Long-term outcome of cervical artery dissection.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to evaluate the natural history of extracranial cervical artery dissection (CAD) including comorbidities, symptoms at presentation, recurrence of symptoms, and long-term outcome following different treatment approaches. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients treated for acute CAD was performed over a 5-year period from January 2017 to April 2022. RESULTS: Thirty-nine patients were included in the study, 25 (64.1%) with acute internal carotid artery dissection and 14 (35.9%) with acute vertebral artery dissection. Thirty-four patients (87.1%) had spontaneous CAD, and five patients (12.8%) had traumatic CAD. The mean age of the cohort was 54.2 years. The mean time from symptom onset to presentation was 4.34 days. The most common symptoms in internal carotid artery dissection were unilateral weakness (44%), headache (44%), slurred speech (36%), facial droop (28%), unilateral paraesthesia (24%), neck pain (12%), visual disturbance (8%), and Horner's syndrome (8%). The most common symptoms in vertebral artery dissection were headache (35.7%), neck pain (35.7%), vertigo (28.57%), ataxia (14.28%), and slurred speech (14.28%). The imaging modalities used for diagnosis included computed tomography angiography (48.7%), magnetic resonance angiography (41%), and duplex ultrasound (10.2%). In patients with carotid artery dissection, 57% had severe stenosis, 24% had moderate stenosis, and 20% had mild stenosis. All patients treated were managed conservatively with either anticoagulation or antiplatelets. Long-term clinical follow-up was available for 33 patients (84.6%). Thirty patients (90.9%) reported complete resolution of symptoms, and three patients (9%) reported persistent symptoms. Anatomic follow-up with imaging was available for 17 patients (43.58%). Thirteen patients (76.47%) had complete resolution of dissection, two patients (11.76%) had partial resolution of dissection, and two patients (11.76%) had persistent dissection. There was one death unrelated to CAD in a multi-trauma patient. There were four early recurrent symptoms in the first 3 to 8 weeks post discharge. The mean follow-up time was 308.27 days. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of CADs can be managed conservatively with good clinical and anatomical outcome and low rates of recurrence.

CT imaging for occult malignancy in patients with unprovoked venous thromboembolism (VTE) in a tertiary centre: is it worthwhile?

BACKGROUND: Investigating patients with unprovoked venous thromboembolism (uVTE) for occult malignancy can prove a diagnostic dilemma and imaging is often used extensively in this patient group. AIMS: The primary objective of this study was to determine the incidence of malignancy on CT and other imaging over a 10-year period. A secondary objective was to evaluate the role of laboratory and other non-imaging tests performed. METHODS: A retrospective key word search of our hospital's imaging system was performed to identify patients with unprovoked DVT/PE over the last 10 years. All imaging, histology, endoscopy, laboratory tests, and clinical follow-up over 2 years were analysed. Patients with provoked VTE were excluded. RESULTS: 150 patients had uVTE. 9 patients were diagnosed with occult malignancy by different investigations on index hospital admission (3 patients) or subsequently on clinical follow-up (6 patients). Mean age of patients was 62 years. 116 patients had CT body imaging. The incidence of malignancy diagnosed by initial CT imaging was 1.7% with a sensitivity of 22%, specificity 87%, and PPV 12.5%. Overall incidence of malignancy identified by imaging alone during the index hospital admission was 2%. Total incidence of malignancy including index admission and follow-up was 6%. Median time to cancer diagnosis was 12 months. CONCLUSION: CT imaging had a low yield for diagnosing malignancy. Extensive imaging strategies increase cost and radiation exposure without improving mortality. Clinical follow-up, history taking, and physical examination guiding appropriate investigations remain the best tool for unmasking occult malignancy in patients with uVTE.

Appendiceal tumours - A correlation of CT features and histopathological diagnosis.

Appendiceal tumours are uncommon neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract. An understanding of the imaging appearances facilitates an accurate radiological description, which guides surgical and oncological management. In this study, a retrospective review of the CT imaging and histopathology of all cases of appendiceal tumours discussed at the oncology multidisciplinary meetings in a single centre, over an 8-year period (2012-2019) is performed. The array and incidence of both common and rare pathologies are investigated, and important characteristic imaging findings for radiologists to recognize are highlighted.

Modified Brixia chest X-ray severity scoring system and correlation with intubation, non-invasive ventilation and death in a hospitalised COVID-19 cohort.

INTRODUCTION: There are few existing severity scoring systems in the literature, and no formally widely accepted chest X-ray template for reporting COVID-19 infection. We aimed to modify the chest X-ray COVID-19 severity scoring system from the Brixia scoring system with placement of more emphasis on consolidation and to assess if the scoring tool could help predict intubation. METHODS: A severity chest X-ray scoring system was modified from the Brixia scoring system. PCR positive COVID-19 positive patient's chest X-rays admitted to our hospital over 3 months were reviewed and correlated with; non-invasive ventilation, intubation and death. An analysis was performed using a receiver operating curve to predict intubation from all admission chest X-rays. RESULTS: The median score of all 325 admission chest X-rays was 3 (Interquartile range (IQR) 0-6.5). The median score of admission chest X-rays of those who did not require ICU admission and survived was 1.5 (IQR 0-5); and 9 (IQR 4.75-12) was median admission score of those requiring intubation. The median scores of the pre-intubation ICU chest X-rays was 11.5 (IQR 9-14.125), this increased from a median admission chest X-ray score for this group of 9 (P-value < 0.01). A cut-off score of 6 had a sensitivity of 77% and specificity of 73% in predicting the need for intubation. CONCLUSION: Higher chest X-ray severity scores are associated with intubation, need for non-invasive ventilation and death. This tool may also be helpful in predicting intubation.

Is CT thorax, abdomen and pelvis a useful test in patients with weight loss?

INTRODUCTION: Unintentional weight loss is an important clinical problem. The role of CT is not firmly established in the workup of these patients. The aim of this study is to determine the diagnostic yield of CT Thorax, Abdomen and Pelvis (CT TAP) in patients with unexplained weight loss and to determine whether clinical or laboratory variables are associated with positive CT findings. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of CT TAP examinations over 12 months with weight loss as an indication. Patients' electronic records and radiology reports were reviewed. Clinical and laboratory variables were assessed for correlation with positive findings on CT. RESULTS: 461 CT TAP studies with weight loss as the primary indication were identified. 124 were excluded; 82 due to a recent history of malignancy, 41 because CT TAP was used for staging of a new malignancy and one study was incomplete. This left 337 eligible examinations. 217 studies had findings of no clinical relevance, 50 studies were normal, 40 studies identified a possible cause of weight loss and 30 studies identified a definite cause. Of the 40 where a possible cause was identified, further work up led to a diagnosis which explained the weight loss in 13 patients. The diagnostic yield of CT TAP was 12.8%. Age, abdominal symptoms, degree of weight loss, anaemia, tumour markers and LDH did not significantly correlate with positive findings on CT. CONCLUSION: CT TAP is a helpful investigation in patients with unexplained weight loss with a diagnostic yield of 12.8%.

Natural growth pattern of sporadic renal angiomyolipoma.

BACKGROUND: Surveillance of sporadic renal angiomyolipomas is a growing issue for physicians and radiologists. Current treatment recommendations favor active surveillance. However, the evidence underlying these is based on small case series, which also typically include angiomyolipomas associated with tuberous sclerosis. PURPOSE: To evaluate the natural growth pattern of sporadic renal angiomyolipomas in patients without tuberous sclerosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective review was performed in three separate tertiary referral centers. A keyword search of each institutions PACS history was performed. Inclusion criteria were angiomyolipomas > 1 cm in size, three years of follow-up, and lesions requiring treatment before reaching three years of follow-up. Exclusion criteria included a diagnosis of tuberous sclerosis, pregnancy, prior treatment with embolization without any prior imaging, and lesions which were treated on presentation. Growth of the angiomyolipomas was evaluated on the basis of maximum dimension on initial and follow-up images. RESULTS: Sixty-three patients were identified in total, with 64 lesions eligible for inclusion. The majority of patients were women (55/63). The mean age at which the angiomyolipomas discovered was 56.4 years. Mean total growth was 0.085 mm and mean follow-up was 65.5 months. At initial measurement, the mean maximum dimension of the lesions in our cohort was 2.08 cm. After follow-up, this was 2.16 cm. The average rate of growth was 0.015 cm per year. CONCLUSION: Sporadic angiomyolipomas exhibit minimal, if any, natural growth. Current surveillance strategies could be relaxed.

Does longitudinal or transverse orientation of the ultrasound probe improve cannulation success in minimally invasive venous surgery: A multicentre randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the effect of transverse and longitudinal ultrasound transducer orientation on saphenous vein cannulation during endovenous ablation. METHODS: A single-blinded, multicentre, randomised controlled trial was performed in patients undergoing ultrasound-guided venous cannulation for saphenous ablation. The primary outcomes were overall cannulation success and time to successful cannulation. RESULTS: In total, 100 patients were assigned to parallel longitudinal orientation and transverse orientation groups. Cannulation success was 100%. There was no significant variation in time to cannulation detected between the transverse orientation and longitudinal orientation (85 s vs. 71 s, p = 0.314). Longitudinal orientation was associated with significantly fewer needle passes [median 3 (interquartile range 1-5) vs. 2 (interquartile range 1-3), p = 0.026] and less pain (median visual analogue scale score 1 vs. 2.5, p = 0.039) than those in the transverse orientation group. CONCLUSION: This trial has shown that while longitudinal orientation is associated with less procedural pain it has no significant effect on time to target vein cannulation during endovenous ablation.

Assessment of renal vascular anatomy on multi-detector computed tomography in living renal donors.

BACKGROUND: Prospective renal donors are a select population of healthy individuals who have been thoroughly screened for significant comorbidities before they undergo multi-detector computed tomography angiography and urography (MDCT). PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to describe the anatomy of potential living renal donor subjects using MDCT over a 2-year period. The primary objective is to identify the renal arterial anatomy variations, with a secondary objective of identifying venous and collecting system/ureteric variations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study was performed of prospective living kidney transplant donors at a national kidney transplant centre. Study inclusion criteria were all potential kidney donors who underwent MDCT during the living-donor assessment process over a 2-year period. RESULTS: Our cohort included 160 potential living donors who had MDCT; mean age was 45.6 years (range, 21-71). Two renal arteries were identified on the left in 40 subjects (25%) and on the right in 42 subjects (26.3%). A total of 3 or more renal arteries were identified on the left in 7 subjects (4.4%) and on the right in 7 subjects (4.4%). On the left, the distances between multiple arteries ranged from 1 mm to 43 mm, and on the right, they were 1 mm to 84 mm. CONCLUSIONS: Conventionally described anatomy was only seen on the left side in 70.6% and 69.4% on the right side of subjects. Single renal arteries are seen in 54.4% showing that conventional anatomy has a relatively low incidence.

Early repatriation post-thrombectomy: a model of care which maximises the capacity of a stroke network to treat patients with large vessel ischaemic stroke.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Healthcare systems are challenged to provide access to thrombectomy in acute stroke patients. Either the "drip and ship" or "mothership" models result in increased numbers of patients in the endovascular stroke centre (ESC). We describe our approach for a "drip, ship, retrieve and leave" model repatriating patients immediately or within 24 hours of thrombectomy. METHODS: We included consecutive patients who underwent thrombectomy from January 2016 to June 2018. Patients from local region primary stroke centres (PSC) are immediately repatriated and those from remote region PSCs are admitted for 24 hours before repatriation. Key parameters recorded included clinical, radiological and timeline data as well as 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Patients who stayed beyond the intended time period in the ESC were analysed. RESULTS: From January 2016 to June 2018, 435 patients were transferred, with 352 patients in the local region group and 83 in the remote region group. The median NIHSS was 16 with a median ASPECTS of 9. Good functional outcome was seen in 47% of patients with a mortality rate of 19%. The local region group that were repatriated at the intended time period had a 90-day mRS 0-2 of 47% compared with 20% of those admitted to the ESC (P=0.006). Mortality rates were 20% and 27% respectively (P=0.377). The remote region group, repatriated at 24 hours' post-emergency endovascular thrombectomy had 90-day mRS 0-2 of 65% compared with 41% in the group admitted (P=0.042). Mortality rates were 4% and 22% respectively (P=0.007). CONCLUSION: This model enables the treatment of large numbers of patients with large vessel occlusion acute ischaemic stroke with thrombectomy within a national stroke service and system of care which would not otherwise be facilitated.

Pain relief after varicocele embolization: The patient's perspective.

INTRODUCTION: Long-term efficacy of treatment with varicocele embolization is poorly documented from the patient's perspective. This study assessed patients' perceived changes in pain scores pre- and post-testicular vein embolization. In addition, the effect of testicular vein embolization on quality of life (QoL) parameters was assessed. METHODS: All patients treated with embolization for varicocele-related orchalgia were analysed (2009-2015). A standardized pain impact questionnaire was used to assess pain scores pre- and post-procedure. The primary outcome was to assess patients' pain relief post-varicocele embolization. The secondary outcome was patients' perceived efficacy of the embolization procedure in terms of improvement in QoL parameters. RESULTS: Sixty patients underwent varicocele embolization due to persistent orchalgia; of which 44 responded to the questionnaire. The mean pre-procedural pain score was 5.4/10 (range of 1.5-9). Post-procedure questionnaire was performed at a median of 58 months (range 28-106 months). At 1, 6 and 12 months post-procedure, the mean pain score was 1.57, 0.55 and 0.3, respectively. 50% (n = 22) reported complete pain relief 1-month post-embolization while 89% (n = 39) of patients reported complete resolution of pain at 1 year. Among the measured QoL parameters; varicocele embolization resulted in significant improvement in return to work, housework, socializing, exercise, sexual relations, and sleeping post-embolization (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Varicocele embolization results in a durable reduction in pain scores compared to their pre-operative values. Information from this study will allow clinicians to convey the potential improvements in pain parameters to patients undergoing embolization of symptomatic varicoceles.

Antegrade and Retrograde Endoscopic Approaches for Managing Obstructing Ureteral Calculi in Renal Transplant Patients: An Illustrative Case Series.

Purpose: To demonstrate the various antegrade and retrograde endourologic approaches that may be required for effectively treating kidney transplant recipients presenting with ureteral obstruction caused by urolithiasis. Materials and Methods: We prospectively evaluated endoscopic management techniques of renal transplant recipients referred to a national kidney transplant center with obstructing transplant ureteral calculi for a 12-month period (April 2019-April 2020). Results: Four kidney transplant recipients presented with ureteral obstruction caused by urolithiasis and the mean age was 66.6 (range: 62-71) years. The mean duration from renal transplantation was 16 (range: 6-25) years. Three patients presented with acute urosepsis and one patient presented with malaise and recurrent urinary tract infections. Two patients were definitively treated with percutaneous antegrade flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy through a 16F minipercutaneous nephrolithotomy sheath. Two patients were definitively treated with retrograde flexible ureteroscopy (7F single-use disposable ureteroscope) and laser lithotripsy. Full stone clearance was achieved in all four patients and no perioperative complications occurred. Conclusion: Management of ureteral calculi in renal transplant recipients is challenging. A multimodal approach involving antegrade and retrograde endoscopic techniques may be required to achieve full stone clearance.

Imaging features of Benign Perianal lesions.

Magnetic resonance imaging provides detailed visualisation, identification and extent assessment of many anal disorders. While many studies are performed in the evaluation of malignant processes such as anorectal carcinoma, the primary focus of this pictorial review is benign lesions, which involve the anal canal and perianal spaces. This pictorial review will illustrate the MRI appearances of a variety of benign conditions, which predominantly affect the anal canal, including abscess, fistulae, lipomas, developmental cysts and inflammatory conditions. MRI aids in the identification and characterisation of these abnormalities, of coexisting complications and differentiation from other perineal abnormalities. This pictorial review highlights the spectrum of non-malignant processes involving the perianal region.

Prevalence of Incidental Findings on Multidetector Computed Tomography in Potential Nephrectomy Donors: A Prospective Observational Study.

OBJECTIVES: Prospective renal donors are a select population of healthy individuals who have been thoroughly screened for significant comorbidities before they undergo multidetector computed tomography. Our aim was to determine the prevalence of incidental findings on preoperative multidetector computed tomography in a healthy cohort of potential living donors for kidney transplant. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study was performed of prospective living kidney transplant donors at a national kidney transplant center. Study inclusion criteria were all potential kidney donors who underwent multidetector computed tomography during the living-donor assessment process over a 5-year period (January 2012 to 2017). RESULTS: Our cohort included 375 potential living donors who had multidetector computed tomography; mean age was 44.33 years (range, 21-71.5 y). In total, there were 228 incidental findings identified in 158 individuals. Of the 375 potential donors, 193 (51%) proceeded to living donor nephrectomy. On multidetector computed tomography, 97 incidental findings were identified in the donor cohort versus 131 in the cohort that did not proceed to donation. Bosniak 1 renal cysts were the most common incidental finding (n = 46) followed by liver cysts < 1.5 cm (n = 42) and urinary tract calculi (n = 21). There was 1 incidentally detected pathologically proven malignancy. CONCLUSIONS: A variety of incidentally detected lesions of moderate to high importance were detected in this healthy donor cohort. Individuals undergoing assessment with multidetector computed tomography for living donor nephrectomy should be counseled on medical, financial, and psychological implications of incidentally detected lesions during the kidney transplant evaluation process.

Chylous-Related Complications Following Surgical Management of Clavicular Fractures: A Report of Two Cases.

CASE: We treated 2 patients with chylous-related complications following open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of the clavicle. These complications were of unknown etiology; 1 was treated with percutaneous injection of a sclerosing agent, while the other was treated with ligation of the thoracic duct. CONCLUSION: A chyle leak is more commonly seen with upper gastrointestinal, thoracic, and head and neck surgery. This complication potentially carries a substantial rate of morbidity. We report the successful management of 2 patients with difficult postoperative chylous-related complications following ORIF of the clavicle.

Combining Ultrasound-Guided Vascular Access With Ultrasound-Guided Analgesia for Single Skin and Vessel Puncture.

PURPOSE: To describe a single skin puncture technique combining subcutaneous injection of anesthetic to the depth of the vessel wall with venipuncture in the same movement. TECHNIQUE: Using ultrasound guidance, controlled anesthetic instillation along the needle tract and outer vessel wall with a 21-G vascular access needle can be combined with vessel puncture. This technique reduces the number of skin punctures and ensures accurate anesthetic instillation. The maximum inadvertent intravascular dose of commercial local anesthetic preparations that can be delivered with a small syringe is far below toxicity thresholds. CONCLUSION: A technique for combining anesthetic administration and vascular access with a 21-G needle and ultrasound guidance is feasible.

Uterine Artery Embolization: An Analysis of Online Patient Information Quality and Readability with Historical Comparison.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: Investigators aimed to assess online information describing uterine artery embolization (UAE) to examine the quality and readability of websites patients are accessing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A list of applicable, commonly used searchable terms was generated, including "Uterine Artery Embolization," "Fibroid Embolization," "Uterine Fibroid Embolization," and "Uterine Artery Embolisation." Each possible term was assessed across the five most-used English language search engines to determine the most commonly used term. The most common term was then investigated across each search engine, with the first 25 pages returned by each engine included for analysis. Duplicate pages, nontext content such as video or audio, and pages behind paywalls were excluded. Pages were analyzed for quality and readability using validated tools including DISCERN score, JAMA Benchmark Criteria, HONcode Certification, Flesch Reading Ease Score, Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level, and Gunning-Fog Index. Secondary features such as age, rank, author, and publisher were recorded. RESULTS: The most common applicable term was "Uterine Artery Embolization" (492,900 results). Mean DISCERN quality of information provided by UAE websites is "fair"; however, it has declined since comparative 2012 studies. Adherence to JAMA Benchmark Criteria has reduced to 6.7%. UAE website readability remains more difficult than the World Health Organization-recommended 7-8th grade reading levels. HONcode-certified websites (35.6%) demonstrated significantly higher quality than noncertified websites. CONCLUSIONS: Quality of online UAE information remains "fair." Adherence to JAMA benchmark criteria is poor. Readability is above recommended 7-8th grade levels. HONcode certification was predictive of higher website quality, a useful guide to patients requesting additional information.

The European Board of Interventional Radiology Examination: A Cross-Sectional Web-Based Survey.

INTRODUCTION: The Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology Society of Europe established the European Board of Interventional Radiology (EBIR) as an international examination in Interventional Radiology (IR), in 2010. The main objective of this study was to examine candidates' variables which could influence examination success. The secondary objective was to evaluate candidate feedback. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was a cross-sectional web-based survey incorporating 30 questions which reviewed candidates' demographics; use of English language; education; and radiology training. Free-text responses provided perspective on the examination process and any potential career implications. This survey was distributed via SurveygizmoTM and emailed to 227 candidates, and the results were then anonymised and analysed. RESULTS: A total of 115 candidates responded to the survey. 4.4% (N = 5/115) of candidates were women, and 38.3% (N = 44/115) of candidates were fluent in English. Over 45.2% (N = 52/115) of the respondents achieved a distinction, or >70% equivalent in their medical degree, and 60.8% (N = 70/115) achieved some form of higher degree after medical school. 54.8% (N = 63/115) spent time in other medical specialties, of which the majority (33.8%, N = 39/115) was in surgery. 67.5% (N = 77/114) completed a dedicated fellowship in IR. 61.9% (70/113) felt the EBIR qualification helped their career, for example with academic promotion or increased clinical privileges. CONCLUSION: EBIR applicants were predominantly male (>95%). Clinical training, prior to radiology training, was very common in this cohort. Overall, most candidates expressed satisfaction with the examination process, and many felt this qualification helped their career. The recent recognition by national accreditation bodies should hopefully improve the profile of the examination greatly.