Selective Transarterial Embolization for Refractory Bleeding in Advanced Scalp Angiosarcoma: Two Cases

Area of Science:

• Interventional Radiology
• Oncology
• Vascular Malignancies

Background:

• Cutaneous angiosarcoma of the scalp is an aggressive vascular tumor.
• Tumor bleeding is a common and difficult-to-manage complication, especially after prior treatments.
• Advanced cases often present with refractory hemorrhage requiring urgent intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of selective transarterial embolization for controlling refractory bleeding in advanced scalp angiosarcoma.
• To assess the safety and effectiveness of this minimally invasive procedure in managing tumor hemorrhage.
• To present case studies of successful embolization in patients with severe scalp angiosarcoma bleeding.

Main Methods:

• Case report of two patients with advanced cutaneous angiosarcoma of the scalp.
• Selective transarterial embolization targeting tumor-feeding arteries (superficial temporal and angular arteries).
• Angiographic assessment and embolization procedures performed to achieve hemostasis.

Main Results:

• Successful and rapid control of refractory tumor bleeding in both patients.
• One patient required a second embolization procedure for recurrent bleeding.
• No major complications were reported following the embolization procedures.

Conclusions:

• Selective transarterial embolization is a viable option for rapid control of arterial tumor bleeding in advanced scalp angiosarcoma.
• The procedure can reduce local treatment burden and improve patient outcomes.
• This technique may be particularly beneficial for patients with hemorrhage refractory to other treatments.