Clinical and radiological long-term follow-up after embolization of pulmonary arteriovenous malformations.
The purpose was to evaluate the clinical and radiological long-term results of embolization of pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs) and to assess the quality of life after treatment. A clinical follow-up was undertaken after 67 months (mean) in 35 consecutive patients with 106 PAVMs. Outcome parameters at follow-up were PaO(2) and patients' satisfaction. During follow-up, the patients had a clinical examination, measurement of arterial blood gases, chest X-ray, and contrast echocardiography performed and were asked to fill in a questionnaire exploring experience of the treatment and subjective effect of treatment on physical and social functioning. A significant rise in oxygenation of the blood after embolization was measured. In 77% of the patients symptoms improved, and 71% felt better performance. In eight patients, one of the PAVMs was found insufficiently embolized or recanalized at follow-up angiography and therefore were re-embolized. Endovascular embolization for PAVMs is effective. Clinical parameters and quality of life improved significantly. Regular clinical controls after therapy are necessary to discover insufficiently embolized, recanalized or new PAVMs.
Andersen
Poul Erik
PE
Department of Radiology, Odense University Hospital, DK-5000 Odense C, Denmark. anders1@dadlnet.dk
Kjeldsen
Anette D
AD
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000792:Angiography; D001165:Arteriovenous Malformations / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D002648:Child; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011651:Pulmonary Artery; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome