RESUMO
Splenic artery aneurysm (SAAs) rupture is associated with a high mortality rate. Regular surveillance with imaging before and after intervention is crucial to guide best evidence treatment. The following study aimed to determine the efficacy of color Doppler ultrasound imaging (DUS) compared to digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) as a follow-up modality after selective coil embolization of true SAAs. We analyzed data from 20 patients, 15 females (48.1 ± 16.1 years) undergoing selective SAA coil embolization using detachable fibered embolization coils. Imaging using DUS, MRA, and DSA was performed 3 months after the initial embolization or the consequent re-embolization procedure. Primary clinical success, defined as Class I aneurysm occlusion, on 3-month follow-up was seen in 16 (80.0%) patients. DUS had a sensitivity of 94.4% and a specificity of 42.9% when compared to DSA and 92.3% and 30%, respectively, when compared to MRA in identifying Class I aneurysm occlusion. The positive predictive value (PPV) of DUS in identifying the need for re-embolization was 75.0%, while the NPV of DUS in these terms was 90.5%. DUS showed a high sensitivity in detecting aneurysm occlusion and clinical success, simultaneously exhibiting poor specificity. Still, with caution, this follow-up modality could be used for monitoring select low-risk patients after selective embolization of SAAs. DUS could provide a higher cost-to-benefit ratio, enabling more systematic post-procedural follow-up, as it is far more commonly used compared to MRA and non-invasive compared to DSA.
RESUMO
PURPOSE: Treatment response following transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is frequently evaluated with Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System Treatment Response (LR-TR) algorithm, but its association with patients' outcomes is not supported in the literature. The purpose of this study was to provide such data. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 99 TACE patients with stage A/B hepatocellular carcinoma according to Barcelona-Clinic Liver Cancer staging system was performed. Two radiologists assessed LR-TR, while a third radiologist re-assessed divergent results. Overall survival (OS) and time to disease progression (TTP) were the primary endpoints of the study, while the Cox proportional hazard model was used for outcome analyses. RESULTS: Interobserver agreement was substantial between the two readers with κ = 0.69 (95% CI 0.58-0.81). The median OS in viable, equivocal, and non-viable groups were 27, 27, and 73 months, respectively (p < 0.001). However, after adjustment for confounding factors, there was no significant association between initial viable response and OS (HR 0.98 [95% CI 0.37-2.63], p = 0.97), while equivocal response remained statistically significant (HR 3.52. [95% CI 1.27-9.71], p = 0.015). No significant association was noted when viable and equivocal groups were analyzed in aggregate (HR 1.03 [95% CI 0.4-2.4], p = 0.96). The median TTP did not differ between non-viable and viable groups (23 vs 18 months, respectively; p = 0.98). None of the analyzed predictors was associated with TTP. CONCLUSION: Initial LR-TR response was not an independent predictor for OS nor TTP. The preliminary results suggest the necessity for more aggressive management of equivocal patients.
