Type IV Hypersensitivity Reaction after Cyanoacrylate Venous Closure

Nonthermal endovenous closure techniques are routinely utilized to treat superficial axial venous reflux. Cyanoacrylate closure is a safe and effective modality implemented for truncal closure. However, an adverse reaction of type IV hypersensitivity (T4H), unique to cyanoacrylate, is a known risk. This study aims to evaluate the real-world incidence of T4H and examine risk factors that may predispose its development.

A retrospective review between 2012- and 2022 was performed at four tertiary US institutions to examine patients who underwent cyanoacrylate vein closure of their saphenous veins. Patient demographics, comorbidities, CEAP (Clinical [C], Etiological [E], Anatomical [A], and Pathophysiological [P]) classification, and periprocedural outcomes were included. The primary endpoint was development of T4H post procedure. Logistic regression analysis for risk factors predictive of T4H was performed. Variables with a P-value of <0.05 were deemed significant.

595 patients underwent 881 cyanoacrylate venous closures. Mean age was 66.2 ± 14.9, and 66% of patients were female. There were 92 (10.4%) T4H events in 79 (13%) patients. Oral steroids were administered to 23% for persistent and/or severe symptoms. There were no systemic allergic reactions to cyanoacrylate. Multivariate analysis revealed younger age (P = 0.015), active smoking status (P = 0.033), and CEAP 3 (P < 0.001) and 4 (P = 0.005) classifications as independent risk factors associated with development of T4H.

This real-world multicenter study shows the overall incidence of T4H to be 10%. CEAP 3 and 4 patients of younger age and smokers predicted a higher risk of T4H to cyanoacrylate.