Spermatic vein occlusion with hot contrast material: angiographic results.
Spermatic vein occlusion by means of selective injection of boiling contrast material into the spermatic vein was attempted in 175 men with symptomatic varicoceles or infertility. Seventy-six patients (43%) returned for follow-up venography. Of 115 veins injected, 96 (83%) were totally occluded on the follow-up venogram obtained at 6 weeks to 2 years after injection. In the latter portion of the study, the technique was changed slightly, with injection of larger volumes of hot contrast material, resulting in a 91% occlusion rate. Each vein that was found patent on the follow-up venogram (19 of 115 [16%]) was assessed radiographically, and results were categorized as grade 1, a complete failure in which there was no change from the presclerotherapy appearance (nine of 19 [47%]); grade 2, a failure in which the treated vein was smaller but patent (five of 19 [26%]); or grade 3, a failure in which the treated vein was occluded with newly developed collateral vessels (five of 19 [26%]). The pretreatment size of the spermatic vein and the quantity of hot contrast material injected were both statistically significant factors in the treatment outcome.
Hunter
D W
DW
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, University of Minnesota Hospital and Clinic, Minneapolis 55455.
King
N J
NJ
Aeppli
D M
DM
Yedlicka
J W
JW
Castaneda-Zuniga
W R
WR
Hulbert
J C
JC
Kaye
K
K
Amplatz
K
K
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic; D006358:Hot Temperature; D006801:Humans; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013085:Spermatic Cord / Q000098:blood supply*; D014646:Varicocele / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D014680:Veins
D003287:Contrast Media