Endovascular and percutaneous embolization of a giant post traumatic arteriovenous fistula of inferior epigastric vessels

BACKGROUND

Arteriovenous fistulas involving the anterior abdominal wall can result from trauma. Such fistulas may remain asymptomatic and undetected for a prolonged duration of time. They tend to recruit multiple arterial feeders with remodelling in the feeding arteries, making them challenging to treat.

CASE PRESENTATION

We discuss a rare case of a 60-year-old male who presented with complaints of a progressive painless swelling in right lower abdomen. There was a history of blunt injury to abdomen at the same site during alleged road traffic accident 3 years ago. On CT angiography, an arteriovenous fistula was localised to the anterior abdominal wall arising predominantly from the right inferior epigastric artery with a giant venous sac and terminating as a tortuous single venous channel into the right external iliac vein. Few other small feeders were also seen arising from branches of right superior epigastric artery along Winslow's pathway. The main challenge in endovascular management of this patient was embolization of a high flow shunt with a large venous sac and multiple arterial feeders. The dominant arterial feeder was embolized using vascular plug. The superficial location of the lesion offered an additional percutaneous window besides endovascular approach. The venous sac was percutaneously accessed and embolized using n-butyl cyanoacrylate after balloon occlusion of outflow vein. On follow up ultrasonographic evaluation at 3 months, near complete thrombosis of the venous sac was achieved.

CONCLUSIONS

Traumatic arteriovenous fistulas involving the inferior epigastric vessels are rare clinical entities. CT angiogram and digital subtraction angiography help in the optimal diagnosis and treatment planning. The use of mechanical embolization devices to cause flow arrest offers an opportunity to use liquid embolic agents which offer better percolation within the lesion. Interventional radiology offers an ideal management of these complex high flow fistulas with a good technical success and acceptable safety profile.

Feasibility of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in temporary permanent pacemaker implants in pediatric myocarditis and complete atrioventricular block

Background

Diagnosing myocarditis in children presenting with complete AV block (CAVB) is challenging. Temporary permanent pacing support using standard transvenous active fixation lead can be inserted percutaneously until recovery. However, access to cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging may be limited due to safety concerns.

Cases

We report three cases where CMR was performed using temporary permanent pacemaker in situ. We evaluated the effect of device artefacts on image quality and examined any instances of device malfunction.

Conclusion

In children with CAVB and myocarditis, a temporary permanent pacemaker can provide reliable pacing until recovery, and CMR can be safely performed with the implanted pacemaker without compromising image quality.

False lumen regurgitation fraction and energy loss in the aorta measured using four-dimensional flow MRI to predict expansion of acute uncomplicated type B aortic dissection: a prospective study

AIM

To assess the relationship between four-dimensional (4D)-flow-derived false lumen regurgitation fraction (FLRF) and energy loss (EL) percentage in the descending thoracic aorta (DTA) with the aortic growth rate in uncomplicated type B aortic dissection (uTBAD).

METHODS AND MATERIALS

In this prospective study performed on 15 patients with uTBAD, computed tomography (CT) angiography and 4D-flow magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were performed at the initial presentation with follow-up CT at 2 years. 4D-flow parameters, including maximum peak systolic velocity (PSV), FLRF, and percentage of EL were measured using Circle CV42. The significance of these parameters for expansion (>3 mm/year) of aortic dissection was analysed.

RESULTS

Five patients had an enlarging aorta, while 10 had a stable aortic size. The Mann-Whitney U-test showed entry tear >10 mm (p=0.026), FLRF (7.6 ± 8.9 versus 64.8 ± 16.7%; p=0.002), EL in the DTA in (1.61 ± 1.99 versus 2.21 ± 0.32 μW/cm3; p=0.014) and percentage of EL in the DTA to overall energy loss from the ascending aorta to the DTA (37 ± 15% versus 66 ± 17%; p=0.005), having a statistically significant different expanding stable dissection. A positive significant Spearman correlation was noted with the aortic growth rate (in millimetres over 2 years) with FLRF (r=0.71, p=0.003), EL in the DTA (r=0.56, p=0.007), and percentage of EL in the DTA (r=0.62, p=0.003).

CONCLUSION

4D flow parameters, including FLRF and the percentage amount of EL in the DTA may help predict aortic growth at an early stage in uTBAD.

Femoral Vein Intravascular Synovial Sarcoma Mimicking Primary Deep Vein Thrombosis-A Rare Cause of Deep Vein Thrombosis

Synovial sarcomas are rare malignant mesenchymal soft tissue tumors. We presented the case of a 53-year-old woman patient presenting with acute deep vein thrombosis, later diagnosed as a deep synovial sarcoma of the femoral vein wall. The tumor was identified through cross-sectional magnetic resonance angiography and computed tomography, followed by ultrasound-guided core biopsy. The case report emphasized the importance of considering the possibility of an intravascular neoplasm mimicking thrombus, particularly if calcifications, vein expansion with intravascular cystic spaces, fluid-fluid levels, and septations within a thrombosed vein are seen in imaging.

Aorto-Left Ventricular Tunnel-An Uncommon Entity

The aorto-left ventricular tunnel is an extracardiac communication that has a specific morphological feature. It is important to differentiate this entity from other diagnoses because the treatment options differ significantly and better outcomes are obtained with this entity.

A Curious Case of Multiple Intracardiac Masses: Antiphospholipid Syndrome Manifesting as Multiple Intracardiac Thrombi

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a multisystem autoimmune disease characterized by acquired hypercoagulability, recurrent pregnancy loss, and elevated levels of antiphospholipid antibodies. The common cardiovascular manifestations include valvulopathy, coronary artery disease (CAD), myocardial dysfunction, cardiac thrombi, pulmonary thromboembolism, and pulmonary hypertension. Herein we present a case who presented with stroke with incidentally detected multiple cardiac lesions on echocardiography suspicious for mass. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) was able to accurately characterize these lesions as cardiac thrombi, which were subsequently confirmed by endomyocardial biopsy. In this article, the case we discussed, highlights the importance of CMR in accurately characterizing the suspected mass lesion in echocardiography, thus arriving at an accurate diagnosis that changed patient management altogether.

Tandem Saphenous Vein Graft Aneurysms with Right Atrial Fistula: Evaluation of a “Rarest of a Rare Complication” Using CT Coronary Angiography

Saphenous vein graft (SVG) aneurysm after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is a rare complication. A fistula between an SVG aneurysm and a cardiac chamber is even rarer. Herein, we report a middle-aged man who underwent CABG with five grafts 13 years prior presenting with multiple aneurysms in the venous graft with a fistula between the aneurysm and the right atrium. The computed tomographic angiogram findings and the subsequent treatment of the patient are addressed in the report.

Management of Acute Complications during Endovascular Procedures in Peripheral Arterial Disease: A Review

Endovascular therapy, as opposed to surgical bypass, has become the mainstay for peripheral arterial disease even in long segment occlusions. Complications can occur during the arterial access, catheter manipulation, balloon dilation, and/or stent placement. Given the high prevalence of comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, renal dysfunction, and coronary artery disease in these patients, early identification of procedural complications and initiation of treatment are of paramount importance. This review aims to provide comprehensive data on the identification and management of commonly encountered endovascular complications during endovascular interventions in peripheral arterial disease.

Dual left anterior descending artery with anomalous left anterior descending artery from pulmonary artery: double trouble

Anomalous origin of left anterior descending artery (LAD) from pulmonary artery (ALADCAPA) with dual LAD from left sinus is an extremely rare coronary anomaly. The diagnostic challenge lies in differentiating this from a coronary cameral fistula. Surgical reimplantation of the anomalous LAD is recommended to prevent the risk of myocardial ischaemia and ventricular arrhythmias.

Evidences in Uterine Artery Embolization: A Radiologist's Primer

Uterine artery embolization is an established minimally invasive therapy for symptomatic fibroids. It has also been used for other diseases of the uterus, including adenomyosis, uterine arteriovenous malformation, ectopic pregnancy, abnormal invasive placenta, and postpartum hemorrhage. In this review, we provide an updated and comprehensive review of uterine artery embolization based on the evidence published. We review the indications, the role of MRI, technical aspects, and complications of the procedure. The issues with a future pregnancy, risk of infertility, and fetal radiation are discussed as well.

Endovascular interventions in main renal artery pathologies: an overview and update

Renal arteries are involved in a wide spectrum of pathologies including atherosclerosis, fibromuscular dysplasia, Takayasu arteritis, aneurysms, and aortic type B dissections extending into main renal arteries. They manifest as renovascular hypertension, renal ischemia, and cardiovascular dysfunction. The location of the renal arteries in relation to the abdominal aortic aneurysm is a critical determinant of interventional options and long-term prognosis. This article provides a comprehensive review of the role of interventional radiologists in transcatheter interventions in various pathologies involving the main renal arteries with analysis of epidemiology, pathophysiology, newer interventional techniques, and management options.

Major Aortopulmonary Collateral Arteries

Major aortopulmonary collateral arteries (MAPCAs) are congenital vessels that arise from the aorta or its first-order branches and are distally connected to the pulmonary arterial vasculature, thereby providing pulmonary blood flow. MAPCAs are commonly associated with several congenital heart diseases that have compromised pulmonary circulation due to severe stenosis involving pulmonary valves or arteries or due to pulmonary atresia. Embryologically, MAPCAs are presumed to be persistent segmental arteries. MAPCAs can be imaged with CT and MRI, and such imaging findings are important for surgeons and interventionists. The management options for MAPCAs include unifocalization, surgical ligation, and endovascular interventions, such as coil embolization. This review highlights the role of reporting certain critical features of MAPCAs at CT and MRI, which will help to facilitate management decisions for systemic-to-pulmonary collateral vessels observed in patients with congenital heart disease. Keywords: Pediatrics, CT Angiography, Image Postprocessing, Interventional-Vascular, MR Angiography, Embolization, Stents, Cardiac, Vascular, Aorta © RSNA, 2022.

Repercussions of a giant major aortopulmonary collateral aneurysm adjacent to vertebral artery origin

An aneurysm of major aortopulmonary collateral in an adult with congenital cyanotic heart disease was detected incidentally following a hemoptysis episode. The location and size of the aneurysm needed special concern during treatment to avoid aneurysm-related complications and thromboembolism secondary to intervention.

Role of imaging and endovascular radiology in endoscopically missed Dieulafoy’s lesion of stomach – A case report with review

Dieulafoy’s lesion is an uncommon cause of life-threatening gastrointestinal bleed from a dilated and tortuous submucosal artery. With the advent of endoscopy-guided intervention, the mortality of the condition has reduced significantly from 80 to 8%. Imaging plays a vital role in diagnosing them in endoscopically negative cases. Endovascular management can also be offered for unidentified lesions or failed endoscopic treatment. We report a middle-aged male with acute hematemesis where endoscopy was unable to reveal the source of the bleed. Contrast CT detected the lesion, which was embolised by endovascular route. The clinical details, imaging appearance and treatment of this uncommon lesion is presented.

Novel transcatheter treatment for staged closure of Abernethy malformation with portal hypoplasia

Portosystemic shunts are rare congenital malformations that come to attention due to various hepatic and extrahepatic manifestations. Management of this malformation is dictated by the presence and adequacy of intrahepatic portal radicals. Staged occlusion of the shunt is recommended in patients with severely hypoplastic portal radicals. We describe a novel transcatheter technique that we improvised for staged occlusion of Abernethy malformation in a 2-year-old girl.

Diagnosis and endovascular management of pulmonary arteriovenous malformations

Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVM) are abnormal communication of a branch of the pulmonary artery and pulmonary vein circumventing the intervening pulmonary capillaries. This results in a right-to-left (R-L) shunt and its related manifestations, which include hampered gas exchange leading to hypoxaemia, dyspnoea, paradoxical emboli leading to stroke, cerebral abscess, myocardial infarction and pulmonary haemorrhage due to rupture of the PAVM. Endovascular transcatheter embolization of the feeding vessels with coils or occlusion devices is the current standard care of treatment and preferred treatment modality. The articles aim to provide insights into the current trends in diagnosis, the current recommendations, approach and management options for patients with PAVM.

Pericardial pseudocyst along atrioventricular groove

Cystic lesions in relation to the pericardium are a rare congenital lesion with an estimated incidence of 1 per 100,,000. Pericardial cysts may be classified as congenital or acquired. Here, we present a case of a pericardial pseudocyst having a horseshoe configuration along the atrioventricular groove in a middle-aged subject with no previous relevant medical history. The patient underwent open surgery for the same with histopathological diagnosis being established. This paper highlights the differentials for a cystic pericardial lesion in imaging in addition to the histopathological entity of a pericardial pseudocyst.

Diagnosing pulmonary arteriovenous malformations in the presence of atrial septal defect and anomalous pulmonary venous drainage-An imaging challenge

Saline contrast echocardiography is a simple and effective method to diagnose the presence and type of right-to-left shunt in patients with unexplained cyanosis. It is considered a very sensitive test to diagnose pulmonary arteriovenous malformations. Our patient presented with unexplained cyanosis and transthoracic echocardiography showed an atrial septal defect and anomalous pulmonary venous drainage of the right and left upper pulmonary veins to the superior venacava. We describe how we used saline contrast echocardiography to demonstrate the presence of pulmonary arteriovenous malformations even in the presence of atrial septal defect and anomalous pulmonary venous drainage.