Safety Profile of Dimethyl Sulfoxide-Based Liquid Embolic Agents for Neurointerventional Procedures in Neonates,...

Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)-based liquid embolic agents have revolutionized the endovascular treatment of high-flow intracranial vascular malformations but can be associated with systemic and metabolic complications. Extensive safety data exist regarding the rates of such complication in adults and older children. However, relatively little published data are available on the safety profile in neonates, infants, and toddlers, which may limit uptake in the treatment of young children. We hypothesized that complication rates related to the use of these agents in young children are relatively similar to those reported in older children or adults.

A single-center retrospective cohort study was undertaken of all pediatric neurointerventional procedures utilizing DMSO-based liquid embolic agents in patients of age <18 years at the time of their first procedure who underwent at least 1 embolization procedure between July 1, 2022 and June 30, 2025. The primary outcome was the rate of complications attributable to use of DMSO-based liquid embolic agents including systemic, metabolic, neurologic, and technical complications. Subgroup analyses were performed comparing results between younger (neonates, infants, and toddlers: 0 days to 36 months) and older (3-18 years) age subgroups.

A total of 66 embolization procedures were performed in 17 pediatric patients (6 girls, 11 boys, age 2 days to 18 years, mean 4.1 years, median 2.0, SD 5.35). The most common indication for treatment was vein of Galen malformation (47/66 procedures; 71.2%), and 48 of 66 procedures (72.7%) were performed in the younger subgroup (0 days to 36 months). Complications attributable to use of DMSO-based liquid embolic agents occurred with 5 of 66 procedures (7.6%). Four complications occurred in the younger subgroup (4/48 procedures), but there was no statistically significant difference compared with the older subgroup (1/18 procedures) (P = .22; Fisher exact test). These complications included 1 death, 2 transient neurologic deficits, and 2 episodes of asymptomatic embolic migration to the lungs.

DMSO-based liquid embolic agents had a reasonable safety profile in neonates, infants, and toddlers that was comparable with published rates in older children and adults.