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Upper Gastrointestinal Bleed Embolization with Onyx®: The "Tattoo Effect"
Driss Raissi1, Qian Yu1, S Houssam Mardini2
1Division of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky, USA.
Journal of Clinical Imaging Science
|December 15, 2018
Summary
Transarterial embolization effectively treats upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB). However, Ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) can cause a gastric "tattoo effect," requiring careful monitoring to prevent misdiagnosis and unnecessary surgery.
Area of Science:
- Interventional Radiology
- Gastroenterology
- Vascular Embolization
Background:
- Endoscopic intervention is standard for upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB).
- Transarterial embolization offers a safe alternative for refractory UGIB.
- Ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), known as Onyx®, is a liquid embolic agent used in various vascular applications.
Observation:
- Onyx® is inherently black and can cause skin discoloration, a
- tattoo effect,
- in peripheral applications.
Findings:
- This case report details the "tattoo effect" of Onyx® on the gastric mucosa after embolization for UGIB.
Implications:
- Awareness of embolic agents used is crucial for interventional radiologists and gastroenterologists.
- Clinical correlation and diligent follow-up are essential to prevent misdiagnosis of gastric lesions.
- Understanding this Onyx® property can help avoid unnecessary surgical interventions for suspected mucosal abnormalities.