Timeliness of splenic time-to-peak affects liver tumor CT perfusion measurements

Aim In liver CT perfusion, the dual-input maximum slope (DI-MS) method is commonly used to estimate perfusion to aid diagnosis of tumors. The DI-MS method relies on a model that assumes the splenic time-to-peak (TTP) separates arterial and portal venous perfusion, and occurs prior to venous perfusion. In this preclinical study, we examined how the timeliness of splenic TTP affects DI-MS perfusion calculations of liver tumors. Materials and Methods We analyzed imaging data obtained from 11 New Zealand White rabbits bearing a single implanted VX2 tumor in liver. A liver 320-slice CT perfusion protocol (5,400 images per study) was used to generate images. Times for arterial and portal slopes were recorded, and hepatic arterial perfusion (HAP), portal perfusion (HPP) and perfusion index (HPI) for liver and tumor were separately calculated using manual and automated methods. T-test comparisons and Bland-Altman plot analyses were performed. Results Mean tumor TTP occurred at 9.79 s (SD=3.41) and splenic TTP at 9.75 s (SD=4.47, p=0.98). In 3/11 (27.27%) cases, tumor SP occurred prior to spleen (mean difference=1.33 s, SD=1.15 s). In these cases, mean automated HPP values were 43.8% (SD=52.48) higher compared to manually computed ones. There were statistically significant differences between automated and manual methods for normal liver and tumor HPI and HPP (p<0.01 and p<0.0001, respectively), but not HAP values (p=0.125 and p=0.78, respectively). There was also a statistically significant variation between methods for tumor HPP and HPI (p=0.001, respectively). Conclusion In 320-slice CT perfusion of liver in this preclinical model, we observed that tumor TTP occurred prior to splenic TTP in 27.27% of tumors in liver. This temporal relationship affects tumor perfusion calculations and should be identified to address potential deviations of model assumptions.

Endovascular Thrombolysis in Hypothenar Hammer Syndrome: A Systematic Review

Objectives: Hypothenar hammer syndrome (HHS) is a rare vascular disease caused by blunt trauma of the hypothenar region. The optimal therapeutic strategy remains debatably since no large comparative studies are available yet. We want to evaluate the effectiveness of intra-arterial thrombolysis on angiographic and clinical outcome parameters in patients with HHS by performing a systematic review of the existing literature.Methods: A literature search of PUBMED/MEDLINE and SCIENCE DIRECT databases was performed up to May 2021.Results: In total, 16 manuscripts with 43 patients were included in the systematic review. Intra-arterial thrombolysis led to angiographic improvement in 29 patients (67.4%) and to clinical improvement in 34 patients (79.1%). Deterioration of arterial perfusion or clinical symptoms after thrombolysis were absent. Post-interventional complications were reported in only one patient (2.3%) without any bleeding complication. Logistic regression analyses demonstrated that a combined administration of fibrinolytics and heparin was associated with a significantly improved arterial patency [OR 12.57 (95% CI 2.48–97.8), p = 0.005] without significant amelioration of clinical symptoms [OR 3.20 (95% CI 0.6–18.9), p = 0.172]. The use of rt-PA compared to other fibrinolytics and a prolonged thrombolysis duration of more than 24 h did not show statistically significant effects. Intra-arterial thrombolysis was significantly less effective in patients who had undergone thrombolysis with a delay of more than 30 days regarding clinical improvement [OR 0.07 (95% CI 0.00–0.54), p = 0.024].Conclusions: Intra-arterial thrombolysis with a combination of fibrinolytics and heparin is an effective and safe therapeutic option in patients with acute HHS.

Outcome of Monochorionic Monoamniotic Twin Reversed Arterial Perfusion Sequence Diagnosed in the First Trimester

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> The aim of this study is to evaluate the outcome of pregnancies complicated by monochorionic monoamniotic twin reversed arterial perfusion sequence (MOMA TRAP) diagnosed in the first trimester. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> All patients diagnosed with MOMA TRAP sequence &#x3c;14.0 weeks of gestation in a 10-year study period were retrospectively analyzed for intrauterine course and outcome. All patients were offered either expectant management or intrauterine intervention. Adverse outcome was defined as either intrauterine death (IUD), neonatal death or preterm birth &#x3c;34.0 weeks of gestation. <b><i>Results:</i></b> In the study period, 17 cases with MOMA TRAP sequence were diagnosed. Of these, 2 couples opted for termination of pregnancy. The remaining 15 were divided into 2 groups depending on the management: group A (<i>n</i> = 8) with expectant management and group B (<i>n</i> = 7) with intrauterine intervention. All fetuses in group A died before 20 weeks. Survival in group B was significantly better with 4/7 (57.1%) life births at a median of 39.6 weeks of gestation (<i>p</i> = 0.0256). The reasons for IUD in the 3 cases in group B were hemodynamic, strangulation, and bleeding complications during intervention. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Intrauterine intervention in MOMA TRAP pregnancies significantly improves neonatal survival, although it is still associated with a substantial risk for IUD by hemodynamic complications or entanglement.

A Possible Role for Arterial Duplex and Hand Acceleration Time in Diagnosing and Managing Shock

Shock represents a state when arterial perfusion is inadequate to supply the needs of cellular respiration, leading to anerobic metabolism, acidosis, and cell death. Although typically described in terms of blood pressure and heart rate, these measures can both lead to delayed recognition of shock and under appreciation of the severity of end-organ malperfusion. Recently, there has been increased interest in monitoring peripheral perfusion both to detect early shock and monitor the response to treatment. However, current methods are variable and, in some cases, require specialized equipment. We present a case in which duplex ultrasound assessment of peripheral palmar acceleration time identified a post-hemorrhagic shock state before it was clinically apparent. Bedside arterial duplex and hand acceleration time may provide a simple tool to assess the degree of shock and response to intervention.

Selective termination of the fetus in multiple pregnancies using ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation

Background To evaluate the perinatal outcomes in women with selective termination using ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Methods Complicated monochorionic (MC) twin pregnancies and multiple pregnancies with an indication for selective termination by ultrasound-guided coagulation of the umbilical cord with RFA under local anesthesia between July 2013 and Jan 2020 were reviewed. We analyzed the indications, gestational age at the time of the procedure, cycles of RFA, duration of the procedure, and perinatal outcome. Results Three hundred and thirteen patients were treated during this period. Seven of whom were lost of follow-up. The remaining 306 cases, including 266 pairs of monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) twins (86.93%), two pairs of monoamniotic twins (0.65%), 30 dichorionic triamniotic (DCTA) triplets (1%), and three monochorionic triamniotic (MCTA) triplets (0.98%), were analyzed. Indications included twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) (n = 91), selective fetal growth restriction (sFGR) (n = 83), severe discordant structural malformation (n = 78), multifetal pregnancy reduction (MFPR) (n = 78), twin reverse arterial perfusion sequence (TRAPS) (n = 19), and twin anemia-polycythemia sequence (TAPS) (n = 3). Upon comparison of RFA performed before and after 20 weeks, the co-twin loss rate (20.9% vs. 21.5%), the incidence of preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) within 24 h (1.5% vs. 1.2%), and the median gestational age at delivery [35.93 (28–38) weeks vs. 36 (28.54–38.14) weeks] were similar (p > 0.05). Conclusions RFA is a reasonable option when indicated in multiple pregnancies and complicated monochorionic pregnancies. In our experience, the overall survival rate was 78.76% with RFA in selective feticide, and early treatment increases the likelihood of survival for the remaining fetus because the fetal loss rate is similar before and after 20 weeks.

CT perfusion for response evaluation after interventional ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma: a prospective study

Background Computed tomography (CT) perfusion was found to be useful in assessing treatment response in a variety of cancers through the evaluation in the arterial perfusion changes. We investigated the performance of CT perfusion parameters for assessment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) response to radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and trans-arterial chemoembolization (TACE). We conducted a prospective diagnostic test accuracy study that recruited 70 HCC patients who were scheduled to undergo TACE or RFA. For each dynamic CT scan acquisition, four single perfusion CT image maps were generated, including functional maps of blood flow (BF), blood volume (BV), mean transit time (MTT), and permeability surface (PS). Results In TACE-treated lesions, the BV achieved a sensitivity and specific of 100% and 83.3%, at a cutoff level of ≤ 122 ml/min/100 gm, for responders. Likewise, at a cutoff level of > 10 s, transit time had a sensitivity of 90.5% and specificity of 100%. At a cutoff level of ≤ 14 ml/min/100 gm, the PS had a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 83.33% for responders. In RFA-treated lesions, at a cutoff level of ≤ 170 ml/min/100 gm and ≤ 11 ml/100 gm, the BF and BV had a sensitivity of 100% and specificity 100%, respectively, for responders. At a cutoff level of ≤ 11 ml/min/100 gm, PS had a sensitivity 77.27% and specificity 80%. Conclusions The present study confirms the feasibility of CT perfusion for assessment of response to TACE and RFA among patients with HCC.