Brain AVM embolization with Onyx.
OBJECTIVE
To report the initial experience by using a new liquid embolic agent (Onyx) for embolization of brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs).


METHODS
Between May 2000 and December 2005, 44 patients with brain AVMs were embolized with Onyx. There were 18 women and 26 men with a mean age of 42.4 years (median 44, range 14-71 years). Clinical presentation included seizures in 26 patients (59%), hemorrhage from the AVM in 13 patients (30%), subarachnoid hemorrhage from a concomitant aneurysm in 3 patients (7%), visual disturbances in 1 patient (2.3%), and in 1 patient (2.3%) the AVM was an incidental finding. Mean estimated size of the AVM was 3.9 cm (median 4, range 2-7 cm).


RESULTS
In 44 patients, 52 embolization procedures were performed with 138 feeding pedicles embolized, ranging from 1 to 7 per patient. Average estimated size reduction was 75% (median 80%, range 40%-100%). Total obliteration was achieved in 7 AVMs (16%), and partial embolization was followed by surgery in 10 patients and by radiosurgery in 20 patients. Complications occurred in 6 patients, leading to death in 1 patient (mortality 2.3%) and to permanent disability in 2 patients (morbidity 4.6%).


CONCLUSIONS
Onyx is feasible and safe in the embolization of brain AVMs. Complete obliteration can be achieved in small AVMs. Large AVMs can be adequately reduced in size for additional surgical or radiosurgical treatment.
van Rooij
W J
WJ
Department of Radiology, St. Elisabeth Ziekenhuis, Tilburg, The Netherlands. radiol@knmg.nl
Sluzewski
M
M
Beute
G N
GN
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001164:Arteriovenous Fistula / Q000151:congenital / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy; D002533:Cerebral Angiography; D002543:Cerebral Hemorrhage / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy; D004121:Dimethyl Sulfoxide / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D002538:Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D020300:Intracranial Hemorrhages / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011145:Polyvinyls / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016634:Radiosurgery; D019233:Retreatment
C450660:Onyx copolymer; D011145:Polyvinyls; D004121:Dimethyl Sulfoxide