Safety and efficacy of bleomycin sclerotherapy for microcystic lymphatic malformation.

PURPOSE

Sclerotherapy is the mainstay of treatment of macrocystic lymphatic malformation (LM), but the response using traditional sclerosants is much less beneficial in microcystic lesions. Intralesional bleomycin has been reported to be effective in microcystic LM; however, its use is limited by concerns about pulmonary fibrosis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of bleomycin sclerotherapy in microcystic LM.

METHODS

The medical records and imaging studies of all patients with microcystic or combined LM who underwent percutaneous image-guided sclerotherapy using bleomycin were retrospectively reviewed. Only patients with pre- and postprocedure imaging were included. Thirty-one patients with a mean age of 13.4 years (range 3 months-31 years) were treated. Response was graded as complete (>90% size reduction), partial (25-90%), or minimal/no response (<25%). Pulmonary function tests (PFT) and chest X-rays were performed before the procedure. PFT were repeated at 6 months and 1 year postprocedure. Annual postprocedure chest X-rays were also performed.

RESULTS

The malformations were located in the head and neck (n = 27) and trunk (n = 4). The number of procedures ranged from 1 to 4 (mean 1.7). Up to 1 U/kg of bleomycin was injected per session, with a maximum of 15 U. The mean follow-up period was 3.2 years (range 1.5-5 years). There was complete response in 38% (n = 12), partial response in 58% (n = 18), and no response in 3% (n = 1). No complications were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

Preliminary indicate that sclerotherapy of microcystic LMs using bleomycin is effective and safe.