Ethanol embolotherapy of vascular malformations: clinical outcomes at a single center

To retrospectively evaluate the results of endovascular therapy of vascular malformations principally treated with ethanol embolization at a single center.

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.

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%).

Ethanol embolization of vascular malformations produces good outcomes, with control or relief of symptoms in a majority of patients.