Malformaciones arteriovenosas pulmonares: presentación de un caso clínico pediátrico y revisión de la literatura / Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations: presentation of a pediatric case and review of the literature

Las malformaciones arteriovenosas pulmonares (MAVP) consisten en comunicaciones directas entre el sistema arterial y el sistema venoso pulmonar, sin paso de la sangre por el lecho capilar, produciéndose un cortocircuito de derecha a izquierda extracardíaco, pueden ser congénitas o adquiridas. Algunos casos pueden ser asintomáticos, en cambio en otros pueden ocasionar diversas manifestaciones clínicas y se pueden asociar a complicaciones severas. En niños se observa una baja incidencia y son más frecuentes las formas congénitas. La MAVP se debe sospechar por las manifestaciones clínicas y las imágenes de la radiografía de tórax (RxTx) y su confirmación se realiza mediante una AngioTomografía Computada (TC) de tórax. La embolización endovascular es actualmente el tratamiento de elección, con excelentes resultados, aunque requiere de un seguimiento posterior y de un operador experimentado. Reportamos el caso de una niña que ingresó con clínica muy sugerente, incluyendo: disnea, acropaquia, cianosis periférica, e hipoxemia refractaria. Sin embargo, inicialmente el cuadro clínico fue confundido con una crisis asmática. La Angio-TC de tórax confirmó el diagnóstico y el tratamiento mediante embolización endovascular resultó exitoso.

Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVM) are communications between the arterial and the pulmonary venous system, without passage of blood through the capillary bed, causing a left to right extracardiac shunt. Some cases may be asymptomatic, while others may cause various clinical manifestations and may be associated with severe complications. In children a low incidence is observed, and congenital forms are more frequent. PAVM should be suspected by clinical manifestations and chest x-ray imaging and confirmed by chest Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA). Endovascular embolization is currently the treatment of choice, with excellent results, although it requires subsequent follow-up. We report a patient who was admitted with a very suggestive clinical history, including: dyspnea, clubbing, peripheral cyanosis, and severe hypoxemia, refractory to oxygen therapy. However, initially the clinical picture was confounded with an asthmatic crisis. CTA confirmed the diagnosis and treatment by endovascular embolization was successful.

What do Cochrane systematic reviews say about congenital vascular anomalies and hemangiomas? A narrative review

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Congenital vascular anomalies and hemangiomas (CVAH) such as infantile hemangiomas, port-wine stains and brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) impair patients' lives and may require treatment if complications occur. However, a great variety of treatments for those conditions exist and the best interventions remain under discussion. OBJECTIVE: To summarize Cochrane systematic review (SR) evidence on treatments for CVAH. DESIGN AND SETTING: Review of SRs conducted in the Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery of Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: A broad search was conducted on March 9, 2021, in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews to retrieve any Cochrane SRs that assessed treatments for CVAH. The key characteristics and results of all SRs included were summarized and discussed. RESULTS: A total of three SRs fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were presented as a qualitative synthesis. One SR reported a significant clinical reduction of skin redness by at least 20%, with more pain, among 103 participants with port-wine stains. One SR reported that propranolol improved the likelihood of clearance 13 to 16-fold among 312 children with hemangiomas. One SR reported that the relative risk of death or dependence was 2.53 times greater in the intervention arm than with conservative management, among 218 participants with brain AVMs. CONCLUSION: Cochrane reviews suggest that treatment of port-wine stains with pulsed-dye laser improves redness; propranolol remains the best option for infantile hemangiomas; and conservative management seems to be superior to surgical intervention for treating brain AVMs.

Malformaciones vasculares cerebrales de alto flujo en pediatría: experiencia en un hospital pediátrico de alta complejidad / High-flow vascular malformations of the brain in pediatrics: Experience in a tertiary care children's hospital

Introducción. Las malformaciones vasculares cerebrales de alto flujo son poco comunes en la edad pediátrica. El objetivo del trabajo es diferenciar y agrupar estas enfermedades según edad de debut, manifestaciones clínicas y angioarquitectura.Población y método. Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo y observacional. Se analizaron las historias clínicas, los estudios por imágenes y los protocolos de procedimientos de pacientes del Hospital J. P. Garrahan con diagnóstico de malformaciones vasculares cerebrales desde enero de 2010 hasta enero de 2020.Resultados. Ciento ochenta y tres pacientes cumplieron los criterios de inclusión. Se identificaron 131 pacientes con malformaciones arteriovenosas con nido (MAV) y 52 con fístulas directas (sin nido), entre los que se hallaron 19 malformaciones aneurismáticas de vena de Galeno, 23 fístulas piales y 10 fístulas durales. La edad promedio fue de 105 meses para las MAV, 1,7 meses para las malformaciones aneurismáticas de vena de Galeno, 60,5 meses para fístulas piales y 41 meses para fístulas durales.Conclusión. Según su angioarquitectura, las malformaciones vasculares cerebrales de alto flujo tuvieron nido (MAV) o fueron fístulas directas (malformaciones aneurismáticas de vena de Galeno, fístulas piales y fístulas durales). Las MAV se manifestaron a partir de la primera infancia, sobre todo, por hemorragia intracraneana. Las fístulas directas se expresaron en la primera etapa de la vida, frecuentemente, con insuficiencia cardíaca.

Introduction. High-flow vascular malformations of the brain are uncommon in pediatrics. The objective of this study is to establish the differences among these pathologies and group them by age at onset, clinical manifestations, and angioarchitecture.Population and method. This was a retrospective and observational study. The medical records, imaging studies, and procedure protocols of patients seen at Hospital J. P. Garrahan diagnosed with vascular malformations of the brain between January 2010 and January 2020 were analyzed.Results. A total of 183 patients met the inclusion criteria. It was possible to identify 131 patients with arteriovenous malformations with a nidus (AVMs) and 52 with direct fistulas (without a nidus), including 19 vein of Galen aneurysmal malformations, 23 pial fistulas, and 10 dural fistulas. The average age of patients was 105 months for AVMs, 1.7 months for vein of Galen aneurysmal malformations, 60.5 months for pial fistulas, and 41 months for dural fistulas.Conclusion. Based on their angioarchitecture, high-flow vascular malformations of the brain presented a nidus (AVMs) or direct fistulas (vein of Galen aneurysmal malformations, pial fistulas, and dural fistulas). AVMs were observed in early childhood, especially due to intracranial hemorrhage. Direct fistulas occurred in the first stage of life, commonly with heart failure.

Prenatal Diagnosis of Vein of Galen Aneurysmal Malformation Allows Early Transumbilical Endovascular Treatment

Neonates with vein of Galen aneurysmal malformation (VGAM) presenting with severe cardiac failure and pulmonary hypertension represent a challenge for endovascular therapy.When early treatment is required, the small femoral arteries in this population are usually difficult to cannulate. Alternatively, the umbilical vessels offer a natural pathway to reach the lesion. Therefore, prenatal diagnosis of VGAM allows for delivery planning, perinatal management, and embolization through umbilical approach, thus leading to better outcomes.

Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations: diagnostic and treatment characteristics / Malformações arteriovenosas pulmonares: características diagnósticas e de tratamento

ABSTRACT Objective: To present a case series of pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs), describing the main clinical findings, the number/location of pulmonary vascular abnormalities, the clinical complications, and the treatment administered. Methods: This was a retrospective observational study evaluating patients with PAVM divided into two groups: hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT); and idiopathic PAVM (iPAVM). Results: A total of 41 patients were selected for inclusion, but only 33 had PAVMs. After clinical evaluation, 27 and 6 were diagnosed with HHT and iPAVM, respectively. In the HHT group, the mean age was 49.6 years and 88.9% were female. In that group, 4 patients had an SpO2 of < 90% and the most common clinical finding was epistaxis. In the iPAVM group, the mean age was 48.1 years and 83.3% were female. In that group, 3 patients had an SpO2 of < 90%. Computed tomographic pulmonary angiography showed that most of the PAVMs were in the lower lobes: 56.4% in the HHT group and 85.7% in the iPAVM group. Embolization was performed in 23 patients (in both groups). At this writing, 10 patients are scheduled to undergo the procedure. One of the patients who underwent embolization was subsequently referred for pulmonary resection. Conclusions: In both of the PAVM groups, there was a predominance of women and of fistulas located in the lower lobes. Few of the patients had respiratory symptoms, and most had an SpO2 > 90%. The treatment chosen for all patients was percutaneous transcatheter embolization.

RESUMO Objetivo: Apresentar uma série de casos de malformações arteriovenosas pulmonares (MAVP) e descrever os principais achados clínicos, a quantidade e localização das MAVP, as complicações clínicas e os tratamentos realizados. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo observacional que avaliou pacientes com MAVP divididos em dois grupos: telangiectasia hemorrágica hereditária (THH) e MAVP idiopática (MAVPi). Resultados: Foram avaliados 41 pacientes, sendo 33 pacientes portadores de MAVP. Após a avaliação clínica, 27 e 6 foram diagnosticados com THH e MAVPi, respectivamente. No grupo THH a média de idade foi de 49,6 anos e 88,9% eram do sexo feminino. Desses pacientes, 4 tinham SpO2 < 90% e o achado clínico mais frequente era epistaxe. No grupo MAVPi a média de idade foi de 48,1 anos, sendo que 83,3% eram do sexo feminino. Desses, 3 tinham SpO2 < 90%. Após a realização de angiotomografia de tórax observou-se que a maior parte das MAVP se situava nos lobos inferiores, totalizando 56,4% e 85,7% nos grupos THH e MAVPi, respectivamente. O tratamento por embolização foi realizado em 23 pacientes nos dois grupos, enquanto 10 aguardavam o procedimento até o momento da escrita deste estudo. Um paciente submetido à embolização foi encaminhado para ressecção pulmonar. Conclusões: Em ambos os grupos de pacientes com MAVP observou-se uma predominância de mulheres e de fístulas localizadas nos lobos inferiores. A maioria era assintomático respiratório com SpO2 > 90%. O tratamento de escolha para todos foi a embolização percutânea por cateter.

Arteriovenous malformation of the external ear: a clinical assessment with a scoping review of the literature / Malformação arteriovenosa da orelha externa: avaliação clínica com revisão abrangente da literatura

Abstract Introduction: Auricular Arteriovenous Malformation of the external ear is a rarely encountered disease; in particular, arteriovenous malformation arising from the auricle, with spontaneous bleeding, has seldom been reported. Objective: In the current study, we report an unusual case of late-onset auricular arteriovenous malformation originating from the posterior auricular artery that was confirmed by computed tomographic angiography. The case was successfully managed by pre-surgical intravascular embolization followed by total lesion excision. Prompted by this case, we also present a scoping review of the literature. Methods: A case of a 60 year-old man with right auricular arteriovenous malformation treated in our tertiary care center, and 52 patients with auricular arteriovenous malformation described in 10 case reports and a retrospective review are presented. Auricular arteriovenous malformation can manifest as swelling of the ear, pulsatile tinnitus, pain, and/or bleeding. On physical examination, a pulsatile swelling and/or a tender mass is evident. When arteriovenous malformation is suspected, the lesions should be visualized using imaging modalities that optimally detect vascular lesions, and managed via embolization, mass excision, or auricular resection. Effectiveness of the various diagnostic methods used and the treatment outcomes were analyzed. Results: Various imaging modalities including Doppler sonography, computed tomographic angiography, magnetic resonance angiography, and/or transfemoral cerebral angiography were used to diagnose 38 cases reported in the literature. In another 15 cases, no imaging was performed; treatment was determined solely by physical examination and auscultation. Of the total of 53 cases, 12 were not treated (their symptoms were merely observed) whereas 20 underwent therapeutic embolization. In total, 32 patients, including 1 patient who was not treated and 10 with persistent or aggravated arteriovenous malformation after previous embolization, underwent mass excision or auricular resection depending on the extent of the lesion. No major postoperative complication was recorded. The postoperative follow-up duration varied from 1 month to 19 years, and only one case of unresectable, residual cervicofacial arteriovenous malformation was recorded. Conclusion: Auricular arteriovenous malformation is a rarely encountered disease, but should be suspected if a patient presents with a swollen ear and pulsatile tinnitus. Appropriate imaging is essential for diagnosis and evaluation of the extent of disease. As embolization affords only relatively poor control, total surgical removal of the vascular mass is recommended.

Resumo Introdução: Malformação Arteriovenosa Auricular da orelha externa é uma doença raramente observada, em particular, na região da aurícula, com hemorragia espontânea, tem sido infrequentemente relatada. Objetivo: No presente estudo, relatamos um caso incomum de malformação arteriovenosa auricular de início tardio originária da artéria auricular posterior confirmada por angiotomografia computadorizada. O caso foi controlado com sucesso por embolização endovascular pré-cirúrgica seguida por excisão completa da lesão. Além disso, nós também apresentamos uma revisão abrangente da literatura. Método: Um homem de 60 anos de idade com malformação arteriovenosa auricular direita tratado em nosso centro de atendimento terciário e 52 pacientes com malformação arteriovenosa auricular descritos em 10 relatos de casos e um estudo de revisão são apresentados. A malformação arteriovenosa auricular pode manifestar-se como inchaço da orelha, zumbido pulsátil, dor e/ou sangramento. Ao exame físico, um edema pulsátil e/ou uma massa sensível é evidente. Quando há suspeita de malformação arteriovenosa, as lesões devem ser visualizadas usando modalidades de imagem que detectam de maneira ideal as lesões vasculares, e tratadas por meio de embolização, excisão total da lesão, ou ressecção auricular. A eficácia dos vários métodos de diagnóstico utilizados e os desfechos do tratamento foram analisados. Resultados: Várias modalidades de imagem, incluindo ultrassonografia Doppler, angiotomografia computadorizada, angiografia por ressonância magnética e/ou angiografia cerebral transfemoral foram usadas para diagnosticar 38 casos relatados na literatura. Em outros 15 casos, nenhuma imagem foi realizada; o tratamento foi determinado unicamente pelo exame físico e ausculta. Do total de 53 casos, 12 não foram tratados (os seus sintomas foram apenas observados), enquanto que 20 foram submetidos a embolização terapêutica. No total, 32 doentes, incluindo um paciente que não foi tratado e 10 com malformação arteriovenosa persistente ou agravada após a embolização anterior, foram submetidos a excisão completa da lesão ou ressecção auricular, dependendo da extensão da lesão. Nenhuma complicação pós-operatória importante foi registrada. O tempo de seguimento pós-operatório variou de 1 mês a 19 anos, e apenas um caso de malformação arteriovenosa cervicofacial irressecável, residual foi registrado. Conclusão: A malformação arteriovenosa auricular é uma doença raramente encontrada, mas deve ser suspeitada se um paciente apresentar orelha inchada e zumbido pulsátil. A imagem apropriada é essencial para o diagnóstico e avaliação da extensão da doença. Como a embolização proporciona apenas um controle relativamente precário, a remoção cirúrgica total da lesão vascular é recomendada.

Malformación arteriovenosa uterina: a propósito de un caso / Arteriovenous uterine malformation: a case report

Paciente de 37 años que acudió a urgencias por metrorragia, G3P1A2, el último de ellos un aborto tardío en gestación gemelar monocorial biamniótica de 20 semanas hacía dos meses. En la ecografía destaca en zona miometrial un área de marcada vascularización de 67 x 45 mm. Tras descartar proceso residual gestacional y ante la sospecha de malformación arteriovenosa uterina se solicitó resonancia magnética nuclear y angiotac, tras confirmar la malformación vascular se programó para embolización de ambas arterias uterinas con el fin de preservar la fertilidad.

A 37-year-old patient came to the emergency due to metrorrhagia, G3P1A2, the last of them a late abortion in a 20 weeks monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy two months ago. Ultrasound revealed an intramiometrial area of 67 x 45 mm with increased vascularization area. A diagnosis of an arteriovenous malformation was considered. In order to confirm the diagnosis pelvic magnetic resonance and angiogram was performed. Once the vascular malformation was confirmed the patient was scheduled for transcatheter arterial embolization in order to preserve fertility.

Malformacion uterina arteriovenosa / Uterine arteriovenous malformation

RESUMEN La malformación arteriovenosa uterina (MAVU) es una causa poco frecuente de sangrado uterino, dado que en la mayoría de casos cursa de forma asintomática. Las MAVU son dilataciones varicosas arteriovenosas intramiometriales sin afectación capilar. Plantean un reto diagnóstico y terapéutico en el esfuerzo de la preservación de la fertilidad, constituyéndose la embolización como su principal tratamiento. En la actualidad, el estándar de oro para el diagnóstico de esta patología es la angiografía. Sin embargo, las modalidades menos invasivas como la ecografía Doppler color se utilizan cada vez más para el diagnóstico. Se presenta el caso de una mujer de 20 años de edad, con antecedente de embarazo molar y sangrado menstrual excesivo debido a MAVU.

ABSTRACT Uterine arteriovenous malformation (AVMV) is a rare cause of uterine bleeding, since most cases are asymptomatic. The MAVU are intramyometrial arteriovenous variceal dilatations without capillary involvement. They propouse a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge in the effort for preservation of fertility, constituting the embolization its main treatment. At present, the gold standard for the diagnosis of this pathology is angiography. However, less invasive modalities such as color Doppler ultrasound are increasingly used for diagnosis. We present the case of a 20-year-old woman with a history of molar pregnancy and excessive menstrual bleeding due to MAVU.

Malformación arterio-venosa uterina y hemorragia obstétrica: diagnóstico y manejo en tres casos clínicos / Uterine arteriovenous malformation and obstetric hemorrhage: diagnosis and management in three cases

Las malformaciones vasculares uterinas son muy infrecuentes y se presentan asociadas a metrorragia con riesgo vital. Su incidencia no es conocida porque las series son de pocos casos. Presentamos tres pacientes con hemorragia obstétrica cuyo estudio diagnóstico con ultrasonido y angiografía, demostró malformación arteriovenosa uterina. En un caso, dada la extensión de la lesión, el tratamiento fue con embolización bilateral de arterias uterinas seguida de histerectomía. Otras dos pacientes, por preservación de fertilidad, fueron sometidas solo a embolización. La evolución clínica y las imágenes confirmaron que los procedimientos fueron exitosos. Se discute la importancia de la interpretación correcta de las imágenes para el diagnóstico, la adaptación de los métodos terapéuticos al caso individual y el manejo multidisciplinario.

The uterine vascular malformations are very infrequent and associated to maternal hemorrhage with vital risk. The incidence is unknown because the published series are little with few cases. We described three cases with obstetrical hemorrhage and the image study with ultrasound and angiography showed an arteriovenous malformation. One patient, for the extensive lesion, was treated with bilateral embolization of uterine arteries and then, histerectomy. The others patients, for preservation her fertility, were treated with embolization only. The clinical evolution and the vascular images study confirm the success of the procedures. We discuss the importance of images analysis for the diagnosis, the individual application of therapeutic methods and a multidisciplinary approach for this scope.

Safety and Efficacy of Transarterial Nephrectomy as an Alternative to Surgical Nephrectomy

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of transarterial nephrectomy, i.e., complete renal artery embolization, as an alternative to surgical nephrectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 11 patients who underwent transarterial nephrectomy due to a high risk of surgical nephrectomy or their refusal to undergo surgery during the period from April 2002 to February 2013. Medical records and radiographic images were reviewed retrospectively to collect information regarding underlying etiologies, clinical presentations and embolization outcomes. RESULTS: The underlying etiologies for transarterial nephrectomy included recurrent hematuria (chronic transplant rejection [n = 3], arteriovenous malformation or fistula [n = 3], angiomyolipoma [n = 1], or end-stage renal disease [n = 1]), inoperable renal or ureteral injury (n = 2), and ectopic kidney with urinary incontinence (n = 1). The technical success rate was 100%, while clinical success was achieved in eight patients (72.7%). Subsequent surgical nephrectomy was required for three patients due to an incomplete nephrectomy effect (n = 2) or necrotic pyelonephritis (n = 1). Procedure-related complications were post-infarction syndrome in one patient and necrotic pyelonephritis in another patient. Of four patients with follow-up CT, four showed renal atrophy and two showed partial renal enhancement. No patient developed a procedure-related hypertension. CONCLUSION: Transarterial nephrectomy may be a safe and effective alternative to surgical nephrectomy in patients with high operative risks.

Resección quirúrgica de malformación arteriovenosa de alto flujo en ángulo nasogeniano con embolización preoperatoria: reporte de un caso / Surgical resection of high-flow arteriovenous malformation of the nasogenian sulcus with preoperatory embolization: a case report

El 50% de las malformaciones arteriovenosas (MAVs) de alto flujo se ubican en la región craneofacial y pueden producir sangrado con riesgo vital sin diagnóstico y tratamiento adecuado. La resonancia magnética (RM) es útil en el diagnóstico diferencial de las lesiones vasculares, siendo el gold standard la angiografía selectiva. Dado que las MAVs de alto flujo no involucionan espontáneamente, el tratamiento usualmente consiste en embolización con posterior resección quirúrgica. Se presenta un paciente de sexo masculino de 20 años que consulta por aumento de volumen nasogeniano derecho, progresivo, violáceo, blando y pulsátil. Se objetiva mediante RM una zona de vasos serpentiginosos, que se extiende desde el subcutáneo hasta la pared anterior del maxilar. La angiografía cerebral confirma MAV de alto flujo e informa mapeo vascular. Se decide embolización prequirúrgica superselectiva con posterior resección tumoral mediante acceso transvestibular.

The 50 % of arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) of high flow are located in the craniofacial region and can cause life-threatening bleeding without a diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Magnetic resonance imaging is useful in the differential diagnosis of vascular lesions, being the gold standard selective angiography. Since high-flowA VMs do not regress spontaneously, treatment usually involves surgical resection with subsequent embolization. We present a 20 years male patient consulting with a purple, progressive, soft, pulsating enlargement of right-side nasogenian region. Magnetic resonance imaging shows serpiginous vessels, extending from the subcutaneous to the anterior wall of the maxillary. Cerebral angiography confirms high flowAVM and shows vascular mapping. It was decided superselective preoperative embolization with subsequent tumor by transvestibular access.

Giant High-Flow Type Pulmonary Arteriovenous Malformation: Coil Embolization with Flow Control by Balloon Occlusion and an Anchored Detachable Coil

Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs) are often treated by pushable fibered or non-fibered microcoils, using an anchor or scaffold technique or with an Amplatzer plug through a guiding sheath. When performing percutaneous transcatheter microcoil embolization, there is a risk of coil migration, particularly with high-flow type PAVMs. The authors report on a unique treatment in a patient with a giant high-flow PAVM whose nidus had a maximum diameter of 6 cm. A detachable coil, not detached from a delivery wire (an anchored detachable coil), was first placed in the feeding artery under flow control by balloon occlusion, and then multiple microcoils were packed proximally to the anchored detachable coil. After confirming the stability of the microcoils during a gradual deflation of the balloon, we finally released the first detachable coil. The nidus was reduced in size to 15 mm at one year postoperatively.

Fístula arteriovenosa pós-nefrolitotripsia percutânea / Arteriovenous fistula after percutaneous nephrolithotomy

Fístula arteriovenosa (FAV) é uma rara complicação pós-nefrolitotripsia percutãnea (NLP). Apresentamos o caso de um paciente de 70 anos, sexo masculino, que apresentou sangramento maciço após NLP, tratado por angioembolização renal superseletiva com implante de stent. Após a embolização, houve resolução do sangramento. FAV é uam complicação incomum da NLP, que pode ser tratada com sucesso com angioembolização.

Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is a rare complication after percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL). We present the case of a 70-year-old male who had massive bleeding after NLP, angioembolização treated by superselective renal stent implantation. After embolization, there was resolution of bleeding. AVF is uam uncommon complication of NLP, which can be treated successfully with angioembolização.

Ethanol Embolotherapy of Pelvic Arteriovenous Malformations: an Initial Experience

OBJECTIVE: We retrospectively assessed the results of performing ethanol embolization for pelvis arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: During the past 10 years, eight patients (8 females, age range: 27-52 years) with AVMs in the pelvic wall (n = 3) and uterus (n = 5) underwent staged ethanol embolizations (range: 1-5, mean: 2.5) under general anesthesia. Ethanol embolization was performed by the use of the transcatheter and/or direct puncture techniques. Clinical follow-up was performed for all of the patients, and imaging follow-up was available for seven patients. The therapeutic outcomes were established by evaluating the clinical outcome of the signs and symptoms, as well as the degree of devascularization observed on post-procedural angiography. RESULTS: During the 20 sessions of ethanol embolization, the solitary transarterial approach was used 14 times, the transvenous approach was used three times and direct puncture was used once. For two patients, the transarterial and transvenous or direct puncture approaches were used together in one session. For four patients, ethanol and coils were used as embolic agents, and n-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA) and ethanol were used in one patient. Seven (88%) of eight patients were cured of their AVMs and one patient (12%) displayed improvement. Major complications were seen in two patients (25%). CONCLUSION: Ethanol embolization is effective for the treatment of pelvic arteriovenous malformations, though there is a chance of a major complication.

Embolization of a Bleeding Maxillary Arteriovenous Malformation via the Superficial Temporal Artery after External Carotid Artery Ligation

We report a new approach of embolization in a 15-year-old boy that presented with a massive hemorrhage from a maxillary arteriovenous malformation. Re-bleeding occurred after emergent ligation of the external carotid artery. The bleeding was successfully controlled by embolization via the superficial temporal artery.

Peripheral Arteriovenous Malformations with a Dominant Outflow Vein: Results of Ethanol Embolization

OBJECTIVE: To assess retrospectively the treatment results of ethanol embolization of peripheral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) with a dominant outflow vein (DOV). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nineteen patients who had peripheral AVMs with a DOV were enrolled in this study (mean age, 29.7 years; range, 15-42 years). Fifty-one ethanol embolizations (mean, 2.7; range, 1-8) were performed by direct puncture (n = 29), the transarterial approach (n = 13), the transvenous approach (n = 5), or a combination of methods (n = 4) under general anesthesia. Coil and/or core-removed guide wire embolization of the DOV or another flow occlusion technique (i.e., use of an external pneumatic pressure cuff) to achieve vascular stasis were required in all patients during ethanol embolization. Clinical follow-up (mean, 22.2 months; range, 1-53 months) was performed for all patients, and imaging follow-up (mean, 22.1 months; range, 2-53 months) from the last treatment session was performed for 14 patients. The therapeutic outcome (cure, improvement, no change, or aggravation) was assessed according to the clinical response and the degree of devascularization at angiography. RESULTS: Ethanol embolization was considered as an effective procedure in all patients. Thirteen (68%) of 19 patients were cured and six displayed improvement. Three of six patients with improvement needed further treatment sessions for residual AVMs. Four patients (21%) experienced a total of eight complications. Five complications (three events of a distal embolism and one event each of a urinary bladder necrosis and a brain infarct related to the accidental cannulation of the common carotid artery during insertion of the Swan-Ganz catheter) were major and three complications (skin necrosis) were minor. CONCLUSION: Peripheral AVMs with a DOV can be effectively treated with a high cure rate by the use of ethanol embolization alone or in conjunction with the use of coil and/or core-removed guide wire embolization.