title: A lethal complication after transarterial chemoembolization with drug-eluting beads for hepatocellular carcinoma.
abstract: Background. The current standard of care for patients with large or multinodular noninvasive hepatocellular carcinoma is conventional transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). TACE may also be performed with drug-eluting beads, but serious complications of this procedure have been reported. Methods. Aim of this report is to present a patient affected by multifocal HCC who underwent TACE with drug-eluting bead (DEB-TACE). Results. Following the procedure the patient developed a hepatic abscess and biliobronchial fistula resulting in adult respiratory distress syndrome and death. Conclusion. We speculate that DEB-TACE has a prolonged effect on the tumor and the surrounding liver, resulting in progressive enlargement of the necrotic area. This activity that can extend to the surrounding healthy hepatic tissues may continue indefinitely.
authors: Department of Surgical Sciences, Organ Transplantation and Advanced Technologies, University of Catania, Cannizzaro Hospital, 95100 Catania, Italy.
authors: Adriana
authors: A
authors: Toro
authors: Department of Internal Medicine and Systemic Disease, Hepatology Unit, University of Catania, S. Marta Hospital, 95100 Catania, Italy.
authors: Gaetano
authors: 0000-0002-4557-2649
authors: G
authors: Bertino
authors: Department of Emergency, Vittorio Emanuele Hospital, 93012 Gela, Italy.
authors: Maria Concetta
authors: MC
authors: Arcerito
authors: Department of Surgical Sciences, Organ Transplantation and Advanced Technologies, University of Catania, Cannizzaro Hospital, 95100 Catania, Italy.
authors: Maurizio
authors: M
authors: Mannnino
authors: Department of Internal Medicine and Systemic Disease, Hepatology Unit, University of Catania, S. Marta Hospital, 95100 Catania, Italy.
authors: Annalisa
authors: A
authors: Ardiri
authors: Department of Radiology, Cannizzaro Hospital, 95100 Catania, Italy.
authors: Domenico
authors: D
authors: Patane'
authors: Department of Surgical Sciences, Organ Transplantation and Advanced Technologies, University of Catania, Cannizzaro Hospital, 95100 Catania, Italy.
authors: Isidoro
authors: I
authors: Di Carlo