Can selective CT angiography reduce the incidence of severe complications during transcatheter arterial embolization or infusion chemotherapy for thoracic diseases?

Purpose: To evaluate the usefulness of selective computed tomography (CT) angiography in preventing severe complications, such as spinal cord injury and broncho-esophageal fistula, during the transcatheter arterial embolization or infusion chemotherapy for thoracic diseases. Materials and methods: Data from 28 patients with thoracic diseases were retrospectively analyzed in terms of selective CT angiography procedures carried out before transcatheter arterial embolization or transcatheter arterial infusion chemotherapy. Results: There were no spinal cord injuries (0/13 and 0/15) or broncho-esophageal fistula developments (0/13 and 0/15) during transcatheter arterial embolization and transcatheter arterial infusion chemotherapy, respectively. Conclusion: We conclude that selective CT angiography is potentially useful for reducing the incidence of severe complications during transcatheter arterial embolization or infusion chemotherapy for thoracic diseases.