Image Fusion-Augmented Angiography Improves Right Adrenal Vein Cannulation Success Rate in Adrenal Vein Sampling

Area of Science:

• Interventional Radiology
• Medical Imaging
• Endovascular Procedures

Background:

• Adrenal vein sampling (AVS) is crucial for diagnosing endocrine disorders.
• Accurate cannulation of adrenal veins, especially the right one, can be challenging.
• Current techniques may involve prolonged fluoroscopy and radiation exposure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of image fusion-augmented angiography in guiding adrenal vein sampling.
• To assess the impact of this technique on cannulation success rates, fluoroscopy time, and radiation dose.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study comparing AVS with and without image fusion-augmented angiography.
• Image fusion involved merging preprocedural CT scans with intraprocedural digital subtraction angiography.
• Ring markers on CT images indicated adrenal vein ostia for guidance.

Main Results:

• Image fusion-augmented angiography significantly increased the success rate of right adrenal vein cannulation (55.6% to 87.0%, p = .04).
• The technique led to a significant reduction in fluoroscopy time (23.7 to 16.3 minutes, p = .03).
• A significant decrease in dose area product was observed (532,195 to 91,403 mGy·cm², p = .006).

Conclusions:

• Image fusion-augmented angiography is an effective tool for guiding adrenal vein sampling.
• This method enhances procedural success and patient safety by reducing radiation exposure.
• It represents a valuable advancement in interventional radiology for endocrine diagnostics.