Non-enhanced multimodal magnetic resonance imaging in assessment of iliac vein obstruction with or without thrombosis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of a contrast-free multimodal magnetic resonance (MR) protocol (including M2DIPEAR, THRIVE, BTFE-SPAIR, and FLAIR sequences) in the detection of iliac vein obstruction with or without thrombosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From May 1st, 2015, to May 1st, 2016, a total of 73 patients (aged 51.33 ± 4.21 years) who received both digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and the multimodal MR imaging were included. The protocol of the multimodal MR included M2DIPEAR and BTFE-SPAIR for presenting iliac vein obstruction, and THRIVE and FLAIR for revealing the co-existed thrombosis. Three observers who were blinded to clinical and DSA results independently analyzed all multimodal MR datasets. Per-patient evaluations on presence or absence of iliac vein obstruction were performed to calculate the diagnostic performance of MR imaging (DSA regarded as gold reference) in terms of overall accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV). Capability to display the co-existing venous thrombus was also evaluated per-MR sequence using a 3-point scale system. RESULTS: Iliac vein obstruction was depicted with DSA in 64 patients. In per-patient evaluation, the multimodal MR imaging yielded accuracy of 95.9% (70/73), sensitivity of 96.9% (62/64), specificity of 88.9% (8/9), positive predictive value of 98.4% (62/63), and negative predictive value of 80% (8/10), respectively. In the multimodal MR sequences, balanced turbo field echo-spectral attenuated inversion recovery (BTFE-SPAIR) sequence was superior to other sequences in depicting the iliac vein configuration, but fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) and T1 high-resolution isovolumetric examination (THRIVE) seemed superior in detecting co-existing venous thrombosis. CONCLUSIONS: M2DIPEAR and BTFE-SPAIR sequence can reveal iliac vein obstruction while THRIVE and FLAIR can detect the co-existed thrombosis. The proposed multimodal MR protocol can accurately depict the iliac vein obstruction and accurately detect the co-existing venous thrombosis comparable with that of DSA.

Investigation of the molecular mechanism underlying the inhibitory activities of ethanol extract of Bombyx mori pupa-incubated Cordyceps militaris fruiting bodies toward allergic rhinitis.

Cordyceps militaris has been widely studied for its various pharmacological activities such as antitumor, anti-inflammation, and immune regulation. The binding of an allergen to IgE-sensitized mast cells in nasal mucosa triggers allergic rhinitis. We found that oral administration of 300 mg/kg of the ethanol extract prepared from silkworm pupa-cultivated Cordyceps militaris fruiting bodies significantly alleviated the symptoms of ovalbumin-induced allergic rhinitis in mice, including sneeze/scratch, mast cell activation, eosinophil infiltration, and Syk activation. The treatment of ethanol extract significantly suppressed the release of ß-hexosaminidase (a degranulation marker) and mRNA expression levels of various cytokines, including IL-3, IL-10, and IL-13 in activated RBL2H3 cells. The ethanol extract and ß-sitostenone, which was purified from the extract, could respectively reduce the Ca2+ ion mobilization in activated RBL-2H3 cells. Furthermore, results collected from western immunoblotting demonstrated that ethanol extract significantly retarded Ca2+ ion mobilization-initiated signaling cascade, which provoked the expression of various allergic cytokines. Also, the extract incubation interfered with P38 as well as NF-kB activation and Nrf-2 translocation. Our study suggested that ethanol extract possessed some natural constituents which could inhibit immediate degranulation and de novo synthesis of allergic cytokines via inhibition of Ca2+ ion mobilization in mast cells in the nasal mucosa of allergic rhinitis mice.

Preresection Stained Glue Injection to Localize Pulmonary Small Nodules and Ground-glass Opacities.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to introduce a localization procedure (methylene blue-stained N-butyl cyanoacrylate and N-octyl cyanoacrylate glue) in localizing pulmonary small nodules and ground-glass opacities before thoracoscopic resection, and to evaluate its efficacy. METHODS: A total of 20 patients with pulmonary small nodules and/or ground-glass opacities, who underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery from August 1, 2017 to March 1 2018, were included in the study. RESULTS: A total of 24 lesions in 20 patients underwent blue-stained glue localization. The success rate of localization was 100%, with a mean dose of 0.04±0.01 mL blue dye and 1 mL glue used for each lesion. The average time for the whole localization procedure was 15.4±6.3 minutes. All lesions were intraoperatively localized by visual inspection in combination with palpation. The complications related to the localization procedure included mild pneumothorax occurring in 9 patients and minor pulmonary hematoma in 4 patients. No pain or distress was reported. CONCLUSIONS: Blue-stained glue injection is technically feasible and safe to localize pulmonary small nodules and ground-glass opacities before thoracoscopic resection.

Assessment of the Probability of Post-thrombotic Syndrome in Patients with Lower Extremity Deep Venous Thrombosis.

This study was performed to assess the probability of post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) after treatment of lower extremity deep venous thrombosis (LEDVT). Patients with LEDVT undergoing their first treatments in Nanjing First Hospital from January 2013 to December 2014 were enrolled in this study (156 patients were enrolled in the training cohort, and 135 patients were enrolled in the validation cohort). 51 and 45 patients developed PTS in the two cohorts, respectively. Independent risk factors for PTS were investigated in the training cohort, and these independent risk factors were employed to develop the APTSD scoring system with which to predict the probability of PTS. Four independent risk factors for PTS were identified: iliac vein compression syndrome, residual iliac-femoral vein thrombosis, residual femoral-popliteal vein thrombosis and insufficient anticoagulation. Patients in the training cohort were divided into 2 groups according to the APTSD score of ≤7.0 and >7.0 points regarding the probability of PTS (median PTS-free time, 21.82 vs. 18.84 months; P < 0.001). The accuracy of this score system was 81.7% for the training cohort and 82.5% for the validation cohort. Patients with an APTSD score of >7.0 points may have an increased probability of developing PTS.

Uncovering the Molecular Mechanism of Anti-Allergic Activity of Silkworm Pupa-Grown Cordyceps militaris Fruit Body.

Cordyceps militaris has been widely used as an herbal drug and tonic food in East Asia and has also been recently studied in the West because of its various pharmacological activities such as antitumoral, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. In this study, we examined the molecular mechanism underlying the anti-allergic activity of ethanol extract prepared from silkworm pupa-cultivated Cordyceps militaris fruit bodies in activated mast cells. Our results showed that ethanol extract treatment significantly inhibited the release of [Formula: see text]-hexosaminidase (a degranulation marker) and mRNA levels of tumor necrosis factor-[Formula: see text] as well as interleukin-4 in RBL-2H3 cells. The cells were sensitized with 2,4-dinitrophenol specific IgE and then stimulated with human serum albumin conjugated with 2,4-dinitrophenol. Oral administration of 300[Formula: see text]mg/kg ethanol extract significantly ameliorated IgE-induced allergic reaction in mice with passive cutaneous anaphylaxis. Western immunoblotting results demonstrated that ethanol extract incubation significantly inhibited Syk/PI3K/MEKK4/JNK/c-jun biochemical cascade in activated RBL-2H3 cells, which activated the expression of various allergic cytokines. In addition, it suppressed Erk activation and PLC[Formula: see text] evocation, which would respectively evoke the synthesis of lipid mediators and Ca[Formula: see text] mobilization to induce degranulation in stimulated RBL-2H3 cells. A compound, identified as [Formula: see text]-sitostenone, was shown to inhibit [Formula: see text]-hexosaminidase secretion from activated mast cells. Our study demonstrated that ethanol extract contained the ingredients, which could inhibit immediate degranulation and de novo synthesis of allergic lipid mediators and cytokines in activated mast cells.

Dual compression is not an uncommon type of iliac vein compression syndrome.

Typical iliac vein compression syndrome (IVCS) is characterized by compression of left common iliac vein (LCIV) by the overlying right common iliac artery (RCIA). We described an underestimated type of IVCS with dual compression by right and left common iliac arteries (LCIA) simultaneously. Thirty-one patients with IVCS were retrospectively included. All patients received trans-catheter venography and computed tomography (CT) examinations for diagnosing and evaluating IVCS. Late venography and reconstructed CT were used for evaluating the anatomical relationship among LCIV, RCIA and LCIA. Imaging manifestations as well as demographic data were collected and evaluated by two experienced radiologists. Sole and dual compression were found in 32.3% (n = 10) and 67.7% (n = 21) of 31 patients respectively. No statistical differences existed between them in terms of age, gender, LCIV diameter at the maximum compression point, pressure gradient across stenosis, and the percentage of compression level. On CT and venography, sole compression was commonly presented with a longitudinal compression at the orifice of LCIV while dual compression was usually presented as two types: one had a lengthy stenosis along the upper side of LCIV and the other was manifested by a longitudinal compression near to the orifice of external iliac vein. The presence of dual compression seemed significantly correlated with the tortuous LCIA (p = 0.006). Left common iliac vein can be presented by dual compression. This type of compression has typical manifestations on late venography and CT.

Evaluation of Distal Hemodynamic Changes of Lower Extremity after Endovascular Treatment: Correlation between Measurements of Color-Coded Quantitative Digital Subtraction Angiography and Ankle-Brachial Index.

PURPOSE: To confirm the feasibility of using time-to-peak (TTP) measurements derived from color-coded digital subtraction angiography (ccDSA) imaging to assess improvements in distal circulation in relation to the ankle-brachial index (ABI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nineteen patients who underwent percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and/or stent placement (in 20 lower extremities) were evaluated. A region of interest (ROI) at the proximal superficial femoral artery (SFA) was selected for a reference TTP for quantitative assessments. The ROI measurements of the TTP interval between medial and lateral plantar/dorsalis pedis relative to the reference was regarded as the ΔTTP and used to assess distal hemodynamic improvement achieved by the revascularization. The ABI was obtained with a handheld Doppler ultrasound machine with a manually operated blood-pressure cuff. Correlation between the two methods was analyzed. RESULTS: The ABI improved significantly from 0.44 ± 0.18 to 0.79 ± 0.20 (t = 10.11; P < .0001) after the intervention. TTP, which reflected the blood flow time from the proximal SFA to the foot, became much faster, from 11.86 seconds ± 4.26 to 6.75 seconds ± 2.03 (t = 6.57; P < .001). A good correlation was observed between the improvement ratios of ΔTTP and ABI (r = 0. 863). CONCLUSIONS: TTP measurements derived from ccDSA provide an easy and objective method for assessment of distal hemodynamic changes after endovascular treatment of lower-extremity peripheral arterial disease (PAD). It may provide a quantitative method to assess the adequacy of endovascular interventions and provide more objective suggestions for procedure endpoints, with potentially better clinical outcomes for patients with PAD.

Combined Direct and Indirect CT Venography (Combined CTV) in Detecting Lower Extremity Deep Vein Thrombosis.

This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of combined direct and indirect CT venography (combined CTV) in the detection of lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (LEDVT). The institutional review board approved the study protocol, and patients or qualifying family members provided informed consent. A total of 96 consecutive patients undergoing combined CTV were prospectively enrolled. A combined examination with digital subtraction angiography (DSA) plus duplex ultrasonography (US) was used as the criterion standard. Three observers were blinded to clinical, DSA, and US results, and they independently analyzed all combined CTV datasets. Interobserver agreement was expressed in terms of the Cohen k value for categorical variables. Accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of combined CTV in the detection of LEDVT were determined by using patient- and location-based evaluations. Of the 96 patients, DSA plus US revealed LEDVT in 125 segmental veins in 63 patients. Patient-based evaluation with combined CTV yielded an accuracy of 96.9% to 97.9%, a sensitivity of 95.2% to 96.8%, a specificity of 100% to 100%, a PPV of 100% to 100%, and an NPV of 91.7% to 94.3% in the detection of LEDVT. Location-based evaluation yielded similar results. Through combined direct and indirect CTV, patients obtained a combined CT angiogram on the diseased limb and an indirect CT angiogram on the opposite side. The image quality of combined CTV was superior to an indirect venogram. Combined CTV shows promising diagnostic accuracy in the detection of LEDVT with 3-dimensional modeling of the lower limb venous system.

Endovascular treatment for iliac vein compression syndrome with or without lower extremity deep vein thrombosis: A retrospective study on mid-term in-stent patency from a single center.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate mid-term patency of iliac vein following endovascular treatment for iliac vein compression syndrome (IVCS) with or without deep venous thrombosis (DVT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors' institutional review board approved the study. Two hundred and thirty-three consecutive patients with IVCS were treated with endovascular treatment and followed up. The therapeutic strategies and complications were recorded. Cumulative patency was assessed with Kaplan-Meier curves. Independent predictors of in-stent obstruction were calculated with the Cox regression model. RESULTS: Endovascular treatment was technically successful in 225 of the 233 patients (96.6%). All of 225 patients were treated with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stent placement. No severe procedure-related complications occurred. The cumulative 1-, 3- and 5-year primary patency rates over a median follow-up time of 34 months (range, 0.3-82 months) were 93.2%, 84.3% and 74.5%, respectively. Independent predictors for in-stent obstruction included use of multiple stents and irregular stocking wearing. The cumulative 1-, 3-, 5-year secondary patency rates were 100%, 93.3% and 92%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular treatment could achieve favorable mid-term patency in patients with IVCS with or without DVT.

The predictors of endoleaks after endovascular repair of experimentally produced fusiform carotid aneurysm in canine.

OBJECTIVE: Endoleaks constitute the main concern regarding the use of covered stents in the treatment of intracranial aneurysms. We investigated immediate/late endoleaks after stent-graft placement for the treatment of experimentally created carotid fusiform aneurysm (FA) in a canine model. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighteen carotid FAs in nine dogs receiving covered stents were followed. Their procedural and angiographic data were collected immediately and six months after stenting. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to determine the factors predictive of immediate/late endoleaks. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to determine the best cutoff values of the independent factors. RESULTS: All carotid FAs were successfully treated with Willis covered stents and received a six-month follow-up. The rate of immediate and late endoleaks after stenting was 38.89% and 16.67%, respectively. Anchoring length was identified as independent predictor of immediate endoleaks (P =0.037) and its best cutoff value was 3.06 mm (95% confidence interval: 2.39-3.72). No parameters were identified to be independent predictors of late endoleaks. CONCLUSIONS: Treating carotid FAs with Willis covered stents is technically feasible. Most endoleaks heal spontaneously and significantly correlate with anchoring length.

Swine Model of Thrombotic Caval Occlusion Created by Autologous Thrombus Injection with Assistance of Intra-caval Net Knitting.

To evaluate the feasibility of a swine model of thrombotic inferior vena cava (IVC) occlusion (IVCO) created by autologous thrombus injection with assistance of intra-caval net knitting. Sixteen pigs were included and divided into two groups: Group A (n = 10), IVCO model created by knitting a caval net followed by autologous thrombus injection; Group B (n = 6), control model created by knitting a net and normal saline injection. Venography was performed to assess each model and the associated thrombotic occlusion. The vessels were examined histologically to analyse the pathological changes postoperatively. IVCO model was successfully created in 10 animals in Group A (100%). Immediate venography showed extensive clot burden in the IVC. Postoperative venography revealed partial caval occlusion at 7 days, and complete occlusion coupled with collateral vessels at 14 days. Histologically, Group A animals had significantly greater venous wall thickening, with CD163-positive and CD3-positive cell infiltration. Recanalization channels were observed at the margins of the thrombus. By contrast, no thrombotic occlusion of the IVC was observed in Group B. The thrombotic IVCO model can be reliably established in swine. The inflammatory reaction may contribute to the caval thrombus propagation following occlusion.

Two swine models of iliac vein occlusion: Which form most contributes to venous thrombosis?

OBJECTIVES: In the present study, we establish two swine models of iliac vein occlusion (IVO) with spontaneous thrombosis to understand the mechanisms linking IVO and thrombosis. METHODS: Two IVO models were established in 12 swine either by ligating the common iliac vein (CIVO) or both the common and external iliac veins (CEIVO). Venography was performed to assess each model and the associated thrombosis. Invasive blood pressure was also measured, and the vessels were examined histologically to analyse the pathological changes after ligation. RESULTS: On venography, the CIVO model showed common iliac vein (CIV) occlusion and reflux in the collateral veins whereas the CEIVO model showed occlusion in the CIV and external iliac vein (EIV), stasis in the EIV, and decreased collateral vasculature on venography. Thrombosis was only observed in the CEIVO model, which was with significantly higher venous blood pressure in the EIV and with significantly more thickened venous wall with lymphocytic infiltration histologically. CONCLUSIONS: Two IVO models can be feasibly and reliably established in swine. The CEIVO model had a higher prevalence of thrombosis than the CIVO model. This CEIVO model produces comparatively less collateral drainage and greater inflammation that can contribute to the thrombosis prone to this type of model.

Left ovarian vein dilation or pelvic congestion syndrome secondary to abdominal aortic dissection: incidental findings on CT angiography.

BACKGROUND: In the study, we describe eight cases in which pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS) was a direct complication of abdominal aortic dissection (AD). METHODS: We recorded computed tomographic (CT) details of the AD and PCS. The patterns of pelvic varices and reflux were identified as well. RESULTS: All eight had abdominal AD (diameter, 23.44-33.98 mm). The compressed left renal vein revealed stenosis in situ (diameter, 1.17-2.69 mm). CT also revealed dilation of left ovarian vein with left pelvic varices in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: Some cases of PCS and dilation of the left ovarian vein can be directly correlated with abdominal AD.

Application of the Willis covered stent using the telescopic technique for the treatment of fusiform aneurysm in a canine model.

BACKGROUND: The covered stent is one of the most promising tools for the treatment of intracranial fusiform aneurysms. We developed an in vivo model of fusiform aneurysms and evaluated the effectiveness of double telescoping Willis covered stents for their treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An external jugular vein graft was anastomosed with the common carotid artery (CCA) to construct the fusiform aneurysm model. After at least 4 weeks, two Willis covered stents were implanted in a telescopic fashion. Angiography follow-up was performed at 2 weeks and 1 and 3 months to examine the grafts. The animals were sacrificed at 1 or 3 months of the follow-up period, and the stents were examined histologically. RESULTS: A total of eight fusiform aneurysms in four canines were created and 16 covered stents were implanted successfully. No technical or device-related difficulties occurred. The angiographic follow-up results showed that six fusiform aneurysms were completely occluded, and a minimal endoleak occurred in two fusiform aneurysms. Histological examination revealed endothelial progress and all aneurysm sacs were filled with thrombi. CONCLUSION: Vein graft anastomosis with CCA to construct a model of fusiform aneurysm may reproduce the clinical conditions. This study demonstrated that the implantation of two Willis covered stents in a telescoping fashion is an effective way to treat an experimental model of fusiform aneurysm.

Differential diagnosis of infundibular dilation versus a small aneurysm of the internal carotid artery: assessment by three-dimensional rotational angiography with volume rendering.

We report our findings associated with the differential diagnosis of infundibular dilation (ID) versus a small intracranial aneurysm using three-dimensional rotational angiography with volume rendering (3DRA + VR). Angiographic findings associated with IDs found via two-dimensional digital subtraction angiography (2D-DSA) or 3DRA + VR were reviewed for 138 consecutive patients with known or suspected aneurysms. Two readers independently evaluated the results of 2D-DSA and 3DRA + VR according to the same diagnostic criteria. We also evaluated the ability of 3D-DSA to show the spatial relation between IDs and anterior choroidal (AchA)/posterior communicating (PcomA) arteries. 2D-DSA and 3DRA + VR found 41 and 48 IDs, respectively. 2D-DSA missed five AchA and two PcomA IDs. 2D-DSA was significantly inferior to 3DRA + VR for displaying the spatial relation between IDs and AchA/PcomA (P = 0). Thus, 3DRA + VR provides more useful information for distinguishing IDs from aneurysms. The superiority of 3DRA + VR might be because of its ability to display the spatial relation between IDs and AchA/PcomA.

Infundibular dilation: an anatomical variant or a pre-aneurysm? Advantages of assessment with three-dimensional rotational angiography.

PURPOSE: Whether an infundibular dilation (ID) is an anatomical variant or a pre-aneurysm has not been clearly determined. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the anatomical change of IDs by use of three-dimensional rotational angiography (3DRA) with volume rendering (VR). METHODS: One-hundred thirty-eight patients with known or suspected aneurysms, treated consecutively, underwent both two-dimensional digital subtraction angiography (2DDSA) and 3DRA with VR. Two readers evaluated the IDs or aneurysms blindly, using 2DDSA and 3DRA, according to the same diagnostic criteria. A 5-point scale of observer confidence was used to determine the presence of IDs or aneurysms. For 3DRA with VR, the relationship between IDs and aneurysms was classified as one of the three types: type I, protrusion or bulge from side wall of IDs; type II, aneurysms involving or enclosing IDs; or type III, aneurysms and IDs coexisting near each other but with some distance between them. RESULTS: The number of IDs found by 2DDSA and 3DRA with VR was 41 and 48, respectively. Five anterior choroidal arteries and two posterior communicating arteries IDs were missed by 2DDSA. According to 3DRA with VR, there were five IDs of type I, nine of type II, and 22 of type III. CONCLUSIONS: The 3DRA with VR appears superior to 2DRA for both diagnosing IDs and displaying the anatomical relationship between IDs and aneurysms. The findings also suggest that some IDs might progress to aneurysms or become a part of them, which should be carefully evaluated prior to operation.

3D rotational angiography with volume rendering: the utility in the detection of intracranial aneurysms.

AIMS: The advent of three-dimensional (3D) rotational angiography (3D DSA) challenged the role of digital subtraction angiography (DSA) as a "gold standard" in the diagnosis of intracranial aneurysms. In this study, we report our experiences in diagnosing intracranial aneurysms by using 3D DSA with volume rendering (VR) technique, particularly focusing on its role in depicting additional aneurysms missed by 2D DSA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and thirty-eight consecutive patients with known or suspected aneurysms (54 men, 84 women; median age, 55 years; age range, 18-83 years) underwent both conventional DSA and 3D DSA with VR examination simultaneously. The images of 2D DSA or 3D DSA with VR were evaluated by two observers independently for the presence of aneurysms. Then additional aneurysms were decided and depicted. RESULTS: 3D DSA with VR showed 146 aneurysms in 123 (89.1%) of 138 patients and no aneurysms in 15 patients. 2D DSA showed 115 aneurysms in 110 of 137 patients, with one aneurysm in 106 patients each, 2 in 3 patients each and 3 in 1 patient. After reaching a consensus, there were 31 additional aneurysms detected by 3D DSA with VR. 30 aneurysms were <3 mm in maximum diameter with 3 aneurysms ruptured. These additional aneurysms were located in internal carotid artery (ICA, n = 28, 90.32%), anterior cerebral artery (ACA, n = 3, 9.68%). No additional aneurysms were found in either middle cerebral artery (MCA) or vertebrobasilar and posterior cerebral artery (PCA) systems. CONCLUSIONS: 3D DSA, especially VR images, not only clearly reveals aneurysms and aneurysmal morphology, but also detects additional aneurysms missed by 2D DSA, especially small aneurysms less than 3 mm.