a late complication of advanced carcinoma of the stomach, duodenum, periampulla or pancreas, causes significant malnutrition and morbidity. The current treatment for MGOO is palliative in nature, with the goal of maintaining the best quality of life possible during the terminal phase of the illness. METHODS: A total of 38 patients with MGOO were enrolled in our institute from January 2007 to December 2011; 18 patients received nasojejunal (NJ) feeding tube placement, and 20 patients received duodenal stent placement. Food intake, measured by the gastric outlet obstruction scoring system (GOOSS), survival, complications, recurrent obstructive symptoms, and reintervention were evaluated in both groups. RESULTS: No significant differences were noted with regard to patient characteristics, survival rate (NJ group: 140 days vs. stent group: 186 days, p = 0.617), and complication rate. Recurrent obstructions developed more frequently in patients treated with NJ feeding tube placement than in those treated with duodenal stent placement [12 (66.7%) vs. 5 (25%), p = 0.014]. The duration for patency was shorter in the NJ group than in the stent group (median: 40 days vs. 130 days, p = 0.009). The GOOSS score was significantly better in the stent group than in the NJ group. CONCLUSION: NJ tube placement and duodenal stent placement are both effective and safe treatments for patients with MGOO. Both groups had similar complication rates and survival rates. While NJ tube placement is associated with lower costs, stent placement has a longer duration of patency, superior oral intake, and a lower reintervention rate. We suggest that stent placement should be considered first in patients who are able to afford the related costs.

Magnetic resonance angiography and Doppler scanning for detecting atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis.

BACKGROUND: Atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis (ARAS) is a progressive but potentially reversible chronic kidney disease. Although the high sensitivity and specificity of renal Doppler scanning (RDS) for ARAS has been reported in western countries, ARAS has not been detected by RDS. This study used magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of RDS for detecting ARAS among outpatients at a nephrology clinic, and to calculate the degree of underestimation of ARAS by RDS. METHODS: A total of 257 outpatients, aged > 50 years were examined for ARAS by RDS and MRA. RESULTS: Thirty-seven (14.4%) and 139 (54.1%) of 257 patients had stenosis detected by RDS and MRA, respectively. Among the 220 patients whose RDS results were negative, MRA detected stenosis in 111 (50.45%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age > 65 years, duration of smoking, coronary artery disease, and serum creatinine levels > 354 mmol/L (4 mg/dL) were significant and independent factors that influenced ARAS in patients with negative results by RDS. CONCLUSION: RDS might still be the diagnostic procedure of choice for screening outpatients for ARAS because it is inexpensive, convenient, able to detect severity, and avoids the use of contrast media. When RDS is negative in aged people who have smoked longer than 20 years, with coronary artery disease or serum creatinine > 4 mg/dL, MRA is recommended for further evaluation of ARAS.

Right hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm ruptured into the gallbladder demonstrated by magnetic resonance angiography.

Rupture of a right hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm into the gallbladder is very rare. We demonstrated a 20-mm dumbbell-shaped pseudoaneurysm in the gallbladder lumen by using contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography in a 73-year-old man with acute right upper abdominal pain. Inflammation of the gallbladder caused by calculous cholecystitis, which leads to biliary leakage and erodes the right hepatic artery, could have been the cause.

Bleeding gastric ulcer after prophylactic coiling of transarterial chemoembolization.

Transarterial chemoembolization is standard treatment for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma. Prophylactic embolization of variant hepatic or gastric arteries before treatment of liver tumors reduces inadvertent injury to adjacent organs. This report presents a patient with multiple hepatocellular carcinomas, who developed an episode of acute gastric ulcer bleeding because of coil migration into the stomach 2 years after prophylactic embolization of the accessory right gastric artery for transarterial chemoembolization. This report discusses the purpose of prophylactic embolization, complications of coil embolization, various presentations and possible mechanisms of coil migration, and treatment of gastrointestinal bleeding. It also reviews pertinent literature.

Percutaneous transgastric computed tomography-guided biopsy of the pancreas using large needles.

AIM: To assess the safety, yield and clinical utility of percutaneous transgastric computed tomography (CT)-guided biopsy of pancreatic tumor using large needles, in selected patients. METHODS: We reviewed 34 CT-guided biopsies in patients with pancreas mass, of whom 24 (71%) had a direct path to the mass without passing through a major organ. The needle passed through the liver in one case (3%). Nine passes (26%) were made through the stomach. These nine transgastric biopsies which used a coaxial technique (i.e. a 17-gauge coaxial introducer needle and an 18-gauge biopsy needle) were the basis of this study. Immediate and late follow-up CT images to detect complications were obtained. RESULTS: Tumor tissues were obtained in nine pancreatic biopsies, and histologic specimens for diagnosis were obtained in all cases. One patient, who had a rare sarcomatoid carcinoma, received a second biopsy. One patient had a complication of transient pneumoperitoneum but no subjective complaints. An immediate imaging study and clinical follow-up detected neither hemorrhage nor peritonitis. No delayed procedure-related complication was seen during the survival period of our patients. CONCLUSION: Pancreatic biopsy can be obtained by a transgastric route using a large needle as an alternative method, without complications of peritonitis or bleeding.

Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography and drainage is an effective rescue therapy for biliary complications in liver transplant recipients who fail endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.

BACKGROUND: We attempted to evaluate both the factors that predispose a patient to biliary complications after liver transplantation and the results of percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography and drainage (PTCD) for the management of those complications. METHODS: This study retrospectively reviewed the cases of 81 patients who received liver transplants at Taipei Veterans General Hospital between February 2003 and June 2008. Biliary complications were diagnosed on the basis of clinical findings, laboratory data, and the results of imaging studies. RESULTS: A total of 18 patients (22.2%) developed biliary complications, and living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) was a significant risk factor (p = 0.035), compared to cadaveric liver transplantation. Eight patients with biliary complications received PTCD as the first treatment modality and 6 had successful results. An additional 10 patients received endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) initially, but only 2 patients were effectively managed. One patient received conservative treatment after ERCP failure. One patient died from sepsis after ERCP. The remaining 6 patients with failed ERCP were successfully managed with PTCD. The overall mortality rate in these patients with biliary complications was 16.7%. No significant prognostic predictors were identified, including age, sex, biochemical data, and model for end-stage liver disease scores. CONCLUSION: Biochemical markers cannot predict biliary complications preoperatively. LDLT increases the risk of biliary complications. PTCD is an effective rescue therapy when ERCP fails.

Risk factors for post-pancreaticoduodenectomy bleeding and finding an innovative approach to treatment.

BACKGROUND: This study is to determine the risk factors and outcome for post-pancreaticoduodenectomy bleeding, and to assess the roles of surgery and intravascular intervention in its management. METHODS: Post-pancreaticoduodenectomy data of 628 patients were analyzed with regards to post-pancreaticoduodenectomy bleeding. RESULTS: Post-pancreaticoduodenectomy bleeding occurred in 58 patients (9.2%) and led to death in 23 patients. Pancreatic leakage and intra-abdominal abscess were independent risk factors for both extraluminal and intraluminal post-pancreaticoduodenectomy bleeding. The most common source of bleeding was the gastroduodenal artery (n = 9, 24.3%), and 8 of these patients (88.9%) experienced gastroduodenal artery bleeding in late post-pancreaticoduodenectomy bleeding. Hemostasis for post-pancreaticoduodenectomy bleeding was achieved by surgery in 22 patients (78.6%) and intravascular intervention in 7 patients (58.3%). Transarterial embolization for gastroduodenal artery bleeding did not deteriorate liver function in most patients except for 1 who died of hepatic failure. CONCLUSIONS: The placement of metallic clips on the gastroduodenal artery stump during a pancreaticoduodenectomy is helpful in identifying overlooked intermittent sentinel bleeding during angiography. Transarterial embolization for gastroduodenal artery bleeding could not guarantee against hepatic failure. The intravascular placement of a covered stent is the preferred procedure to avoid the complete interruption of arterial blood supply to the liver.

Timing of Doppler examination for the detection of arteriovenous fistula after percutaneous renal biopsy.

Percutaneous renal biopsy is frequently performed, and postbiopsy arteriovenous fistula (AVF) formation is not uncommon. In most cases, it is asymptomatic and remains undiagnosed, because Doppler examination is not performed routinely. We describe 2 cases of postbiopsy AVF of the kidney that were detected 61 and 17 months after renal biopsy, respectively. The subsequent superselective transcatheter arterial embolization was successful in both cases. An undetected AVF of the kidney can progress and lead to serious consequences. A follow-up Doppler examination of the kidney soon after renal biopsy and 6 months later is recommended for early detection of nonresolving AVFs to prevent further complications.

Percutaneous placement of metallic stents in the management of malignant biliary obstruction.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The placement of metallic stents is now a well-established method in the management of malignant biliary obstruction. This study evaluated the long-term clinical efficacy of percutaneous transhepatic insertion of metallic stents in the management of malignant biliary obstruction. METHODS: From January 1999 to December 2002, 102 consecutive patients with malignant biliary obstruction were treated with percutaneous transhepatic placement of metallic stents at a medical center in Taipei. The level of obstruction was at the hepatic hilum in 44 patients, and common bile duct (CBD) in 58 patients. Memotherm stents were used in 78 patients and Wallstents in 38. Among the 44 patients with hilar obstruction, 30 received a single stent and 14 received bilateral stents. Among the 58 patients with CBD obstruction, the stents were placed across the ampulla of Vater in 27. Patient survival rates and stent patency rates were compared using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: Placement of stents was successful in all patients. The mean (range) serum bilirubin level before, 1 week after, and 1 month after stent insertion was 15.1 mg/dL (4.2-32.4 mg/dL), 7.8 mg/dL (0.5-19.4 mg/dL), and 1.8 mg/dL (0.2-8.2 mg/dL), respectively. The mean survival in all patients was 66.0 weeks (1-130 weeks) and the mean stent patency period (MSPP) in all patients was 59.9 weeks (1-130 weeks). The MSPP was 71.4 versus 49.9 weeks in hilar type versus CBD type patients (p = 0.047). The MSPP was 53.9 versus 73.0 weeks in patients who received Memotherm stents versus Wallstents (p = 0.115). In the hilar obstruction group, the MSPP was 82.1 versus 58.0 weeks in patients receiving bilateral versus a single stent (p = 0.039). In the CBD obstruction group, the MSPP was 46.3 versus 45.5 weeks in stents placed across versus not placed across the ampulla of Vater (p = 0.338). CONCLUSIONS: The efficacy and patency period of percutaneous transhepatic insertion of metallic stents in the management of malignant biliary obstruction is satisfactory in the relief of obstructive jaundice. Both types of metallic stents performed well in relieving malignant biliary obstruction. Bilateral stenting was more effective than single stenting in treating patients with hilar obstruction. In patients with CBD obstruction, no significant difference in the stent patency period was found between stents placed across or not across the ampulla of Vater.

Percutaneous retrieval of 20 centrally dislodged Port-A catheter fragments.

A total of 20 patients with centrally embolized Port-A catheter fragments underwent the percutaneous retrieval procedures at our hospital. The causes of the dislodgement of these catheters included bad connection between the port and catheter, angulation or distortion at the anastomosis site, severing the catheter during insertion and removal of the catheter, improper catheter position and fatigue of the catheter. Consequently, improper procedure handling by the inexperienced surgeons could be considered as the most frequent cause of embolization. The percutaneous retrieval procedures were successful in all centrally embolized fragments. Of 20 successful retrievals, 16 were performed will loop snare catheters and 4 with Dormia basket retrievers.

Lessons learned from the endovascular treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysm and a preliminary experience of our center.

BACKGROUND: The development of technical approaches for endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair during the last decade was briefly reviewed. The role of endovascular AAA repair as a new reliable method of treatment in high-risk patients was evaluated in both the major studies reported and a preliminary result of our center. METHODS: General criteria for the selection and exclusion of high-risk patients were summarized. Six patients (mean age: 72 years) with complex infrarenal AAA underwent endovascular aneurysm repair using the bifurcated stent graft system. Routine follow-up examination included computed tomography performed periodically from the post-operative month up to one year. Patients suspected of endoleak underwent angiography and further endovascular treatment. RESULTS: Successful deployment of the endograft and exclusion of the aneurysm was achieved in all six patients (100%) in our preliminary series. None of our patients required conversion to open aneurysmal repair. Comorbidity was an important factor in the outcome of aneurysm repair in high-risk patients, with cardiovascular disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease being the major comorbid conditions. Cardiac events were the most common complications, followed by transient renal failure, wound infection and endoleaks, which were corrected with endovascular treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The long-term results and efficacy of endovascular repair of infrarenal AAA remain to be demonstrated, but the procedure is believed to provide a safe and effective alternative treatment for high-risk patients suffering from AAA.

Congenital pelvic arteriovenous malformation: two cases and MR findings.

Congenital pelvic arteriovenous malformation (PAVM) is rare. We present two cases with emphasis on the imaging features. Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) demonstrates comparable details of the vascular abnormalities as conventional angiography, which should be reserved for pre-embolization evaluation.