Ethanol-Gel Sclerotherapy of Venous Malformations: Effectiveness and Safety

Injectable chitosan hydrogel effectively controls lesion growth in a venous malformation murine model

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of intralesional injection of chitosan hydrogel (CH) combined with sodium tetradecyl sulfate (STS) to sclerose and embolize venous malformations (VMs) by comparison with 3% STS foam and placebo in a mouse model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Subcutaneous VMs were created by injecting HUVEC_TIE2-L914F cells, mixed with matrigel, into the back of athymic mice (Day [D] 0). After VM-like lesions were established at D10, 70 lesions were randomly assigned to one of six treatment groups (untreated, saline, 3% STS-foam, CH, 1% STS-CH, 3% STS-CH). For 3% STS-foam, the standard Tessari technique was performed. VMs were regularly evaluated every 2-3 days to measure lesion size until the time of collection at D30 (primary endpoint). At D30, VM lesions including the matrigel plugs were culled and evaluated by histological analysis to assess vessel size, chitosan distribution and endothelial expression. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test was performed to compare quantitative variables with normal distribution, otherwise Kruskal-Wallis test followed by pairwise comparisons by a Wilcoxon rank sum test was performed.

RESULTS

All VMs were successfully punctured and injected. Six VMs injected with 3% STS-CH showed early skin ulceration with an extrusion of the matrigel plug and were excluded from final analysis. In the remaining 64 VMs, skin ulceration occurred on 26 plugs, resulting in the loss of three 3% STS-foam and one 1% STS-CH plugs. Both chitosan formulations effectively controlled growth of VMs by the end of follow-up compared to untreated or 3% STS-foam groups (P < 0.05). Vessel sizes were smaller with both CH formulations compared to untreated and saline groups (P < 0.05). Additionally, there were smaller vascular channels within the 1% STS-CH group compared to the 3% STS-foam group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Chitosan's ability to control the growth of VMs suggests a promising therapeutic effect that outperforms the gold standard (STS-foam) on several variables.

Light-activatable minimally invasive ethyl cellulose ethanol ablation: Biodistribution and potential applications

While surgical resection is a mainstay of cancer treatment, many tumors are unresectable due to stage, location, or comorbidities. Ablative therapies, which cause local destruction of tumors, are effective alternatives to surgical excision in several settings. Ethanol ablation is one such ablative treatment modality in which ethanol is directly injected into tumor nodules. Ethanol, however, tends to leak out of the tumor and into adjacent tissue structures, and its biodistribution is difficult to monitor in vivo. To address these challenges, this study presents a cutting-edge technology known as Light-Activatable Sustained-Exposure Ethanol Injection Technology (LASEIT). LASEIT comprises a three-part formulation: (1) ethanol, (2) benzoporphyrin derivative, which enables fluorescence-based tracking of drug distribution and the potential application of photodynamic therapy, and (3) ethyl cellulose, which forms a gel upon injection into tissue to facilitate drug retention. In vitro drug release studies showed that ethyl cellulose slowed the rate of release in LASEIT by 7×. Injections in liver tissues demonstrated a 6× improvement in volume distribution when using LASEIT compared to controls. In vivo experiments in a mouse pancreatic cancer xenograft model showed LASEIT exhibited significantly stronger average radiant efficiency than controls and persisted in tumors for up to 7 days compared to controls, which only persisted for less than 24 h. In summary, this study introduced LASEIT as a novel technology that enabled real-time fluorescence monitoring of drug distribution both ex vivo and in vivo. Further research exploring the efficacy of LASEIT is strongly warranted.

Percutaneous Sclerotherapy of Large Venous Malformations Using Consecutive Polidocanol and Bleomycin Foam: MR Imaging Volumetric and Quality-of-Life Assessment

PURPOSE

To retrospectively evaluate sclerotherapy using consecutive polidocanol and bleomycin foam (CPBF) for large untreated venous malformations (VMs) and/or those resistant to prior treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective study included all patients treated with CPBF for untreated VMs larger than 10 mL and/or refractory to treatment between May 2016 and October 2019. Baseline and follow-up VM volumes were measured on fat-suppressed T2-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Outcome was evaluated on postprocedural MR imaging volumetry and by a retrospective survey assessing clinical response and adverse events. Imaging response was considered good for volume reduction from 50% to 70% and excellent for volume reduction ≥70%. Symptoms and quality-of-life (QoL) scores were compared before and after CPBF sclerotherapy.

RESULTS

Forty-five patients (mean age, 16 years; range, 1-63 years; 25 males) with 57 VMs were analyzed and treated by 80 sclerotherapy. Sixty percent (27 of 45) of patients had undergone prior treatment for VM. Median VM volume was 36.7 mL (interquartile range, 84 mL) on pretherapy MR imaging. Good and excellent results after the last sclerotherapy were achieved in 36% (16 of 45) and 29% (13 of 45) of patients, respectively, corresponding to a decrease of >50% in 60% (34 of 57) of VMs. QoL score increased by at least 3 points, regardless of initial symptoms. Most patients did not desire additional sclerotherapy owing to near complete symptomatic relief, even for patients who did not achieve a good response. Swelling, pain, and motor impairment scores significantly improved after CPBF. Adverse events included fever (44%, 15 of 34) and nausea/vomiting (29%, 10 of 34).

CONCLUSIONS

CPBF sclerotherapy represents an effective therapy for large and/or refractory VMs with minimal adverse events.

Clinical outcomes and predictors of bleomycin polidocanol foam sclerotherapy treatment response in venous malformations

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of bleomycin polidocanol foam (BPF) sclerotherapy for venous malformations (VMs) and analyze the associated clinical outcomes and predictors.

METHODS

We retrospectively assessed BPF sclerotherapy outcomes in 138 patients with VMs. We analyzed pain levels, lesion volume reduction, and subjective perception of response. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify potential predictors of treatment outcome. Additionally, we carefully monitored and recorded complications.

RESULTS

There was a notable average reduction in lesion volume by 78.50% ± 15.71%. The pain numerical rating scale (NRS) score decreased from 4.17 ± 2.63 prior to treatment to 1.05 ± 1.54 afterward, and 70.3% of the patients experienced effective relief after a single BPF treatment. Multivariate analysis revealed that a high baseline NRS (odds ratio [OR]:  4.026) and elevated activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT, OR: 1.200) were positive predictors of pain reduction. Additionally, a high baseline NRS score (OR: 1.992) and elevated thrombocytocrit (PCT, OR: 2.543) were positive predictors of incomplete postoperative pain relief. Minor complications occurred in 31 (22.46%) patients.

CONCLUSION

BPF sclerotherapy is safe and effective for VMs, resulting in significant reduction in lesion volume, improved symptoms, and minimal complications. APTT and PCT levels are important predictors of pain outcomes following BPF treatment.

Therapeutic evaluation and analysis of complications of ethanol sclerotherapy for intramuscular vascular malformations: a single-center retrospective study

Background

Intramuscular venous malformations (IMVMs) can cause pain and contracture deformity, leading to dysfunction of limbs. Ethanol sclerotherapy is one of the main treatments for IMVMs. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and the complications associated with intravascular ethanol sclerotherapy for IMVMs and to provide a comprehensive summary of clinical experiences for future reference.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on a cohort of 118 patients diagnosed with IMVMs who were treated with ethanol sclerotherapy in our center between 2006 and 2021. The plastic surgeons utilized a standardized collection pro forma to record the clinical data. Furthermore, a follow-up period ranging from 6 months to 5 years was implemented to assess the relief of symptoms, the change of lesion size, and the recovery of functional outcomes. In addition, an analysis of long-term complications was conducted.

Results

The clinical symptoms of the patients in this group included pain, swelling, and limited movement. On average, 5.61 mL (range 2-14 mL) of ethanol was used during the sclerotherapy procedure. The intraoperative and early postoperative complications were successfully relieved by means of timely intervention, as observed during the follow-up period. Based on the MRI results, the sizes of the lesions in 19% of the cases were significantly decreased, while a slight decrease was observed in 39% of the cases. During the follow-up period, it was found that only eight out of the 118 patients included in this study experienced long-term complications related to sclerotherapy.

Conclusions

Although ethanol sclerotherapy has proven to be an effective first-line treatment for IMVMs, it is associated with a variety of adverse reactions and short- and long-term complications. Surgeons are required to perform operations prudently and provide timely medical intervention for postoperative complications.

Designs used in published therapeutic studies of rare superficial vascular anomalies: a systematic literature search

BACKGROUND

Rare superficial vascular anomalies represent a wide range of diseases. Their management is difficult given the broad spectrum and the lack of clinical trials assessing treatment efficacy. A randomized clinical trial of vascular anomalies is difficult because of the rarity of the diseases and is enhanced by the population of interest often being children. Therefore, suitable designs are needed. We conducted a methodological systematic literature search to identify designs implemented for investigating the treatment of rare superficial vascular anomalies.

METHODS

We conducted a literature search on January 25, 2021, of the PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Embase, ClinicalTrials.gov and European Union Clinical Trials Register databases. This systematic methodological literature search was registered at the Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO: CRD42021232449). Randomized and non-randomized studies were included if they met the following criteria: were prospective studies of rare superficial vascular anomaly therapies, dealt with humans (adults and children) and were published in English from 2000. We excluded case reports/case series reporting fewer than 10 patients, reviews, retrospective studies, animal studies, studies of systemic or common vascular anomalies and non-therapeutic studies. We did not assess risk of bias in the included studies because our review was a methodological one focused on the design used. The review provided a descriptive analysis of relevant features of eligible research studies.

RESULTS

From 2046 articles identified, we included 97 studies (62 reports and 35 ongoing studies): 25 randomized controlled studies, 7 non-randomized comparative studies, 64 prospective cohorts and 1 case series. Among the 32 comparative studies included, 21 used a parallel-group design. The 11 other studies used different designs such as cross-over, randomized placebo phase, delayed-start, within-person, or challenge-dechallenge-rechallenge or used a historical control group or an observational run-in period.

CONCLUSIONS

Our systematic literature search highlights the lack of randomized control trials in superficial vascular anomalies due to the rarity of patients and their heterogeneity. New designs are emerging and can overcome the limitations of testing treatments in parallel groups.

Locoregional Thermal and Chemical Tumor Ablation: Review of Clinical Applications and Potential Opportunities for Use in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

This review highlights opportunities to develop accessible ablative therapies to reduce the cancer burden in LMICs.

The rare complication of vascular malformations of the limb after sclerotherapy: a report of 3 cases and brief literature review

BACKGROUND

Vascular malformations are common but complicated types of disease in infants, with unclear causes and lack of effective prevention. The symptoms usually do not disappear and tend to progress without medical intervention. It is extremely necessary to choose correct treatment options for different types of vascular malformations. A large number of studies have confirmed that sclerotherapy has a tendency to become the first-line treatment in near future, but it is also associated with mild or severe complications. Furthermore, to our knowledge, the serious adverse event of progressive limb necrosis has not been systematically analyzed and reported in the literature.

CASE PRESENTATION

Three cases (two females and one male) were presented who were all diagnosed as vascular malformations and were treated by several sessions of interventional sclerotherapy. Their previous medical records showed the use of several sclerosants in different sessions including Polidocanol and Bleomycin. The sign of limb necrosis did not occur during the first sclerotherapy, but after the second and third sessions. Furthermore, the short-term symptomatic treatment could improve the necrosis syndrome, but could not change the outcome of amputation.

CONCLUSION

Sclerotherapy undoubtedly tends to be the first-line treatment in near future, but the adverse reactions still remain major challenges. Awareness of progressive limb necrosis after sclerotherapy and timely management by experts in centers of experience of this complication can avoid amputation.

Results of interventional treatment of peripheral slow-flow malformations

BACKGROUND

In recent years sclerotherapy has increasingly become the treatment of choice for peripheral slow-flow malformations. However, the long-term effectiveness of sclerotherapy is still a matter of debate, especially when it comes to new sclerosing agents like polidocanol. This study aims at gathering further information concerning its long-term effectiveness and safety.

RESULTS

Most patients reported a reduction of symptoms which include pain (57,7%), swelling (65,4%) and functional impairment (60%). Cosmetic complaints were less likely to be reduced by sclerotherapy (44,4%). In most cases a relief of symptoms was stable for many years, especially after several consecutive treatment sessions. Complication rates were comparably low, with only 2 patients requiring additional treatment at hospital and no lasting damages. (…) (7) Most patients (70,9%) were at least partially satisfied with the treatment. Satisfaction was closely linked to a partial or complete relief of symptoms (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Sclerotherapy is a promising way of treating slow-flow-malformations. Polidocanol has proved to be a save sclerosing agent. The reduction of major symptoms was substantial in most cases and lasted for many years.

Imaging of benign cervicofacial vascular anomalies and associated syndromes

Cervicofacial vascular anomalies can result in morbidity, pain, and cosmetic concerns in affected individuals. Each anomaly has its own unique natural history, treatment, and associations with underlying genetic syndromes. For optimal patient care, it is important for the neuroradiologist to accurately recognize and characterize these entities to ensure appropriate treatment and management. In this review, we discuss the general characteristics, classifications, and imaging features associated with the most common vascular anomalies such as hemangiomas, arteriovenous malformations and fistulas, capillary malformations, venous malformations, and lymphatic malformations in the context of associated syndromes. Additionally, we discuss novel imaging techniques that aid in identifying these vascular anomalies.

Combined Transarterial Embolization and Percutaneous Sclerotherapy as Treatment for Refractory and Nonresectable Aneurysmal Bone Cysts

PURPOSE

To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of combined transarterial embolization and percutaneous sclerotherapy in the treatment of refractory and nonresectable aneurysmal bone cysts (ABCs) as assessed by imaging and clinical outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective, single-center study included 16 consecutive patients (9 women and 7 men; median age, 17 years [range, 6-25 years]) who underwent combined transarterial embolization (using ethylene vinyl alcohol) and percutaneous sclerotherapy (using ethanol gel and polidocanol) for refractory and nonresectable ABCs. The median follow-up was 27.3 months (range, 6.7-47.5 months). Grade of mineralization (5-point Likert scale), grade of fluid-fluid levels (FFLs; 4-point Likert scale), and contrast-enhancing lesion volume were evaluated before and after treatment. The quality of life was determined before and after treatment using the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score and the 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36) health questionnaire.

RESULTS

A mean of 1.6 ± 0.7 transarterial embolizations and 3.2 ± 1.7 percutaneous sclerotherapies were performed. No adverse events were observed. All patients showed either partial or complete response; no patient showed ABC recurrence. The grade of mineralization (3.7 ± 0.7 after therapy vs 1.4 ± 0.5 at baseline; P < .0001) and grade of FFL (3.5 ± 0.8 after therapy vs 1.9 ± 0.6 at baseline; P < .0001) significantly improved after therapy compared with baseline. The mean contrast-enhancing lesion volume significantly decreased after treatment compared with baseline (45.9 mm³ ± 96.1 vs 156.0 mm³ ± 115.3, respectively; P = .0003). The MSTS scores (28.8 ± 1.8 after treatment vs 14.1 ± 8.6 at baseline; P < .0001) and SF-36 findings revealed a significant improvement in the quality of life after treatment compared with baseline, leaving most patients without relevant constraints.

CONCLUSIONS

Combined transarterial embolization and percutaneous sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive, safe, and effective treatment option for refractory and nonresectable ABCs. Treatment fostered bone mineralization and significantly improved patients' quality of life.

Percutaneous Sclerotherapy of Venous Malformations of the Hand: A Multicenter Analysis

Purpose

To evaluate the safety and outcome of percutaneous sclerotherapy for treating venous malformations (VMs) of the hand.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective multicenter trial of 29 patients with VMs primarily affecting the hand, including wrist, carpus, and/or fingers, treated by 81 percutaneous image-guided sclerotherapies using ethanol gel and/or polidocanol was performed. Clinical and imaging findings were assessed to evaluate clinical response, lesion size reduction, and complication rates. Substratification analysis was performed with respect to the Puig’s classification, the sclerosing agent, the injected volume of the sclerosant, and to previously performed treatments.

Results

The mean number of procedures per patient was 2.8 (± 2.2). Last follow-up (mean = 9.2 months) revealed a partial relief of symptoms in 78.9% (15/19), while three patients (15.8%) presented symptom-free and one patient (5.3%) with no improvement. Post-treatment imaging revealed an overall objective response rate of 88.9%. Early post-procedural complications occurred after 5/81 sclerotherapies (6.2%) and were entirely resolved by conservative means. Type of VM (Puig’s classification) as well as sclerosing agent had no impact on clinical response (p = 0.85, p = 0.11) or complication rates (p = 0.66, p = 0.69). The complication rates were not associated with the sclerosant volume injected (p = 0.76). In addition, no significant differences in clinical success (p = 0.11) or complication rates (p = 0.89) were detected when comparing patients with history of previous treatments compared to therapy-naive patients.

Conclusion

Percutaneous sclerotherapy is both safe and effective for treating VMs of the hand. Even patients with history of previous treatments benefit from further sclerotherapy showing similar low complication rates to therapy-naive patients.

Level of Evidence

Level 4, Retrospective study.

Venous malformations

The often inexorable growth and expansion of congenital vascular malformations can result in substantial morbidity and, in some cases, premature death of these patients. Despite this, patients suffering from such lesions are often erroneously diagnosed and/or inadequately treated, due to a lack of expertise among primary care practitioners as well as specialists. Venous malformations are the most common type of congenital vascular malformations. Over the last two decades management of these lesions has significantly improved, predominantly due to the introduction and implementation of multidisciplinary team concept as well as improvement in diagnostic and treatment modalities. Relatively recently genetic studies are providing more insights into underlying pathophysiological mechanisms responsible for the development and progression of venous malformations and pharmacotherapy is becoming extensively evaluated for safety and efficacy in the treatment of these often challenging vascular lesions.

Management of Venous Malformations

Venous malformations (VMs) are slow-flow, congenital vascular anomalies that are a result of vascular dysgenesis. Clinical presentation and morbidity depend on size, location, and association with other syndromes. VMs are the most common symptomatic vascular anomaly referred for intervention, usually due to thrombosis, swelling, mass effect, functional compromise, or cosmetic concerns. Treatment for larger lesions can be challenging and a multidisciplinary approach involving medical, interventional, and surgical input is critical for comprehensive care. This article will assist the interventional radiologist in patient assessment and will discuss current techniques for treatment, means to minimize adverse events, and expected outcomes.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound with perfusion analysis in patients with venous malformations before and after percutaneous treatment with ethanol-gel

INTRODUCTION

Percutaneous sclerotherapy is a well-established treatment option for venous malformations (VM). A recently established sclerosing agent is ethanol-gel. Aim of this study was to identify, if contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) with an integrated perfusion analysis allows for differentiation between untreated VM, healthy tissue, and with gelified ethanol treated malformation tissue.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In this institutional review board approved prospective study symptomatic VM patients underwent CEUS at exactly the same position before and after sclerotherapy with ethanol-gel. Two experienced sonographers performed all examinations after the bolus injection of microbubbles using a multi-frequency probe with 6 -9 MHz of a high-end ultrasound machine. An integrated perfusion analysis was applied in the center of the VM and in healthy, surrounding tissue. For both regions peak enhancement (peak), time to peak (TTP), area under the curve (AUC), and mean transit time (MTT) were evaluated. Wilcoxon signed rank test was executed; p-values <0.05 were regarded statistically significant.

RESULTS

In 23 patients including children (mean age 25.3 years, 19 females) before treatment all identified parameters were significantly higher in the VM center compared to healthy tissue (peak: p < 0.01; TTP: p < 0.01; AUC: p < 0.01; MTT: p < 0.01). Comparing the VM center before and after treatment, TTP (p < 0.02) and MTT (p < 0.01) reduced significantly after sclerotherapy. In surrounding tissue only peak changed after treatment in comparison to pre-treatment results (p = 0.04). Comparing data in the VM center with surrounding tissue after sclerotherapy, results still differed significantly for peak (p < 0.01), TTP (p < 0.01), and AUC (p < 0.01), but assimilated for MTT (p = 0.07).

CONCLUSION

All with CEUS identified parameters seem to be excellent tools for differentiating between VM and healthy tissue. TTP and MTT could distinguish between with ethanol-gel sclerotized VM portions and untreated malformation parts and thereby might assist the monitoring of sclerotherapy with ethanol-gel.

Percutaneous sclerotherapy with gelified ethanol of low-flow vascular malformations of the head and neck region: preliminary results

PURPOSE

We aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of percutaneous sclerotherapy using gelified ethanol in patients with low-flow malformations (LFMs).

METHODS

A retrospective study was performed, analyzing treatment and outcome data of 6 patients that presented with 7 LFMs (3 lymphatic and 3 venous). Median diameter of LFMs was 6 cm (interquartile range [IQR], 4.5-8.5 cm). Data regarding pain, functional and/or cosmetic issues were assessed. Diagnosis was performed clinically and confirmed by Doppler ultrasound, while extension of disease was assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Percutaneous puncture was performed with 23G needle directly or with ultrasound guidance. All the LFMs were treated with gelified ethanol injection. The median volume injected per treatment session was 4.4 mL.

RESULTS

Technical and clinical success were obtained in all cases. No recurrences were recorded during a median follow up of 17 months (IQR, 12-19 months). Among the 6 patients, 5 had complete relief (83%) and one showed improvement of symptoms. The median VAS score was 7 (IQR, 6-7.5) before and 0 (IQR, 0-0) after treatment. All patients had functional and esthetic improvement (100%). Four patients (66.7%) revealed very good acceptance and two patients (33.3%) good acceptance. No major complications or systemic side effects were observed.

CONCLUSION

Gelified ethanol percutaneous sclerotherapy was easy to handle, well-tolerated, safe and effective in the short-term follow-up. Longer follow-up of efficacy is mandatory for further conclusions.

Safety and effectiveness of percutaneous sclerotherapy for venous disorders of the labia majora in patients with vascular malformations

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and clinical outcomes of percutaneous sclerotherapy of venous disorders of the labia majora in patients with vascular malformations of the lower limbs.

METHODS

Thirty percutaneous sclerotherapy treatments were performed over a 6-year period among 17 female patients with symptomatic venous malformation (VM) or secondary varicosis of the labia majora. Four patients were treated with sclerotherapy alone, 13 patients had additional procedures to control the VM before sclerotherapy. Polidocanol was used as sclerosant. Indications for sclerotherapy included pain, bleeding, thrombophlebitis, and swelling. Genitourinary symptoms were recorded. The number of treatments and procedure-related complications were registered. Complications were classified according to the Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR) classification system (grade A-E). The 3-month postintervention follow-up included magnetic resonance imaging, clinical examination, and a symptom-related questionnaire. If no reintervention was necessary, consultation was scheduled biannually.

RESULTS

All patients had local swelling and pain; only a fraction of the patients had further symptoms with bleeding or thrombophlebitis (47% each). Eight patients required reintervention. No major complications were observed; minor complications such as postprocedural swelling occurred in 29% (SIR grade A), pain occurred in 17% (SIR grade B), and skin blistering developed in 5% (SIR grade B). Upon follow-up examination after a median of 40 months, 76% showed complete relief of symptoms, and 23% reported partial relief. All patients reported a substantial reduction in pain (75% >5 points in visual analogue scale) and swelling (88% complete cessation).

CONCLUSIONS

Percutaneous sclerotherapy is a safe and effective treatment option of VM and secondary varicosis of the labia majora.

The Efficacy of Absolute Ethanol and Polidocanol in the Treatment of Venous Malformations

INTRODUCTION

Using meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of absolute ethanol and polidocanol in the treatment of venous malformations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic search of the English literature was conducted in April 2019 including PubMed, Embase and Web of Science. Article selection was based on preset criteria. The included literature was scored on the MINORS scale, and the meta-analysis and the forest plot were made using the R 3.5.1 software for efficiency.

RESULTS

Ten articles were included in the meta-analysis. Absolute ethanol response rate ranged between 79% and 92% with a pooled rate of 85%, and polidocanol response rate ranged between 63% and 94% with a pooled rate of 77%.

DISCUSSION

Although sclerotherapy is effective in most studies, a large number of randomized controlled trials are still needed to confirm the best treatment options at different sites.

Sclerotherapy with Adjunctive Stasis of Efflux (STASE) in Venous Malformations: Techniques and Strategies

Venous malformations are very commonly encountered in interventional radiologic practice. Indications for therapy are clearly defined based on the lesion's impact on patient's quality of life. Screening laboratory coagulation studies in patients with historical or lesion morphologic risk factors often reveal abnormal coagulation parameters consistent with localized intravascular coagulation or more severe coagulopathic states. These may require chronic or periprocedural medical management to avoid potentially life-threatening disseminated intravascular coagulation or other thromboembolic phenomena. Once a multidisciplinary decision to treat a venous malformation is made, one must decide between percutaneous and/or surgical techniques. Sclerotherapy with adjunctive stasis of efflux (STASE) techniques have become the mainstay of therapy for most venous malformations as they are well-tolerated and effective. STASE techniques work primarily by (i) the administration of sclerosant(s) exerting an inhibitory and/or endotheliocidal effect on venous malformation endothelium leading to thrombosis, involution, and fibrosis, and secondarily via adjunctive outflow occlusion using any combination of local compression, balloons, gelatin, coils, laser, radiofrequency, or adhesives to improve sclerosant penetration and dwell-time in the lesion. Adhesives alone can fill the lesion to facilitate surgical resection in some cases. Common sclerosants in modern practice include sodium tetradecyl sulfate, bleomycin, polidocanol, ethanol, and hypertonic saline. Most agents can be given directly in unmodified or "neat" form or can be mixed with a gas to form a sclerofoam or embolic such as gelatin to form a sclerogel. Choice and method of sclerosant delivery in each patient is based on the intraluminal lesion volume, architecture, vital structure proximity, agent toxicity, viscosity, and level of experience of the interventional radiologist with that particular agent. Multi-session STASE therapy usually reduces symptoms of chronic pain or mass with low risk of known complications of skin or nerve impairment, compartment syndrome, hemoglobinuria, deep venous thrombosis, or pulmonary phenomena.

Ethanol infiltration into the stapedio-vestibular joint reduces low-frequency vibration of the ossicular chain and round window membrane in the guinea pig

BACKGROUND

The synovial stapedio-vestibular joint (SVJ), which serves as a bridge between the stape and oval window, can be found in guinea pigs and most human adults. Unlike the fibrous SVJs in other animals, the contribution of the synovial SVJ to middle ear sound transmission remains unknown.

AIMS/OBJECTIVES

In this study, we investigate whether sclerosis of the synovial SVJ contributes to frequency-dependent vibration of the ossicular chain and round window membrane (RWM).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A model of SVJ sclerosis model was established in the guinea pig using 75% ethanol. A laser Doppler vibrometer was then used to measure vibrations of the RWM and the long process of the incus (LPI) under pure tone sound stimulations of 0.25-16 kHz. The influence of SVJ sclerosis was analysed by comparing structural vibration displacement between the normal and sclerosis groups.

RESULTS

Both LPI and RWM vibrations significantly decreased at low frequencies after infiltration of ethanol, which caused SVJ sclerosis.

CONCLUSIONS

SVJ sclerosis reduces low-frequency vibration of the ossicular chain and RWM in the guinea pig, which indicates that the synovial SVJ is vital to low-frequency sound transmission in the middle ear.

SIGNIFICANCE

Providing useful data for further research regarding middle ear biomechanics.

Intramuscular Venous Malformations of the Upper and Lower Limbs: Indications and Outcomes of Sclerotherapy

PURPOSE

Multiple treatment options have been described for intramuscular venous malformations (VMs) of the limbs. At the current time, there are no clear management guidelines. The aim was to evaluate efficacy and safety of sclerotherapy in this type of VMs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a single-center, retrospective review of patients treated for extremity intramuscular VMs between January 2013 and June 2017. The primary outcomes were the improvement of symptoms self-assessed by questionnaires, and the reduction in VM size measured by magnetic resonance (MRI).

RESULTS

Sclerotherapy was performed in 81 patients with extremity intramuscular VMs. The sclerosing agent was ethanol in 46 cases (56.8%), polidocanol in 27 cases (33.3%), a combination of both in 8 cases (9.9%). The mean follow-up was 26 months (range 3-52). Overall quality of life was improved in 62 patients (76.5%). The postoperative MRI showed a minimum change of VM size in 68 patients (83.9%). A major complication (peripheral nerve injury) was observed in 1 case (1.2% of patients, 0.5% of procedures). Minor complications occurred in 9 cases (11.1% of patients, 4.1% of procedures).

CONCLUSIONS

Sclerotherapy is a low-invasive, effective and safe treatment for intramuscular VMs of the extremities. It induces a significant improvement in symptoms, also when the VM size is unchanged.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 4, Case Series.