Bronchial artery embolization (BAE) has become an effective method for treating hemoptysis due to its minimally invasive nature, rapid hemostasis, and low complication rate. Its safety and effectiveness are well-established. The rapid and effective implementation of a nursing plan is key to improving patient prognosis, particularly in cases of life-threatening massive hemoptysis. Currently, there is no standardized peri-procedure nursing protocol for BAE treatment of hemoptysis. To ensure treatment efficacy and reduce adverse reactions, the "Expert Consensus on Nursing Standards for BAE in the Treatment of Hemoptysis" has been formulated. This consensus is based on existing evidence and Delphi expert consultations, combined with clinical practice in China. It focuses on patient care evaluation, emergency care, pre-procedure preparation and coordination, peri-procedure care, efficacy evaluation, and health guidance. This consensus is intended to provide professional, evidence-based nursing protocols for patients undergoing BAE for hemoptysis.
To investigate the correlation between low adjusted body mass index (BMI) and the prognosis of patients with portal hypertension undergoing transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS).
Methods
A retrospective analysis was conducted on 157 patients with portal hypertension who underwent TIPS at the First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China from March 2019 to December 2022. Based on pre-procedure BMI adjusted for ascites (mild: -5%, moderate: -10%, severe: -15%, plus an additional -5% for peripheral edema), patients were divided into a malnutrition group (M group, adjusted BMI < 18.5 kg/m2, n=79) and a non-malnutrition group (nM group, n=78). Postoperative incidence of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) and survival rates were compared. The median follow-up was 39 months (range: 15–60 months).
Results
Within one year after TIPS, the M group showed a significantly higher incidence of overall HE (43.00% vs. 21.80%, χ2= 8.864, P=0.003) and overt HE (25.30% vs. 9.60%, χ2= 6.305, P=0.012) compared to the nM group. No significant difference was found in the incidence of covert HE (22.80% vs. 13.30%, P=0.098). At the end of follow-up, the survival rate in the M group was significantly lower than in the nM group (77.60% vs. 80.80%, χ2= 4.706, P=0.030).
Conclusion
Malnutrition, defined by adjusted BMI<18.5 kg/m2, occurred in 50.32% of patients undergoing TIPS for portal hypertension. Malnutrition could increase the risk of post-procedure HE and reduce survival, serving as an independent risk factor for TIPS prognosis.
To analyze the impact of glycemic control levels on post-interventional coagulation function and the risk of post-procedure recurrence in patients with diabetes-induced lower extremity arteriosclerosis obliterans (DLASO) on the coagulation function after vascular interventional therapy and the risk of postoperative recurrence.
Methods
A total of 124 patients with DLASO treated from October 2021 to October 2024 were enrolled. Patients were divided into a recurrence group (n=46) and a non-recurrence group (n=78) based on clinical outcomes. Baseline data and post-procedure coagulation function indices were compared. Pearson correlation was used to analyze the relationship between blood glucose levels and coagulation function. Risk factors for recurrence were identified using the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) and multivariate logistic regression. The dose-response relationship between coagulation function and recurrence was assessed via restricted cubic splines (RCS). A mediation effect model was employed to evaluate the mediating role of coagulation function in the relationship between glycemic control and recurrence.
Results
The recurrence group had significantly higher proportions of patients with HbA1c ≥7.0% and FIB >4 g/L, as well as higher levels of blood lipids, hemorheology indices, VEGF, and endothelin-1, while PT, APTT, and TT levels were significantly lower compared to the non-recurrence group (P<0.05). Post-procedure PT, APTT, and TT at one week were negatively correlated with HbA1c levels (P<0.05). Multivariate analysis identified one-week post-procedure HbA1c, FIB, VEGF, and APTT as independent influencing factors for recurrence (P<0.05). There was a nonlinear dose-response relationship between one-week post-procedure PT, APTT, TT and recurrence (P<0.05). Coagulation function indicators at one week post-procedure mediated the relationship between HbA1c levels and recurrence (P<0.05).
Conclusion
Blood glucose control level is correlated with coagulation function, and both are independent influencing factors for recurrence after endovascular intervention in DLASO patients. These findings provide a reference for the early clinical identification of patients at high risk of recurrence.
To analyze the predictive value of serum intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) levels for postoperative restenosis in patients with lower extremity arteriosclerosis obliterans (ASO).
Methods
A total of 94 ASO patients admitted between July 2021 and July 2023 were enrolled. Based on the occurrence of restenosis within one year postoperatively, patients were divided into a restenosis group (n=37) and a patency group (n=57). Multivariate logistic regression and interaction analyses were used to evaluate the impact of ICAM-1 and other indicators on restenosis.
Results
Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that infrapopliteal lesions, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and elevated preoperative levels of C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, plasma viscosity, whole blood viscosity (high/low shear), and ICAM-1 were independent risk factors for postoperative restenosis (P<0.05). Interaction analysis revealed that preoperative ICAM-1 significantly interacted with endothelin and vascular endothelial growth factor to influence restenosis risk.
Conclusion
ICAM-1 levels are closely correlated with postoperative restenosis in ASO patients and serve as a significant predictor for the risk of re-obstruction.
The optimal treatment strategy for basilar artery trunk aneurysms (BATA) remains controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of endovascular treatment for BATA.
Methods
A retrospective analysis was performed on 40 BATA patients (41 aneurysms in total) who underwent endovascular treatment in our institute between October 2018 and December 2024. Based on digital subtraction angiography (DSA) findings, aneurysms were categorized into saccular, classic, segmental dilatation, and dolichoestasia types. Perioperative cerebrovascular complications were recorded. Immediate and 6-month embolization degrees were assessed with the Raymond scale, while clinical outcomes were evaluated with modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores at 3-month follow-up.
Results
Among the 41 aneurysms, 9 were saccular (22.0%), 18 classic (43.9%), 5 segmental dilatation (12.2%), and 9 dolichoestasia (22.0%). All aneurysms were successfully treated with stent-assisted coiling (SAC), including single-stent SAC in 11 cases (27.5%), overlapping-stent SAC in 26 cases (65.0%), and flow diverters in 3 cases (7.5%). Immediate postprocedural Raymond grades were Ⅰ in 13 (31.7%), Ⅱ in 16 (39.0%), and Ⅲ in 12 (29.3%) cases. Perioperative complications included: 1 (2.5%) intraoperative re-rupture of classic dissecting aneurysm, 1 (2.5%) acute stent thrombosis in dolichoestasia aneurysm (no improvement after tirofiban infusion). Postprocedurally acute ischemic events occurred in 1 saccular aneurysm case (2.5%), and the patient was left with left-sided hemiplegia at discharge. Two dolichoestasia cases (5.0%) developed acute ischemic events after the procedure but showed no significant disability at discharge (mRS: 2). At 3-month follow-up, 33 patients (82.5%) achieved favorable outcomes (mRS 0-2). Among 31 cases with 6-month DSA follow-up, 24 (77.4%) achieved complete occlusion (Raymond I).
Conclusion
For saccular and classic dissecting BATAs, conventional stent-assisted coiling is technically feasible and safe, with a high occlusion rate and an acceptable recurrence rate. Despite the occurrence of periprocedural ischemic events, overlapping large woven stents techniques and flow diverters can further improve treatment outcomes for segmental dilatation and dolichoestasia aneurysms.
To explore the symptom experience and psychological perceptions of patients with primary liver cancer during combined treatment with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, providing a basis for improved symptom management.
Methods
Using a phenomenological approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 patients receiving the combined therapy. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi's seven-step method.
Results
Four main themes were identified: (1) physical symptoms, including post-embolization syndrome, sleep disturbances, and treatment-related adverse reactions; (2) psychological distress, involving fear of side effects and anxiety regarding recurrence; (3) social and family impact, including role conflicts, social withdrawal, and changes in work patterns; and (4) coping strategies, encompassing both active and passive modes.
Conclusion
Patients face multifaceted and interconnected symptoms. Healthcare professionals should implement dynamic assessments and integrated management, emphasizing psychological support and fostering family/social networks to improve patient adaptation and the overall care experience.
This study aims to explore the depression level, social support status and caregiver preparedness of the main caregivers of stroke patients undergoing interventional treatment, analyze their interrelationships, and investigate the mediating effect of social support between depression and caregiver preparedness, providing a theoretical basis for improving postoperative care quality and promoting the mental health of caregivers.
Methods
Convenience sampling was used to select stroke patients and their main caregivers who received interventional surgery in a tertiary hospital in Jiangsu Province as the research subjects. The Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS), and Caregiver Preparedness Scale (CPS) were used for the investigation. Multiple linear regression and mediation effect analysis were used to explore the interrelationships among depression, social support, and caregiver preparedness.
Results
A total of 217 valid samples were included. The results showed that the depression level of the main caregivers was significantly negatively correlated with caregiver preparedness (P<0.01), while the social support score was significantly positively correlated with caregiver preparedness (P<0.001). Univariate analysis revealed that main caregivers with different occupational backgrounds, place of residence, availability of assistance from others, and prior caregiving experience were significantly associated with preparedness scores (P<0.05). Multiple regression analysis revealed that higher caregiving preparedness was significantly predicted by the following factors: the stroke patient being female (β=2.252), having a higher level of education (high school and college/university or above; β=2.784 and 5.104, respectively), and the primary caregiver being unmarried or divorced/widowed (β=5.171). Mediation effect analysis showed that subjective support played a partial mediating role between the depression of main caregivers and caregiver preparedness. After including the basic characteristics of caregivers as covariates, the mediating effect of social support remained significant (P<0.01).
Conclusion
The marital status of main caregivers and the educational level of stroke patients are important factors affecting caregiver preparedness. The depression of main caregivers is significantly negatively correlated with caregiver preparedness, while social support is significantly positively correlated. Further analysis revealed that social support, especially subjective support, plays a mediating role in the path by which depression affects the preparedness of main caregivers.
To investigate the analgesic efficacy of preemptive analgesia in the perioperative period of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients.
Methods
36 cases of patients undergoing TACE from May 2023 to September 2023 admitted to the Department of Interventional Radiology at Jiangning Hospital were allocated into control group and received routine pain management and psychological intervention. From October 2023 to March 2024, 47 cases of patients undergoing TACE were managed with preemptive analgesia on the basis of the control group as the observation group. The Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) scores during surgery, at 6 h and 24 h after intervention, postoperative additional analgesic requirements, and perioperative comfort levels (Bruggrmann Comfort Scale, BCS) were compared between the two groups.
Results
In the observation group the NRS score were lower than those of control group during surgery, at 6 h and 24 h after intervention (P<0.05). The proportion of patients requiring additional analgesics within 24 h postoperatively was 29.8% in the observation group, significantly lower than that of the control group (77.8%). The BCS scores of the observation group were higher than those of the control group during surgery and at 6 h postoperatively (P<0.05), while no significant difference was observed at 24 h postoperatively (P>0.05).
Conclusion
Preemptive analgesia effectively reduces pain intensity in patients undergoing TACE, decreases postoperative analgesic consumption, and enhances comfort during the early perioperative period. Therefore, preemptive analgesia is worthy of clinical promotion and application.
To evaluate the feasibility and clinical potential of deep learning–based cerebral artery reconstruction from non-contrast CT(NCCT).
Methods
Paired NCCT/CTA data from two stroke centers were retrospectively analyzed. An internal dataset of 140 patients without large vessel occlusion was split into training(n=100), validation(n=20),and test(n=20)sets, with 20 additional cases for external validation. CTA-derived segmentations served as reference.nnU-Net 3D-fullres, 3D cascade U-Net, and 2D U-Net were compared using DSC, ASSD, and HD95.
Results
nnU-Net 3D-fullres achieved the best performance(DSC 0.78±0.04, 0.75±0.04, and 0.73±0.06 across validation, test, and external sets), with consistent trends in ASSD and HD95.
Conclusion
Deep learning enables accurate,contrast-free reconstruction of cerebral arteries from NCCT and may support path planning for mechanical thrombectomy.
To evaluate the predictive value of serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels and C-reactive protein to albumin ratio (CAR) for survival outcomes in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients undergoing transarterial chemoembolization (TACE).
Methods
A retrospective analysis was conducted on 148 HCC patients who received at least three TACE sessions between January 2017 and December 2024. According to the Modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (mRECIST), patients were divided into the poor prognosis group (n=65) and the good prognosis group (n=83). Relevant indicators were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier method, Cox proportional hazards regression model and receiver operating characteristic curve.
Results
Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that the median overall survival (OS) of patients in the poor prognosis group was 24 months, which was significantly shorter than 37 months in the good prognosis group (P<0.001). The median OS of the group with LDH≤250 U/L (34 months) was significantly better than that of the group with LDH>250 U/L (16 months; P<0.001). The median OS of the low-CAR group was significantly longer than that of the high-CAR group (P=0.004). Multivariate Cox regression analysis confirmed that Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage, elevated LDH and elevated CAR were independent risk factors for shortened OS (all P<0.05).
Conclusion
Serum LDH and CAR levels can serve as effective prognostic predictors for HCC patients after TACE. These biomarkers are easy to detect and cost-effective, and have important clinical application value.
To develop and validate a model based on contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) radiomics features to evaluate the tumor response of patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC) receiving transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with molecular-targeted agents (MTAs) and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs).
Methods
A total of 93 uHCC patients who received TACE-MTA-ICI triple therapy at the First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University between June 2019 and January 2024 were retrospectively included. Radiomics features were extracted from MRI images, and multiple machine learning algorithms were employed to construct prediction models, followed by performance evaluation.
Results
The radiomics model based on the Random Forest algorithm demonstrated superior performance. A nomogram model, further integrated with clinical features, achieving areas under the curve (AUC) of 0.933 and 0.890 in the training and testing cohort, respectively.
Conclusion
The combined model based on MRI radiomics and clinical features can effectively predict tumor response to TACE-MTA-ICI triple therapy in uHCC patients.
To investigate the safety, comfort and preliminary efficacy of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) via transbrachial approach (TBA) in patients with intermediate-advanced liver cancer.
Methods
A retrospective observational study was conducted to collect clinical data from 300 patients with intermediate-advanced liver cancer who underwent TBA-TACE treatment at Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital from January 2023 to January 2025. The study evaluated the success rates of brachial artery puncture and subsequent procedures, complication incidence, patient-reported comfort, short-term efficacy, and progression-free survival (PFS).
Results
300 patients underwent a total of 652 TBA-TACE procedures. The success rate of brachial artery puncture was 99.39%, and the procedure success rate was 100%. The overall incidence of complications was 2.15%, and post-procedure surveys indicated high patient satisfaction. The objective response rates (ORRs) at 1 and 3 months post-procedure were 64.7% and 46.8%, respectively, while the disease control rates (DCRs) were 98% and 96.3%, respectively. The median PFS was 8.3 months.
Conclusion
TBA-TACE is associated with high technical success, a low complication rate, and high patient-reported comfort. The procedure demonstrates favorable preliminary efficacy and represents a promising alternative to traditional vascular access routes for the management of liver cancer.
The relationship between the characteristics of carotid atherosclerotic plaque and ACI was predicted by rapid 3D magnetic resonance vessel wall imaging (3D MR-VWI).
Methods
From August 2020 to August 2023, 227 patients with carotid atherosclerotic plaque who visited Dongtai People's Hospital underwent 3D MR-VWI examination and were divided into an ACI group (115 cases) and non ACI group (112 cases) based on pathological results. Analyzed the characteristics of atherosclerotic plaques in the internal carotid artery of the two groups of patients, used LASSO regression and multiple logistic regression analysis to identify influencing factors for ACI occurrence; And based on the results of multi factor analysis, constructed a column chart prediction model, Based on the results of multi-factor analysis, a nomogram prediction model was constructed to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of the model.
Results
In this study, the consistency between 3D MR-VW examination and pathological diagnosis results was high (Kappa value=0.802), and the MR product score of unstable plaques was significantly higher than that of stable plaques, with statistical significance (P<0.05); In ACI group, the proportion of hypertension and diabetes, triglyceride(TG),lowdensity lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C), systolic blood pressure, homocysteine(Hcy), hypersensitive C-reactive protein, D-dimer, and fibrinogen levels, carotid plaque number, plaque length, plaque thickness, plaque MR score significantly increased, and high density lipoprotein cholesterol level significantly decreased compared with the non ACI group (P<0.05); The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that Hcy, TG, LDL-C, systolic blood pressure, D-dimer, and plaque MR score were influencing factors for the occurrence of ACI (P<0.05 for all); And constructed a prediction model and drawing the ROC curve and the calibration curve to indicate that the prediction model had high discriminability and good accuracy.
Conclusion
The characteristics of carotid atherosclerotic plaque are closely related to the occurrence of ACI. 3D MR-VWI combined with plaque MR integral technology can be used clinically to effectively evaluate the characteristics of plaque, so as to facilitate early intervention and reduce the risk of ACI.
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is an atherosclerotic disorder characterized by lower extremity arterial stenosis or occlusion, leading to symptoms such as intermittent claudication and rest pain. Its incidence has been rising globally year by year and is associated with a high prevalence of cardiovascular events. The pathogenesis of PAD is closely linked to systemic inflammatory responses. Various inflammatory biomarkers, including C-reactive protein, white blood cells, interleukins, and others, not only contribute to the development and progression of PAD but also serve as potential biomarkers for predicting disease prognosis and treatment outcomes. This review systematically summarizes the associations between multiple inflammatory markers and PAD, as well as the latest research advances in anti-inflammatory therapeutic strategies, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for the diagnosis and management of PAD.
Cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI) is a pathological phenomenon characterized by functional impairment and cellular damage that occurs following the restoration of blood flow after an ischemic event. During CIRI, mitophagy contributes to cellular homeostasis by selectively targeting and degrading damaged or dysfunctional mitochondria via autophagic mechanisms, thereby reducing excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and attenuating cell death. This review comprehensively summarizes the signaling pathways, pathological mechanisms, and neuroprotective roles of mitophagy in CIRI. Additionally, it examines the dual regulatory functions of mitophagy and highlights the critical importance of its precise modulation. The current challenges in clinical translation of these findings are also discussed, with the aim of facilitating the development of novel therapeutic strategies for the prevention and treatment of cerebral ischemia.
Ovarian vein thrombosis (OVT) is a rare form of venous thromboembolism, predominantly occurring after cesarean section, and is frequently underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed due to its nonspecific clinical manifestations. This article reports two cases of postpartum OVT following cesarean delivery: one with thrombus extension into the inferior vena cava (IVC) and the other complicated by pulmonary embolism (PE). Both patients received a comprehensive therapeutic regimen involving retrievable inferior vena cava filter implantation, systemic thrombolysis, and novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs). The filters were successfully removed within two weeks, and standardized anticoagulation therapy was maintained for at least three months, resulting in complete thrombus resolution without severe complications. For high-risk, complex OVT cases (e.g., IVC involvement or PE), this study explored individualized interventional strategies, demonstrating that filter placement combined with anticoagulation and thrombolysis effectively prevents pulmonary embolism and enhances thrombus clearance. These findings propose a novel integrated therapeutic approach for clinical management.
This paper reports the case of a 12-year-old female patient admitted for excessive weight gain surpassing her peers over a three-month period. Laboratory investigations revealed impaired glucose tolerance with insulin resistance, hypercortisolemia, and a disrupted cortisol circadian rhythm. Abdominal ultrasound showed moderate hepatic steatosis (fatty liver), and pituitary MRI suggested a small nodule in the right adenohypophysis. The patient was subsequently diagnosed with pediatric Cushing's disease following bilateral inferior petrosal sinus sampling (BIPSS). She underwent endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal resection of the pituitary microadenoma; at the six-month follow-up, she had achieved a weight loss of 27 kg. This case report and literature review offer a valuable clinical reference for the diagnosis and management of challenging cases of adolescent Cushing's disease.
We present a case of a 40-year-old female patient with midline carcinoma, who was admitted for chest pain and cough and diagnosed with concurrent mediastinal and pulmonary metastases. Single-agent chemotherapy proved ineffective and her clinical symptoms aggravated, accompanied by tracheal and superior vena cava compression. Following multidisciplinary consultation, CT-guided 125Ⅰ seed implantation was initially performed. Local tumors regressed postoperatively while partial pulmonary metastatic lesions progressed, prompting seed reimplantation combined with bronchial arterial chemoembolization, followed by concurrent anlotinib targeted therapy and sintilimab immunotherapy. After six months of comprehensive treatment, the thoracic tumors resolved, lymph nodes shrank, radiological evaluation indicated partial response, and the patient's clinical symptoms were significantly relieved. This case demonstrates that the integrated regimen of interventional local therapy plus targeted and immunotherapy offers a viable therapeutic approach for inoperable midline carcinoma patients with refractory conventional chemotherapy, enabling rapid symptom relief and improved treatment efficacy.