Cholecystitis-related cystic artery pseudoaneurysm: Case report

The pseudoaneurysms of the cystic artery (CAP) are very uncommon. They usually develop as a result of an acute cholecystitis or after a cholecystectomy. Among the complications, we can find hemorrhaging, biliary blockage, and haemobilia. Limited understanding of the illness makes managing specific cases difficult. We describe a case of a cystic artery pseudoaneurysm complicating an acute cholecystitis that was successfully treated by transcatheter arterial embolization.

Transarterial chemoembolization of hepatocellular carcinoma via extrahepatic collateral artery from a supraduodenal and cystic artery trunk, originating from the gastroduodenal artery: A case report

The outcome of transarterial chemoembolization for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) relies on the appropriate identification of tumor supplying arteries. HCC derives 90% of the blood supply from the hepatic arteries. However, depending on the tumor's size and location, the extrahepatic collateral artery (EHC) can develop and predominantly supply the tumor. The supraduodenal artery (SDA) arises from the gastroduodenal artery (GDA). On the other hand, the cystic artery (CA) mostly originates from the right hepatic artery. However, a common trunk of the SDA and CA originating from the GDA and feeding the HCC as an EHC has not been reported. We herein present a 76-year-old man with HCC in segment 6, supplied by an EHC from a common trunk of the SDA and CA originating from the GDA. Selective arteriography confirmed the EHC, which was successfully embolized with drug-eluting beads without complications.

[Hematochezia and right-sided upper abdominal pain after puncture of a liver abscess in a 75-year-old male]

This article presents the case of a 75-year-old male patient, who underwent a percutaneous abscess puncture of a liver abscess. A few days after the puncture and drainage there was a sudden onset of right upper quadrant abdominal pain accompanied by hematochezia. The patient presented with markedly elevated liver enzyme levels and a significant drop in hemoglobin concentration. After gastroscopy and abdominal computed tomography (CT) in the portal venous phase no bleeding source could be identified. A false aneurysm of the cystic artery was identified only after a CT angiography of the abdomen. Due to spontaneous cessation of the bleeding a cholecystectomy was subsequently performed for definitive treatment of the false aneurysm.

Case report: cystic artery pseudoaneurysm presenting as a massive per rectum bleed treated with percutaneous coil embolization

BACKGROUND

Cystic artery pseudoaneurysms are rare. It usually occurs as a complication of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, but can arise uncommonly as a complication of acute cholecystitis. Ruptured cystic artery aneurysms present with haemobilia, intraperitoneal or upper gastrointestinal bleeding. We present an unusual case of cystic artery aneurysm presenting as a massive lower gastrointestinal bleed.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 47-year-old man was admitted with a thoracic abscess and was noted incidentally on CT to have acute cholecystitis. Subsequently the patient then presented with massive fresh PR bleeding. This was found on CT to be the result of a cystic artery pseudoaneurysm with associated gallbladder fistulation to the hepatic flexure, secondary to cholecystitis. The patient was treated with coil embolisation of the cystic artery made a full recovery and was discharged with a view to performing an elective cholecystectomy.

CONCLUSION

Cystic artery pseudoaneurysm is a rare complication of cholecystitis which can present as massive lower gastrointestinal haemorrhage secondary to cholecystocolic fistula. Percutaneous embolization is a safe and effective treatment in the acute phase.

The usefulness of full-iterative reconstruction algorithm for the visualization of cystic artery on CT angiography

PURPOSE

To evaluate the potential of full-iterative reconstruction (IR) for improving image quality of the cystic artery on CT angiography and to assess observer performance.

METHODS

Thirty patients who underwent both liver dynamic CT and conventional angiography were included in this retrospective study. All CT data were reconstructed through filtered back projection (FBP), adaptive iterative dose reduction 3D (AIDR3D), and forward-projected, model-based, iterative reconstruction solution (FIRST), respectively. In objective study, we analyzed mean ΔCT numbers (the difference between the HU peak of the vessel and the background) and full-width at tenth-maximum (FWTM) of three parts of the cystic artery by profile curve method comparing the three reconstructions. Subjectively, visualization was evaluated using a four-point scale performed by two blinded observers. ANOVA was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

In all parts of the cystic artery, the mean ΔCT number of FIRST was shown to be significantly better than that of FBP and AIDR3D (p < 0.05). FWTM in FIRST was the smallest in all of the vessels. The mean visualization score was significantly better with FIRST than with other CT reconstructions (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The FIRST algorithm led to improved CTA visualization of the cystic artery.

A case of a cystic artery arising from the superior mesenteric artery with abnormal branching of the celiac trunk

Objective

The celiac trunk normally has three branches; i.e. the left gastric, splenic, and common hepatic artery. It is known that the right hepatic artery occasionally branches from the superior mesenteric artery, while the cystic artery arising from the superior mesenteric artery is extremely rare. A deeper understanding of cystic arterial variations is necessary for all physicians performing examinations and surgical procedures of the hepatobiliary system.

Results

The cystic artery arising from the superior mesenteric artery was found in the cadaver of an 86-year-old woman during an anatomy dissection class at Aichi Medical University in 2015. In this case, the cystic artery ran along the dorsal side of the portal vein through Calot’s triangle to the gallbladder. The celiac trunk had four abnormal branches, one each to the left gastric, right hepatic, splenic, and left hepatic artery. The middle colic artery was absent and the left colic artery branching from the inferior mesenteric artery was distributed along the whole length of the transverse colon. In all cases of the cystic artery arising from the superior mesenteric artery, the vessel ran along the dorsal side of the portal vein; in addition, the right hepatic artery arose from the superior mesenteric artery.

Rupture of Cystic Artery Pseudoaneurysm: a Rare Complication of Acute Cholecystitis

Pseudoaneurysm (PA) of the cystic artery is rare. Most of the reported cases are iatrogenic and develop secondary to liver biopsy, laparoscopic cholecystectomy, ERCP, and liver transplant. Other reported causes include trauma, malignancy, arteriovenous malformations, and inflammation in the hepatobiliary and pancreatic system. Cystic artery psuedoaneurysm is usually asymptomatic but may also present as vague abdominal pain, intra-abdominal mass, and hemobilia. In the event of rupture, it may present as a catastrophic intra-peritoneal bleeding with hemorrhagic shock. Doppler ultrasound and contrast-enhanced CT scan are useful tools for the diagnosis of this condition. However, selective visceral angiography is confirmatory and offers the opportunity for therapeutic embolization. We report a case which presented with upper right quadrant abdominal pain, vomiting, and hypotension. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed subhepatic hematoma and pericholecystic fluid collection along with acute calculus cholecystitis and sludge in the bile duct. Subsequent contrast-enhanced CT and CT angiography confirmed the presence of ruptured cystic artery psuedoaneurysm with subhepatic hematoma. The patient after resuscitation underwent selective visceral angiography and successful coil embolization of the cystic artery pseudoaneurysm. During the same admission, ERCP and biliary stenting were also performed followed by laparoscopic cholecystectomy. This case reports a rare entity which was successfully treated using a multimodality strategy.

The usefulness of cone-beam computed tomography during chemoembolization of hepatocellular carcinomas fed exclusively by the cystic artery

PURPOSE

To evaluate the usefulness of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) for monitoring the transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) of hepatocellular carcinomas supplied by the cystic artery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In seven tumors (mean diameter: 19 mm), the iodized oil distributions in the tumor and gallbladder wall were evaluated by CBCT after injecting iodized oil emulsion (LipCBCT) through the cystic artery. Gelatin sponge particles were injected to completely obstruct the tumor-feeding vessel when iodized oil deposition was seen in less than one third of the wall circumference. The following parameters were retrospectively investigated: (1) the iodized oil distribution during LipCBCT and on CT scans 1 week after TACE; (2) local tumor control; and (3) complications.

RESULTS

LipCBCT showed iodized oil accumulation throughout the entire tumor in all cases, and iodized oil deposition in the gallbladder wall in three cases (43 %) (less than one third of the circumference). Therefore, gelatin sponge particles were used in all cases. CT 1 week after TACE showed an almost identical iodized oil distribution to intraoperative LipCBCT. None of the tumors recurred during follow-up, and no complications occurred.

CONCLUSION

CBCT is useful for evaluating the distribution of iodized oil in TACE via the cystic artery.

Radioembolization: Is Prophylactic Embolization of Hepaticoenteric Arteries Necessary? A Systematic Review

PURPOSE

To study the effectiveness of prophylactic embolization of hepaticoenteric arteries to prevent gastrointestinal complications during radioembolization.

METHODS

A PubMed, Embase and Cochrane literature search was performed. We included studies assessing both a group of patients with and without embolization.

RESULTS

Our search revealed 1401 articles of which title and abstract were screened. Finally, eight studies were included investigating 1237 patients. Of these patients, 456 received embolization of one or more arteries. No difference was seen in the incidence of gastrointestinal complications in patients with prophylactic embolization of the gastroduodenal artery (GDA), right gastric artery (RGA), cystic artery (CA) or hepatic falciform artery (HFA) compared to patients without embolization. Few complications were reported when microspheres were injected distal to the origin of these arteries or when reversed flow of the GDA was present. A high risk of confounding by indication was present because of the non-randomized nature of the included studies.

CONCLUSION

It is advisable to restrict embolization to those hepaticoenteric arteries that originate distally or close to the injection site of microspheres. There is no conclusive evidence that embolization of hepaticoenteric arteries influences the risk of complications.

Laparoscopic management of a cystic artery pseudoaneurysm in a patient with calculus cholecystitis

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Pseudoaneurysm of the cystic artery following acute cholecystitis is rare.

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It can be safely managed laparoscopically with simultaneous cholecystectomy.

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This avoids multiple invasive procedures and decreases morbidity associated with open surgery.

INTRODUCTION

Pseudoaneurysm of the cystic artery is very rare. In the majority of cases it has been reported as a post-operative complication of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, however it has also been associated with the presence of acute cholecystitis or pancreatitis.

When these pseudoaneurysms rupture they can lead to intraperitoneal bleeding, haemobilia and upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage. Radiological as well as open surgical approaches have been described for control of this rare pathology.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

We report the laparoscopic surgical management of an incidental, unruptured cystic artery pseudoaneurysm in a patient presenting with acute cholecystitis.

DISCUSSION

Cystic artery pseudoaneurysm is a rare entity and as such there is no consensus on the clinical management of this condition. A variety of treatment strategies have been reported in the literature including radiological selective embolisation and coiling, open cholecystectomy with ligation of the aneurysm, or a two-step approach involving radiological management of the pseudoaneurysm followed by an elective cholecystectomy.

CONCLUSION

In this report we have demonstrated that laparoscopic management of a cystic artery pseudoaneurysm with simultaneous laparoscopic cholecystectomy is feasible and safe. This avoids multiple invasive procedures and decreases morbidity associated with open surgery.

Assessment and classification of cystic arteries with 64-detector row computed tomography before laparoscopic cholecystectomy

PURPOSE

Major complications of laparoscopic cholecystectomy are bleeding and bile duct injury, and it is necessary to clearly identify structures endoscopically to keep bleeding and injury from occurring. The aim of this study was to depict the anatomical variation between cystic arteries among patients using 64-detector row spiral computed tomography (CT) prior to laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

METHODS

A total of 78 patients (31 men, 47 women) who underwent cholecystectomy were examined preoperatively using 64-detector row spiral CT between April 2012 and June 2013. The origin and number of cystic arteries and their relationship with the Calot triangle was evaluated by two independent observers. CT images were compared with laparoscopic cholecystectomy results.

RESULTS

The cystic arteries were delineated by CT in 73 of the 78 patients. The relationship between the cystic arteries and the Calot triangle was identified in 71 of the 78 patients. One cystic artery was found in 53 (73%) of the 73 patients, while two cystic arteries were found in 20 (27%) of the patients. A total of 55 (60%) of the 91 cystic arteries passed through the Calot triangle. The remaining 36 cystic arteries (40%) passed anterior, posterior, or inferior to the cystic duct. The relationship between the cystic arteries and the Calot triangle detected by CT was in agreement with the surgical records for all patients.

CONCLUSION

The configuration of the cystic arteries and their relationship with the Calot triangle can be identified using 64-detector row CT before laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Calot's Triangle: Proposal to Rename it as Calot's Region and the Concept of 'Ducto-Arterial Plane'

The anatomical description of the area requiring dissection during cholecystectomy is incomplete and incorrect. We carefully observed the anatomy of this region for over 20 years in various biliary pathologies and present our view. Describing this area in the form of triangles is incorrect. There exists a definite plane between the two folds of peritoneum in this region, wherein the cystic duct and the cystic artery traverse. The description of the "triangles" that require dissection during cholecystectomy are not strictly geometrical triangles; hence, the area bounded by these so-called triangles should be renamed as "Calot's region." The surgeons should take advantage of the existence of a definite "ducto-arterial plane" in the Calot's region and dissect it sharply to avoid ductal and vascular injuries.

Vascular variations of liver and gallbladder: a case report

Vascular variations in and around the porta hepatis are common. A sound knowledge of possible variations at these sites is vital for surgeons during laparoscopic cholecystectomy and surgical resection of the liver lobes. We report the case of several variations of the hepatic and cystic arteries in which, the common hepatic artery trifurcated into the gastroduodenal, right hepatic, and left hepatic arteries. The right gastric artery arose from the left hepatic artery and divided into a left and a right branch. The left branch entered the liver through the porta hepatis, while the right branch passed behind the common hepatic duct into the Calot's triangle, provided 2 branches to the gallbladder, and continued to supply the right hepatic lobe. Ligation of the right branch of the right hepatic artery in Calot's triangle during cholecystectomy could cause avascular necrosis of the liver segments it supplies.

Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma fed by the cystic artery: A report of 45 cases

AIM: To evaluate the safety, technical success rate, and effectiveness of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) fed by the cystic artery.

METHODS: Treatment of 45 tumors in 45 patients fed by the cystic artery was attempted with TACE. Thirty-six patients had previously undergone one to eight TACE sessions (mean, four sessions), and the duration after initiation of treatment of HCC was 4 to 69 mo (mean, 24). In 9 patients, parasitization of the cystic artery was revealed at initial angiography. TACE was performed only when the microcatheter could be inserted into the tumor feeding branch and the stain of the gallbladder wall disappeared. The therapeutic effects and complications were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS: Twenty-eight tumors were completely fed by the cystic artery and 17 were fed by both the hepatic artery and cystic artery. Attenuation or occlusion of the hepatic artery was observed in 60% (n = 27) of tumors. The tumor feeding branch arising from the cystic artery could be successfully embolized in 32 tumors (71%) of 32 patients without severe complications. Adequate iodized oil accumulation was achieved in 28 tumors (62%) of 28 patients. Local progression was observed in 6 (21%) of these 28 tumors treated by TACE alone during a mean follow-up period of 18 mo. Percutaneous therapy (n = 6), radiation (n= 4), and TACE after cholecystectomy (n = 3) were added for tumors with incomplete or unsuccessful TACE.

CONCLUSION: TACE via the cystic artery was safe and technically possible in 71% of patients. If adequate iodized oil accumulation is obtained, which was achieved in 62% of our patients, sufficient therapeutic effect may be expected.

New classification of the anatomic variations of cystic artery during laparoscopic cholecystectomy

AIM: To investigate the anatomic variations in the cystic artery by laparoscopy, and to provide a new classification system for the guidance of laparoscopic surgeons.

METHODS: Six hundred patients treated with laparoscopic cholecystectomy from June 2005 to May 2006 were studied retrospectively. The laparoscope of 30˚ (Stryker, American) was applied. Anatomic structures of cystic artery and conditions of Calot's triangle under laparoscope were recorded respectively.

RESULTS: Laparoscopy has revealed there are many anatomic variations of the cystic artery that occur frequently. Based on our experience with 600 laparoscopic cholecystectomies, we present a new classification of anatomic variations of the cystic artery, which can be divided into three groups: (1) Calot's triangle type, found in 513 patients (85.5%); (2) outside Calot's triangle, found in 78 patients (13%); (3) compound type, observed in 9 patients (1.5%).

CONCLUSION: Our classification of the anatomic variations of the cystic artery will be useful for decreasing uncontrollable cystic artery hemorrhage, and avoiding extrahepatic bile duct injury.