Systemic dissemination of ethanolamine oleate after injection sclerotherapy for esophageal varices

Sclerotherapy for esophageal varices was performed on six patients for a total of 16 injections. The sclerosant contained 5% ethanolamine oleate and technetium Tc 99m sodium pertechnetate solution at the volume ratio of 9:1. At each injection session 5 to 20 mL of this solution was injected into one varix. The distribution of the injected material was observed by a scintillation camera. Systemic dissemination of the sclerosant through the portal vein was demonstrated in five procedures, in which the injections were correctly intravenous. In three dogs 4 mL of 5% ethanolamine oleate made from oleic acids labeled with iodine 131 was injected into the gastric coronary vein. Most of the substance injected was washed out within five minutes, and systemic dissemination became evident.