Investigation of the sclerosing effect of increasing doses of polidocanol on pulmonary vessels: Experimental study.

BACKGROUND

Percutaneous sclerotherapy as endovascular treatment may cause severe complications beside the target area. Pulmonary embolism and thrombosis may occur. In this regard, our study aimed to reveal whether increasing systemic doses of polidocanol affects the coronary or pulmonary alveolar levels.

METHODS

Twenty-one Albino New Zealand rabbits, 7 rabbits per group, were used. The first group served as a control and received a 0.5 mL injection of saline; the second group received a single injection of 0.5 mL 1% polidocanol; and the third group received a single injection of 0.5 mL 2% polidocanol via the femoral vein. After anesthesia-induced decapitation on day 3, the experimental rabbits' lungs were removed in their entirety and sent to pathology for analysis. Micron-thick slices.

RESULTS

In all lung specimens of the first 2 groups, no narrowing or obstruction was detected in the pulmonary vessels in macroscopic and microscopic evaluation. No emphysematous changes or congestion were observed. In the third group's animal lungs, congestion in pulmonary vessels, emphysematous changes, and intra-alveolar hemorrhage were found.

CONCLUSION

In our study, a single injection of 0.5 mL 2% polidocanol via the femoral vein. Animal lungs, congestion in pulmonary vessels, emphysematous changes, and intra-alveolar hemorrhage were found. As a result, our study demonstrated pulmonary vascular damage with increasing doses of polidocanol. So, the dose of polidocanol should be used in a limited manner.