Percutaneous cryotherapy of vascular malformation: initial experience

Area of Science:

• Vascular Surgery
• Interventional Radiology
• Dermatology

Background:

• Venous malformations are congenital vascular anomalies that can cause pain and disfigurement.
• Treatment options for large venous malformations are limited, often requiring extensive surgery.
• Percutaneous cryotherapy offers a minimally invasive alternative for vascular lesion ablation.

Observation:

• A 36-year-old woman presented with a large (9-cm), symptomatic pectoral venous malformation.
• The patient experienced significant pain associated with the malformation.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used for diagnosis and follow-up.

Findings:

• A single session of percutaneous cryotherapy was performed.
• The procedure involved a 24-hour hospital stay.
• At 2 and 6 months post-procedure, pain completely resolved.
• MRI confirmed a significant reduction in the malformation's size.

Implications:

• Percutaneous cryotherapy is a promising, feasible, and safe option for managing symptomatic venous vascular malformations.
• This technique may offer an effective alternative to surgical intervention for localized venous malformations.
• Further research is warranted to establish long-term efficacy and patient outcomes.