Hepatic transcatheter arterial chemoembolization complicated by postembolization syndrome
1Department of Radiology, Northwestern University, Chicago Illinois.
Seminars in Interventional Radiology
|June 2, 2012
Summary
Postembolization syndrome (PES) is a common complication after embolization procedures. This self-limited condition involves fever, nausea, malaise, and pain, often requiring extended hospital stays.
Area of Science:
- Interventional Radiology
- Oncology
- Hepatology
Background:
- Postembolization syndrome (PES) frequently complicates embolic procedures, leading to prolonged hospitalizations.
- PES is characterized by fever, nausea, malaise, anorexia, and abdominal pain.
- The exact etiology of PES remains unclear but is hypothesized to involve therapeutic cytotoxicity, tumor ischemia, and inflammation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of PES.
- To highlight PES as a complication of transcatheter intrarterial chemoembolization (TICE) for hepatic metastases.
Main Methods:
- Case report presentation.
- Review of clinical presentation and management of PES following TICE.
Main Results:
- The patient developed symptoms consistent with PES after TICE.
- PES symptoms were self-limited.
Conclusions:
- Transcatheter intrarterial chemoembolization can precipitate postembolization syndrome.
- PES is a significant consideration in the management of patients undergoing TICE for hepatic malignancies.
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