New Alcohol and Onyx Mixture for Embolization: Feasibility and Proof of Concept in Both In Vitro and In Vivo Models.

INTRODUCTION: Onyx and ethanol are well-known embolic and sclerotic agents that are frequently used in embolization. These agents present advantages and disadvantages regarding visibility, injection control and penetration depth. Mixing both products might yield a new product with different characteristics. The aim of this study is to evaluate the injectability, radiopacity, and mechanical and occlusive properties of different mixtures of Onyx 18 and ethanol in vitro and in vivo (in a swine model). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Various Onyx 18 and ethanol formulations were prepared and tested in vitro for their injectability, solidification rate and shrinkage, cohesion and occlusive properties. In vivo tests were performed using 3 swine. Ease of injection, radiopacity, cohesiveness and penetration were analyzed using fluoroscopy and high-resolution CT. RESULTS: All mixtures were easy to inject through a microcatheter with no resistance or blockage in vitro and in vivo. The 50%-ethanol mixture showed delayed copolymerization with fragmentation and proximal occlusion. The 75%-ethanol mixture showed poor radiopacity in vivo and was not tested in vitro. The 25%-ethanol mixture showed good occlusive properties and accepted penetration and radiopacity. CONCLUSION: Mixing Onyx and ethanol is feasible. The mixture of 25% of ethanol and 75% of Onyx 18 could be a new sclero-embolic agent. Further research is needed to study the chemical changes of the mixture, to confirm the significance of the added sclerotic effect and to find out the ideal mixture percentages.

3D rotational angiography in the endovascular treatment of visceral aneurysms: preliminary experience in a single centre.

OBJECTIVES: Endovascular embolization is a valid option for the management of visceral artery aneurysms. Imaging is crucial for providing anatomical assessments, but preoperative non-invasive investigations may not be exhaustive. The aim of this work is to present preliminary experience with the use of three-dimensional rotational angiography (3DRA) in this particular theatre. METHODS: Seven patients were treated for eight visceral aneurysms (six splenic and two renal) by endovascular embolization. 3DRA was performed before the treatment using a standard protocol. Different parameters (location of the lesion, the afferent and efferent vessels, aneurysm neck, vascular diameters, working incidence) were analyzed. RESULTS: 3DRA was successfully accomplished in all procedures. Mean aneurysm diameter was 23 mm and mean C-arm working incidence was 29° (R-L) and 9° (C-C). The sandwich technique was used in four lesions and the packing in the remaining four. Technical success was 100 %. The mean radiation dose per procedure was 291 600 mGy.cm(2). The mean procedural time was 2.25 hours. There were no immediate or short-term complications. CONCLUSIONS: 3DRA could be an interesting intraoperative tool to provide anatomical and technical assessments of the visceral arteries necessary for endovascular treatment, especially when information from preoperative imaging is not exhaustive. KEY POINTS: Endovascular embolization is a valid alternative solution for visceral artery aneurysm treatment. Imaging is crucial for anatomical assessments and treatment guidance. 3DRA can contribute to endovascular treatment in lieu of preoperative imaging.

Image fusion performed with noncontrast computed tomography scans during endovascular aneurysm repair.

We report two endovascular aneurysm repair procedures achieved under image fusion guidance accomplished with noncontrast injected preoperative computed tomography scans. Such use of this advanced imaging application reduces contrast media injection volume (respectively, 27 and 24 mL throughout the patients' hospital course). No changes in creatinine clearance occurred after the procedures. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging confirmed technical success in both cases.

Nontropical pyomyositis complicated with spinal epidural abscess in a previously healthy child.

BACKGROUND: Pyomyositis (PM), a rare pyogenic infection that involves skeletal muscles, if not immediately diagnosed, can be fatal. Most notably, this results in spinal epidural abscess (SEA) in typically unhealthy individuals. CASE DESCRIPTION: We present a very rare nontropical PM complicated with SEA in a previously healthy child revealed by Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Our patient recovered without complications 5 years after abscess drainage and antibiotics. CONCLUSION: PM remains a challenge to clinicians and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of musculoskeletal pain. MRI is the investigation of choice of spinal infection and should be undertaken at an early stage.