Congenital arteriovenous malformations. The role of transcatheter arterial embolization

We treated 11 patients with congenital arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) with staged transcatheter arterial embolization of their lesions. In nine patients, the AVM involved an extremity. One patient had multiple pulmonary AVMs, another an AVM of the pancreas. Embolization was performed using polyvinyl alcohol sponge (Ivalon) particles and Gianturco-Wallace colls. Nine patients had a systemic response to embolization, characterized by pain, fever, leukocytosis, and elevated enzyme levels. Complications (three major, two minor) developed in five patients. A total of 28 staged embolizations were performed, with follow-up to 36 months. We found transcatheter embolization a useful palliative therapy in treating congenital AVMs. It should be considered as a therapeutic alternative for patients with unresectable AVMs, those for whom amputation would be required, and those who are otherwise poor surgical candidates.