Ethanol embolotherapy of vascular malformations: clinical outcomes at a single center.
OBJECTIVE
To retrospectively evaluate the results of endovascular therapy of vascular malformations principally treated with ethanol embolization at a single center.


METHODS
From May 1999 to December 2012, 46 patients (28 female, 18 male) with vascular malformations (31 venous malformations, 15 arteriovenous malformations [AVMs]) throughout the body (nine upper extremity, 31 lower extremity, and six truncal) who underwent ethanol embolization were studied and followed up. Demographic factors, clinical findings, imaging data, and patient-reported changes in symptoms were collected and analyzed. Follow-up data were obtained by office visits, repeat imaging, and telephone contact.


RESULTS
Twenty-four patients (52.2%) were considered cured, 12 (26.1%) showed improvement, and 10 (21.7%) had no change or showed worsening. Similar rates of cure or improvement were seen for AVMs and venous malformations (P = 0.67). Lesion location, depth, and size were not associated with differences in outcomes (P = .87, P = .37, and P = .61, respectively). Type 1 and type 2 AVMs were cured more often than other AVM types. The overall complication rate was 24% (11 of 46 patients). Minor complications were seen in six individuals (13%), and major complications developed in five patients (11%).


CONCLUSIONS
Ethanol embolization of vascular malformations produces good outcomes, with control or relief of symptoms in a majority of patients.
Department of Radiology, Section of Interventional Radiology, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Northwestern University, Feinberg 4-710, 251 E. Huron, Chicago, IL 60611. Electronic address: vogelzang@northwestern.edu.
Robert L
RL
Vogelzang
Department of Radiology, Section of Interventional Radiology, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Northwestern University, Feinberg 4-710, 251 E. Huron, Chicago, IL 60611.
Rohi
R
Atassi
Department of Radiology, Section of Interventional Radiology, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Northwestern University, Feinberg 4-710, 251 E. Huron, Chicago, IL 60611.
Michael
M
Vouche
Department of Radiology, Section of Interventional Radiology, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Northwestern University, Feinberg 4-710, 251 E. Huron, Chicago, IL 60611.
Scott
S
Resnick
Department of Radiology, Section of Interventional Radiology, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Northwestern University, Feinberg 4-710, 251 E. Huron, Chicago, IL 60611.
Riad
R
Salem
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D057510:Endovascular Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D000431:Ethanol / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D018810:Magnetic Resonance Angiography; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D054079:Vascular Malformations / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D055815:Young Adult
D000431:Ethanol
AVM; arteriovenous malformation