C-arm cone-beam computed tomography (CT) with a flat-panel detector represents the next generation of imaging technology available in the interventional radiology suite and is predicted to be the platform for many of the three-dimensional (3D) roadmapping and navigational tools that will emerge in parallel with its integration. The combination of current and unappreciated capabilities may be the foundation on which improvements in both safety and effectiveness of complex vascular and nonvascular interventional procedures become possible. These improvements include multiplanar soft tissue imaging, enhanced pretreatment target lesion roadmapping and guidance, and the ability for immediate multiplanar posttreatment assessment. These key features alone may translate to a reduction in the use of iodinated contrast media, a decrease in the radiation dose to the patient and operator, and an increase in the therapeutic index (increase in the safety-vs-benefit ratio). In routine practice, imaging information obtained with C-arm cone-beam CT provides a subjective level of confidence factor to the operator that has not yet been thoroughly quantified.

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Case Description An 11-year-old castrated male Tibetan Mastiff was evaluated because of a visibly enlarged blood vessel and progressively worsening swelling of the right hind limb. Clinical Findings On physical examination, the right hind limb was markedly larger than the left hind limb and the dog was minimally weight bearing on the affected limb. A bruit was auscultated over the affected region. Ultrasonography of the tarsal region of the right hind limb revealed an artery with turbulent flow that communicated with venous drainage. A CT scan confirmed the presence of an arteriovenous malformation (AVM). Treatment and Outcome Embolization of the AVM with a liquid embolic agent (ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide) was elected. An arteriogram was performed prior to treatment and delineated the vessels that were targeted for embolization. The embolic agent was infused into the AVM, and a postinjection arteriogram confirmed complete occlusion of the AVM nidus and normal arterial flow to the paw with subsequent normal venous drainage. The circumference of the abnormal paw was 51 cm before the procedure and 22.9 cm at 4 weeks after the procedure. Additionally, the gait of the dog dramatically improved. No complications associated with the procedure developed. Clinical Relevance Peripheral AVMs in dogs are uncommon, and described treatment options are limited and generally associated with serious morbidity. A liquid embolic agent, ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide, was successfully administered in this case, and no morbidity was observed secondary to the procedure. Clinical success was characterized by substantial improvement in limb swelling and marked improvement in the gait of the dog.

We present a case of a giant mycotic aneurysm of the left internal carotid artery in a child, the result of direct extension of a deep neck space infection. This lesion is life threatening and may put the patient at risk of unwarranted biopsy or drainage if not recognized. Diagnosis and treatment planning rely heavily on cross-sectional imaging, and angiography is frequently necessary. This case is unique for two reasons: (1) we present for the first time the MRI findings and (2) we describe an alternative to surgical ligation -- neurointerventional embolotherapy. Minimally invasive transcatheter embolization was successfully performed on our patient to occlude the abnormal left internal carotid artery segment.

Most (87%) of the 45 patients with compression fractures older than 1 year derived clinical benefit from vertebroplasty irrespective of MRI findings. Although 100% of patients with bone marrow edema had clinical benefit, no direct correlation was seen between symptom resolution and the presence of edema on preprocedural MRI. In our experience, absence of abnormal marrow signal does not definitively predict the outcome of vertebroplasty in chronic fractures.

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