Transarterial Embolization of Neovascularity for Refractory Nighttime Shoulder Pain: A Multicenter, Open-Label, Feasibility Trial

Comparative Safety of 3 Temporary Embolic Agents in Transcatheter Arterial Embolization for Degenerative, Inflammatory, and Overuse Joint Disorders

PURPOSE

To evaluate the safety and degree of pain relief of 3 rapidly biodegraded embolic materials, including imipenem (IPM)/cilastatin sodium (CS), quick-soluble gelatin sponge particles (QS-GSPs), and resorbable microsphere (RMs), in transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) for degenerative, inflammatory, and overuse joint disorders.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Consecutive 431 patients, 527 joints with refractory overuse injuries, knee osteoarthritis, frozen shoulder, symptomatic rotator cuff tear, synovitis of the foot joints, and persistent pain after knee joint arthroplasty who underwent TAE between March 2020 and May 2023 were included in this retrospective study. IPM/CS, QS-GSPs, and RMs were used in 140 patients (176 TAEs), 136 patients (163 TAEs), and 155 patients (182 TAEs), respectively. Adverse events were monitored immediately after the procedure. Changes in pain numeric rating scale (NRS) score were evaluated at 1, 3, and 6 months after TAE.

RESULTS

No severe adverse events were observed. Increased pain at the site of embolization after the procedure lasting more than 7 days occurred in 7.1%, 22.1%, and 5.8% of patients with IPM/CS, QS-GSPs, and RMs, respectively, more commonly in the elbow joint. The NRS score improved from the baseline to 1, 3, and 6 months with IPM/CS (6.9 [SD ± 1.3] vs 4.4 [SD ± 2.2], 3.6 [SD ± 2.3], and 3.1 [SD ± 2.4], respectively; all P < .0001), QS-GSPs (6.4 [SD ± 1.5] vs 4.3 [SD ± 2.1], 3.6 [SD ± 2.2], and 3.0 [SD ± 2.1], respectively; all P < .0001), and RMs (7.0 [SD ± 1.3] vs 4.4 [SD ± 2.2], 3.2 [SD ± 2.1], and 2.3 [SD ± 1.8], respectively; all P < .0001).

CONCLUSIONS

IPM/CS, QS-GSPs, and RMs demonstrated acceptable safety profiles and effectively alleviated pain in TAE for degenerative, inflammatory, and overuse joint disorders.

Clinical and Radiological Outcomes of Transarterial Embolization for Adhesive Capsulitis

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effect of transarterial embolization (TAE) for adhesive capsulitis (AC) by evaluating clinical outcomes and changes in inflammation using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients who had undergone TAE between August 2020 and August 2023 for AC refractory to conservative treatments without any invasive procedures for more than 3 months, and had undergone baseline and 3-month post-AC follow-up contrast-enhanced MRI evaluations, were included. A suspension mixture of 500 mg imipenem/cilastatin in 10 mL of iodinated contrast agent was used for TAE. MRI results were analyzed to assess periarticular capsule/ligament inflammation. Clinical assessments included pain scores using the numeric rating scale (NRS) and functional scores using the quick disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (Quick DASH) questionnaire.

RESULTS

Twenty-five patients (female:male, 14:11; age, 54.9 ± 7.1 years) were included. Significant reductions in average NRS pain scores as well as improvements in Quick DASH scores and range of motion, including anterior flexion and abduction, were observed at 1, 3, and 6 months after TAE (all P < 0.001). MRI analyses revealed that TAE significantly decreased the grades of axillary recess capsule enhancement, rotator interval (RI) capsule T2 signal intensity, and RI capsule enhancement (all P ≤ 0.004).

CONCLUSION

TAE may be an effective and safe therapeutic approach for AC refractory to conservative treatments, alleviating pain and supporting functional recovery. The observed MRI findings suggest that the effectiveness of TAE for AC may be attributed to the reduction of inflammation and the elimination of angiogenesis.

Microembolization Effects of Imipenem/Cilastatin In Vivo Depicted by Monochromatic Synchrotron X-Ray Microangiography

PURPOSE

To elucidate the characteristics of imipenem (IPM)/cilastatin (CS) as an embolic material in microvessels in vivo.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Three healthy rabbits were injected subcutaneously in 1 auricle with picibanil (OK-432) in advance to create an inflammation-induced neovascular model. Microangiography was performed using monochromatic X-rays obtained from a large synchrotron radiation facility (SuperPhoton ring-8 GeV, SPring-8). All rabbits underwent pre-embolic microangiography under anesthesia. Embolization from the central branch of the auricular artery was then performed using a mixture of IPM/CS (0.2 g) + nonionic contrast medium (2 mL). Microangiography was performed immediately after and at 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, and 90 minutes after embolization. The diameter of embolized vessels was measured from the images immediately after embolization. Recanalization times were evaluated from immediately after embolization to 90 minutes after embolization, and they were compared between normal sites and sites where inflammation was induced.

RESULTS

The mean diameter of the embolized vessels immediately after embolization evaluated at the normal site was 267 μm (SD ± 58.35; range, 174-363 μm). Evaluation of postembolic recanalization showed that vessels in the normal sites recanalized after a mean of 70 minutes (range, 50-70 minutes), whereas vessels at the sites of inflammation did not recanalize in observations up to 90 minutes after embolization.

CONCLUSIONS

Microangiography using monochromatic X-rays produced from large synchrotron radiation showed that vessels larger than the IPM/CS particles were initially occluded, but the embolic effect resolved in normal vessels within 70 minutes and persisted in inflamed vessels. IPM/CS may thus exert a selective embolic effect on inflammation-related neovasculature.

Transarterial Embolization for Musculoskeletal Pain Management: AJR Expert Panel Narrative Review

Musculoskeletal embolization has emerged in recent years as a treatment of chronic joint pain, as the inflammatory cascade responsible for such pain has become better understood. Studies have shown a complex interplay between joint inflammation and synovial hypervascularity that causes growth of new unmyelinated nerve fibers responsible for pain. Embolization targets joint hypervascularity to disrupt the inflammatory cycle and provide pain relief. The standard treatment algorithm for chronic joint pain is well established and entails escalating therapeutic options that include exercise, self-management programs, analgesic medications, intraarticular injections, and finally surgical replacement or release. Genicular artery embolization (GAE), targeting abnormal vasculature around the knee joint, is the most studied musculoskeletal embolization procedure, reflecting the high worldwide prevalence and increasing incidence of knee osteoarthritis (OA). GAE is now supported by multiple prospective studies, including randomized controlled trials comparing GAE versus sham treatment. Embolization has also extended outside of the knee joint to include the shoulder (treatment of adhesive capsulitis or secondary stiff shoulder), elbow (medial or lateral epicondylitis), hip (OA, great trochanteric pain syndrome), and ankle (plantar fasciitis). This AJR Expert Panel Narrative Review discusses the current status of transarterial embolization for musculoskeletal pain management, focusing on treatment of knee OA and chronic shoulder pain.

Clinical results of ultrasound-guided intra-arterial embolization targeting abnormal neovessels for plantar fasciitis: 66 cases with up to 4 years of follow-up

BACKGROUND

Plantar fasciitis (PF) is the most common cause of chronic heel pain, affecting young and older patients.

METHODS

This retrospective study included patients with PF refractory to conservative treatment who underwent intra-arterial embolization of abnormal neovessels. All patients received temporary embolic material through a needle percutaneously inserted into the posterior tibial artery. The numeric rating scale (NRS) pain score, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, and procedure-related adverse events were evaluated.

RESULTS

Between January 2020 and February 2022, 66 patients with PF were treated with intra-arterial embolization without major adverse events. The NRS pain score improved significantly, and the AOFAS score increased from 65.8 pre-treatment to 92.8 at 1 year post-treatment. The treatment effect was maintained until the final follow-up (mean duration: 30.9 months).

CONCLUSIONS

Ultrasound-guided intraarterial embolization using temporary embolic material may be effective for PF.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

How Arterial Embolization Is Transforming Treatment of Oncologic and Degenerative Musculoskeletal Disease

BACKGROUND

Arterial embolization is a minimally invasive treatment that occludes blood vessels supplying pathological tissue. Developed to control bleeding without surgery, it has evolved over decades and is now applied in musculoskeletal oncology as a preoperative treatment, palliative care, or standalone therapy for select tumors. Recently, its use has expanded globally in treating chronic pain syndromes and osteoarthritis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We reviewed the literature on arterial embolization in various musculoskeletal conditions. The focus was on established oncologic indications for primary and metastatic bone or soft tissue tumors, and emerging evidence on degenerative diseases like osteoarthritis, inflammatory musculoskeletal pathology, and intractable pain. Emphasis was placed on leading studies regarding efficacy, complications, and recurrence rates.

DISCUSSION

Arterial embolization has progressed from bleeding control to a versatile therapeutic option in musculoskeletal medicine. It offers symptom relief, reduces tumor size, and improves quality of life. Applications include oncologic interventions and management of degenerative and inflammatory conditions. Despite its benefits, variations in complications and recurrence rates highlight the need for standardized protocols and further research.

CONCLUSIONS

Arterial embolization is a safe and effective minimally invasive tool in the multidisciplinary management of a wide range of musculoskeletal pathologies. Ongoing research is crucial to understand long-term efficacy, optimize protocols, and broaden its applications.

Added value of pre-procedural magnetic resonance angiography in transarterial embolization for refractory musculoskeletal pain

Background

Transarterial microembolization (TAME) is a minimally invasive treatment for chronic musculoskeletal disorders. Identifying angiogenesis and the supplying vessels of the target joint is important but challenging. Although magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is commonly used to diagnose musculoskeletal diseases, it typically excludes vascular imaging. Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (DCE-MRA) has the ability to visualize lesion angiogenesis, identify supplying vessels, and evaluate the vasculature anatomy. We propose that incorporating DCE-MRA into pre-procedural assessments can help identify the culprit vessels, arterial anatomy, and variant assessment of the target joint before TAME.

Materials and methods

We investigated six cases, each presenting pain in different body parts: shoulder adhesive capsulitis, trapezius myalgia, combined tennis and golf elbow, knee osteoarthritis, refractory knee pain after osteotomy, and plantar fasciitis. All patients underwent MRI with DCE-MRA before undergoing TAME. DCE-MRA was performed using either 1.5 T or 3 T MRI scanners, employing 3D-TRICKS or 4D-TRAK XD techniques. The numerical rating scale for pain was evaluated at one, three, and six months after the procedure, and any adverse events were recorded over the entire six-month follow-up period.

Results

Pre-procedural DCE-MRA helped to visualize angiogenesis at the lesion site in all patients and identify the supplying vessels, arterial vasculature anatomy, and branching variants. These findings corroborated the subsequent digital subtraction angiography (DSA) findings obtained during TAME. All patients experienced pain reduction and functional improvement after TAME without any complications. The average pain score reduced significantly after TAME treatment (p < 0.05). Two patients underwent a second MRI and DCE-MRA at the six-month follow-up and showed a significant reduction in angiogenesis.

Conclusion

DCE-MRA offers a valuable pre-procedural assessment tool for TAME procedures by facilitating the visualization of angiogenesis at the lesion site, supplying vessels, and arterial anatomic variants, including the variable orifice of the supplying branches. This information can potentially improve patient selection and pre-procedural planning, leading to better outcomes and reduced risk of complications.

Nitroglycerin (NTG) Infusion for Intraprocedural Vasospasm in Transarterial Microembolization (TAME): A Case Series

Transarterial microembolization (TAME) is an innovative approach to treating chronic musculoskeletal pain. During the procedure, intraprocedural vasospasm, presenting juxta-catheter stenosis, and poor distal artery perfusion and flow through the anastomosis commonly pose challenges. Difficulty of the catheter reaching the target vessel and restricted drug delivery are possible consequences. To address these issues, transcatheter nitroglycerin (NTG) infusion at the extremity's small-sized artery has been introduced. We investigated patients who underwent the TAME procedure wherein NTG was employed and sourced from two institutional settings. Transcatheter NTG infusion was administered in seven instances of chronic musculoskeletal pain manifesting with intraprocedural vasospasm during TAME procedures. Patient profiles, preprocedural imaging, fluoroscopic findings, adverse events, and Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) scores were evaluated. As a result, all seven cases experiencing intraprocedural vasospasm exhibited rapid responses to transcatheter NTG infusion. Angiography conducted pre- and post-infusion demonstrated increased vessel size, resolved proximal catheter stenosis, and improved distal perfusion. One case presented an adverse effect of self-limited transient hypotension. The NRS scores decreased following the procedure. Transcatheter NTG infusion at the extremity's small-sized muscular artery can be an effective technique for resolving intraprocedural vasospasm in TAME procedures, irrespective of the target diseases and approach vessels.

Transcatheter Arterial Embolization for Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome: A Retrospective Study of 44 Patients

PURPOSE

To investigate the preliminary treatment outcomes of transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) for chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective study included patients with refractory CP/CPPS who underwent TAE between April 2022 and February 2023. All patients had persistent pelvic pain for at least 3 months, a total score of at least 15 on the NIH-Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI), and lacked evidence of infection. All procedures were performed by injecting imipenem/cilastatin sodium (IPM/CS) from bilateral prostatic arteries ± internal pudendal arteries. NIH-CPSI, pain numeric rating scale (NRS), and complications were evaluated at 1, 3, and 6 months after the initial TAE and at the final follow-up.

RESULTS

Out of 48 patients, 44 were included in this study, with four excluded because of loss of follow-up. No severe procedure-related complications were observed. Pretreatment and post-treatment evaluations at 1, 3, and 6 months after the initial TAE and at the final follow-up (mean 16.6 months) revealed a decrease in the mean NIH-CPSI scores from 27 ± 6 to 21 ± 8, 20 ± 9, 17 ± 9, and 18 ± 9, respectively (all P < 0.001). Pain NRS scores were also decreased from 7.0 ± 1.6 to 4.8 ± 2.5, 4.1 ± 2.6, 3.7 ± 2.4, and 3.4 ± 2.3, respectively (all P < 0.001). The proportions of clinical success, defined as a reduction of at least 6 points from baseline in the NIH-CPSI, at 6 months after TAE and at the final follow-up were 70 and 64%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides evidence of the feasibility of TAE using IPM/CS for CP/CPPS, suggesting both symptomatic improvement and safety.

Challenges and complications and their management of the transarterial microembolization for chronic musculoskeletal pain

Transarterial microembolization (TAME) is an increasingly well-known novel and minimally invasive treatment option for painful chronic musculoskeletal diseases that is gaining popularity. Although the safety and effectiveness of TAME have been established, limited knowledge of intraarticular and musculocutaneous arterial anatomy may lead to challenges and complications. This article aims to present cases illustrating these challenges and complications, based on multicenter experiences and a comprehensive literature review. Furthermore, the article also provides preventive tips, solutions, and follow-up strategies to reduce the learning curve for interventional radiologists and facilitate familiarity with post-TAME follow-up images for diagnostic radiologists. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: This article illustrates the intra- and post-interventional complications of transarterial microembolization (TAME) through detailed pictorial reviews, including how to distinguish them from normal angiographic findings. It provides strategies for their prevention, management, and follow-up, which can further improve clinical outcomes. KEY POINTS: • Transarterial microembolization for chronic musculoskeletal pain may result in intrainterventional challenges (IIC) and postinterventional complications (PIC), and their importance may be underestimated. • The intrainterventional challenges include microarterial perforation, arterial dissection, and catheter tip fracture, whereas postinterventional complications include tissue ischemia-related complications, puncture site hemorrhage, and arterial injury. • Being familiar with the intrainterventional challenges and postinterventional complications may help minimize the procedure risk and improve outcomes.

Transarterial Embolization for Adhesive Capsulitis of the Shoulder: Midterm Outcomes on Function and Pain Relief

PURPOSE

To determine the safety and potential effectiveness of transarterial embolization for adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This prospective study analyzed consecutive adult patients with adhesive capsulitis referred for embolization between January 2018 and May 2023 after a poor response to treatment (symptoms and limitation of motion in ≥2 axes; ≤120° flexion, ≤50° external rotation and/or internal rotation with the shoulder abducted 90°) persisting for >3 months after having completed ≥6 weeks of analgesics and physical therapy. Different types of pain and mobility were measured before embolization and 1, 3, and 6 months after embolization. Overall upper limb function (Quick Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand) and patient satisfaction were measured before and 6 months after embolization. Long-term follow-up comprised telephone interviews and clinical history reviews.

RESULTS

A total of 20 patients (12 [60%] women; median age, 50.7; interquartile ranges [IQR], 45‒55 years) were included; 6 (30%) had diabetes and 15 (75%) were off work. Median duration of symptoms before embolization was 39.4 weeks (IQR, 28‒49 weeks), and median duration of rehabilitation therapy was 12.8 weeks (IQR, 8‒16 weeks). Six months after embolization, significant improvements were observed in nocturnal pain (P = .003), pain on moving (P = .001), external rotation (P < .001), internal rotation (P < .001), active flexion (P < .001), passive flexion (P = .03), active abduction (P < .001), passive abduction (P < .001), and overall function (P < .001). Despite objective improvements, patient satisfaction was nearly unchanged. Only 1 patient experienced a mild adverse event.

CONCLUSION

Transarterial embolization is safe and potentially effective in treating adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder refractory to conventional treatment. Clinical improvements were maintained in the mid to long term.

Angiographic Analysis of Anatomical Variants in Adhesive Capsulitis Embolization

PURPOSE

To analyze the complex shoulder vasculature and identify potential challenges during adhesive capsulitis embolization (ACE).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two interventional radiologists evaluated angiographic findings from 21 ACE procedures. The suprascapular artery (SSA), thoracoacromial artery (TAA), coracoid branch (CB), circumflex scapular artery (CSA), and anterior/posterior circumflex humeral artery (ACHA/PCHA) were assessed for their presence, course, diameter within 1 cm of origin, angle to the proximal parent vessel, and distance from the clavicle.

RESULTS

83 arteries were embolized: CB (20.5%), TAA (19.3%), PCHA (19.3%), ACHA (16.9%), CSA (14.5%), and SSA (9.6%). The CSA had the largest diameter (4.3 mm), while CB had the smallest diameter (1.0 mm). An acute angle to the parent vessel was noted with the SSA, TAA, ACHA, and PCHA. A common origin for CSA and PCHA was noted in 2 patients. A common origin for TAA and SSA was also noted in one patient. The CB appears perpendicular to the axillary artery and courses vertically toward the coracoid process. The TAA branches off the axillary artery and courses along the medial border of the pectoralis minor. The PCHA and ACHA originate from the axillary artery. The CSA is located on the medial side of axillary artery. The SSA originates from the thyrocervical trunk and courses laterally toward the superior border of the scapula.

CONCLUSION

An anatomical-technical guide is provided to help interventional radiologists during ACE to treat adhesive capsulitis.