Direct percutaneous ethanol instillation for treatment of venous malformation in the face and neck

Recent advances in nanomaterial-driven strategies for diagnosis and therapy of vascular anomalies

Nanotechnology has demonstrated immense potential in various fields, especially in biomedical field. Among these domains, the development of nanotechnology for diagnosing and treating vascular anomalies has garnered significant attention. Vascular anomalies refer to structural and functional anomalies within the vascular system, which can result in conditions such as vascular malformations and tumors. These anomalies can significantly impact the quality of life of patients and pose significant health concerns. Nanoscale contrast agents have been developed for targeted imaging of blood vessels, enabling more precise identification and characterization of vascular anomalies. These contrast agents can be designed to bind specifically to abnormal blood vessels, providing healthcare professionals with a clearer view of the affected areas. More importantly, nanotechnology also offers promising solutions for targeted therapeutic interventions. Nanoparticles can be engineered to deliver drugs directly to the site of vascular anomalies, maximizing therapeutic effects while minimizing side effects on healthy tissues. Meanwhile, by incorporating functional components into nanoparticles, such as photosensitizers, nanotechnology enables innovative treatment modalities such as photothermal therapy and photodynamic therapy. This review focuses on the applications and potential of nanotechnology in the imaging and therapy of vascular anomalies, as well as discusses the present challenges and future directions.

Contemporary management of extracranial vascular malformations

Vascular malformations are congenital vascular anomalies that originate because of disorganized angiogenesis, most commonly from spontaneous somatic genetic mutations. The modern management of vascular malformations requires a multidisciplinary team that offers patients the gamut of medical, surgical, and percutaneous treatment options with supportive care. This manuscript discusses the standard and contemporary management strategies surrounding extracranial vascular malformations and overgrowth syndromes.

Vascular anomalies of the head and neck: diagnosis and treatment

Vascular malformations and vascular tumors comprise the two specific subsets of vascular anomalies that arise as a result of disorganized angiogenesis and neoplasm, respectively. Malformations are separate entities from vascular tumors (e.g., hemangiomas) and are recognized by the International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies (ISSVA) as such. Vascular malformations are classified into four main groups: simple, combined, anomalies of major vessels, and those associated with other vascular anomalies. Vascular tumors are neoplastic growths of blood vessels and are morphologically and molecularly distinct from malformations but can arise in the head and neck and have syndromic association. Head and neck vascular anomalies are not uncommon in the pediatric population and require special care in the workup, diagnostic imaging and clinical care. The purpose of this manuscript is to discuss the diagnosis and management of the most common intracranial and extracranial vascular malformations and tumors in the head and neck in children and adolescents.

Treatment of deep-seated palatal vascular malformations by bleomycin sclerotherapy

BACKGROUND

Vascular malformations of the head and neck are common. The management of these lesions is complex and challenging due to the high complication rate and recurrence following treatment. Palatal vascular malformations (PVMs) are infrequent and present as slow growing lesions in the palate with recurrent bleeding and pain. These lesions are best managed by sclerotherapy due to their posterior location and risk of bleeding if surgery is attempted. Many sclerosants have been used for treating PVMs but the use of intralesional bleomycin for these lesions has not been reported at length. This paper describes the use of intralesional bleomycin injections for the treatment of deep-seated palatal vascular malformations.

METHODS

Intralesional bleomycin injections were given directly into the lesion with the patients under short general anaesthesia. The total dose of bleomycin ranged between 8 and 15 IU, which depends upon the body weight and was repeated every four weeks till the resolution of lesion was observed.

RESULTS

All the lesions in 12 patients regressed significantly with serial bleomycin injections. Clinically, the involved palatal mucosa became normal and magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated the significant regression of the lesion in all the cases. No complications were encountered with the use of intralesional bleomycin.

CONCLUSIONS

Intralesional bleomycin injections have proved to be an emerging modality in the management of remotely situated palatal vascular malformations. Their rapid regressive effect on the lesion coupled with a high safety margin makes bleomycin sclerotherapy the first choice of treatment for palatal vascular malformations.

Recent Progress in Lymphangioma

Lymphangioma is a common type of congenital vascular disease in children with a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations. The current classification of lymphangioma by International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies is largely based on the clinical manifestations and complications and is not sufficient for selection of therapeutic strategies and prognosis prediction. The clinical management and outcome of lymphangioma largely depend on the clinical classification and the location of the disease, ranging from spontaneous regression with no treatment to severe sequelae even with comprehensive treatment. Recently, rapid progression has been made toward elucidating the molecular pathology of lymphangioma and the development of treatments. Several signaling pathways have been revealed to be involved in the progression and development of lymphangioma, and specific inhibitors targeting these pathways have been investigated for clinical applications and clinical trials. Some drugs already currently in clinical use for other diseases were found to be effective for lymphangioma, although the mechanisms underlying the anti-tumor effects remain unclear. Molecular classification based on molecular pathology and investigation of the molecular mechanisms of current clinical drugs is the next step toward developing more effective individualized treatment of children with lymphangioma with reduced side effects.

Application of Absolute Alcohol in the Treatment of Traumatic Intracranial Hemorrhage via Interventional Embolization of Middle Meningeal Artery

Background: Traumatic brain injury is a common condition in neurosurgery. Traditional methods of treatment include conservative treatment and surgical evacuation using burr-holes or craniotomy; however, studies have reported problems such as high re-expansion rates after conservative treatment of epidural hematoma and high postoperative recurrence rates of subdural hematoma. Solutions to these problems are lacking, and research into new treatment methods is ongoing. Among the potential new treatments, middle meningeal arterial embolization is an option. This study involved patients with acute epidural hematoma and chronic subdural hematoma. The purpose was to evaluate the use and effects of absolute alcohol to embolize the middle meningeal artery to treat intracranial hematoma. Material and Methods: A retrospective description study was 12 cases of intracranial hematoma who treated with absolute alcohol interventional therapy from our hospital between June 2018 and October 2019. Five patients with acute epidural hematoma and seven patients with chronic subdural hematoma were treated using absolute alcohol to embolize the middle meningeal artery. Patients' clinical data, imaging results, surgical results, and prognosis were recorded and analyzed. Results: All patients underwent absolute alcohol embolization of the middle meningeal artery, in combination with burr-hole drainage. All imaging data were confirmed preoperatively. We successfully used absolute alcohol to embolize the middle meningeal artery intraoperatively and confirmed these results by postoperative angiography. All patients achieved symptomatic relief without complications, and no recurrence or re-expansion was seen with follow-up computed tomography. Our study has been registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (http://www.chictr.org.cn, ChiCTR1800018714). Conclusion: The use of absolute alcohol to embolize the middle meningeal artery could be used as an attempt to treat acute epidural hematoma and chronic subdural hematoma.

Treatment of Head and Neck Venous Malformations with Sodium Tetradecyl Sulfate

Objective

The purpose of this study was to discuss the clinical outcomes and complications of treating venous malformations with sclerotherapy, with sodium tetradecyl sulfate as the sclerosing agent.

Study Design

Case series with planned data collection.

Setting

Amiralam Hospital—a referral otolaryngology–head and neck surgery hospital affiliated with Tehran University of Medical Sciences.

Subjects and Methods

A total of 345 patients with venous malformations were treated with sclerotherapy with sodium tetradecyl sulfate 3% (1 mL for every 1 cm³ of the lesion). The venous malformation location, treatments before the current sclerotherapy with sodium tetradecyl sulfate, the number of sclerotherapy sessions, and complications resulting from sclerotherapy were recorded. Follow-up assessments were done for a minimum of 1 year following the procedure. A favorable outcome was defined as a 50% decrease in the lesion size based on clinical and radiologic assessments.

Results

A total of 759 injection sessions were documented, ranging from 1 to 6 injections per patient (mean = 3.1). The follow-up duration ranged from 12 to 84 months (mean = 55 months). Based on clinical assessment, a 50% reduction of size was reported for 95.6% of the patients. According to the imaging before and after the procedures, a 50% reduction of size was seen among 67.3% of the patients.

Conclusion

The results of the study showed that the use of sodium tetradecyl sulfate as a sclerosing substance can effectively reduce the size of venous malformation lesions.

Bleomycin sclerotherapy for eyelid venous malformations as an alternative to surgery or laser therapy

PURPOSE

To evaluate the clinical outcome of patients with venous malformation (VM) involving the eyelid treated with bleomycin sclerotherapy.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed of 18 consecutive patients with VM involving the eyelid who underwent bleomycin sclerotherapy. Patients' clinical presentation, details of sclerotherapy, and post-sclerotherapy resolution of the lesion as well as any procedure-related complications were evaluated.

RESULTS

Twelve women and six men of mean age 34.3±20.4 years underwent sclerotherapy with bleomycin. Chief complaints were cosmetic disfigurations with or without hemifacial deformity (n=2), pain in engorgement area (n=2), pain and swelling from venous thrombosis (n=2), swelling or engorgement obstructing their eyesight (n=2), or eyelid dysfunction (n=1). The lesions were only in the eyelid in three patients; otherwise they were extended out of the eyelid either superiorly (n=3), laterally (n=8), inferiorly (n=8), and/or posteriorly to the orbit (n=8) to various extents. Conjunctival involvement was present in 13 patients. 14 patients had received prior treatments including surgery, laser therapy, or non-bleomycin sclerotherapy. With an average three sessions of bleomycin sclerotherapy (average total dose 34.5 mg), more than 80% shrinkage was observed in seven patients (38.9%), 50-80% shrinkage in eight patients (44.4%), and 30-50% shrinkage in two patients (11.1%). One patient had recurrence, which was successfully treated again with bleomycin. No procedure-related complications were noted.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of bleomycin appears to be a simple, safe, and effective treatment for venous malformations involving the eyelid, avoiding more elaborate and challenging surgical or laser interventions, and is even effective in full thickness lesions.

Ultrasound-guided polidocanol foam sclerotherapy for treating venous malformations

AIM

To evaluate clinical and imaging outcomes after ultrasound (US)-guided 3% polidocanol (POL) foam-sclerotherapy of venous malformations (VMs).

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated consecutive VM cases over 1.5 years, with 6-month follow-up. US findings were used to classify VMs into four types depending upon extent of anechoic channels, connections to adjacent veins, and dysmorphism. Single or multiple needles were inserted depending upon lesion size, and used to inject up to 8 mL POL per session, every 2 to 4 weeks. We evaluated reduction in pain and swelling, lesion resolution on imaging, and patient satisfaction.

RESULTS

There were 15, 24, 9, and 5 patients (total 53) with type I, II, III, and IV VMs, respectively. The average number of sessions was 5.3, 4.3, and 4, and the average amount of POL injected was 14.24 mL, 16.1 mL, and 23.2 mL for type I, II, III VMs, respectively. The number of sessions correlated with lesion volume (P < .0001). Imaging showed good resolution in 4/15, 18/24, 6/9, and 4/5 patients respectively with type I, II, III, and IV VMs. Patient satisfaction was not related to lesion type (P = .1). ROC analyses showed cut-off values of 4.9 mL lesion volume, three sessions, and 12 mL POL volume for patient satisfaction. At 6 months, 23 patients having pain had significant improvement (P < .00001). Local (n = 30) and chest pain (n = 2) were the only complications.

CONCLUSIONS

US-guided sclerotherapy with 3% POL foam is safe and effective. Lesions with up to 50% anechoic areas had better resolution, without correlation with patient satisfaction.

CT-Guided Percutaneous Sclerotherapy for Low-Flow Retrobulbar Intraconal Venous Malformations

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Until now, no study has focused exclusively on low-flow retrobulbar intraconal venous malformations (RIVMs) which may require treatment due to cosmetic defect, pain, and visual dysfunction. The treatment for RIVMs which surround the optic nerve remains challenging. This case series aimed to evaluate the technical feasibility, effectiveness, and safety of percutaneous sclerotherapy with polidocanol for low-flow RIVMs, using local anesthesia.

METHOD

This is a prospective, non-comparative, single-center, interventional case series. All patients signed informed consent forms. Seven patients with RIVMs were treated with percutaneous sclerotherapy with polidocanol/air foam using CT guidance. Primary endpoints are reduction in the volume of RIVMs and pain relief assessed by visual analog scale (VAS). Secondary endpoints are exophthalmos and recording adverse events obtained in clinical follow-up during outpatient visits.

RESULTS

Results revealed that the mean volume of RIVMs was decreased from 12.05 ± 6.35 cm³ preoperatively to 1.56 ± 0.43 cm³ postoperatively, (p = 0.005), with a mean decrease of 87.05%. The intraocular pressure was decreased from 14.19 ± 2.99 to 11.79 ± 1.25 mmHg, (p = 0.043). The mean VAS score was decreased from 3.43 ± 2.37 preoperatively to 1.29 ± 0.76 postoperatively, (p = 0.023). The exophthalmos score was decreased from 1.75 ± 0.27 to 1.34 ± 0.31 cm, (p = 0.005). All patients were satisfied with the treatment, which did not leave a postoperative scar.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of percutaneous intralesion injection of polidocanol for RIVMs are encouraging. The present results suggest that this method could be a safe and effective treatment option for patients with RIVMs.

Curative effects of RF combined with DSA-guided ethanol sclerotherapy in venous malformations

The aim of the study was to investigate the clinical effect of radiofrequency (RF) ablation combined with digital subtraction angiography (DSA)-guided anhydrous ethanol injection sclerotherapy in the treatment of high-return flow venous malformation (VM). Forty-one patients who were diagnosed as high-return flow VM with clinical and radiographic evidence were divided into the observation group (n=19) and control group (n=22) by random number table. All the patients received DSA-guided anhydrous ethanol injection sclerotherapy while the patients in the observation group were given RF ablation in addition. The clinical effect, treatment times and adverse effects of the two groups were analyzed. The effectiveness of the observation group was significantly higher than that of the control group (94.7 vs. 81.8%). Facial paralysis occurred in three patients (13.6%) after ethanol injection in the control group, while the observation group had no facial nerve injury after treatment. The patients in the observation group had significantly fewer number of ethanol injections. RF can improve the efficacy of high-return flow VM and reduce the number of ethanol injections. The scheme is safe and effective, which is worth expanding in clinical practice.

Patient satisfaction after sclerotherapy of venous malformations in children

BACKGROUND

We have introduced and performed percutaneous sclerotherapy on pediatric patients, and information regarding the mid- and long-term results after percutaneous treatment of peripheral venous malformations is necessary to counsel patients and their parents about the outcome of the therapy. This study was designed to retrospectively evaluate the long-term satisfaction of pediatric patients following percutaneous sclerotherapy for venous malformations (VMs).

METHODS

A total of 53 children younger than 16 years of age with VMs who underwent sclerotherapy were included in this study. Self-assessment questionnaires regarding the treatment effectiveness and patients' satisfaction were sent to 50 of 53 patients. Sclerotherapy was performed using 3% polidocanol, absolute ethanol, or 5% ethanolamine oleate (EO).

RESULTS

The median numbers of sessions per patient was 2.0 (range, 1-12), and the median follow-up time was 1.8 years (range, 6months-8.3years). Forty-two patients (84%) returned the questionnaire. The most frequent symptom was swelling (95%, 40/42) before sclerotherapy. After treatment, patients felt less pain (82%, 23/28), functional limitation (78%, 14/18), swelling (70%, 28/40), and cosmetic disfigurement (59%, 13/22). None of the patients responded "worse" for any symptoms, and 30 patients (71%) reported being "very satisfied" or "satisfied" with the treatment.

CONCLUSION

Percutaneous sclerotherapy of VMs was safe and effective for relieving symptoms in our pediatric patients, and many of them were satisfied with the outcomes.

Surgical and Endovascular Management of Arteriovenous Malformation: Case Series from a Single Center

Management of arteriovenous malformation (AVM) remains a major challenge to vascular surgeons. A multidisciplinary approach was introduced in our hospital to manage these cases from October 2003 to date. This is a report of our experience in their management. A prospective study was done on all patients with symptomatic AVM admitted to our unit between October 2003 and May 2006. All patients had preoperative duplex scanning and magnetic resonance imaging with or without conventional angiography. A multidisciplinary team assessed and treated these cases according to the type of malformation. Thirty-two cases were included in this study, with a mean follow-up of 18.3 months. Of these, 20 cases were predominantly venous and treated with surgical excision ( n = 14) or ethanol sclerotherapy ( n = 6). Twelve cases were predominantly arterial or arteriovenous shunting; 10 were treated with preoperative embolization followed by surgical excision and the remaining 2 with superselective embolization alone. The overall complication rate was high (31%). However, all were minor and settled down conservatively. No recurrence was observed in the early follow-up period. Management of AVM by a surgical and endovascular approach can deliver excellent results, with acceptable morbidity and no recurrence in the early follow-up period.

Ultrasound-Guided 50% Ethyl Alcohol Injection for Patients With Malleolar and Olecranon Bursitis: A Prospective Pilot Study

Objective

To evaluate the feasibility and effect of ultrasound-guided ethyl alcohol injection on malleolar and olecranon synovial proliferative bursitis.

Methods

Twenty-four patients received ultrasound-guided 50% diluted ethyl alcohol injection at the site of synovial proliferative bursitis after aspiration of the free fluid.

Results

Swelling and symptoms significantly decreased in 13 of the 24 patients without any complications. Eleven patients had partial improvement in swelling and symptoms.

Conclusion

Ultrasound-guided alcohol injection could be an alternative therapeutic option before surgery in patients with chronic intractable malleolar and olecranon synovial proliferative bursitis.

Ethanol sclerotherapy of head and neck venous malformations

OBJECTIVE

This retrospective study evaluated the results of sclerotherapy with low doses of ethanol for treatment of head and neck venous malformations.

METHODS

We treated 51 patients, 37 females. Median age was 23 years. Patients were treated with percutaneous intralesional injection of alcohol every two weeks and followed up prospectively for a median period of 18 months. Most lesions affected the face and cosmetic disfigurement was the most frequent complaint.

RESULTS

We performed a median of 7 sessions of sclerotherapy. Complete resolution or improvement was observed in 48 patients presented. Five cases of small skin ulceration, two cases of hyperpigmentation and two of paresthesia were documented; all of them were treated conservatively.

CONCLUSION

Percutaneous sclerotherapy with low doses of ethanol is a safe and effective treatment modality for venous malformations affecting the head and neck.

Percutaneous sclerotherapy for venous malformations in the extremities: clinical outcomes and predictors of patient satisfaction

The purpose of this study is to retrospectively evaluate the clinical outcomes and to identify the predictors ofpatient satisfaction after percutaneous sclerotherapy for venous malformations (VMs) in the extremities. A totalof 48 patients with VMs in the extremities over 10 years of age underwent sclerotherapy to relieve symptoms, such as pain, swelling, functional limitations, and cosmetic problems. Self-assessment questionnaires were sentto rate the degree of symptom improvement and level of satisfaction. Clinical and imaging data from medicalrecords were analyzed to obtain information about VMs and sclerotherapy. The predictors for patientsatisfaction were determined by univariate and multivariate analysis of clinical variables. Forty patients (meanage, 28.2 years; range, 11-69 years) responded to the survey. Sixteen patients had VMs in the upper extremities, and 24 patients had VMs in the lower extremities. In 12 patients (30%), adjacent bone change was seen. After amean of 2.6 (range 1-10) sclerotherapy sessions, good response to pain, swelling, dysfunction, and cosmeticproblems was obtained in 83%, 74%, 79%, and 50% of patients, respectively. Thirty-two patients (80%) weresatisfied with their outcomes. On univariate analysis, absence of adjacent bone change, maximum diameter (<6.7 cm), and number of sclerotherapy sessions (<3) were significantly associated with patient satisfaction.Multivariate analysis revealed absence of adjacent bone change (odds ratio, 7.56; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-55.8) as an independent predictor for satisfaction. Thus, adjacent bone change significantly portended adissatisfied patient. In conclusion, percutaneous sclerotherapy was effective to relieve symptoms of VMs in theextremities, and most patients were satisfied with the outcomes. However, adjacent bone change was asignificant predictor of patient dissatisfaction.

Vascular anomalies: classification, imaging characteristics and implications for interventional radiology treatment approaches

The term vascular anomaly represents a broad spectrum of vascular pathology, including proliferating vascular tumours and vascular malformations. While the treatment of most vascular anomalies is multifactorial, interventional radiology procedures, including embolic therapy, sclerotherapy and laser coagulation among others, are playing an increasingly important role in vascular anomaly management. This review discusses the diagnosis and treatment of common vascular malformations, with emphasis on the technique, efficacy and complications of different interventional radiology procedures.

The use of sodium tetradecyl sulphate for the treatment of venous malformations of the head and neck

INTRODUCTION

Vascular malformations have devastating cosmetic effects in addition to being associated with pain and bleeding. Sclerotherapy has been used as an effective therapeutic modality for the management of vascular malformations. The purpose of this case series is to describe our clinical experience of using sodium tetradecyl sulphate (STS) 3 % in the treatment of venous malformation lesions of head and neck.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirteen patients were included in this study (three male and ten female; age range between 8 months and 54 years; mean age 18.2 years, ±SD 15.71). The patients were treated by 3 % STS intralesional injections. Of the thirteen patients treated, complete resolution occurred in four patients (28.57 %), a good response occurred in five patients (35.7 %), a moderate response in two patients (14.28 %), a mild response in two patients (14.28 %) and no response in one patient (7.14 %). The side effects encountered in all patients were pain and edema after injection which was controlled by oral analgesics and an intramuscular injection of dexamethasone. In addition, two patients developed a superficial ulceration (11.76 %) which healed uneventfully, and one patient developed ecchymosis after injection (5.88 %).

CONCLUSION

Sclerotherapy with 3 % STS is a simple, safe, and effective modality for the treatment of venous malformations.

Effectiveness of sclerotherapy, surgery, and laser therapy in patients with venous malformations: a systematic review

PURPOSE

Because the best possible treatment for venous malformations is unclear, this study systematically reviews the available literature regarding the effectiveness of different treatment options for the patient group. Venous malformations result from incorrect development of the veins during embryogenesis and are present at birth. Venous malformations may exhibit symptoms, such as pain, swelling, and inflammation of the vessel.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic literature search in PubMed and Embase was performed. Data regarding the design, participants, intervention and, treatment outcome (success and complications) were extracted. The validity of the studies was assessed with the Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias tool.

RESULTS

Thirty-five studies were identified studying the effectiveness of eight treatments: sclerotherapy/embolization with ethanol, gelified ethanol, bleomycin, polidocanol, sodium tetradecyl sulfate (STS), Ethibloc, surgery, and laser therapy. All of the included studies have a high or unclear risk of bias. The average biased reported success rates for ethanol, gelified ethanol, bleomycin, polidocanol, STS, Ethibloc, surgery, and laser therapy were 74, 89, 88, 90, 86, 65, 90, and 94 %, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Until more valid evidence is available, the choice for treatment remains a shared decision between the patient and a multidisciplinary treatment group. From a cost perspective, sclerotherapy with STS or polidocanol should be the treatment of choice.

Haemangiomas and venous malformations of the head and neck: A retrospective analysis of endovascular management in 358 patients

BACKGROUND

Haemangioma (HM) and venous malformations of the head and neck are formidable lesions as they cause cosmetic deformity and psychological problems. Their surgical excision is difficult and fraught with problems like operative blood loss, incomplete excision, disfigurement and recurrence. Endovascular techniques like sclerotherapy and embolization are increasingly being used in the treatment of these difficult lesions.

OBJECTIVES

This study was undertaken to analyse the efficacy and safety of endovascular techniques in the treatment of HM and slow flow vascular malformations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the records and clinical photographs of 358 patients of HM and slow flow vascular malformations treated in our institute by endovascular approach over a 15 year period. Pre- and post-treatment photographs were compared and outcomes categorized as complete resolution (>90% reduction), considerable reduction (60-90% reduction), partial reduction (20-60% reduction) and no change (<20% reduction).

RESULTS

Complete resolution of the lesion was seen in 30% of the patients while 50% patients showed considerable reduction of the swelling. Complications occurred in 6.4% of patients.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that sclerotherapy is an effective and safe treatment modality for these lesions and may be considered as the primary modality in the treatment of these challenging lesions.

Outcomes and Complications of Sclerotherapy for Venous Malformations

Objective:

To determine the efficacy of sclerotherapy for venous malformations (VMs).

Methods:

PubMed was used to search the medical literatures for publication on the combined topics of “VMs and sclerotherapy.” The final evaluation of the venous lesions was based on both objective parameters and subjective parameters. Complications were also recorded.

Results:

A total of 35 studies published between 1986 and 2011 matched the selection criteria and were included. Ethanol, polidocanol, ethanolamine oleate, and sodium tetradecyl sulfate (STS) are the 4 mainstream sclerosants. The total efficiency of these 4 sclerosants all exceeded 90% except STS. Skin damage (10.0%) was the most common minor complication. Other complications included renal damage (3.9%), nerve damage (1.85%), muscle damage (0.66%), pulmonary embolism (0.25%), cardiovascular collapse (0.08%), and others.

Conclusions:

Sclerotherapy is effective for VMs. However, there is limited evidence from randomized clinical trials to support the use of any kinds of sclerosants.

Comparison between absolute ethanol and bleomycin for the treatment of venous malformation in children

The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic efficacies and treatment effects of absolute ethanol and bleomycin for the treatment of venous malformation (VM) in children. A total of 138 children with VM were randomly divided into two groups; 75 patients were treated with absolute ethanol, while a further 63 were treated with bleomycin under general anesthesia between February 2009 and February 2012. The treatment outcome and complications were observed in the two groups and the treatment efficacy was classified as one of four categories: cured, markedly effective, effective and ineffective. The curative effect was analyzed 6–24 months after treatment, with a mean of 15 months. Absolute ethanol was effective (cured, markedly effective or effective) in 71 cases and bleomycin was effective in 41 cases, and the difference between the effective rates was considered to be statistically significant (χ²=19.6, P<0.05). In the absolute ethanol group there were 14 cases with skin necrosis, 17 patients had serious localized swelling which required additional treatment, three patients developed muscle fibrosis and one patient suffered a brain embolism. In the bleomycin group there were five cases with skin necrosis and the difference in the incidence of adverse reactions was considered to be statistically significant (χ²=18.8, P<0.05). The curative effect of sclerotherapy for VM is clear, and absolute ethanol is the most effective sclerosing agent, but has a greater incidence of adverse side-effects than bleomycin. The major side-effect is skin necrosis. The choice of sclerotherapy depends on the classification of VM in children.

Sodium tetradecyl sulphate sclerotherapy for treating venous malformations of the oral and pharyngeal regions in children

OBJECTIVE

Venous vascular malformations in the head and neck region present a difficult management challenge. We describe our experience of using sodium tetradecyl sulphate injection sclerotherapy to treat children presenting with venous malformations of the oral and pharyngeal region.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective case note review of consecutive children treated at our institution between 2004 and 2011. Patient notes were analysed for demographic details, site and size of lesion, number and duration of treatments, treatment response and complications.

RESULTS

Twelve patients were included (7 boys and 5 girls, mean age 7 years). Sites of lesions included tongue, floor of mouth, pharynx, tonsillar fossae, parapharyngeal space and soft palate. All patients were treated with 3% sodium tetradecyl sulphate (STS) foam injected trans-orally or percutaneously under ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance. The lesions had a mean volume of 4 ml (range 2-14 ml). An average of 3 treatments was required (range 1-9). In 4 patients a single treatment was sufficient. For those patients requiring multiple treatments, a mean of 4 treatments were required over an average period of 28 months. The overall response rate was 83% (10/12). Complete resolution was achieved in 4 cases (33%) with a significant reduction in size in a further 6 cases (50%). Larger lesions generally require more treatments than low volume lesions. Two cases recurred despite treatment. One patient suffered minor bleeding following transcutaneous injection.

CONCLUSIONS

Injection sclerotherapy using STS foam offers an effective treatment option when managing children presenting with venous malformations in the oral and pharyngeal. A single treatment may be adequate for small lesions but the procedure may be safely repeated until a satisfactory result is obtained.

Management of palatal vascular malformation using absolute ethanol sclerotherapy

Arteriovenous malformation is treated by variety of techniques over the years. Sclerotherapy is considered an effective and conservative technique for the treatment of benign vascular lesions and replaced the traditional role of surgical therapy, especially for the venous lesions that are surgically difficult or at inaccessible areas. Absolute ethanol was adopted as a new sclerosant agent for this complex form of venous defects to improve overall treatment results with acceptable morbidity and recurrence rates. Sclerotherapy has the advantage of no external scaring, low cost, and few complications in comparison to the surgical treatment.

A Step-by-Step Practical Approach to Imaging Diagnosis and Interventional Radiologic Therapy in Vascular Malformations

Within vascular anomalies, vascular malformations are those present at birth that grow with the patient and exhibit abnormal dilated vascular channels lined by mature endothelium. Vascular tumors, the other group of vascular anomalies, demonstrate endothelial hypercellularity. Vascular malformations are further divided into low-flow varieties (capillary, venous, and lymphatic malformations) and high-flow varieties (arteriovenous malformation and fistula). All malformations exhibit a predictable group of clinical patterns that vary in severity and rate of progression. The interventional radiologist must incorporate this clinical data with characteristic ultrasound and magnetic resonance findings to arrive at a diagnosis. One must then decide in a multidisciplinary fashion, based on objective clinical criteria and image-based morphology, if the patent is a candidate for intervention. Sclerotherapy is a technique used to treat vascular malformations whereby an endothelial-cidal agent is introduced into the endoluminal compartment to initiate vascular closure. The high flow rate of an arteriovenous malformation requires the incorporation of superselective transarterial, direct, and transvenous access with flow reduction techniques to deliver adequate dose of sclerosant and embolic to the nidus. Satisfactory outcomes are seen in over half of all malformations patients. Similar treatment-related complications are seen between malformations but are lowest in lymphatic and highest in arteriovenous malformations.

Intralesional bleomycin injection treatment for vascular birthmarks: a 5-year experience at a single United Kingdom unit

BACKGROUND

The authors present their experience using an established chemotherapeutic agent as a scarless treatment for vascular birthmarks. One hundred sixty-four of more than 600 patients seen in the authors' center received intralesional bleomycin injection over 5 years.

METHODS

Patient demographics, clinical response, treatment, and complication details were recorded prospectively. Respiratory surveillance was provided by adult and pediatric pulmonologists. Eighty-one venous malformations, 39 hemangiomas, 26 lymphatic malformations, 10 mixed malformations, two arteriovenous malformations, two cystic hygromas, two capillary malformations, and two angiokeratomas underwent intralesional bleomycin injection.

RESULTS

The authors observed that 45.7 percent of patients completed treatment in a mean of 3.8 sessions and mean duration of 107 days. Complete resolution occurred in 56.0 percent, with a 93.3 percent overall response rate, and 82.7 percent of lesions demonstrated complete response or significant improvement. Three patients developed transient skin hyperpigmentation. One patient each developed skin ulceration, blistering, infection, swelling, headache, bruising, and rash. One patient required intubation following treatment of a panfacial and thoracic lymphatic malformation. A full recovery ensued. No patients developed pulmonary fibrosis. One venous malformation recurred.

CONCLUSIONS

The authors' single-site multidisciplinary team has successfully treated complex and recurrent vascular anomalies with acceptable complication and recurrence profiles. These findings represent the authors' experience and provide a reference for the management of these challenging lesions.

Sclerotherapy for vascular malformations in the oral and maxillofacial region: treatment and follow-up of 66 lesions

PURPOSE

The aim of the present study was to relate the use of 5% monoethanolamine oleate in sclerotherapy for vascular malformations and to suggest a protocol for its use.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 53 patients with 66 vascular malformation lesions were treated with an intralesional injection of 5% monoethanolamine oleate at 0.1 mL/cm of lesion with at least a 15-day interval and as many as 4 applications. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed using SigmaPlot, version 9.0, software.

RESULTS

The treatment with the protocol suggested was effective in 65 cases, and in 1 case, surgical intervention was required.

CONCLUSIONS

Sclerotherapy was effective in the treatment of vascular malformations, and the method chosen was adequate for lesion resolution without complications.

Update on pediatric extracranial vascular anomalies of the head and neck

PURPOSE

Vascular anomalies most frequently present at birth or in early childhood, and the craniofacial region is the most common site of involvement. A long history of misleading nomenclature born of confusion about the presentation and natural history of various vascular anomalies has made appropriate diagnosis difficult. The present article emphasizes the importance of clarity of nomenclature for proper diagnosis, both clinically and radiographically, to guide appropriate therapy. In addition, updates on clinical concepts, imaging, and treatment strategies will be discussed. Pediatric vascular anomalies can be divided into two broad categories: vascular tumors and vascular malformations. This biologic classification is based on differences in natural history, cellular turnover, and histology. An updated classification was introduced in 1996 by the International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies (ISSVA) to include infantile hemangioma variants, other benign vascular tumors, and combined lesions. Widespread confusion propagated throughout the literature and in clinical practice stems from the continued improper use of many of the terms used to describe vascular tumors and malformations ignoring their pathophysiology. This leads to errors in diagnosis and the dissemination of misinformation to patients and clinicians. Certain terms should be abandoned for more appropriate terms. The clinical presentation usually identifies what general type of vascular anomaly is present, either vascular tumor or vascular malformation. Imaging provides crucial information about the initial diagnosis and aids in follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Adoption and use of uniform nomenclature in the ISSVA classification system is the first vital step in correct diagnosis and treatment of often complicated vascular tumors and vascular malformations. A multidisciplinary team approach is necessary to provide optimal care for patients, and the necessity for specialists in all areas to communicate using standardized terminology cannot be overemphasized.

Sclerotherapy of voluminous venous malformation in head and neck with absolute ethanol under digital subtraction angiography guidance

OBJECTIVES

Venous malformation (VM) is the most common symptomatic low-flow vascular malformation, which predominantly occurs in the head and neck region. The aim of this paper was to evaluate the results of endovascular sclerotherapy of voluminous VM, when the lesion is either >or=15 cm in maximum diameter or the lesion invades more than one anatomical space, in the head and neck region using absolute ethanol under digital subtraction angiography (DSA) guidance.

METHODS

A total of 23 patients with head and neck VMs between October 2005 and December 2008 were retrospectively reviewed. All patients received direct puncture ethanol sclerotherapy under DSA guidance. Follow-up assessments were performed at 3-25 months after therapies were completed, and complications were reported in some cases.

RESULTS

All patients were satisfied with the results of therapy. Seventeen patients (73.9%) achieved excellent responses and six patients (26.1%) achieved good responses in magnetic resonance imaging assessments. Minor complications developed during the procedures, all of which were successfully managed with full recovery during follow-ups. Serious complications such as acute pulmonary hypertension, cardiovascular collapse and pulmonary embolism were not encountered.

CONCLUSION

It is concluded that sclerotherapy with absolute ethanol under DSA guidance is an important alternative therapy for voluminous and extensive VM, as the procedure is reasonably safe and offers good therapeutic results.

Percutaneous sclerotherapy of massive venous malformations of the face and neck using fibrin glue combined with OK-432 and pingyangmycin

BACKGROUND

Surgical excision is useful only for localized and limited lesions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical curative effect of percutaneous sclerotherapy of massive venous malformations of the face and neck using fibrin glue combined with OK-432 and pingyangmycin.

METHODS

Eighteen patients with massive venous malformations were treated with an injection of fibrin glue combined with OK-432 and pingyangmycin.

RESULTS

All the patients had extreme swelling postoperatively with no major complications. The follow-up period ranged from 6 to 12 months. Twelve lesions were completely involuted, 4 lesions were mostly involuted, and 2 lesions were partially involuted. All of the patients had normal liver and kidney functions. None of the patients presented with hematologic toxic effects or signs of pulmonary involvement.

CONCLUSION

Percutaneous sclerotherapy using fibrin glue combined with OK-432 and pingyangmycin provided a simple, safe, and reliable alternative treatment for massive venous malformations.

Intralesional sclerotherapy for subcutaneous venous malformations in children

BACKGROUND

Venous malformations (VMs) involve multiple anatomical spaces and encase critical neuromuscular structures, making surgical treatment difficult. Recently sclerotherapy has been suggested as the primary treatment for VMs instead of surgical intervention. This report represents eight cases of children with VMs treated with direct percutaneous injections of sclerosing agents, such as ethanol, polidocanol or ethanolamine oleate.

METHODS

All eight patients had large lesions (>3 cm) located on the head, foot, neck and face. Sclerotherapy was performed in an angiographic suite under general anesthesia. Prior to sclerotherapy, percutaneous phlebography was performed in order to visualize the dynamic situation inside the lesion and the draining flow into the adjacent venous vascular system. A 2-15 ml of sclerosing agent was injected into VM lesions under fluoroscopy.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

An evaluation by MRI examination showed that 6 out of 8 patients had remission, and alleviation of their symptoms without major complications, furthermore one of the lesions apparently disappeared. Intralesional sclerotherapy provides a simple, safe and effective treatment for VMs in the subcutaneous lesions in children.