Radiation-induced cholecystitis after hepatic radioembolization: do we need to take precautionary measures?

J Vasc Interv Radiol. 2014 Nov;25(11):1717-23. doi: 10.1016/j.jvir.2014.06.024. Epub 2014 Oct 23.

Abstract

Controversy exists over the need to take precautionary measures during hepatic radioembolization to minimize the risk of radiation-induced cholecystitis. Strategies for a variety of clinical scenarios are discussed on the basis of a literature review. Precautionary measures are unnecessary in the majority of patients and should be taken only when single photon-emission computed tomography (CT; SPECT)/CT shows a significant concentration of technetium-99m macroaggregated albumin in the gallbladder wall. In this case report with quantitative SPECT analysis, it is illustrated how an adjustment of the catheter position can effectively reduce the absorbed dose of radiation delivered to the gallbladder wall by more than 90%.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Brachytherapy / adverse effects*
  • Brachytherapy / methods
  • Cholecystitis / diagnostic imaging
  • Cholecystitis / etiology*
  • Cholecystography / methods
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Gallbladder / diagnostic imaging
  • Gallbladder / radiation effects
  • Humans
  • Liver / diagnostic imaging
  • Liver Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Liver Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Radiation Injuries / diagnosis*
  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Radiotherapy Dosage
  • Technetium Tc 99m Aggregated Albumin
  • Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon / methods
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Technetium Tc 99m Aggregated Albumin