Embolotherapy of pulmonary arteriovenous malformations with detachable balloons: long-term durability and efficacy.
OBJECTIVE
To determine long-term durability and efficacy of pulmonary arteriovenous malformation (PAVM) embolotherapy using detachable gold valve latex (GVB) and silicone balloons (DSB).


METHODS
Eighty-two patients were treated with either GVBs or DSBs between 1991 and 1996. Complete follow-up, consisting of chest radiography or high-resolution chest computed tomography, was obtained in each patient between 1996 and 1998. The PAVM was considered cured if the aneurysmal portion was involuted with or without a small residual scar.


RESULTS
Eighty-two of the 85 DSBs (96%) were inflated 2-4 years later, and none of the 56 GVBs remained inflated 1-3 years after placement. Despite early deflation of the GVB (91% at 1 month), only one PAVM persisted in both groups (DSB and GVB). Clinical and radiographic involution of the PAVMs was complete in all patients except one, who was easily re-treated. No migration of DSBs or GVBs to the systemic circulation occurred.


CONCLUSIONS
DSBs and GVBs provide immediate cross-sectional occlusion of PAVM and are equally effective in "curing" the PAVM. The DSBs remain inflated 2-4 years after placement provided isoosmotic contrast material is used to inflate them and volume recommendations are adhered to. No early or late migration of the DSB or GVB occurs, provided they are securely placed.
Saluja
S
S
Department of Radiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA.
Sitko
I
I
Lee
D W
DW
Pollak
J
J
White
R I
RI
D000328:Adult; D001165:Arteriovenous Malformations / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D004868:Equipment Failure; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007840:Latex; D008297:Male; D011651:Pulmonary Artery / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011667:Pulmonary Veins / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic; D012828:Silicones
D007840:Latex; D012828:Silicones