Treatment of low-flow vascular malformations by ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy with polidocanol foam: 24 cases and literature review.

OBJECTIVES

Treatment by sclerotherapy has been suggested as a first-line treatment of low-flow vascular malformations. This study reports our experience in treating low-flow vascular malformations by ultrasound-guided sclerosis with polidocanol foam at the Vascular Medicine Department in Grenoble, France.

DESIGN

Retrospective single-centre consecutive series.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between January 2006 and December 2009, we analysed the complete records of patients with symptomatic low-flow vascular malformations of venous, lymphatic or complex type (Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome, KTS) treated by ultrasound-guided sclerosis. The therapeutic indication was always validated by the Consultative Committee for vascular malformations of the University Hospital of Grenoble. All vascular malformations were classified according to the Hamburg Classification. The sclerosing agent was polidocanol used as foam.

RESULTS

A total of 24 patients between 7 and 78 years were treated (19 venous malformations, three KTSs and two venous-lymphatic malformations). The concentrations of polidocanol used ranged from 0.25% to 3%. The average number of sessions was 2.3 (1-16). After a median follow-up at 5 months after the last session, 23 out of 24 patients reported a decrease in pain; in nine cases (37.5%), over 50% reduction in size was observed, and in 14 cases (58.3%), a reduction of less than 50% of the original size was obtained. Two minor side effects were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment by ultrasound-guided sclerosis using polidocanol foam seems to be well tolerated and can improve the symptoms of low-flow malformations without the risks of more aggressive sclerosing agents, such as ethanol.