Objective To construct and validate a predictive model based on preoperative inflammatory biomarkers,and to evaluate its ability in predicting the prognosis of patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)after receiving transcatheter arterial chemoembolization(TACE).Methods A total of 544 patients with HCC,who received TACE as the initial treatment at six medical institutions between January 2007 and December 2020,were retrospectively collected.The patients were divided into training cohort(n=376)and validation cohort(n=168).LASSO algorithm and Cox regression analysis were used to screen out the independent influencing factors and to make modelling.The model was validated based on the discrimination,calibration and clinical applicability,and the Kaplan-Meier risk stratification curves were plotted to determine the prognostic differences between groups.The likelihood ratio chi-square value,R2 value,akaike information criterion(AIC)value,C-index and AUROC value of the model were calculated to determine its accuracy and efficiency.Results The training cohort and validation cohort had 376 participants and 168 participants respectively.Multivariate analysis indicated that BCLC,tumor size,number of tumor lesions,neutrophil and prognostic nutritional index(PNI)were the independent influencing factors for postoperative overall survival(OS),with all P being＜0.05;the BCLC grade,tumor size,number of tumor lesions,NLR,PNI and PS score were the independent influencing factors for progression-free survival(PFS),with all P being＜0.05.The C-indexes of the OS and PFS models were 0.735(95％ CI=0.708-0.762)and 0.736(95％ CI=0.711-0.761)respectively,and the external validation was 0.721(95％ CI=0.680-0.762)and 0.693(95％ CI=0.656-0.730)respectively.Ideal discrimination ability of the nomogram was exhibited in time-dependent C-index,time-dependent ROC,and time-dependent AUC.The calibration curves significantly coincided with the ideal standard lines,indicating that the model had high stability and low over-fitting level.Decision curve analysis revealed that there was a wider range of threshold probabilities and it could augment net benefits.The Kaplan-Meier curves for risk stratification indicated that the prognosis of patients varied dramatically between risk categories(P＜0.000 1).The Kaplan-Meier curves for risk stratification indicated that the prognosis of patients varied dramatically among different risk groups(P＜0.000 1).The likelihood ratio chi-square value,R2 value,AIC value,C-index and AUROC value of the model were better than those of other models commonly used in clinical practice.Conclusion The newly-developed prognostic nomogram based on preoperative inflammatory indicators has excellent accuracy as well as excellent prediction effect in predicting the prognosis of patients with unresectable HCC after receiving TACE,therefore,it can be used as an effective tool for guiding individualized treatment and for predicting prognosis.(J Intervent Radiol,2024,33:245-258)

Clinically,renal angiomyolipoma(RAML)is a commonly-seen benign tumor of the kidney.Usually,it is accidentally found by physical examination or when the clinical relevant symptoms occur due to tumor rupture with bleeding or the tumor size becomes enlarged.Selective arterial embolization(SAE)has become the primary treatment for RAML.SAE can be used as a first-line treatment option in acute rupture with bleeding of RAML.Moreover,SAE is safe and effective in preventing RAML bleeding and other serious complications,which has already been proved.This review focuses on the indications and contraindications for SAE treatment of RAML,selection of embolization materials,evaluation of efficacy,complications and their prevention and treatment,etc.(J Intervent Radiol,2024,33:560-564)

Objective To establish a prognostic nomogram based on preoperative serum prealbumin levels for predicting overall survival(OS)in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)treated with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization(TACE).Methods A total of 1 041 patients with unresectable HCC,who received TACE treatment at five medical centers in Suzhou city of China between January 2007 and December 2018,were divided into a training cohort(n=768)and a validation cohort(n=273).Cox regression analysis was used to analyzed the independent factors affecting one-,2-,and 3-year OS,based on which the nomogram was constructed,and validation of the nomogram was conducted in an internal test sequence.The performance of the nomogram was evaluated by concordance index(C-index),area under the receiver operating characteristic curve(AUC),calibration curve,and judgment curve analysis(DCA).Results COX regression analysis showed that AFP,BCLC,HBV,intrahepatic vascular invasion,number of tumors,PALB,PS,and tumor size were the independent risk factors affecting OS in patients with unresectable HCC treated with TACE.The C-index in the nomogram was 0.739(95％CI:0.719-0.759)for the training cohort and 0.715(95％CI:0.678-0.752)for the verification cohort.The AUCs of one-,2-,and 3-year OS in the training cohort were 0.877,0.794,and 0.799 respectively,which in the verification cohort were 0.840,0.741,and 0.671 respectively.The AUC-ROC values of the nomogram were higher than those of other traditional scoring systems,indicating that the nomogram had a good discriminatory power.The calibration curves demonstrated that a strong agreement existed between the predicted values of the nomogram and the actual observed values,and the DCA showed that the nomogram had high potential clinical utilization.The nomogram risk score revealed that the survival rate of patients in the low-risk group was significantly higher than that of patients in the high-risk group.Conclusion The nomogram based on preoperative serum prealbumin levels has excellent ability in predicting the prognosis of patients with unresectable HCC treated with TACE.

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) combined with lenvatinib and tislelizumab in the treatment of unresectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC).Methods:The clinical data of 12 patients with unresectable ICC who received HAIC combined with lenvatinib and tislelizumab in the First Affliated Hospital of Soochow University from October 2021 to April 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. HAIC included gemcitabine plus oxaliplatin; this regimen was combined with lenvatinib and tislelizumab within 3-7 days after its initial administration. Relevant laboratory examinations were performed before each cycle of HAIC, and enhanced computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging examinations were performed every 6-9 weeks. Tumor response to treatment was evaluated using the modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors. The objective response rate, disease control rate, progression-free survival, overall survival, and treatment-related adverse reactions of patients with ICC were statistically analyzed.Results:The objective response rate to HAIC combined with lenvatinib and tislelizumab was 6/12; the disease control rate was 8/12; the median progression-free survival was 11.8 months; and the median overall survival was 14.2 months. Three patients had grade Ⅳ adverse reactions (increased alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase thrombocytopenia), while three patients had grade Ⅲ adverse reactions (increased total bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase). The remaining patients had grade Ⅰ-Ⅱ adverse reactions. There were no serious complications related to interventional surgery.Conclusions:Use of HAIC (gemcitabine plus oxaliplatin) combined with lenvatinib and tislelizumab in the treatment of unresectable ICC may be safe and feasible. Preliminary clinical studies have shown that this combination can improve the survival and prognosis of patients with ICC.

Scalp arteriovenous fistula (SAVF) is a rare complication of thread-lift sutures for facial rejuvenation.This article reports a 23-year-old female patient who suffered from entotic sounds in left ear after thread lifting. Then, the entotic sounds was gradually aggravated with palpitations. The cerebral angiography showed a high flow scalp arteriovenous fistula in the left temporal region, which got satisfactory result by endovascular embolization with coil and medical glue. There was no recurrence of the fistulas after one year of follow-up.

Scalp arteriovenous fistula (SAVF) is a rare complication of thread-lift sutures for facial rejuvenation.This article reports a 23-year-old female patient who suffered from entotic sounds in left ear after thread lifting. Then, the entotic sounds was gradually aggravated with palpitations. The cerebral angiography showed a high flow scalp arteriovenous fistula in the left temporal region, which got satisfactory result by endovascular embolization with coil and medical glue. There was no recurrence of the fistulas after one year of follow-up.

Objective To investigate the etiological characteristics of infection after percutaneous biliary drainage or stent implantation in patients with malignant biliary obstruction (MBO). Methods Clinical data were collected from MBO patients who underwent interventional therapy in Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, from January 2016 to December 2020 and had or were suspected of biliary tract infection, with samples submitted for bile culture and/or simultaneous blood culture. Analysis was performed for the aspects of positive rate of culture, flora distribution, consistency between blood culture and bile culture, and drug resistance rate of major pathogenic bacteria. Results A total of 219 patients were enrolled, among whom 105(47.95%) were positive for bile culture, and the composition ratios of Gram-negative bacteria, Gram-positive bacteria, and fungi were 64.89%, 28.24%, and 6.87%, respectively. A total of 69 patients had samples submitted for blood culture during the same period of time, among whom 33(47.82%) had positive results. Positive results of both bile culture and blood culture were observed in 25 patients, and consistency analysis showed that the patients with complete consistency, partial consistency, and complete inconsistency accounted for 36%(9/25), 20%(5/25), and 44%(11/25), respectively. Common Gram-negative bacteria were Escherichia coli , Klebsiella pneumoniae , and Enterobacter cloacae , with a relatively low level of drug resistance to antibiotics including cefoperazone/sulbactam, amikacin, and imipenem. Common Gram-positive bacteria were Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus faecalis , with a relatively low level(< 15%) of drug resistance to antibiotics including vancomycin, linezolid, and teicoplanin. Conclusion Common pathogens of infection after percutaneous biliary drainage or stent implantation in MBO patients include Escherichia coli , Klebsiella pneumoniae , Enterococcus, and Enterobacter cloacae . There is a relatively low level of consistency between blood culture and bile culture, and thus samples should be submitted for both tests.

Objective:To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the home-made umbrella-shaped Octoparms inferior vena cava filter in the prevention of pulmonary embolism.Methods:A multicenter, randomized, positive parallel controlled, non-inferiority clinical trial was conducted in ten hospitals in China from October 2017 to March 2019. A total of 188 subjects were enrolled according to the same inclusion and exclusion criteria in different institutes. The 188 subjects were randomly divided into the trial group or the control group according to 1∶1 by the central randomization system, with 94 cases in each group. Octoparms inferior vena cava filter was used in the trial group, and the Celect inferior vena cava filter in the control group. The primary effective index was clinical success rate,including the clinical success rate of filter placement and filter retrieval. The secondary index included the rate of manual success of the delivery sheath system,incidence of pulmonary embolism(within 6 months), incidence of filter fracture,migration (>20 mm),tilt(>15°) on insertion/retrieval,and the situation of inferior vena cava flow(within 6 months). Safety evaluation included the incidence of filter related complications and device-related adverse events immediately after surgery and during follow-up.Results:The success rate of implantation was 100% in 188 subjects. Filter retrieval was performed in 87 cases (92.55%) in the trial group and 91 cases (96.81%) in the control group. The clinical success rate of the trial group was 97.87%(92/94) and that of the control group 98.94%(93/94). There was no significant difference between the two groups (χ 2=0.77, P=0.380). The success rate of delivery sheath system was 96.81%(91/94) and 98.94%(93/94) in the trail group and the control group,respectively. There was no significant difference between the two groups( P=0.621). There was 1 case (1.22%) of new asymptomatic pulmonary embolism in the trial group after filter placement and 2 cases (2.44%) in the control group. There was no significant difference between the two groups ( P>0.05). No filter fracture or migration (>20 mm) occurred in either group. The tilting of filter (>15°) was found in 1 case (1.06%) in the test group and 1 case (1.06%) in the control group when the filter was placed. The tilting of filter (>15°) was found in 0 case in the test group and 2 cases (2.44%) in the control group when the filter was retrieved. There was no significant difference between the two groups ( P>0.05). Inferior vena cava thrombosis before filter retrieval was found in 5 cases (5.75%) in trial group and 3 cases (3.30%) in control group. There was no significant difference between the two groups ( P=0.489). There were no immediate serious complications during filter placement/removal in either group. No filter obstruction,migration,deformation,penetration and occlusion of inferior vena cava. The incidence of device-related adverse events was low in both group. There was no significant difference between the two groups ( P>0.05). Conclusion:The home-made umbrella-shaped Octoparms inferior vena cava filter is effective and safe in preventing pulmonary embolism, and is not worse than Celect filter.

Objective To investigate the short-term mortality of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) in patients with primary liver cancer, and explore the possible causes of death and countermeasures. Methods All patients who underwent TACE at the Department of Interventional Radiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from January 2015 to December 2020 were studied, but those with metastatic liver cancer or receiving combined treatment were excluded. The clinical and imaging data of all patients were collected before and 30 days after TACE, and the clinical characteristics of the patients with short-term postoperative death were analyzed. Death within 30 days after TACE was defined as short-term death. Results A total of 1466 TACE in 741 patients with primary liver cancer were included. Ten patients (10/741, 1.35%) died within 30 days after TACE, with a mortality rate of 0.68% for all TACE. The mortality rate of d-TACE and c-TACE was 1.62% (3/185) and 0.55 % (7/1281), respectively. The mortality rates of patients at China Liver Cancer Staging Ⅰ, Ⅱ, and Ⅲ stages were 0.45% (2/448), 0.33% (2/599), and 1.43% (6/419), respectively. The mean diameter of the largest lesion in death cases was 10.1±0.8 cm. The possible causes of death were liver failure (4 cases), rupture bleeding (3 cases), myelotoxicity (1 case), pulmonary embolism (1 case), and heart failure (1 case). Conclusion The mortality rate after TACE in patients with primary liver cancer is low, with occasional short-term postoperative deaths. The death cases are characterized by a large tumor volume, and the most common causes of short-term death are liver failure and rupture bleeding.