Polyvinyl Alcohol Particles Research Articles

Portal Vein Embolization before Right Hepatectomy: Improved Results Using n-Butyl-Cyanoacrylate Compared to Microparticles Plus Coils

There is currently no consensus in the literature on which embolic agent induces the greatest degree of liver hypertrophy after portal vein embolization (PVE). Only experimental results in a pig model have demonstrated an advantage of n-butyl-cyanoacrylate (NBCA) over 3 other embolic materials (hydrophilic gel, small and large polyvinyl alcohol particles) for PVE. Therefore, the aim of this human study was to retrospectively compare the results of PVE using NBCA with those using spherical microparticles plus coils. A total of 34 patients underwent PVE using either NBCA (n = 20), or spherical microparticles plus coils (n = 14). PVE was decided according to preoperative volumetry on the basis of contrast-enhanced CT. Groups were compared for age, sex, volume of the left lobe before PVE and future remnant liver ratio (FRL) (volume of the left lobe/total liver volume - tumor volume). The primary end point was the increase in left lobe volume 1 month after PVE. Secondary end points were procedure complications and biological tolerance. Both groups were similar in terms of age, sex ratio, left lobe volume, and FRL before PVE. NBCA induced a greater increase in volume after PVE than did microparticles plus coils (respectively, +74 ± 69 % and +23 ± 14 %, p < 0.05). The amount of contrast medium used for the procedure was significantly larger when microparticles and coils rather than NBCA were used (respectively, 264 ± 43 ml and 162 ± 34 ml, p < 0.01). The rate of PVE complications as well as the biological tolerance was similar in both groups. NBCA seems more effective than spherical microparticles plus coils to induce left-lobe hypertrophy.

Rat Model of Hindlimb Ischemia Induced via Embolization with Polyvinyl Alcohol and N-Butyl Cyanoacrylate

ObjectiveTo investigate the feasibility of a rat model on hindlimb ischemia induced by embolization from the administration of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) particles or N-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA).Materials and MethodsUnilateral hindlimb ischemia was induced by embolization with NBCA (n = 4), PVA (n = 4) or surgical excision (n = 4) in a total of 12 Sprague-Dawley rats. On days 0, 7 and 14, the time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography (TOF-MRA) and enhanced MRI were obtained as scheduled by using a 3T-MR scanner. The clinical ischemic index, volume change and degree of muscle necrosis observed on the enhanced MRI in the ischemic hindlimb were being compared among three groups using the analysis of variance. Vascular patency on TOF-MRA was evaluated and correlated with angiographic findings when using an inter-rater agreement test.ResultsThere was a technical success rate of 100% for both the embolization and surgery groups. The clinical ischemic index did not significantly differ. On day 7, the ratios of the muscular infarctions were 0.436, 0.173 and 0 at thigh levels and 0.503, 0.337 and 0 at calf levels for the NBCA, PVA and surgery groups, respectively. In addition, the embolization group presented increased volume and then decreased volume on days 7 and 14, respectively. The surgery group presented a gradual volume decrease. Good correlation was shown between the TOF-MRA and angiographic findings (kappa value of 0.795).ConclusionThe examined hindlimb ischemia model using embolization with NBCA and PVA particles in rats is a feasible model for further research, and muscle necrosis was evident as compared with the surgical model.

Uterine artery embolization in residual arterio-venous fistula due to invasive mole using glue and polyvinyl alcohol particles: Case report

Gestational trophoblastic diseases (GTD) are one of the rare complications of pregnancy, which include partial and complete moles with their more aggressive counterparts termed as Gestational trophoblastic neoplasias (GTN). Their association with uterine vascular malformations is well recognised and should be suspected in appropriate clinical settings. Selective uterine artery embolization is a safe and effective alternative method of treatment in a patient with severe per vaginal bleeding from residual uterine vascular malformations due to GTN which has relative lower morbidity and mortality than surgical procedures. Here, we report a case of residual uterine arterio-venous malformation due to invasive mole detected by ultrasonography (US) and contrast enhancedMRI & referred to Interventional Radiology for Transcathetor arterial embolization.

Hemothorax caused by spontaneous rupture of a metastatic mediastinal lymph node in hepatocellular carcinoma: a case report

Hemothorax caused by spontaneous rupture of a metastatic mediastinal lymph node in hepatocellular carcinoma: a case report

Transarterial embolization for serious renal hemorrhage following renal biopsy

The goal of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of percutaneous transarterial embolization for the treatment of serious renal hemorrhage after renal biopsy. Nine patients with renal hemorrhage had frank pain and gross hematuria as main symptoms after renal biopsy. Intrarenal arterial injuries and perinephric hematoma were confirmed by angiography in all cases. The arterial injuries led to two types of renal hemorrhage, Type I: severe renal injure or intrarenal renal artery rupture (n=5), with contrast medium spilling out of the artery and spreading into renal pelvis or kidney capsule in angiography; Type II, pseudo aneurysm or potential risk of intrarenal artery injure (n=4), where contrast medium that spilled out of intraartery was retained in the parenchyma as little spots less than 5 mm in diameter in angiography. Transcatheter superselective intrarenal artery embolization was performed with coils or microcoils (Type I intrarenal artery injure) and polyvinyl alcohol particles (Type II injure). The intrarenal arterial injuries were occluded successfully in all patients. Light or mild back or abdominal pain in the side of the embolized kidney was found in three patients following embolization procedures and disappeared 3 days later. Serum creatinine and perinephric hematoma were stable, and gross hematuresis stopped immediately (n=4) or 3-5 days (n=3) after embolization. In conclusions, transcatheter superselective intrarenal artery embolization as a minimally invasive therapy is safe and effective for treatment of serious renal hemorrhage following percutaneous renal biopsy.

Hepatic vascular injury: Clinical profile, endovascular management and outcomes

Endovascular management using angiographic embolization (AE) has been widely used with success as non operative management (NOM) in blunt hepatic trauma. We, in a tertiary care hospital in North of India, assess our use of endovascular management in patients of blunt and post operative trauma with active hepatic vascular bleeding and unstable hemodynamics in controlling bleeding. A retrospective review of inpatients from January 2006 to July 2012 requiring transarterial embolization/stenting for active hepatic vascular bleeding was done. All patients had evidence of ongoing hemorrhage as proved by clinical, laboratory and radiological findings in emergency settings. Angiographic intervention in an interventional suite with ongoing resuscitation was performed following which patients were monitored for morbidity and mortality benefits on intermediate follow up. 10 adults and 3 children underwent AE with polyvinyl alcohol particle (PVA)/soft metal coil whereas 1 adult underwent revascularization with a covered stent for arterial bleeding. The mean age of case series was 36.18 ± 20.90 years with a mean liver injury computed tomography (CT) grade of 3.8 ± 0.83 in blunt trauma patients. The mean length of hospital stay was 9.62 ± 7.83 days and the mean follow up period of the group was 25.25 ± 21.02 months. All patients showed significant clinical improvement with prompt endovascular management resulting in no procedure related mortality. Prompt endovascular management is the modality of choice in comparison to NOM without AE in both pediatric and adult patients with hemodynamically compromised inaccessible intra hepatic vascular trauma.

Unilateral Versus Bilateral Prostatic Arterial Embolization for Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Patients with Prostate Enlargement

This study was designed to compare baseline data and clinical outcome between patients with prostate enlargement/benign prostatic hyperplasia (PE/BPH) who underwent unilateral and bilateral prostatic arterial embolization (PAE) for the relief of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). This single-center, ambispective cohort study compared 122 consecutive patients (mean age 66.7 years) with unilateral versus bilateral PAE from March 2009 to December 2011. Selective PAE was performed with 100- and 200-μm nonspherical polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) particles by a unilateral femoral approach. Bilateral PAE was performed in 103 (84.4 %) patients (group A). The remaining 19 (15.6 %) patients underwent unilateral PAE (group B). Mean follow-up time was 6.7 months in group A and 7.3 months in group B. Mean prostate volume, PSA, International prostate symptom score/quality of life (IPSS/QoL) and post-void residual volume (PVR) reduction, and peak flow rate (Qmax) improvement were 19.4 mL, 1.68 ng/mL, 11.8/2.0 points, 32.9 mL, and 3.9 mL/s in group A and 11.5 mL, 1.98 ng/mL, 8.9/1.4 points, 53.8 mL, and 4.58 mL/s in group B. Poor clinical outcome was observed in 24.3 % of patients from group A and 47.4 % from group B (p = 0.04). PAE is a safe and effective technique that can induce 48 % improvement in the IPSS score and a prostate volume reduction of 19 %, with good clinical outcome in up to 75 % of treated patients. Bilateral PAE seems to lead to better clinical results; however, up to 50 % of patients after unilateral PAE may have a good clinical outcome.

Prostatic Arterial Embolization for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Short- and Intermediate-term Results

To evaluate the safety, morbidity, and short- and intermediate-term results of prostatic arterial embolization (PAE) for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) after failure of medical treatment. This prospective study was approved by the institutional review board, and informed consent was obtained from all participants. Men older than 50 years with a diagnosis of BPH and moderate-to-severe lower urinary tract symptoms that were refractory to medical treatment for 6 months were eligible. PAE with nonspherical 80-180-μm (mean, 100-μm) and 180-300-μm (mean, 200-μm) polyvinyl alcohol particles was performed by means of a single femoral approach in most cases. Effectiveness variables of International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), quality of life (QOL) score, peak urinary flow, postvoid residual volume, International Index Erectile Function (IIEF) score, prostate volume, and prostate-specific antigen level were assessed for up to 24 months after the procedure. Statistical analysis included the Kaplan-Meier method and random-effects generalized least squares regression with autoregressive disturbance. Eighty-nine consecutive patients (mean age, 74.1 years) were included. PAE was technically successful in 86 of the 89 patients (97%). Cumulative rates of clinical improvement in these patients were 78% in the 54 patients evaluated at 6 months and 76% in the 29 patients evaluated at 12 months. At 1-month follow-up, IPSS decreased by 10 points, QOL score decreased by 2 points, peak urinary flow increased by 38%, prostate volume decreased by 20%, postvoid residual volume decreased by 30 mL, and IIEF score increased by 0.5 point (all differences were significant at P < .01). These changes were sustained throughout the observation period. There was one major complication: Intraluminal necrotic tissue attached to the bladder, which was removed with simple surgery and did not necessitate wall reconstruction. PAE is a safe and effective procedure, with low morbidity, no sexual dysfunction, and good short- and intermediate-term symptomatic control associated with prostate volume reduction.

Impact of Vessel Choice on Outcomes of Polyvinyl Alcohol Embolization for Intractable Idiopathic Epistaxis

PurposeTo determine the safety and efficacy of internal maxillary artery (IMA) and facial artery polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) embolization for treatment of refractory idiopathic epistaxis. Materials and MethodsFrom 1998–2011, 84 patients were referred for endovascular treatment of intractable idiopathic epistaxis. PVA (range, 180–300 μM) particles were used in all cases. One case required microcoils to prevent nontarget embolization. Medical records were reviewed for early recurrences and complications, which were correlated with the number of vessels receiving embolization using the Mantel-Haenszel χ2test for linear association; P<.05 was accepted for significance. ResultsVessels chosen for embolization were unilateral IMA in 8 patients, bilateral IMAs in 35 patients, bilateral IMAs with one facial artery in 32 patients, and bilateral IMAs and bilateral facial arteries in 9 patients. Early (<30 d) rebleeding requiring therapy occurred in nine patients (11%). Minor complications occurred in 22 patients (26%) and included mild facial or jaw pain, facial edema, headache, and transient ischemic attack. There was one major complication that consisted of facial skin sloughing and mild lip ulceration in a patient who had embolization of both IMAs and both facial arteries. A linear association was found when the number of vessels receiving embolization was correlated with both the rates of early recurrence (inversely, P= .04) and minor complications (P= .004). ConclusionsAn initial treatment strategy involving embolization of bilateral IMAs with or without embolization of facial arteries for refractory idiopathic epistaxis is safe and effective. Additional facial artery embolization reduces the risk of early recurrence but increases the risk of minor complications.

Super selective transcatheter arterial embolization for treatment of focal nodular hyperplasia of the liver: report of 21 cases

To evaluate the efficiency and safety of transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) for treatment of focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH). From January 2005 to December 2010, super selective TAE was performed for 21 patients with FNH. The patients consisted of 16 men and 5 women with age range of 16 to 44 years (mean age, 28 ± 12). Liver contrast enhancement CT and ultrasonography (US) were performed in all patients, dynamic contrast enhancement MRI was performed in 17 patients. All patients underwent percutaneous needle biopsies and the diagnosis of FNH was proven histologically. The indications for TAE were patients with progressive increase in size of FNH, who were not candidates for surgical treatment, or who refused for surgery. Embolic materials used in this series included emulsion of iodized oil and bleomycin and polyvinyl alcohol particle (PVA). Follow-up examinations included the routine blood tests, liver and renal function tests, US, CT or MRI. Eighteen patients (85.7%) had a single solitary focus and 3 (14.3%) had multiple foci. The diameter of the mass varied from 3.5 cm to 9.5 cm with a mean of 5.5 cm (5.5 ± 3.0 cm). All patients presented angiographically with characteristic findings, such as feeding artery that was distributed with a spinning wheel appearance, an extensive hypervascular mass, without arterio-venous shunt or portal vein invasion. A single session of TAE was performed in all patients. Technical success of TAE was achieved in all cases. No major complications were encountered in any of our patients. All patients were regularly followed up ranging from 1 to 6 years (3.5 ± 2.0) and they were healthy without recurrence. Marked reduction in the size of the FNH without arterial blood supply was found in 16 patients, and almost complete resolution of the FNH was observed in 6 patients. TAE is a safe and effective therapy for the management of patients with FNH. TAE could control FNH very well and even could be considered as a radical treatment.

Embolization of Meningiomas: Comparison of Safety between Calibrated Microspheres and Polyvinyl-Alcohol Particles as Embolic Agents

During embolization of meningiomas, intratumoral hemorrhagic complications may occur, especially with the use of small particle sizes. We compared the rate of hemorrhagic complications in 55 patients embolized with 400-μm calibrated microspheres (Embozene) with a historical cohort of 198 patients embolized with smaller PVA particles. Between September 2009 and February 2012, fifty-five patients with 55 meningiomas were embolized with 400-μm calibrated microspheres. Indications for embolization were preoperative in 47 and before radiosurgery in 2 patients; and in 6 patients, embolization was offered as sole therapy. There were 35 women and 20 men with a mean age of 60.3 years. Mean meningioma diameter was 53 mm (range, 23-97 mm). Hemorrhagic complications were recorded. There were no hemorrhagic complications in the 55 embolized patients (0%; 95% CI, 0.0%-7.8%). The difference in complication rates between 400-μm calibrated microspheres in this study (0 of 55, 0%) and small PVA particles (45-150 μm) in the historical cohort (9 of 108, 8.3%) was just short of significance (P=.066). The difference in complication rates between 400-μm calibrated microspheres (0 of 55, 0%) and larger PVA particles (150-250 μm) in the historical cohort (1 of 93, 1.1%) was not significant (P=.8). In this series, embolization of meningiomas by using large (400-μm) calibrated microspheres did not result in any hemorrhagic complications.

Benign Metastasizing Leiomyoma After Uterine Artery Embolization

Abstract SESSION TYPE: Miscellaneous Case Report Posters IPRESENTED ON: Tuesday, October 23, 2012 at 01:30 PM - 02:30 PMINTRODUCTION: Uterine artery Embolization (UAE) is a minimally invasive treatment for uterine fibroids and is an alternative to hysterectomy. Particles of polyvinyl alcohol are injected under fluoroscopy into the uterine artery to block vascularization to the fibroids. Common adverse effects include fever, nausea, cramping abdominal pain, and vaginal discharge of necrotic tissue and blood. Other complications such as uterine injury, infection and even sepsis are rare. Several case reports described patients developing pulmonary emboli following this procedure including 2 fatalities. We report a patient with a benign course of multiple leiomyomata in the lungs discovered 8 years after UAE.CASE PRESENTATION: 44 year old female with history of uterine fibroids status post UAE 8 years ago presented with symptoms of productive cough and shortness of breath. Chest X-ray showed multiple well circumscribed bilateral pulmonary nodules. On tomography (CT) scan the largest nodule was 2.8 x 2.6 cm. There was also some airspace disease noted in the right upper lobe. Patient was treated with antibiotics for community acquired pneumonia and her symptoms resolved. She underwent bronchoscopy with transbronchial biopsy which was non-diagnostic. Percutaneous CT guided biopsy of one of the peripheral nodules showed smooth muscle cells of uterine origin. Cells appeared to be well differentiated which is consistent with leiomyoma. Patient was monitored with biannual CT scans and the nodules remained stable on two follow-up scans. She remains asymptomatic. Patient was encouraged to undergo hysterectomy to prevent any further leiomyomatous metastases.DISCUSSION: UAE remains a popular and minimally invasive alternative to hysterectomy. Leiomyomatous tissue can be dislodged during this procedure and embolize in the pulmonary vasculature. Implantation into the parenchyma can lead to subsequent nodule formation. Benign metastasizing leiomyoma has been described after uterine manipulation. We report a patient who developed benign metastasizing leiomyoma discovered 8 years after UAE. Our patient has had a benign course and the pulmonary nodules have been stable in size for over one year.CONCLUSIONS: Benign metastasizing leiomyoma may occur after UAE. It appears to have a benign course and patients may not be symptomatic. Consideration of imaging after this procedure may be appropriate.1) Hamoda H, Tait P, Edmonds DK. Fatal Pulmonary Embolus After Uterine Artery Fibroid Embolisation. Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol 2009; 32:1080-1082.2) Poujade O, Genin AS, Dhouha M, Luton D. A Benign Metastasizing Leiomyoma Involving a Nodule in the Pulmonary Artery: Case and Literature Review. Eur J of Gynaecol Oncol 2010; 31:329-32.DISCLOSURE: Eric Anderson: Consultant fee, speaker bureau, advisory committee, etc.: Honoraria for educational lectures from superDimensionThe following authors have nothing to disclose: Dmitriy Kogan, Cristina Reichner, Mary Fishman, Gloria Bowles-JohnsonNo Product/Research Disclosure InformationGeorgetown University, Washington, DC.

Composite cryogel with immobilized concanavalin A for affinity chromatography of glycoproteins

Composite cryogels containing porous adsorbent particles were prepared under cryogelation conditions. The composites with immobilized concanavalin A (Con A) were used for capturing glycoproteins. Adsorbent particles were introduced into the structure in order to improve the capacity and to facilitate the handling of the particles. The monolithic composite cryogels were produced from suspensions of polyvinyl alcohol particles and porous adsorbent particles and cross-linked under acidic conditions at sub-zero temperature. The cryogels were epoxy activated and Con A was immobilized as an affinity ligand. Binding and elution of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) was studied in batch experiment and in a chromatographic setup. Increasing adsorbent concentration in composite cryogels will increase ligand density, which therefore enhances the amount of bound HRP from 0.98 till 2.9 (milligram enzyme per milliliter of gel) in the chromatographic system. The material was evaluated in 10 cycles for binding and elution of HRP.

Preoperative Embolization Significantly Decreases Intraoperative Blood Loss During Palliative Surgery for Spinal Metastasis

Several studies have evaluated the efficacy of preoperative embolization in devascularizing tumors. However, no study has measured intraoperative blood loss in a single palliative surgery compared with a control group without preoperative embolization. The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the efficacy of preoperative embolization on intraoperative blood loss in palliative decompression and instrumented surgery using a posterior approach for spinal metastasis. Between 2000 and 2010, forty-six patients underwent palliative decompression and instrumented surgery using a posterior approach for spinal metastasis in the thoracic and lumbar spine. Preoperative embolization was performed in 23 patients (embolization group), and surgery was performed within 3 days after embolization. The embolic materials used were polyvinyl alcohol particles, gelatin sponge, and metallic coils. Twenty-three patients did not undergo embolization (no embolization group). Pain and neurologic symptoms in all 46 patients were relieved postoperatively. Average intraoperative blood loss was 520 mL (range, 140-1380 mL) in the embolization group and 1128 mL (range, 100-3260 mL) in the no embolization group (P<.05). In the embolization group, intraoperative blood loss was not correlated with the degree of tumor vascularization, completeness of embolization, or time between embolization and surgery. Intraoperative blood loss after preoperative embolization was less than half that after no preoperative embolization.

Current Status of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treatment in Japan

Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is the gold standard of treatment for intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and involves the administration of cytotoxic drugs, with or without lipiodol, by means of a catheter directly to the hepatic artery followed by the administration of embolizing agents such as spherical gelatin or polyvinyl alcohol particles. There are currently no global guidelines regarding the dose, choice or combination of cytotoxic agents for TACE; therefore it is difficult to compare data from different TACE studies. Superselective TACE with lipiodol is the primary TACE procedure that offers satisfactory levels of local control with a lower risk of complications. Approximately 40–70% of patients with HCC with tumours sized 4–5 cm or less attained complete tumour necrosis or remained local recurrence free for 3 years or longer following TACE. The early identification of unresponsiveness to TACE is important to allow for a timely switch to alternative therapies. The use of novel embolizing materials in TACE such as drug-eluting beads and radioembolization is likely to have beneficial effects. Indeed, the increase in angiogenic activity following TACE emphasizes the potential of TACE in combination with targeted molecular therapies such as the anti-angiogenesis inhibitor, sorafenib.

Current status of embolic agents for liver tumor embolization

Gelatin sponge and polyvinyl alcohol particles have been the most popular particulate embolic agents for transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) of liver tumors. Over the last decade, calibrated microspheres have been introduced and increasingly used in liver tumor embolization in Western countries. In addition, drug-eluting beads (DEB) have been introduced for sustained local drug release. Such long-awaited spherical embolic agents will be introduced in Japan in the near future. The advantages of these microspheres are that particles are uniform in size and shape, and easy to inject through a microcatheter. They can travel distally to vessels corresponding to the particle size; in other words, the occlusion level can be predicted according to the particle size chosen. Thus, new bland microspheres and DEB may bring a significant advancement to embolization for primary liver tumors as well as hepatic metastases from various cancers. However, at this point, the published data suggests that both conventional TACE and DEB-TACE are equally effective for treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma, when patients are carefully selected. Therefore, indication, patient selection, and embolization techniques will be essential in order to individually adapt newer embolic agents based on oncological, anatomical and technical considerations.

Bile salts predict liver regeneration in rabbit model of portal vein embolization

BackgroundPortal vein embolization (PVE) is employed to increase future remnant liver (FRL) volume through induction of hepatocellular regeneration in the nonembolized liver lobe. The regenerative response is commonly determined by CT volumetry after PVE. The aim of the study was to examine plasma bile salts and triglycerides in the prediction of the regenerative response following PVE. MethodsPVE of the cranial liver lobe was performed in 15 rabbits, divided into three groups: NaCl (control), gelatin sponge (short-term occlusion), and polyvinyl alcohol particles with coils (PVAc, long-term occlusion). In all rabbits CT volumetry and blood sampling were performed prior to PVE and on days 3 and 7. Plasma bile salts and triglycerides were correlated with volume increase of the nonembolized liver lobe. ResultsAfter 3 and 7 d, respectively, FRL volume was increased in both embolized groups, with the largest hypertrophy response observed in the PVAc group. Plasma bile salt levels were increased after PVE, especially in the PVAc group at day 3 (P < 0.01 compared to gelatin sponge). Plasma bile salts at day 3 predicted FRL volume increase at day 7 showing a positive correlation of 0.811 (P < 0.001). Levels of triglycerides were not significantly altered in either of the PVE procedures. ConclusionsPlasma bile salt levels early after PVE strongly correlated with the regenerative response in a rabbit model of PVE, showing more pronounced elevation with larger volume increase of the nonembolized lobe. Therefore, plasma bile salts, but not triglycerides, can be used in the prediction of the regenerative response after PVE.

Impact of preoperative embolization on outcomes of carotid body tumor resections

This study assessed neurovascular complications in the surgical management of carotid body tumors (CBTs), with emphasis on those treated with and without preoperative embolization. We reviewed the clinical data of all consecutive patients with CBTs treated by surgical resection at our institution from 1985 to 2010. Outcomes were compared between Shamblin class II and III CBTs treated with preoperative embolization (EMB group) and with no preoperative embolization (NEMB group). A total of 131 patients (80 women, 51 men), who were aged 48 years (range, 16-84 years), had resection of 144 CBTs and 12 concurrent cervical paragangliomas. This included 18 patients who had bilateral resections and 29 with familial CBTs. Succinate dehydrogenase (SDHx) mutations were confirmed in 17 patients. Mean tumor volume was 20.5 cm(3) (range, 0.8-101.3 cm(3)), and there were two biochemically active CBTs (1%). There were 71 Shamblin II and 33 Shamblin III. The EMB group underwent 33 CBT resections, and the NEMB group underwent 71. There were more patients in the EMB group with bilateral (48% vs 22%; P = .01) and familial (34% vs 14%; P = .01) CBT; otherwise, patient demographics, Shamblin class, and tumor diameter and volumes were similar. No strokes or other major complications occurred after preoperative embolization with polyvinyl alcohol particles 1 day before surgery. The EMB group required less extensive procedures (simple excision in 97% vs 82%, P = .03; internal carotid artery clamping in 15% vs 37%, P = .04) and had less blood loss (mean estimated blood loss, 263 vs 599 mL; P = .002) than the NEMB group. However, there were no significant differences in operative time (250 vs 265 minutes; P = .49), temporary cranial nerve injury (52% vs 38%; P = .21), clinically apparent cranial nerve deficits after 1 year (12% vs 7%; P = .46), deaths (0% vs 0%; P > .99), stroke (0% vs 1%; P > .99), or postoperative length of stay (4.1 vs 4.2 days; P = .91). Large CBTs can be resected safely with or without preoperative embolization. Preoperative embolization may simplify the conduct of the operation and reduce blood loss but does not decrease rates of cranial nerve injury, although most are temporary.

Preoperative Embolization of Meningiomas with N-Butyl Cyanoacrylate

Meningiomas are often embolized before their surgical resection to reduce blood loss during surgery. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) particles have been the most frequently used material for embolization of meningiomas. We have used n-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA) as the first-choice material since 2001. Thirty-one meningiomas were embolized with NBCA. We report the result of embolization of meningiomas with NBCA in comparison with PVA particles.

Clinical Impact of Multidetector Row Computed Tomography Before Bronchial Artery Embolization in Patients With Hemoptysis: A Prospective Study

PurposeTo evaluate prospectively the role and impact of multidetector row computed tomography (MDCT) before bronchial artery embolization (BAE) in patients with hemoptysis. MethodsMDCT of the thorax was performed in 27 patients (21 men, 6 women; age range, 22-70 years; mean, 39 years) with hemoptysis who were referred for BAE. Transverse, multiplanar reconstruction, and 3-dimensional reconstruction (maximum intensity projection and volume rendered) images were analysed to identify the abnormal hypertrophied bronchial and nonbronchial systemic arteries causing hemoptysis, their origin and course were noted. Digital subtraction angiography was performed with the knowledge of findings of MDCT. Selective arteriogram of abnormal bronchial as well as nonbronchial arteries was performed. Embolization was attempted in 25 of these patients (92.6%) by using polyvinyl alcohol particles (350-500 μm), Gelfoam or Embospheres (400-700 μm). Follow-up was done for a mean period of 20.5 months. ResultsBased on MDCT, 2 of 27 patients were found unsuitable for BAE. On computed tomography, 38 arteries (27 bronchial and 11 nonbronchial systemic arteries) were identified as abnormal hypertrophied vessels. On angiography, 34 of these arteries (25 bronchial and 9 nonbronchial systemic arteries) were found to be responsible for hemoptysis. Three of these arteries could not be evaluated during angiography, and 1 artery that was identified as abnormal on computed tomography was found normal on angiography. All 25 bronchial and 9 nonbronchial systemic arteries that cause hemoptysis were detected at MDCT. Embolization was successful in 23 of 25 patients. ConclusionMDCT enables detection and depiction of all bronchial and nonbronchial systemic arteries causing hemoptysis.