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Updated: Oct 2, 2026

Combination of High Ligation and Intraoperative Embolization Using Polidocanol for Treatment of Varicoceles
Published on: December 22, 2023
Reversible cardiac arrest after polidocanol sclerotherapy of peripheral venous malformation
Massimiliano M Marrocco-Trischitta1, Paolo Guerrini, Damiano Abeni
1Center for Vascular Anomalies, Department of Vascular Surgery and Pathology, Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata, I.D.I.-IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
Background:
Polidocanol sclerotherapy is a well-established therapeutic modality for the treatment of venous malformations. Systemic complications are extremely rare.
Objective:
To report a case of cardiac complication after polidocanol injection of peripheral venous malformation.
Methods:
A case report and a review of the English language literature using a published MEDLINE search strategy.
Results:
A patient undergoing polidocanol sclerotherapy for a symptomatic venous malformation of the right inferior limb developed cardiac arrest shortly after injection of the sclerosing agent which was promptly reversed.
Conclusion:
Systemic complications following sclerotherapy may occur even when the sclerosant is injected in peripheral veins or venous malformations. Clinicians should be alerted to the possibility of uncommon but life-threatening adverse effects.
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