Functional evaluation of intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis by pressure ratio measurements.

Background: Fractional flow reserve is widely used for the functional evaluation of coronary artery stenosis. Some studies have similarly used the translesional pressure ratio measurements for the functional evaluation of intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis. In this paper, we aimed to investigate the relationship between pressure ratio and cerebral tissue perfusion by MR perfusion imaging and provided a non-invasive method for evaluating the functional significance of intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis. Methods: A total of 18 consecutive patients with intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis patients including 19 stenotic vessels were recruited. The pressure was measured using a pressure guidewire, the pressure ratio before and after the endovascular intervention was calculated and compared with the severity of diameter stenosis and perfusion-derived MR (the time to maximum tissure residue function (Tmax)). Moreover, the DSA-derived pressure ratio was computed using a novel computational fluid dynamics-based model, termed CFD-PR, and was compared with the actual pressure ratio to assess its diagnostic accuracy. Results: The pressure ratio increased after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty or stenting, while the correlation between pressure ratio and diameter stenosis was not significant. The pressure ratio was negatively correlated with Tmax (r = -0.73, P < 0.01), and a 95% confidence interval for the cutoff value of pressure ratio = 0.67 (95% confidence interval: 0.58-0.76) was suggested. There was a good correlation (mean = 0.02, Spearman's correlation coefficient r = 0.908, P < 0.001) and agreement (limits of agreement: -0.157 to 0.196, P = 0.954) between CFD-PR and the actual pressure ratio. Conclusions: This exploratory study indicates the pressure ratio may correlate with the perfusion status. The pressure ratio can be calculated through a non-invasive method using a computational fluid dynamics-based method.

Metal artifact reduction by virtual monoenergetic reconstructions from spectral brain CT.

Purpose: Conventional computed tomography (CT) images are severely affected by metal artifacts in patients with intracranial coils. Monoenergetic images have been suggested to reduce metal artifacts.The aim of this study was to assess metal artifacts in virtual monoenergetic images (VMIs) reconstructed from spectral brain CT. Methods: Thirty-two consecutive patients with intracranial coils examined by spectral non contrast brain CT (NCCT) at our center between November 2017 and April 2019 were included. Attenuation and standard deviations were measured in regions of interest (ROIs) at predefined areas in artifact-free and artifact-affected areas. Measurements were performed in conventional polyenergetic images (CIs) and the corresponding data for VMIs were retrieved through spectral diagrams for the each ROI. Subjective analysis was performed by visual grading of CIs and specific VMIs by two neuroradiologists, independently. Results: In artefact-affected image areas distal from the metal objects, the attenuation values decreased with higher energy level VMIs. The same effect was not seen for artefact-affected image areas close to the metal.Subjective rating of the artefact severity was significantly better in VMIs at 50 keV for one of the two reviewers compared to the CIs. Overall image quality and tissue differentiation scores were significantly higher for both reviewers in VMIs at 60 and 70 keV compared to CIs. Conclusion: Our quantitative and qualitative image analysis shown that there is a small significant reduction of intracranial coils artifacts severity by all monoenergetic reconstructions from 50 to 200 keV with preserved or increased overall subjective image quality compared to conventional images.

Conservative endovascular management for intractable delayed hemorrhage after laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy: Two case reports.

Delayed hemorrhage from the vaginal stump is a rare complication following hysterectomy. Most cases can be managed by vaginal packing with or without vaginal vault suturing. However, where such initial management fails, the condition is potentially life-threatening and requires immediate intervention. We report two cases successfully managed with transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE). First, a 38-year-old woman presented with lower abdominal pain 12 days after laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) for a uterine myoma. Oral antibiotics were administered for pelvic infection. Two days later, she experienced increased bleeding. After failing to achieve hemostasis with vaginal vault suturing, computed tomographic angiography showed extravasation from a pseudoaneurysm in the peripheral branch of the left uterine artery. Hemostasis was achieved with TAE. Second, a 40-year-old woman presented with fever and increased abdominal pain 6 days after LAVH for severe dysplasia of the uterine cervix. Intravenous antibiotics were administered for pelvic infection. Twenty-one days after LAVH, she experienced increased bleeding. Computed tomographic angiography showed extravasation from a peripheral thin branch of the right uterine artery. Temporary hemostasis was achieved with vaginal vault suturing; however, bleeding recommenced 12 h later. Hemostasis was achieved with TAE. We conclude that endovascular management is a feasible option for intractable delayed hemorrhage after hysterectomy, when vaginal vault suturing fails to achieve hemostasis.

Treatment of Wide-Necked Cerebral Aneurysms Using the WEB Device Including Flow Alteration Assessment With Color-Coded Imaging: A Single Center Experience.

Objective: The Woven EndoBridge (WEB) device (MicroVention, Tustin, CA) has extended the treatment of cerebral aneurysms. Despite the fact that the WEB device has shown promising clinical results, little is known about the caused intra-aneurysmal flow alterations. Here we present our clinical experience with the WEB, including examining various syngo iFlow (Siemens AG, Erlangen, Germany) parameters to predict aneurysm occlusion. Methods: We reviewed the data from patients with unruptured cerebral aneurysms treated with a WEB device between 2016 and 2020. Aneurysm occlusion and complications were assessed. Furthermore, different quantitative criteria were evaluated using syngo iFlow after digital subtraction angiography. Results: A total of 26 patients hosting 26 cerebral aneurysms met the inclusion criteria. Follow-up was available for 21 patients, with a mean of 7.3 ± 6.3 months. A total of 71.4% (n = 15) of the aneurysms included were located in the anterior and 28.6% (n = 6) in the posterior circulation. Adequate aneurysm occlusion was achieved in 85.7% (n = 18). The iFlow parameters for reduced aneurysm outflow (ID-R) differed significantly from the parameters for reduced inflow (PI-R and PI-D) (P < 0.001). The parameters did not differ significantly between adequately and insufficiently occluded aneurysms. Only a trend towards a lower ID-R of insufficiently occluded aneurysms was observed (P = 0.063), indicating a potential predictive value for insufficient aneurysmal outflow. There was no treatment-related morbidity or mortality. Conclusions: The applied syngo iFlow parameters confirmed that flow changes induced by the WEB device significantly affect outflow compared to inflow and have potential predictive value for adequate aneurysm occlusion.

Vascular intracranial malformations and dementia: An under-estimated cause and clinical correlation. Clinical note.

Cerebrovascular malformations (CVMs) such as arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) or dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) represent a possible source of intracranial hemorrhage, but these malformations can also manifest with neurologic disorders secondary to ischemic penumbra from vascular steal. In the latter case, the clinical manifestations are less obvious and characteristic, and may include a varied clinical spectrum ranging from focal deficits to generalized malfunction of the brain parenchyma resulting in dementia. Dementias secondary to CVMs constitute a probably underestimated subpopulation of patients of great interest because they present with devastating but potentially reversible cognitive impairment. We examined the pertinent literature regarding the clinical manifestations of CVMs characterized by cognitive impairment and describe the distinctive clinical features. Our results confirm that cognitive impairment is one of the clinical manifestations of CVMs and is a frequently misrecognized and often late-diagnosed cause of reversible dementia.

Endovascular assisted vertebrobasilar junction aneurysm clipping in a hybrid operation room. Case report.

Introduction: We present a case of a 60-year-old female that underwent surgery for clipping a right vertebrobasilar junction aneurysm (VBJA) in a hybrid operation room. Research question: Does the retrograde suction technique with a proximal balloon is safe and effective as an adjuvant technique in surgery of VBJA? Material and methods: After an extended retrosigmoid approach was performed, a 6F Neuron catheter with an intermediate multipurpose catheter were navigated to the right vertebral artery (VA) through a 6-French sheath, which caused a severe catheter-induced vasospasm in the right VA. The aneurysm was then deflated and clipped. After the withdrawal of the catheter the vasospasm was resolved. Results: The patient had a good recovery, with VI cranial nerve palsy and mild dysphagia due to mild right vocal cord palsy, both improving at 1-month follow-up and fully recovered at 6-month follow-up. Discussion and conclusion: The combination of endovascular procedures and microsurgery at the same hybrid operation room in that case resulted in a safe and effective technique. It is an interesting tool that could help neurosurgeons deal with certain selected cases of VBJA. Intraoperative angiography offers the possibility to reposition a misplaced clip in the same surgery. Good collaboration between interventional neuroradiologists and vascular neurosurgeons helps in achieving good results in such difficult cases.

Role of Transluminal Balloon Angioplasty for the Treatment of Vasospasm Due to Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Haemorrhage: A Multicentric Indian Experience.

Background Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Haemorrhage (aSAH) is a complex and critical neurological condition associated with significant mortality and morbidity. Apart from the initial insult due to the aneurysmal rupture itself, re-bleeding and severe cerebral vasospasm are some of the complications of aSAH that result in overall poor outcomes. Cerebral vasospasm in post-aSAH can result in delayed ischaemic neurological deficits. In the absence of timely interventions, it can lead to grave consequences for the patient. Management of cerebral vasospasm has been evolving over the years to prevent mortality and morbidity in aSAH patients. Materials and methods During 36 months from January 2018 to December 2020, 164 patients were admitted with aSAH in multiple Indian centres. Endovascular methods were used to treat all the aneurysms. Patients were observed for clinically symptomatic cerebral vasospasm. Patients with suspected vasospasm were further evaluated with a transcranial Doppler (TCD), brain computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. In addition, digital subtraction angiography (DSA) of cerebral vessels was performed to evaluate vasospasm further. Twenty-two patients had clinically and angiographically significant vasospasm, and 20 patients were treated with transluminal balloon angioplasty (TBA). Results Satisfactory lumen dilation was achieved in 79 out of the 91 (86.81%) vasospastic segments, namely, distal internal carotid arteries (ICAs) 100%; middle cerebral arteries (MCA) 97.56% (M1=100%, M2=100%, M3=87.5%); vertebral arteries-100%; basilar arteries-100%; anterior cerebral arteries (ACA) 67.64% (A1=75%, A2=57.14%). The mean Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 90 days was 0.75. 17 patients (85%) had an overall good outcome with no new neurological deficits. There were no cases of vessel rupture, dissection or thromboembolic complications. Conclusion TBA is a valuable, safe and effective option for managing clinically significant vasospasm caused by aSAH, adjuvant to medical management.

Splenic artery aneurysm masked as a gastroenterology complication: A case report and literature review.

Introduction and importance: Splenic artery aneurysm has an insidious onset, and low incidence, most of which have no specific manifestations on the early onset and remains the most common visceral aneurysm and third most common splanchnic aneurysm as it still remains a challenge to deal with clinically by many clinicians. Case presentation: We report a single case of a young 21 years old girl who had no potential risk of splenic artery aneurysm on clinical presentation, for gastroenterology disease only assessment and attention in our facility. The patient born and raised on a tropical island in Southern China was clinically diagnosed with splenic artery aneurysm-associated gastroenterological complications which was presented earlier as hematemesis. The patient was considered to have received optimal critical care by our multidisciplinary team and classical features displayed within the clinical settings are worth documenting and contribute perfectly to medical literature as the patient on follow-up is now back to normal life. Clinical discussion: Our patient recovered excellently on critically close follow-up since the patient had special gastroenterology associated complication features which masked the splenic artery aneurysm with very encouraging post-operative parameters or results. Conclusion: The patient was considered to have received optimal multidisciplinary quaternary medical care for SAAs with gastroenterology-associated complications in our interventional cardiovascular and gastroenterology medicine department.

Cross clamping of the supraceliac aorta is effective for bleeding control in ruptured giant splenic artery pseudoaneurysm when proximal and distal control of the splenic artery is not possible: a case report.

Splenic artery pseudoaneurysm is the most common of all the visceral artery pseudoaneurysms. Presentation is often variable and the condition demands immediate diagnosis and management because pseudoaneurysm rupture increases morbidity and mortality. It is associated with pancreatitis and other conditions like abdominal trauma, chronic pancreatitis, pseudocyst of the pancreas, liver transplantation, and, rarely, peptic ulcer disease. We present a case of a giant splenic artery pseudoaneurysm measuring 14x8 cm. Proximal and distal control of the vessels could not be achieved during the procedure because of local adhesions and inflammation and it was necessary to cross clamp the supraceliac aorta to control bleeding.

O pseudoaneurisma de artéria esplênica é o mais comum entre os pseudoaneurismas de artérias viscerais. A apresentação geralmente varia e requer diagnóstico e tratamento imediatos, pois a ruptura do pseudoaneurisma aumenta a morbimortalidade. Esse tipo de pseudoaneurisma está associado à pancreatite e a outras condições, como trauma abdominal, pancreatite crônica, pseudocisto de pâncreas, transplante de fígado e, raramente, úlcera péptica. Apresentamos um caso de pseudoaneurisma gigante de artéria esplênica, com tamanho de 14x8 cm. Durante o procedimento, não foi possível alcançar controle proximal e distal dos vasos devido a aderências locais e inflamação, sendo necessário o clampeamento da aorta supracelíaca para controle do sangramento.

Early hepatocellular carcinoma developed within dysplastic nodule as nodule-within-nodule appearance: Case report with literature review.

Close follow-up of patients with liver cirrhosis has led to increased detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) at an early stage, especially with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) innovations. We report the case of a 70-year-old man, with a recent history of liver cirrhosis due to chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) complicated by hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and for whom trans-arterial chemoembolization (TACE) was planned, as the patient was assigned Child B7 at admission. Angiography performed during the first TACE cycle shows not only the "tumor blush" corresponding to previously detected HCC but also an additional small foci of HCC uptake seen within a large dysplastic nodule giving the appearance of "nodule-within-nodule." Early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma improves prognosis. Hence, it is essential to be aware of all early aspects of HCC, including the nodule-within-nodule appearance on cross-sectional imaging, and also in angiography, as in this case.

Vertigo due to cerebellar cavernous malformation: A case report.

Central vertigo is a result of vestibular structure dysfunction in the central nervous system. Currently, misdiagnoses between peripheral and central lesions are frequent, and diagnostic testing costs are high. Identifying the characteristics of these 2 conditions is challenging. We can provide better treatment if we can establish a diagnosis earlier. Cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM) at the cerebellum is a cerebellar lesion that causes symptoms of central vertigo. We report a patient, 20th years old, female, with vertigo for 1 month before being admitted. Vertigo was getting worse, and when the patient arrived at our hospital, vertigo was accompanied by headache, right and left abducens nerve palsy, horizontal nystagmus bidirectional, vertical nystagmus, and weakness on the right side of the body. A brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed before surgery and shows a lesion suggestive of CCM at the cerebellum with a hemorrhagic component inside and non-communicating hydrocephalus. There is no vascular malformation based on digital subtraction angiography result. MRI is the most sensitive and specific modality for detecting CCM, whereas cerebral angiography rarely detects this malformation. The patient got surgical treatment, with suboccipital decompression procedures and CCM excision. The histopathological results after surgical treatment revealed a cerebral cavernous malformation. Vertigo, headache, double vision, and weakness on the right side of the body were resolved after surgery.

Arteriolymphatic Fistula: An Extremely Uncommon Adversary and its Management.

A 66-year-old female patient underwent transfemoral coronary angioplasty. Three weeks after the procedure, she presented with abdominal pain. An abdominal computed tomography scan revealed an unusual femoral arteriolymphatic fistula, which was managed with selective angiography-guided glue embolization. (Level of Difficulty: Advanced.).

Recurrent stroke syndrome without abnormality on magnetic resonance imaging caused by stenosis of middle cerebral artery: A case report.

Middle cerebral artery stenosis is the leading and the most frequent cause of stroke due to intracranial stenosis in Asia. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is more sensitive than computed tomography of the head for detecting acute brain ischemia. We are reporting a case of a 28-year-old female with recurrent left hemiparesis. After the last attack, an improvement in motor function was seen in less than 24 hours. Though the restoration of motor functions is not complete yet, an MRI scan that was done two weeks later appeared normal. Ischemic stroke in middle cerebral artery stenosis is associated with hemodynamic stroke due to hypoperfusion or lack of blood flow to brain tissue. Recurrent strokes can be prevented by better medical management in patients through regulation and management of risk factors.

Dataset on flow diversion procedures performed with the Pipeline Embolization Device, Pipeline Flex, and Surpass Streamline for intracranial aneurysms.

Flow diversion is an evolving endovascular modality for treating intracranial aneurysms. Although rare, serious adverse events following flow diversion may include ischemic stroke, intracranial hemorrhage, or delayed rupture of the treated aneurysm. This dataset describes 141 flow diversion procedures performed with the Pipeline Embolization Device, Pipeline Flex, or Surpass Streamline on 126 subjects with intracranial aneurysms [1]. The retrospective data were collected from electronic medical records at two large tertiary centers. Baseline patient data included age, sex, and medical comorbidities. The dataset also describes aneurysm characteristics including laterality, anatomic location, morphology, dome height, and neck width. In addition, digital subtraction images showing the internal carotid artery tortuosity were included for aneurysms in the anterior cerebral circulation [2]. Procedural data include case duration, radiation exposure, number of flow diverters deployed, and complications encountered during deployment. In addition, data related to the duration of hospitalization and postoperative adverse events are included. Finally, time to follow up and rates of total aneurysm obliteration at first and second postoperative visits are included. This data is propensity score matching are included. This data is presented as a starting point for future prospective comparisons in the safety and efficacy of flow diverters as more devices become approved and commercially available.

Subarachnoid hemorrhage due to middle cerebral artery dissection mimicking aneurysm - Case report.

We report a case of subarachnoid hemorrhage due to a dissecting middle cerebral artery that was misdiagnosed as saccular aneurysm. A 74-years old female patient presented with headache and neck pain for 4 days. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed subarachnoid hemorrhage in both Sylvian fissures. A ruptured left middle cerebral artery bifurcation saccular aneurysm and unruptured basilar tip aneurysm were diagnosed. The patient was treated surgically using the transsylvian approach. However, no saccular aneurysm was found during the surgery, and the diagnosis was corrected for middle cerebral artery dissection. We treated the dissected segment of the middle cerebral artery and performed clip reinforcement. We experienced a case of middle cerebral artery dissection with no neurological deficit, which was misdiagnosed as a saccular aneurysm. If the stump of the occlusion is conical, dissection should be suspected. High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging and angiography should be performed for a differential diagnosis if dissection is suspected.

Hepatic Artery Vasospasm Masquerading as Hepatic Artery Thrombosis in a Case of Deceased Donor Liver Transplant.

Hepatic arterial vasospasm can be a potential vascular complication after liver transplantation and can manifest as hepatic artery thrombosis. Due to the scarcity of literature on this pathology, its incidence, mechanism, relevance, diagnosis, and prognosis remain to be investigated. Our index case, a 64-year-old man with decompensated alcohol-related cirrhosis, underwent a cadaveric orthotopic liver transplant and was having a normal postoperative course. On postoperative day 12, liver enzymes were elevated, and Doppler ultrasound performed showed hepatic arterial occlusion. In view of hepatic artery thrombosis digital subtraction angiography (DSA) was done, which showed a string bead appearance of graft hepatic artery, with no thrombosis or stenosis of hepatic artery anastomosis. It was managed by oral administration of vasodilator, as well as intra-arterial administration of vasodilators through DSA catheter tip placed in the hepatic artery. He responded well to the management and was discharged on postoperative day 24 with normal liver enzymes.

Mechanical thrombectomy in acute stroke for superior limb of the fenestration of the middle cerebral artery.

Fenestration of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) is a rare anatomic variant, and lenticulostriate arteries (LSAs) often arise from the superior limb of the fenestrated segment. A case of acute occlusion of the superior limb of a fenestrated MCA that successfully underwent mechanical thrombectomy is presented. Digital subtraction angiography performed for a 73-year-old man with acute left hemiparesis showed poor visualization of the upper half of the right M1 segment with maintenance of antegrade peripheral circulation of the MCA territory, and mechanical thrombectomy was successfully performed using a stent retriever with intravenous thrombolysis. After restoration of the MCA, the vascular variant of a fenestrated MCA was found. Clinicians must consider the possibility of acute occlusion of a fenestrated MCA before endovascular thrombectomy. Restoration of acute occlusion of the upper limb of a fenestrated MCA can avoid LSA territory infarction.

Primary breast angiosarcoma: A case report.

Background: Primary breast angiosarcoma (PBA) is a rare sarcoma, accounting for only 0.04% of all breast malignancies, with a difficult diagnosis and a poor prognosis. Mastectomy is the standard treatment, and the role of adjuvant treatment (chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy following surgery) remains uncertain with very few studies. Case Presentation: We report the case of a 17-year-old female patient who presented with a right breast lump that had rapidly increased in size and was hemorrhaging. She was diagnosed with breast angiosarcoma by needle biopsy and pathological evaluation. However, the mass showed a quick tendency to bleed during biopsies. After that, we performed angiography and tumor vascular embolization. The patient underwent a mastectomy followed by adjuvant chemotherapy. Conclusion: Tumor vascular embolization reduced the surgical risk of PBA with hemorrhage complications. Postoperative therapeutic roles still need further exploration and verification.

Ultrasound-guided computed tomography angiography for the diagnosis of rotational vertebral artery occlusion: 2 case reports and technical notes.

Rotational vertebral artery occlusion is a rare cause of ischemic stroke in the vertebrobasilar arteries. While computed tomography angiography (CTA) is less invasive for the diagnosis of rational vertebral artery occlusion than digital subtraction angiography and more useful for elucidating the correlation between vertebrobasilar arteries and the surrounding structure, carotid ultrasound is noninvasive and more beneficial for the real-time evaluation of the hemodynamic change with neck rotation compared to CTA. Here, we reported 2 cases of rotational vertebral artery occlusion in patients aged 81 and 38 years and proposed a novel technique for its diagnosis using ultrasound-guided CTA. We suggest that the combination of ultrasound and CTA is useful for diagnosing rotational vertebral artery occlusion, which would compensate for the disadvantages of CTA alone.