ABSTRACT
Objective To prospectively assess the therapeutic procedure and outcome of MR-guided percutaneous sclerotherapy in patients with venous vascular malformations of the extremities. Methods Fifty-seven percutaneous sclerotherapy treatments were performed under MR guidance in 28 patients with venous vascular malformation. Assessment was conducted to analyze (1) individual success of therapy, (2) improvement of clinical symptoms, ( 3 ) occurrence of complications, (4) volume changes at follow-up examinations, (5) contrast-to -noise ration (CNR) changes. Paired-t test was used to compare the volume and CNR of pre- and postintervention. Results All MR-guided percutaneous sclerotherapy were performed successfully and without serious complications. Individual predominant symptoms were improved, especially about the pain and functional impairment. The mean lesion volumes of pre- and post-intervention were (56. 8 ± 11.7 ) cm3 and ( 27.0 ± 7.2 ) cm3 respectively, which showed significant difference ( t = 8. 90, P < 0. 01 ). The percentage of volume shrinkage ranged from 28. 5% to 74. 4% [ mean ( 54. 4 ± 5. 3 ) % ]. The CNR of the pre and post-interventional images were 21.9 ± 2. 0 and 8.4 ± 0. 9 respectively. There was significant difference(t = 21.76, P < 0.01 ) between them, and the percentages of CNR decrease were 40.0% to 78. 0% [ the mean(61.0 ± 3.6)%]. Conclusion MR-guided sclerotherapy of venous vascular malformations of the extremities is a safe and efficient technique.