AI-Based Approach to One-Click Chronic Subdural Hematoma Segmentation Using Computed Tomography Images.

This paper presents a computer vision-based approach to chronic subdural hematoma segmentation that can be performed by one click. Chronic subdural hematoma is estimated to occur in 0.002-0.02% of the general population each year and the risk increases with age, with a high frequency of about 0.05-0.06% in people aged 70 years and above. In our research, we developed our own dataset, which includes 53 series of CT scans collected from 21 patients with one or two hematomas. Based on the dataset, we trained two neural network models based on U-Net architecture to automate the manual segmentation process. One of the models performed segmentation based only on the current frame, while the other additionally processed multiple adjacent images to provide context, a technique that is more similar to the behavior of a doctor. We used a 10-fold cross-validation technique to better estimate the developed models' efficiency. We used the Dice metric for segmentation accuracy estimation, which was 0.77. Also, for testing our approach, we used scans from five additional patients who did not form part of the dataset, and created a scenario in which three medical experts carried out a hematoma segmentation before we carried out segmentation using our best model. We developed the OsiriX DICOM Viewer plugin to implement our solution into the segmentation process. We compared the segmentation time, which was more than seven times faster using the one-click approach, and the experts agreed that the segmentation quality was acceptable for clinical usage.

The Advantages of Non-Adhesive Gel-like Embolic Materials in the Endovascular Treatment of Benign Hypervascularized Lesions of the Head and Neck.

OBJECTIVES: The use of non-adhesive gel-like embolic materials (NAGLEMs) in the endovascular treatment of hypervascularized formations in the head and neck is gaining in popularity because of a number of important characteristics involved. Their primary benefits are their capacity to penetrate diseased vasculature, effectively distribute, and, most importantly, remain controllable during the process. We reviewed the literature and evaluated the results of using NAGLEMs in comparison to other embolizing substances (namely, coils, glue, and particles) as alternative embolizing agents for patients receiving care at our clinic. The process comprised evaluating the safety, effectiveness, and technological elements of endovascular therapy used to treat two categories of hypervascular pathological abnormalities that were surgically corrected between 2015 and 2023. Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) located in the head, neck, and paragangliomas with jugular/carotid body localization are combined by intense shunting blood flow and shared requirements for the embolic agent used in endovascular treatment (such as penetration, distribution, delayed polymerization, and controllability). An analysis of the literature was also conducted. Results showed 18 patients diagnosed with neck paragangliomas of the carotid body and jugular type. Five patients with arteriovenous malformation (AVM) of the face and neck were included, consisting of sixteen females and seven males with an average age of 55 ± 13 years. Endovascular procedures were performed using NAGLEMs (ONYX (Medtronic, Irvine, CA, USA), SQUID (Balt, Montmorency, France), and PHIL (Microvention, Tustin, CA, USA)) and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)-compatible balloon catheters. All patients achieved complete or partial embolization of hypervascularized formations using one or more stages of endovascular treatment. Additionally, three AVMs of the face and two paragangliomas of the neck were surgically excised following embolization. In other instances, formations were not deemed necessary to be removed. The patients' condition upon discharge was assessed by the modified Rankin Scale (mRs) and rated between 0 and 2. CONCLUSION: Currently, NAGLEMs are predominantly used to treat hypervascularized formations in the neck and head due to their fundamental properties. These properties include a lack of adhesion and a delay in predictable polymerization (after 30-40 min). NAGLEMs also exhibit excellent distribution and penetration throughout the vascular bed of the formation. Adequate controllability of the process is largely achieved through the presence of embolism forms of different viscosity, as well as excellent X-ray visualization.

Angiogenetic Factors in Chronic Subdural Hematoma Development.

The levels of angiogenic factors were analyzed in eight patients who underwent the embolization of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) with non-adhesive liquid embolic agents. Four of these patients had previously undergone surgical treatment for hematoma removal and had recurrences of a similar volume, and four had an increase in hematoma volume due to rebleeding. The levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP 9), angiopoietin-2 (Ang2), transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-ß1) and platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB) in the arterial and venous blood were analyzed. The most significant results were obtained from the peripheral venous blood samples. The levels of VEGF in the samples of all the patients were close to normal or slightly decreased. There was an increase in the MMP9 levels (the factor that contributes to the disintegration of the vessel wall components) in all the patients. The Ang2 and especially the PDGF TGF-ß1 (the factor that plays an important role in the growth of the vessel wall from the already existing blood vessel tissue) levels were distinctly low in most of the cases and slightly elevated only in a number of patients who had previously been operated on. The results obtained show that there is an imbalance in the angiogenesis factors in patients with rebleeding CSDH. At the same time, the factors determining the formation of the vessel wall were reduced, and the levels of factors contributing to the degradation of extracellular matrix components were significantly increased. Such factors could help us to anticipate the increased risk of hemorrhages. Highlights: The levels of VEGF, MMP 9, Ang2, TGF-ß1 and PDGF-BB in the arterial and venous blood were analyzed. The most significant results were obtained from the peripheral venous blood samples. The results obtained show that there is an imbalance in the angiogenesis factors in patients with rebleeding CSDH. Such a profile of factors could help us to anticipate the increased risk of hemorrhages.

Endovascular Treatment of Chronic Subdural Hematomas through Embolization: A Pilot Study with a Non-Adhesive Liquid Embolic Agent of Minimal Viscosity (Squid).

OBJECTIVE: Endovascular embolization using non-adhesive agents (e.g., ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer with suspended micronized tantalum dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide; Squid, Balt Extrusion) is an established treatment of brain arteriovenous malformations, dural arteriovenous fistulas, and hypervascular neoplasms. Middle meningeal artery (MMA) embolization is a relatively new concept for treating chronic subdural hematomas (CSDH). This study aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the use of Squid in the endovascular treatment of CSDH. METHODS: Embolization was offered to patients with CSDH with minimal or moderate neurological deficits and patients who had previously undergone open surgery to evacuate their CSDH without a significant effect. Distal catheterization of the MMA was followed by embolization of the hematoma capsule with Squid 12 or Squid 18. Safety endpoints were ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke and any other adverse event of the endovascular procedure. Efficacy endpoints were the feasibility of the intended procedure and a ≥ 50% reduction of the maximum depth of the CSDH confirmed by follow-up computed tomography (CT) after >3 months. RESULTS: Between November 2019 and July 2021, 10 patients (3 female and 7 male, age range 42-89 years) were enrolled. Five patients had bilateral hematomas, and five patients had previously been operated on with no significant effect and recurrent hematoma formation. The attempted embolization was technically possible in all patients. No technical or clinical complication was encountered. During a post-procedural follow-up (median 90 days), 10 patients improved clinically. A complete resolution of the CSDH was observed in 10 patients. The clinical condition of all enrolled patients during the so-far last contact was rated mRS 0 or 1. CONCLUSION: A distal catheterization of the MMA for the endovascular embolization of CSDH with Squid allowed for the devascularization of the MMA and the dependent vessels of the hematoma capsule. This procedure resulted in a partial or complete resolution of the CSDH. Procedural complications were not encountered.