Radiological pattern in ARDS patients: partitioned respiratory mechanics, gas exchange and lung recruitability.

Background: The ARDS is characterized by different degrees of impairment in oxygenation and distribution of the lung disease. Two radiological patterns have been described: a focal and a diffuse one. These two patterns could present significant differences both in gas exchange and in the response to a recruitment maneuver.

Ability of specific and nonspecific signs of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) in the diagnosis of blunt surgically important bowel and mesenteric injuries.

Purpose: To determine the accuracy of MDCT in the evaluation of blunt surgically relevant bowel and/or mesenteric injuries (BMIs) using single specific CT signs together with specific pairs of nonspecific signs.

Methods: Fifty-four patients examined with MDCT were divided into two groups: a 'surgical' group of 20 patients-which underwent surgery for blunt BMIs-and a control group of 34 'nonsurgical' trauma patients. Two radiologists with different experience performed a double-blind retrospective evaluation of the images, classifying the patients in the two groups by using only single specific signs; then, the images were reviewed in consensus with a third radiologist and sensitivity and specificity were calculated.

Role of MRI and added value of diffusion-weighted and gadolinium-enhanced MRI for the diagnosis of local recurrence from rectal cancer.

Purpose: To evaluate whether the addition of gadolinium-enhanced MRI and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) improves T2 sequence performance for the diagnosis of local recurrence (LR) from rectal cancer and to assess which approach is better at formulating this diagnosis among readers with different experience.

Methods: Forty-three patients with suspected LR underwent pelvic MRI with T2 weighted (T2) sequences, gadolinium fat-suppressed T1 weighted sequences (post-contrast T1), and DWI sequences. Three readers (expert: G, intermediate: E, resident: V) scored the likelihood of LR on T2, T2 + post-contrast T1, T2 + DWI, and T2 + post-contrast T1 + DWI.

Urea-based recirculation validation of the symmetrical palindrome catheter.

Background: High blood flow and low recirculation rates are central for adequate haemodialysis. A new symmetrical tip has been invented promising efficient haemodialysis even if the ports are reversed.

Objective: To evaluate access recirculation of the 'palindrome' catheter and to report initial experiences in a clinical setting.

Microwave ablation of malignant renal tumours: intermediate-term results and usefulness of RENAL and mRENAL scores for predicting outcomes and complications.

The aim of this study was to evaluate intermediate-term results after microwave ablation (MWA) of renal tumours and determine the association of RENAL and modified RENAL (mRENAL) scores with oncological outcomes and complications. In May 2008-September 2014, 58 patients affected by early-stage RCC (renal cell carcinoma; T1a or T1b) were judged unsuitable for surgery and treated with percutaneous MWA. Follow-up was performed with contrast-enhanced computed tomography at 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 months after the procedure.

The Role of Interventional Oncology in the Management of Lung Cancer.

Interventional radiological procedures for diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer have become increasingly important. Imaging-guided percutaneous biopsy has become the modality of choice for diagnosing lung cancer, and in the era of target therapies, it is an useful tool to define earlier patient-specific tumor phenotypes. In functionally inoperable patients, especially the ablative procedures are potentially curative alternatives to surgery.

Factors predicting outcomes of microwave ablation of small hepatocellular carcinoma.

Purpose: The aim of our study was to evaluate factors influencing effectiveness of percutaneous microwave ablation (MWA) in patients with small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (<3 cm).

Materials And Methods: Between December 2007 and August 2015, 49 patients with 65 previously histological typed HCC were treated in a total of 61 sessions. Tumours were subdivided into central (>3 cm from the capsule) (n = 22) and peripheral (<3 cm from the capsule) (n = 43).

Current role of microwave ablation in the treatment of small hepatocellular carcinomas.

Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) can be as effective as surgical resection in terms of overall survival and recurrence-free survival rates in patients with small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Effectiveness of RFA is adversely influenced by heat-sink effect. Other ablative therapies could be considered for larger tumors or for tumors located near the vessels.

Usefulness of paclitaxel-releasing high-pressure balloon associated with cutting balloon angioplasty for treatment of outflow stenoses of failing hemodialysis arteriovenous shunts.

Aim: To evaluate the technical and clinical success, primary patency (PP) and complications of angioplasty performed with paclitaxel-coated balloon (PCBs) associated with cutting balloon and for the treatment of the outflow stenoses of failing hemodialysis arteriovenous shunt.

Material And Methods: From September 2014 to September 2015, 50 patients with 66 stenoses were registered. Vascular accesses were autogenous (n = 20) and prosthetic (n = 30).

Anaesthetics, steroids and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in ultrasound-guided musculoskeletal procedures.

This review aims to evaluate the role of anaesthetics, steroids and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) employed with ultrasound-guided injection in the management of musculoskeletal pathology of the extremities. Ultrasound-guided injection represents an interesting and minimally invasive solution for the treatment of tendon and joint inflammatory or degenerative diseases. The availability of a variety of new drugs such as hyaluronic acid and PRP provides expansion of the indications and therapeutic possibilities.

New advances in lower gastrointestinal bleeding management with embolotherapy.

Lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Embolization is currently proposed as the first step in the treatment of acute, life-threatening LGIB, when endoscopic approach is not possible or is unsuccessful. Like most procedures performed in emergency setting, time represents a significant factor influencing outcome.

The role of interventional radiology in abdominopelvic trauma.

The management of trauma patients has evolved in recent decades owing to increasing availability of advanced imaging modalities such as CT. Nowadays, CT has replaced the diagnostic function of angiography. The latter is considered when a therapeutic option is hypothesized.

Usefulness of Cone-Beam Computed Tomography and Automatic Vessel Detection Software in Emergency Transarterial Embolization.

Background: This study was designed to evaluate the utility of dual phase cone beam computed tomography (DP-CBCT) and automatic vessel detection (AVD) software to guide transarterial embolization (TAE) of angiographically challenging arterial bleedings in emergency settings.

Methods: Twenty patients with an arterial bleeding at computed tomography angiography and an inconclusive identification of the bleeding vessel at the initial 2D angiographic series were included. Accuracy of DP-CBCT and AVD software were defined as the ability to detect the bleeding site and the culprit arterial bleeder, respectively.

Cone beam computed tomography images fusion in predicting lung ablation volumes: a feasibility study.

Background: Recently different software with the ability to plan ablation volumes have been developed in order to minimize the number of attempts of positioning electrodes and to improve a safe overall tumor coverage.

Purpose: To assess the feasibility of three-dimensional cone beam computed tomography (3D CBCT) fusion imaging with "virtual probe" positioning, to predict ablation volume in lung tumors treated percutaneously.

Material And Methods: Pre-procedural computed tomography contrast-enhanced scans (CECT) were merged with a CBCT volume obtained to plan the ablation.

A new system of microwave ablation at 2450 MHz: preliminary experience.

The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of the application of the new system (Emprint Microwave Ablation System, Covidien Boulder, CO, USA) and to identify its advantages. In particular the attention was focused to the spherical ablation zone obtained and its usefulness in terms of effectiveness. The new system is composed of: a 2450 MHz generator that delivers a maximum power of 100 W, a fiberglass antenna and a pump for internally cooled antenna.

Urgent endovascular ligature of a ruptured splenic artery pseudoaneurysm in a patient with acute pancreatitis: a case report.

Introduction: We report on the successful endovascular treatment of a ruptured splenic artery pseudoaneurysm. Our patient had acute pancreatitis superimposed on chronic calcific pancreatitis and chronic renal impairment. Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography was used to assess post-embolization results.

Role of low dose CT angiography in the follow-up after endovascular aneurysm repair of abdominal aorta.

Background: Computed tomography angiography (CTA) is the most employed modality in the follow-up after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) of abdominal aorta (AA); repeated standard controls expose patients to a high cumulative radiation dose (RD).

Purpose: To compare image quality and RD between 100 kV and 120 kV protocols in the same group of patients, previously treated with EVAR.

Material And Methods: Thirty patients, who had performed a previous CTA at 120 kV, underwent a low dose CTA with the same 64-detector machine.

"Vascular lock" causing splenic perfusion defects during irreversible electroporation of a locally advanced pancreatic tumor.

Context: There is little reported experience of irreversible electroporation (IRE) of locally advanced pancreatic tumors (LAP). In literature, few data reported complications. In particular vascular vasoconstriction miming splenic infarcts in humans has never been found.

Image-guided thyroid nodule ablation: technical notes and critical appraisal.

Image-guided thyroid nodule ablation is a relatively new technique for the management of thyroid disease. Notably, if there has been the correct patient selection and if they are performed in high volume centers and via a standardized technique, image-guided thyroid nodule ablation seems to be safe and effective and it can be used to treat thyroid goiters. However, there is still paucity of level 1 evidences and recommendation comparing ablation to surgical or to other non-surgical treatment modalities.

C-arm cone-beam computed tomography needle path overlay for percutaneous biopsy of pulmonary nodules.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy of pulmonary nodules under cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) with "XperGuide" navigation guidance.

Materials And Methods: From February 2010 to January 2012, 100 patients (63 men and 37 women; mean age 67.27 years; range 21-88 years) with 100 lung nodules (44 ≤ 3 cm, 56 > 3 cm) underwent CBCT-XperGuide guided percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsies.

Transcatheter embolisation of iatrogenic renal vascular injuries.

Purpose: The aim of our study was to review our experience and long-term follow-up in the treatment of iatrogenic renal vascular injuries using transcatheter embolisation.

Materials And Methods: Our retrospective analysis of cases collected in two interventional centres consists of a total of 21 patients who underwent renal arterial embolisation (RAE) for iatrogenic arterial kidney bleeding. Biopsy (n = 4), percutaneous nephrolithotomy (n = 4), nephron-sparing surgery (n = 4), guidewire-induced arterial perforation during coronary angiography or renal stenting (n = 3), percutaneous nephrostomy (n = 3), renal endopyelotomy/pyeloplasty (n = 2) and surgical nephrectomy were the iatrogenic causes.

Multislice computed tomography with colon water distension (MSCT-c) in the study of intestinal and ureteral endometriosis.

This study evaluates retrospectively the accuracy and reproducibility of multislice computed tomography with colon water distension (MSCT-c) in diagnosing bowel (BE) and ureteral (UE) endometriosis. Sixty-four patients underwent MSCT-c and videolaparoscopic surgery. Two radiologists reviewed MSCT-c examinations: sensitivity and specificity were calculated, considering histological exam as reference standard.

Evaluation of right ventricular function in patients with a previous episode of pulmonary embolism using tissue Doppler imaging.

New echocardiographic techniques including tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and pulsed tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) of the right ventricular wall have been assessed to better define right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) during the acute phase of pulmonary embolism (PE) in patients without significant tricuspidal insufficiency. Their application in patients with a previous history of PE may provide a better estimation of the incidence and clinical significance of long-term functional impairment of the right ventricle. In a case-control study, we compared the prevalence of RVD in a cohort of consecutive patients with previous PE and in age and sex-matched controls without PE.